Sounders FC to host Cascadia Summit

Portland and Vancouver to join Seattle for series of preseason matches at Starfire from March 4-6.

RENTON, Wash. – Seattle Sounders FC announced today it will host a three-day Cascadia Summit which includes preseason matches between Sounders FC, Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps FC at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Wash.

From Friday, March 4, through Sunday, March 6, the Cascadia Summit will feature forums involving the coaches and supporters groups from each club.

“With Portland and Vancouver joining Seattle in MLS, this marks the beginning of a new era for the game in this region,” said Seattle owner and general manager Adrian Hanauer. “Together, our clubs wish to bring together our teams and supporters for a time to celebrate our passion for the sport, the spirit of our supporters and the competitiveness of our clubs.”

The Summit’s opening match on March 4 will be Sounders FC facing Portland at 7:30 p.m. PT. On March 5, the Timbers and Whitecaps FC play at 5 p.m. PT.

The weekend activities conclude March 6 with the Sounders FC Academy U18 and Whitecaps FC Residency teams playing at 12 p.m., followed by the Seattle and Vancouver senior teams at 3 p.m. PT.

All matches will be played at the Starfire Sports Stadium. Tickets are $10 for each day and go on sale February 1 at SoundersFC.com, Ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000.  There is a two-day Sounders FC package for $18 that is good for both Seattle matches. No ticket is necessary for the Supporters Event/Coaches Forum.

Portland and Vancouver supporters will each be allotted 500 tickets in specific sections for their matches with Sounders FC. For the Whitecaps FC-Timbers match, each group will be allotted 1,300 seats, with 500 for Seattle fans. Seating is limited.

The Sounders FC Academy teams meet Crossfire Premier on Sunday at Lake Washington High School in Kirkland. The U18s play at 11 a.m. followed by the U16s at 1:30 p.m.

Sounders FC begins preseason training on Tuesday at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Wash., and opens the MLS season on March 15 by hosting the L.A. Galaxy in First Kick 2011 on the Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. PT. For 2011 season tickets visit SoundersFC.com or call 877-MLS-GOAL.

Schedule of Events
(all held at Starfire Stadium)

Friday, March 4
7:00 p.m. Summit Opening
7:30 p.m. Seattle Sounders FC v Portland Timbers

Saturday, March 5
1:00 p.m. Supporters Summit & Coaches Forum
4:00 p.m. Portland Timbers v Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Sunday, March 6
12:00 p.m. Sounders FC Academy U18 v Whitecaps FC Residency
3:00 p.m. Seattle Sounders FC v Vancouver Whitecaps FC