Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14
Lumen Field 800 Occidental Ave S Seattle, WA 98134
Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 68,740
The Home Of The 12’s
The Seattle Kingdome opened in 1976 to much anticipation, instantly attracting a growing city. While both the National Football League’s Seahawks and Major League Baseball’s Mariners struggled to field consistent winners, it was clear that the stadium had been built to be one of the loudest in America. But after a couple of decades, the all-concrete venue began to show signs of decay, forcing both the Seahawks and Mariners to look at other options.
While the Mariners built their ballpark just a block away from the Kingdome, new Seahawks owner Paul Allen briefly moved his franchise to the University of Washington’s Husky Stadium while he oversaw the construction of a new football stadium built right on the very spot where the recently demolished Kingdome once stood.
When it first opened in 2002, the Seahawks’ new stadium was certainly a sight for sore eyes, featuring unique features such as two separated roofs that shield roughly 70 percent of fans during a traditional Seattle downpour. Wanting to create the most noise possible in an outdoor stadium, Paul Allen had the roofs specially designed to carry sounds much longer than other outdoor venues.
Years after it first opened, those roofs have served their purpose perfectly. Through its various name changes of Seahawks Stadium, Quest Field, CenturyLink Field, and finally Lumen Field, the Seahawks home remains one of the loudest in the NFL.
The end zone bleachers are arguably the most unique aspect of their new home. Wanting to add a collegiate feel to his new stadium, now known as the Hawk’s Nest, was an important aspect to Paul Allen and would prove to be the stadium's heart. Tickets for that section cost a mere $20 when the Seahawks opened their new home. It remains one of the cheapest sections in the stadium to this day.
Having retired jersey number 12 in 1984, the Seahawks fans ardently believe that their loud cheering causes opposing teams to lose their composure and lose games. Thus making them the 12th man on the field. They are not wrong. Technically resting in an earthquake zone, Lumen Field is constructed to withstand the elements. But Seattle hasn’t had a major earthquake since 2001.
Instead, “the 12’s” cause their earthquakes. Beginning in running back Marshawn Lynch’s famed “Beastquake” in the 2010 Wild Card, Lumen Field occupants have caused several small earthquakes. To date, the largest was an Ed Sheeran concert in August 2023, a 2.3 magnitude shake.
Yes, earthquakes are very much a part of Lumen Field’s legacy, but the fabric of the uniquely shaped building is its fanbase. After all, without a passionate fanbase, no team in the NFL could adequately claim home-field advantage. And it is here where Seattle shines brightest.
Food & Beverage 3
Lumen Field offers a wide variety of food options for the famished fan. There’s the Versus Dog, which offers hot dogs inspired by that week’s competition. Butter Chicken Wings and Teriyaki Short Rib Sandwich are each flavorful in their own right.
The latest delicacy to hit Lumen Field is the Bam Bam Smash Burger. Inspired by the Seahawks legend Kam “Bam Bam” Chancellor and endorsed by his Legion of Boom brother Richard Sherman, it should be a hit for years to come.
Atmosphere 4
If you were to describe a typical game day at Lumen Field in one word, it would be “electric.” Twenty-two years after it first opened, Lumen Field is still one of the loudest stadiums in the world, often reaching decibels as high as 106 on game day. The chants of “Sea-Hawks!” pierce the air throughout the game, instantly giving both the crowd and the team a boost.
Neighborhood 3
Lumen Field is nestled adjacent to both Seattle’s tech sector and its industrial area. To the left, you can see a line of old brick buildings with massive cranes in the distance. Right in front of Lumen Field are numerous glass buildings that can almost be considered skyscrapers. In short, the area is always bustling.
Lumen Field is surrounded by numerous pubs and eateries that are perfect for a pregame or postgame nosh. Along 1st Ave, right next to the stadium, are places such as Sluggers, Hatchback Bar & Grille, and the recently opened Press Box. Each brings their unique twist to the flavors that native Seattleites favor.
When in town for a Seahawks game, be sure to check if either the Seattle Storm (WNBA) or Seattle Kraken (NHL) are playing at nearby Climate Pledge Arena. Or you may be able to catch a late-season Seattle Mariners (MLB) game or a Seattle Sounders (MLS) match.
Fans 3
No matter the year or the team’s performance, the 12s will always make up the majority of the crowd. Still, at the game of this review, there was a surprising amount of 49ers fans in attendance. Not a sight that you would have seen in their heyday of the mid-2010s.
Even though the two teams are bitter rivals, the fan bases respected each other throughout the game, cheering wildly when appropriate and leaving the stadium at the game’s end with their hearts full, having witnessed an excellent contest.
Access 2
On game day, parking is not cheap. However, parking is much cheaper the farther you go. While there is parking within a couple of blocks from the stadium, the prices go for as much as $100.
Instead, it would be wise to look for parking further from the stadium, perhaps as much as a mile. There is a parking garage a little over a mile from the stadium on the corner of Seneca and 3rd St (keep in mind that Lumen Field is on 2nd St.). While it is a bit of a walk, you can park there all day for $16. It’s an incredible find for a visiting tourist.
If you choose to take public transit, there are several options nearby. The King St. Station, International District/Chinatown, and Union Station are all right across the street from Lumen Field on 4th Ave., and bus stops surround both Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park. Many offer free parking.
Return on Investment 4
Going to any NFL game is never cheap these days. Of course, each stadium brings its flavor. No matter if you spent $300 on cheap bleacher seats in the Hawk’s Nest or hundreds more for seats on the 50-yard line, the roar of the crowd will envelop you. Sometimes in life, you just have to take a chance on an experience that you will never forget.
Extras 3
Perhaps this is the norm for other NFL teams, but the Seahawks have a big football-shaped display of all the helmets of every high school football team in the state overlooking one of their main food courts to the right of the Hawk’s Nest. They’ve even started a tribute to women’s flag football just around the corner. They are at least keeping an eye on the future of the game.
Probably, the identity of the stadium is a round 76 ball that sits to the left of the Hawk’s Nest. As a large noise meter, its sole responsibility is to measure crowd noises all game long. The higher the decibels, the higher the volume and the wilder the crowd. Boiled down to science, this is the main reason why the 12’s truly believe that they are the 12th Man. Seeing is believing.
Final Thoughts
Lumen Field was not what this author expected. As a fervent 49ers fan, I had long believed that Lumen Field was a place better fit for war than football. But as the game went on, I realized that the 12s could be some of the most hospitable people in the NFL. Yes, they want their team to win. But they also want to represent their stadium and their team in the best way possible. Of course, it could be different in the playoffs.
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