The rivalry between the Timbers and Sounders is one of the best in MLS. The Timbers-Sounders rivalry dates back to the original North American Soccer League making it one of the oldest rivalries in the league as well. The two teams have played in many memorable clashes over the years, and in 2004 the Cascadia Cup was added to the fray increasing the bragging rights on the line between these two. If you can only make it to one Sounders match a year, then make sure to be in attendance when the Timbers and Sounders square off.
Since the Sounders joined the league in 2009, a budding rivalry has emerged between the Sounders and Galaxy. The Galaxy and Sounders have met in several memorable matches since then including their memorable clash in the 2014 MLS Western Conference Finals. Don’t miss it when the Galaxy come to CenturyLink Field as you’ll be in for a good match.
It may not be as fierce of a rivalry as Sounders-Timbers, but bragging rights and the Cascadia Cup are on the line when the Sounders and Whitecaps square off. You’ll always be in for a heated match when attending a Sounders-Whitecaps game, so get your tickets when the Whitecaps come to town.
The Heritage Cup dates back to 2009, and any club with the same name as a former NASL team is eligible to enter. However, right now the only clubs that compete for it are the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders. Don’t miss it when the Earthquakes and Sounders meet as not only are points on the line but also the Heritage Cup.
Seattle Sounders Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
The Sounders are every bit as popular as the other the Seahawks and Mariners in Seattle meaning you’ll find a festive atmosphere when attending a Sounders match. Seattleites have taken to the Sounders, and it shows as everywhere you look on match days you’ll see people clad in green and blue. The whole city is abuzz with excitement when the Sounders play, and you can feel the excitement in the air before the match.
You can see Seattle’s love for the Sounders before even entering the match as all the bars are packed to the brim with Sounders fans, and several events are going on in the area before kickoff. One of the events everyone should take part in is the March to the Match. The march begins at Occidental Park 90-minutes before kickoff and is an excellent way to show off your support for the Sounders. Even if you’re a neutral fan, the March to the Match is an unforgettable experience that will have you wanting to come back to a Sounders game soon.
Additionally, the Sounders also offer plenty of entertainment for kids as well. Soccer Celebration offers kids the opportunity to win some great prizes and is home to some fun games, so check it out with the family before the match.
Whether you’re looking to dive head first into Sounders supporter culture or just want a fun day out with the family, you’ll find it here at a Seattle Sounders match.
If you get into town early and are looking for something to do before game day then be sure to check out the CenturyLink Field Tour. This tour is great for any die-hard Sounders, or Seahawks, fan as it gives you a chance to see what goes on behind the scenes at CenturyLink Field and even allows you to step on the actual field.
The Sounders’ March to the Match tradition dates back to 2005 and is something every fan should take part in. The march begins 90-minutes before kickoff at Occidental Park and features a performance by Sound Wave the official Sounders band, giveaways, and more.
Soccer Celebration is located at the CenturyLink Field North Plaza and provides fun for the whole family. At Soccer Celebration, you’ll find kids activities, games, music, and much more, so stop by and check it out.
The NINETY on Occidental Avenue is the team’s clubhouse and a perfect place to grab a drink before the match. While at The NINETY, make sure to get a picture with the MLS Cup and learn more about Sounders history.
The NINETYThe NINETY on Occidental Avenue is the team’s clubhouse and a perfect place to grab a drink before the match. While at The NINETY, make sure to get a picture with the MLS Cup and learn more about Sounders history.
FuelStop by Fuel and grab a drink with the Emerald City Supporters. Fuel is located a few blocks north of the stadium and offers an excellent opportunity to meet some die-hard Sounders fans making it a perfect place to hang out before the match.
SluggersSluggers is one of the best sports bars in downtown Seattle and a great place to grab a drink before the game. If you want to be surrounded by people who love sports, then Sluggers is a great spot to check out.
FX McRory’sThose of you looking to let loose will want to stop by Fx McRory’s. Fx McRory’s party central before Sounders game and is located just down the block from CenturyLink Field making it the perfect place to throw down a couple of drinks before the game.
Pyramid AlehouseIf you’re into craft beer, then the beer garden at Pyramid Alehouse is the spot for you. The beer garden is filled with Sounders fans on game days and is one of the best places to try some local brews before entering Safeco Field for a fun day match day.
Triangle PubArrive early, if you want to grab a drink or sausage at the Triangle Pub. The tiny pub fills up quickly but is a Seattle favorite so make sure to check it out during your visit.
Partner PubsIn addition to the pubs listed, the Sounders also have several partner pubs near CenturyLink Field that are worth checking out as well.
Seattle Sounders Stadium Guide
In Game
The Sounders have lead Major League Soccer in attendance since entering the league in 2009, and you can see why when attending a match. The Sounders and their fans pull out all the stops to put on an incredible match day experience making a trip to Seattle a must for any MLS fan.
Before entering the stadium, you’ll be greeted with a lively atmosphere filled with tons of entertainment options and pregame festivities. However, things are kicked up a notch once you enter the stadium as you’ll witness several impressive displays that you won’t find anywhere in Major League Soccer before the ball is even kicked. The Golden Scarf Ceremony honors someone involved in the Seattle soccer community and is an excellent way to celebrate the game throughout the city, but things don’t really get exciting until the pregame introductions. During the introductions, everyone chants the players’ names as they are introduced and best of all following the intros you’ll get to take part in Seattle’s famous “Boom, Boom, Clap.”
Once the match starts, you’ll be serenaded by the chants of the supporters groups located in the north end as well as the musical stylings of Sound Wave. The supporters and band create an incredible atmosphere that has helped the Sounders achieve one of the best home records in the league over the years, so sit back and enjoy a Sounders match.
CenturyLink Field has a wide variety of artwork all around the facility including pieces by Bob Haozous, Cheryl dos Remédios, James Lavadour, Juan Alonso, and Peter Shelton. Perhaps the most well-known piece of artwork at CenturyLink Field is Bob Haozous’s piece on the North Tower, which features four colorful discs. Make sure to check out all the fine artwork CenturyLink Field has to offer when attending your next Sounders game.
Stop by the Sounders team shop and pick up a souvenir from your trip. The team shop is home to an incredible selection of merchandise including an entire wall of scarves.
At every match, the Sounders honor someone with a golden scarf. The scarf is presented to the individual, and he or she lifts the scarf above his or her head in celebration. Don’t miss the golden scarf ceremony as it’s a special part of attending any Sounders match.
The Sounders have several supporter groups including the Emerald City Supporters, Gorilla FC, the North End Faithful, and the Eastside Supporters among others. At Sounders matches, these diehard fans create a great deal of the noise, so join one of the supporter groups if you want to be a part of the most raucous and dedicated section of fans.
Sound Wave is the official band of the Seattle Sounders and does an incredible job of providing in-game and pre-game entertainment. Sound Wave plays a variety of pop, rock, funk, Latin, and more so listen for them when attending a Sounders game.
One of the most famous traditions that takes place at a Sounders match is the “Boom, Boom, Clap” before kickoff. During the “Boom, Boom, Clap” everyone in attendance raises their arms and claps in unison following two bangs of the drum. Join in the tradition to get the full Sounders match day experience.
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