The first daytime home match of 2016 is nearly here!
The sun will be shining as the Sounders take the pitch on Saturday at 1 p.m. PT (JOEtv, ROOT Sports (Outside Seattle); KIRO 97.3 FM, El Rey 1360AM) against Columbus Crew SC and while you may have heard about some things that affect travel to and from CenturyLink Field this weekend, no need to worry. There will be plenty of things to do in and around the stadium ahead of kickoff so we're encouraging you to arrive early, hang out and enjoy all that a Sounders Matchday has to offer.
In case you needed more convincing, here are five things to take advantage Saturday before the match.
5. Switch it up: If you typically drive to the match and want to avoid the Alaskan Way Viaduct/SR 99 closure, there are plenty of options for your trip. With SoundTransit now running from the University of Washington and Capitol Hill, getting to CenturyLink Field is easier than ever. Leave the car at home and take advantage of one of the many public transit options that get you right to our front door. Check out the options and plan your trip now.
4. Grab a pint: Sure the match is early, but Saturday is the perfect time to treat yo' self. Grab a pint and brunch at one of our pub partners in the area (there are plenty within walking distance of the stadium) or stop by The NINETY when doors open at 10:30 a.m. PT. We'll be serving up beer and wine along with snacks and proceeds benefit our community fund.
3. Support your community: Seattle Foundation's Give BIG is next Tuesday, May 3, and we're getting excited by hosting a community-focused match this weekend. Prior to kickoff, we'll be hosting a nonprofit fair on the North Plaza featuring some of our favorite nonprofits from around the Seattle area, including Washington Youth Soccer, United Way of King County and Seattle Humane. Will there be puppies? You bet there will be. We've even heard there will be kittens. What's better than a Sounders match? A Sounders match that starts with meeting a new furry friend.
2. Giveaways galore: As always, Soccer Celebration will be brimming with lots to do for supporters young and old. McDonald's of Western Washington will have a fry truck on site with free sample (and of course, ketchup!), Great Clips will have its hair spray booth so you can get your locks the perfect shade of Rave Green and the first 30,000 fans to get through the gate will receive a 76® KickBack card. Sign up and swipe for your chance to win up to $760 in KickBack points!
1. Get your groove on: The forecast is looking great so if you haven't been out to March to the Match this year, now's the time. We'll have live music at 11 a.m. PT in Occidental Park courtesy of local band Detective Agency before the march departs for CenturyLink Field.
