There’s nothing like a Sounders game: the roar of the crowd, the green smoke after a goal, the booming drums of the Emerald City Supporters. But if you’re bringing kids, a little prep can make it magical instead of overwhelming. Seattle is a city that lives and breathes soccer, and there’s no better way to share that passion than by bringing your family to the stadium. If you’re planning your first Sounders FC game with kids, here are 10 things I wish I’d known before kickoff.
Sounders games are full of family-friendly energy — don’t forget your scarf! (Image: Allison Peterson)
Get free tickets to your first Sounders FC game. Whether you’re new to Seattle or soccer, the “First Match on Us” program is a great way to catch your first Sounders FC game. Register online for two free tickets to an upcoming home game.
Ready for kickoff! (Image: Allison Peterson)
Easily access important game day information. A few days before your game, check the Sounders’ “Know Before You Go” website for important game day information such as the matchday schedule and events.
Don’t stress about transportation. Use the Lumen Field’s public transportation website to plan your matchday trip using light rail, trains, or buses. Alternatively, websites like Spot Hero and Park Whiz allow you to reserve and pre-pay for a parking spot near the stadium for a lower price – and less stress – than you will find on matchday.
Remember, the clear bag policy doesn’t apply to diaper bags. (Image: Allison Peterson)
Lumen Field has a clear bag policy. Review the stadium’s clear bag guidelines before you arrive so you don’t get stuck at the gate with items that are not allowed inside. One exception to Lumen Field’s clear bag policy is diaper bags, which are allowed after an inspection at the gate.
The Sounders band leads the way during the “March to the Match,” a spirited pre-game tradition fans of all ages can join. (Image: Allison Peterson)
You can be in a matchday parade! Before each home game, Sounders fans and the Sounders band meet for a “March to The Match” tradition. Join in for an exciting community march to the stadium before the game begins.
Kids line up for free face painting before the match—just one of many pre-game activities at Lumen Field. (Image: Allison Peterson)
Arrive early for extra fun. Give yourself some extra time before the game to enjoy all of Lumen Field’s pre-game activities. Stop by Olympic Hall for free face painting and Sounders-inspired hair coloring stations, or stop by the sign-making tent to create your team spirit poster. Several game stations throughout the stadium will keep kids entertained until the match begins.
Stop by the Sammy’s Squad booth to sign up for the official Sounders FC kids club—free for ages 5–12! (Image: Allison Peterson)
Join “Sammy’s Squad,” the Sounders FC kids club. This official kids club is available to kids ages 5-12. The free membership gives kids exclusive matchday merch, unique experiences, and special ticket offers. Register online.
Grab a value meal at the General C&S Store — most concession stands offer items under $10. (Image: Allison Peterson)
Save money on matchday food. There are several ways to save money on food for your family at a Sounders match. Most concession stands offer a value meal item priced at or below $10. Preview available concessions and offers on the Lumen Field concessions website to help plan your meals. Additionally, outside food and sealed single-use water bottles are allowed if they are in original packaging and fit inside your stadium-allowed clear bag.
Lumen Field has a sensory room. If a member of your group is feeling overstimulated or just needs a quiet respite from the game, head over to Ben’s Sensory Room. Guests with sensory sensitivity can also check out a sensory kit from Guest Services.
Bonus adventure: The Klondike Gold Rush Museum near Lumen Field is free, family-friendly, and has clean restrooms with changing stations. (Image: Allison Peterson)
Explore more outside the stadium. If you have extra time before or after your Sounders game, explore the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood near Lumen Field. Just a few blocks from Lumen Field is the Klondike Gold Rush Museum, a museum run by the National Park Service that is free to visit and includes several family-friendly exhibits. Bonus: The museum also has water bottle filling stations and clean public restrooms with baby changing stations.
With the whole world watching Seattle’s soccer scene, now is the perfect time to go out and cheer on our hometown team. With these tips, you’ll be ready to thoroughly enjoy a Sounders match and join in with the excitement!
