Following today’s announcement from Governor Jay Inslee that advances the “Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery” plan into Phase Three, Sounders FC is working with the State of Washington and Public Health – Seattle & King County to welcome fans back into Lumen Field in a limited capacity. With the aim of hosting a limited amount of fans on April 16 for the club’s 2021 MLS home opener against Minnesota United, Sounders FC expects to announce further details in the days ahead that would enable Rave Green fans to support their club in person for the first time since March of 2020.
“Since our gates closed to the public nearly one year ago to this day, we have been waiting for the moment to safely gather together again in support of this team that means so much to us all. To know that the day in question may just be over a month away is an incredibly exciting prospect for our entire Sounders family,” said Sounders FC President of Business Operations Peter Tomozawa. “We have said all along that public health and safety must come first before welcoming fans back, and while today’s news provides the type of hope and inspiration we all need right now, we will continue to take a methodical approach in implementing this process alongside regional health authorities, our partners at Lumen Field and MLS. We will announce more details in the days to come, but for now, this is a moment worth celebrating across our region.”
Continued Tomozawa, “I’d also like to acknowledge and thank our fans for staying home, staying safe and masking up over the past year. They have led our community by example while waiting patiently for this moment.”
In order to host fans inside Lumen Field for the club’s opening match on April 16, Sounders FC is working closely with Public Health – Seattle & King County, First & Goal Inc. and Major League Soccer to finalize the organization’s health and safety protocols. Sounders FC Season Ticket Members retain the first right to attend all future Rave Green home contests. Once the club’s updated venue protocols have been approved by public health authorities and MLS, further details will be made available to the public.
Additionally, Lumen Field has implemented an array of enhanced measures to make the Sounders FC matchday experience as safe as possible, including a touchless venue experience, new food and beverage protocols, in addition to enhanced sanitation procedures. Face masks are required for all events at Lumen Field for fans age two and older, while not eating or drinking. Of note, Lumen Field has become a GBAC™ STAR accredited venue, the leading certification for outbreak prevention, response and recovery for facilities.
The forthcoming April 16 match marks the first time that Sounders FC has opened its regular season against Minnesota. Seattle is 6-0-1 all-time against the Loons in MLS action (including postseason), most recently meeting in the 2020 Western Conference Final in December. After Minnesota carried a 2-0 lead into the final 15 minutes of play, Seattle stormed back with three late goals from Will Bruin, Raúl Ruidíaz and Gustav Svensson, clinching the club’s fourth MLS Cup Final berth since 2016.
The Rave Green are 7-5-0 all-time in MLS regular-season openers, including a 2-1 home win over Chicago in 2020. This also marks the 12th time in 13 seasons that Seattle has hosted its season opener.
Return to Play FAQs
We're eager to welcome you back to experience Sounders matchday. As we prepare to open the stadium at a reduced capacity, your health and safety remain our top priority. We will continue to work closely with regional health authorities to adhere to all safety guidelines as Lumen Field and Sounders FC prepare to welcome fans back into the stadium. We look forward to sharing detailed plans outlining the process to safely host fans in the coming weeks. These plans include giving our Sounders FC Season Ticket Members priority access to return to matches in person, including our home opener Friday, April 16 at 6:30 p.m. PT.
Q: Will fans be allowed at the 2021 home opener?
A: Governor Inslee’s announcement on Thursday, March 11 regarding advancement into Phase Three of the “Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery” plan was a critical step in fans returning to Sounders FC matches. There is still work we collectively must do, but we will continue to work in partnership with Lumen Field, Public Health – Seattle & King County and MLS to start the 2021 season on April 16 in front of our fans. Should we receive final approval, the specific attendance configuration for this match and future home contests will be announced by the club.
Q: I’m a 2021 Alliance Member, what does this mean for me?
A: Once allowed by regional health authorities to get fans back in the stands, you, our Season Members, will have the first chance to attend. Keep an eye on your email inbox. We'll send the latest news on credit redemption and ticket management to you as soon as possible. We recognize 2021 Alliance Members as those who have their account compliant and in good standing.
Q: Will tickets be available to purchase?
A: Not a Season Member? Our Members have first priority on tickets once the stadium opens to fans. If you want to receive Season Membership priority to get into Lumen Field before others have the chance, reach out to a rep to learn more by filling out a form, or purchase a Membership online here.
Depending on our capacity limitations and available ticketing inventory, we will open tickets to the general public as soon as allowed. Sign up for our Soccer Events email list to be alerted as soon as Single Match Tickets go on sale.
Q: What has Lumen Field done to enhance healthy and safety measures?
A: The health and safety of all fans, players and staff is our number one priority. We continue to work closely with Lumen Field to ensure your matchday experience is as safe as possible. Face masks are required for all events at Lumen Field for fans age two and older, while not eating or drinking. If you have a condition that does not allow you to wear a mask, you should not attend a game or come to the stadium.
Cleaning and Disinfection Programs
Lumen Field has become a GBAC™ STAR accredited venue, the leading certification for outbreak prevention, response and recovery for facilities.
Touchless Experience (other than your scarf)
Tickets: Matchday will now be a touchless experience. Through your Ticketmaster Account Manager, you'll be able to scan your tickets right from your phone using new self-service pedestal ticket scanners upon entry to Lumen Field.
Restrooms: All restrooms have been upgraded to feature touchless faucets, toilets and urinals.
Cashless: All sales transactions at Lumen Field have been transitioned to cashless to eliminate the handling and exchange of money.
The Pro Shop: Store layouts have been arranged to accommodate physical distancing with added signage for line queues and one-way paths. Plexi-glass guards have been installed at all registers to protect both the guest and the staff.
Concessions: Lumen Field has enhanced the food & beverage experience with safety in mind.
- Grab & Go options and spaces have been added to decrease contact between staff and fans
- Food served from concession stands will be served in a container with a lid and utensils will be individually wrapped
- Plexi-glass guards are installed at counters and point-of-sale systems to protect both the guest and the staff
- Self-ordering kiosks have been installed to further reduce contact
Keeping it Clean
Cleaning procedures have been enhanced throughout the stadium. Following all CDC and Department of Health guidance, industry-best cleaning and disinfection processes and procedures will go into effect before, during and after each event, including frequent disinfection of high-touch surfaces during events.
You'll also be able to find over 300 hand-sanitizer dispensers throughout the stadium.
HVAC systems have been upgraded to improve ventilation of the building spaces while upgrading filter efficiencies to capture a greater amount of airborne particles.
Get the full list of their Health & Safety Protocols here.
Q: When will the 2021 MLS schedule be announced?
A: The complete 2021 MLS schedule is coming soon, likely before the end of the month. As soon as we know more about our entire 34-match MLS schedule, we will communicate what it means with regards to your membership with the club, upcoming ticketing opportunities, and more.
