A Pitch-Perfect Day for a Soccer Match at Lumen Field in Seattle

Across the Pacific Northwest, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation as our region prepares to host more than a dozen international soccer matches as part of a tournament that many believe may go down as the largest event in the history of sports or otherwise. We are less than a year away from the beautiful game on the world’s biggest stage, but this summer we had a soft launch of sorts with a tournament showcasing talent from the top international soccer clubs playing in both Seattle and Vancouver, BC. In preparation for next summer’s main event, I knew I had to take the short trip from Snohomish County to experience one of the club matches at Lumen Field in Seattle.

On a sunny June day, my wife and I ventured into the heart of Seattle’s Stadium District to meet up with friends for light snacks and beverages before the match. The electric energy from enthusiastic soccer fans carried all the way from the restaurant and into streets outside the stadium. There were chants and cheering among throngs of soccer kit-clad supporters and a general buzz of excitement ahead of the day’s matchup between the hometown Seattle Sounders FC and the French juggernaut Paris Saint-Germain FC.

Getting into the stadium was a fairly easy process considering there were 50,628 fans in attendance for the match. My wife brought a clear bag in lieu of her purse. We also packed some earplugs (these are essential when attending an event at Lumen Field). I also made sure to add our tickets to the virtual wallet on my phone to avoid the possibility of cellphone issues that can happen in big city crowds. For more info on Lumen Field bag policies, prohibited items, and more, check out the stadium guide.

After passing through security and scanning our tickets, we followed the echoes of the roaring crowd through the stadium’s cavernous concourse and out to the stadium bowl. The match had not yet started, but the fans were going wild. It was a booming reminder that Lumen Field is no ordinary stadium — it’s a soundscape that whips fans into a frenzy that’s loud enough to register on the Richter scale (see “Beast Quake” and “Swift Quake”).

We took our seats a few rows behind the goalie box — and quickly found ourselves thrust into the action as we realized our seats were located at the epicenter of the Sounders FC supporters. There we stood, staring around the massive stadium in awe as the supporter rhythm section ferociously banged on bass drums and drum kits two rows in front of us. My entire body vibrated, and I couldn’t help but to stand and pump my fist in solidarity with this group of long-time and loyal fans.

Once the match started, the fans piled into their seats to watch the action. While the noise throughout the stadium ebbed and flowed with the highs and lows on the field, the one constant source of sound during the match was the accord of the battle-cry chanting and the frenetic, low- thud of the drums playing in front of me. While I quite enjoyed the vibrant enthusiasm of the supporter section, the ice-cold beer made it even better.

The match was a fast-paced and high-flying affair. Paris Saint-Germain scored goals in the 35th and 66th minutes of match, which proved to be enough for a 2-0 victory over Seattle. Despite the home team not winning, the crowd, the supporters, and my wife, friends, and I enjoyed every minute of the match.

After the match, we hung around our seats to soak in the atmosphere and let the crowds dissipate. We watched the players exchange pleasantries and kits and thank the fans. We were then able to quickly exit the stadium and make our way back north, where my wife and I enjoyed a post-match burger at Diamond Knot Brewing in Mukilteo. Beating the late-afternoon traffic and stopping for a bite in one of our favorite coastal cities along the Salish Sea of Snohomish County was a game winner.

⚽ Explore Beyond the Pitch: From the opening kick to the triumphant hoisting of the trophy — and beyond — Snohomish County, WA is your top destination for a pitch-perfect escape. In Snohomish County, you’ll discover that the best pre- and post-match plays aren’t made on turf, they’re made on trails, kayaks, and brewery patios. When the beautiful game kicks off in the Pacific Northwest, plan your escape in one of the many beautiful cities in Snohomish County. ⚽