Are you trying to decide if you should head to Lumen Field to watch a Seattle Sounders match with your kids? Quick Answer: Yes!
I finally made it to a Sounders game with two of my kids, and it was interesting to see the differences between soccer games here and in partite di calcio Italy.
I wanted to make sure Sounders matches were family friendly, and after attending a match, I can tell you they are.
Here are a few things to know about buying tickets for a match and going to the game that I hope will help you and your family.
Enjoy the match!
Buying Tickets for Your Family
I spent quite a bit of too much time researching where to sit with kids at a Sounders match. My requirements:
- I didn’t want to spend too much. I decided if we really liked it, we could always go back and sit in ‘better’ seats.
- I wanted us to be close enough to see what was going on (vs. what it looks like on television… little ants running around).
- I didn’t want to be in a section with people standing the entire match.
We ended up in section 241 and it satisfied all of the above.
If you’re trying to figure out if you need to pay a lot for ‘better’ seats – probably not. I think the cheaper seats are still great.
If you’re worried about sitting in the rain, purchase seats that are covered by the overhang at Lumen Field. The official site says:
Field/Main Level: Cover begins at Rows Z-AA of the 100 level sideline seats
North End Zone and Green Zone: No covered seating
South End Zone: Cover only in last two rows, PP and QQ
Club Level: All seating covered
Suite Level: All seating covered
Good To Know: We were told (and agree) that the north end of the stadium is a little ‘calmer.’ The fans and flag-waving all happens in the south end of the stadium.
Take the Train to the Match
Avoid traffic and parking before and after the match. Depending on where you’re coming from, you can take the Sounder Train or the Link Light Rail.
We took the Link Light Rail from the south and got off at the International District / Chinatown stop. From there, it’s just a quick 5-7 minute walk (just over ¼ mile) to the north end of Lumen Field. We took the Light Rail back, leaving from the same station.
Good To Know: It’s easy to take public transport. There are so many other people walking to/from the stadium. The main thing you need to pay attention to on the way back is that you walk to the correct train (Sounder Train or Link Light Rail) stop. You can always ask other fans if you get confused.
Head to the West Side of the Stadium for Hot Dogs and Food
We heeded a longtime Sounders fan’s advice and walked straight to the west side of the stadium to get food at one of the stands before heading into the match.
You can find good deals on hot dogs and sausages (we had hot dogs, chips and drinks for $6 each).
Good To Know: If your kids need to use the toilet while you’re eating at a food stand (happened to us), ask at one of the bars and they’ll let you walk through to use the bathroom.
Arrive Early and Go to the Olympic Hall for Family Fun
We were so busy chowing down on our hot dogs and chatting with the vendors that we missed the pre-match fun inside the stadium.
In the Olympic Hall (the western concourse) you can listen to live music, try soccer challenges like being a goalkeeper or taking penalty kicks, and build up excitement for the match with other fans.
Wear Team Gear if You Want
The main colors of the Seattle Sounders are blue and green (more specifically, eternal blue and forever green), and we saw plenty of people wearing shirts, hats and scarves in those colors.
We didn’t arrive in Sounders gear but went looking for jerseys in the team store. Unfortunately, the kids’ sizes were sold out and the staff said they’d been sold out for a while. So, if you’d really like a jersey, shop before you get to the stadium. I looked and found a good selection on Fanatics and in the MLS online shop.
Even though we weren’t able to get jerseys, we felt fine not being dressed in the team colors, so no pressure if you don’t have Sounders gear or aren’t quite ready to invest in it for your family.
Sounders Games Have a Kid-Friendly Atmosphere
If you’ve been to other sporting events that had you covering your kids’ ears or wishing you could ‘mute’ the conversations and ‘cheers’ of some of the fans, you’ll feel much more relaxed in most sections of a Sounders game.
The upper sections of the stands were full of families of kids of all ages – from babies to teens, and everyone seemed to be enjoying the game. I was at the match with my dad and two of my kids (ages 6 and 10), and we sure did!
And, if you’ve got a kid who would love to be in the middle of the loud, cheering sections, go for it! My 10-year-old has a blast in the earsplitting, energetic fan sections at WNBA games.
Important: We didn’t hear anything that wasn’t kid-appropriate, but that doesn’t mean you won’t at the match. A key is to sit further up in the stands and away from the really intense crowds closer to the field.
There’s also plenty for kids to do before and during the match (like contests, soccer activities, food stands, etc.). Make sure you’re in your seats before the match starts so your kids can see (and participate in) the announcement of the starting line up, ‘boom boom clap,’ and ‘scarves up.’
A Few More Things
Consider bringing noise protection headphones for little kids, especially if you’re planning on being in one of the louder, more energetic sections closer to the field.
Go with the flow. If your kid’s not that into the match, try to find other ways to make it fun (popcorn, anyone?). And, if it’s just not happening, leave and try again when he/she’s a bit older. It’s important your child keeps a positive memory of the experience.
Bring snacks. You can bring single-serve packs of food and snacks in clear plastic bags or the original packaging. We bought hot dogs, chips and drinks outside and had our brought-from-home snacks during the match.
Bring water. You can also bring factory-sealed, plastic water bottles (not reusable water bottles) and juice boxes (we brought both in).
Bring a hat or sunscreen if you’re in a sunny section.
Babies and toddlers are welcome at matches, and Lumen Field has facilities to make it easy for mom and dad.
I hope you have a great time at the Sounders match with your kids!
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