Summer and Fall Sports Are a Home Run in the True PNW

It’s nice to be first. First to see the next “big” band. First to rock the newest styles.

The same thing applies to the sports world, and in Seattle NorthCountry, you can be the first to see tomorrow’s sporting stars.

Everett AquaSox

Regular season runs from June-August

The Everett AquaSox have been the Single-A Short Season affiliate for the Seattle Mariners for over two decades. Celebrating its 35th season at Funko Field at Everett Memorial Stadium (3900 Broadway Ave.), the AquaSox have seen their fair share of big league players don the Sox uniform.

Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez is one of them. Hernandez would go on to pitch the only perfect game in Mariners history in 2012 and capture a Cy Young Award in 2010.

Tickets to an AquaSox game are affordable, and a slew of ticket specials and event nights make taking in a Sox game easy on the wallet if you’re taking the whole family. Located just outside of downtown Everett, Funko Field at Everett Memorial Stadium has a distinctly retro-meets-modern vibe.

Hand-operated scoreboard meets FieldTurf, a right-field berm perfect for picnic-style sitting now has a massive Freddy Funko mascot statue next to it, thanks to the new partnership with Funko (whose headquarters is in downtown Everett) and the AquaSox, bringing Pop! figures to the ballpark as giveaways. The views of the Cascades from atop the metal bleachers are photo-worthy purple mountain majesty.

Speaking of those bleachers, they’re right next to the on-field bullpen. Get to the park early and bring a Sharpie to collect autographs and maybe snag a baseball to put on the mantle — a perfect souvenir.

Ballpark food is cheap here. If you’re at Funko Field on a chilly night, get the chowder bread bowl — that’s a true PNW tip. The kids can really work up an appetite thanks to the inflatable bouncy houses just behind the bleachers.

The Everett Silvertips

Regular season runs September-March

When baseball season ends, hockey season begins at Angel Of The Winds Arena (2000 Hewitt Ave.) in downtown Everett. The Everett Silvertips have been a staple in Seattle NorthCountry since 2003, making the Western Hockey League playoffs every season since their founding season.

The latest Silvertips prospect to flourish in the NHL is Philadelphia Flyers goalie Carter Hart, who made a splash after being called up by taking home Rookie of the Month for January 2019.

Games at Angel Of The Winds Arena are full of passionate fans. Cowbells clang and “‘Tips” diehards voice their opinions on referee decisions. Grab a bag of piping hot powdered donuts or a Silvertips favorite, a massive bag of popcorn, while you take in a game.

If you’re looking for a marquee matchup for the ‘Tips, be sure to get tickets when the Seattle Thunderbirds come to town. The Everett-Seattle rivalry runs deep, both on and off the ice, and Angel of the Winds Arena’s 8,149 seats are filled for these matches.

Ready to go? Here’s what you should know.

Angel Of The Winds Arena is located in downtown Everett, which is full of options for food, drink and more. Funko Field at Everett Memorial Stadium is just a short distance from the heart of downtown Everett.

Want to pre- or post-game celebrate? You can’t go wrong with stopping in to The Independent Beer Bar (1801 Hewitt Ave.). With local, rotating taps and bottles and cans on-deck, The Independent is a great spot to catch a pregame drink before the game or celebrate after. Hungry? You can order food right to the bar to eat in — just check the wall of delivery spots and give them a ring, or try their in-house Russian-style dumplings.

Looking for something to eat? Brooklyn Bros. Pizzeria is just across the street from Angel Of The Winds Arena and serves up authentic New York pizza by the slice or whole pie, but be warned: Brooklyn Bros. is the spot to hang before Silvertips games. Get there early and be ready to wait a minute, but the wait is so, so worth it.

Other places in town include potato-based pub fare and pints at The Irishmen (2923 Colby Ave.), and hearty and delicious pasta dishes at Capers + Olives (2933 Colby Ave.)

Staying in Everett? Silvertips opponents usually stay at the Courtyard Marriott downtown, so you might rub elbows with a defenseman or forward in the lobby. The Hampton Inn just a few blocks away offers water views. Looking to stay closer to Interstate 5? The Delta Hotel is newly remodeled and minutes from both Angel of the Winds Arena and Funko Field.

Whether you prefer the ice or the diamond, Seattle NorthCountry’s hockey and baseball teams are fostering the next wave of star players. See them today to secure watercooler bragging rights.

Everett AquaSox 2023 schedule and promotions.

Everett Silvertips 2023-2024 schedule and promotions.