SEATTLE, WASH. – Seattle Sounders FC today announced important details relating to Sunday’s historic MLS Cup Final at CenturyLink Field. Fans and media are encouraged to take note of the variety of special activities, in addition to traffic and entry considerations, to ensure a smooth matchday.
Due to a Sounders FC record crowd arriving in Sodo on Sunday, in addition to expected traffic congestion across the city, Seattle fans are encouraged to arrive no later than one hour prior to kickoff on Sunday. CenturyLink Field gates are set to open at 10:00 a.m. PT on matchday, 30 minutes earlier than a normal Sounders FC contest.
Additional information can be found below:
PREMATCH RALLY AND MARCH TO THE MATCH: As usual, all fans are invited to take part in Sounders FC’s prematch rally in Occidental Park, followed by Emerald City Supporters’ March to the Match tradition. Sunday’s MLS Cup prematch rally begins at 8:00 a.m. PT, and includes Starbucks coffee, live music and entertainment. Brad Evans, Erik Friberg, Andreas Ivanschitz, Chad Marshall and Tyrone Mears - members of Sounders FC’s 2016 MLS Cup Championship team - will participate a pre-March Q&A, followed by a special performance by Grammy Award-winning artist and Sounders FC Owner Macklemore, who will perform for fans before the crowd departs for the March.
The MLS Cup March to the Match will depart Occidental Park at 10:45 a.m. PT. Sunday’s March is expected to be the largest in Sounders FC history, with fans streaming to the stadium with songs and chants of support for the club.
After fans depart for the stadium, at 11:00 a.m. PT, Occidental Park is hosting the Sounders FC Official Watch Party, presented by Delta Air Lines and Coca-Cola. Fans who were unable to secure a ticket to the game can gather together to cheer on the Rave Green.
EARLY GATE TIME: General admission gates are set to open at 10:00 a.m. PT, two hours before scheduled kickoff. This is 30 minutes earlier than gates open on a typical matchday. Due to the large crowd expected for the match, fans are encouraged to take advantage of the early gate time and arrive at CenturyLink Field early, to ensure plenty of time to enter
PROMPT KICKOFF: Kickoff is scheduled for 12:08 p.m. PT. With a prompt start time, fans are encouraged to be in their seats with plenty of time to enjoy the opening ceremonies, starting lineups, and Scarves Up, as well as to help set an early tone for the Rave Green’s homefield advantage. The club recommends arriving no later than one hour before kickoff.
NATIONAL ANTHEM: Seattle’s own Mike McCready, legendary lead guitarist and founding member of Pearl Jam, is performing the match’s national anthem.
COMMEMORATIVE GIVEAWAY: The first 50,000 fans through the gates will receive a commemorative 2019 MLS Cup ticket as a giveaway item. Fans should arrive early to ensure they receive the one-of-a-kind item.
TRAFFIC NOTES: With a busy weekend in the Puget Sound, fans and media should be cognizant of several important traffic considerations. The eastbound lanes of the 520 Bridge are closed through the weekend and tolling in the State Route 99 Tunnel begins Saturday, November 9. Due to the large crowds expected at Sunday’s match, those attending should not only plan to arrive early, but are encouraged to utilize public transportation options wherever possible.
A second Sounder Train is running on Sunday, with departure times from Lakewood at 8:56 a.m. PT and 9:16 a.m. PT, with arrival times in Seattle of 10:11 a.m. PT and 10:31 a.m. PT, respectively. Departure times from Everett are 9:25 a.m. PT and 9:45 a.m. PT, with arrivals in Seattle at 10:24 a.m. PT and 10:44 a.m. PT, respectively.
