Orlando City will make its second trip to the Pacific Northwest of the season when they travel to Seattle for Sunday’s contest with the Sounders. Seattle could be getting Obafemi Martins and Clint Dempsey back, and could also debut international stars Nelson Valdez and Andreas Ivanschitz. With the revamped Sounders looking to end their skid and the Lions in need of some points, City’s traveling supporters will definitely give their team a boost.
The Venue
The Sounders play at CenturyLink Field – home of the Seahawks. CenturyLink’s official capacity is 67,000, but can be expanded to 72,000 for special events. Seattle boasts one of the largest and loudest crowds in MLS.
Whose Line Is It Anyway? host Drew Carey, a minority owner of the club, established Sounders FC Alliance, which began MLS’s first marching band, the Sound Wave.
In addition to the band, Seattle has four recognized supporter groups: Emerald City Supporters, Eastside Supporters, Gorilla FC, and the North End Faithful.
Seattle also has plenty of public transportation to help you get to the stadium. Metro Bus Service, Link Light Rail, and Sounder Train Service all take fans to CenturyLink Field and the nearby vicinity.
So if you are making the trip out to Seattle, what are the local hotspots? Seattle is a great town with plenty to see, so here are a few places you should check out.
Sites to See
Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market prides itself as being Seattle’s public market as well as one of the nation’s oldest farmers markets. There are locally grown foods, record stores, collectibles, and comic book stores. They even have a historic arcade! And when you’re done with all that, be sure to check out the Gum Wall a cool, albeit a bit gross, attraction that everyone can contribute to. Learn more about the Pike Place Market here
The First Starbucks
In 1971, a small coffeehouse called Starbucks opened its doors on the corner of 1st Ave and Pike St. Over 40 years later, Starbucks has become the world’s leading coffee store, with over 21,000 stores worldwide. If you’re a Starbucks addict, casual coffee drinker, or even just visiting Seattle, this place is a must-see.
The Space Needle
It’s Seattle’s largest and most famous landmark. It’s even featured on Sounders FC’s crest. At over 500 feet tall, you can see everything in the Emerald City while enjoying a spectacular meal at Skycity Restaurant. But if you don’t want to eat at one of the city’s most luxurious restaurants, you can still go up to check out the views from the observation deck.
Restaurants & Bars
Bimbo’s Cantina
Burritos by day, bar by night. Opened in 1995, Bimbo’s Cantina has one of the best nightlife scenes in Seattle. It’s an environmentally conscious restaurant, getting all of their products and produce locally – even using compostable straws. Grab a bite and get a drink from noon to 2am. Located at 1013 East Pike St.
Terra Plata
“From earth to plate” – Terra Plata is chef Tamara Murphy’s concept made reality. The foods are inspired by the seasons and locally grown. If the weather permits (it’s been known to rain a bit in Seattle), you can enjoy Terra Plata’s beautiful rooftop dining area and sample their edible garden. Menus, times, and reservations can be found here.
John John’s Arcade Room
John John’s Arcade Room – Seattle’s best beer and arcade hangout. With 17 old school arcade games and pinball machines, this two-story arcade hangout is a great place to grab a drink and have fun with some friends. They’re at 1351 E Olive Way and are open from 5pm to 1am Sunday – Thursday and until 2am Friday and Saturday nights.
Chuck’s Greenwood Hop Shop
The main attraction at Chuck’s is definitely the wall of beers on tap. At the moment, they have 42 on tap and they regularly have food trucks come by. Located at 656 NW 85th St., it’s right in the heart of Capitol Hill. And they’re open everyday from 10am to 12am. Check out their beers on tap, food truck schedule, and event schedule here.
