As Sounders FC prepares to take on archrival Portland tomorrow afternoon in a nationally televised matchup (1:30 p.m. PT / FOX, FOX Deportes, 93.3 KJR FM, El Rey 1360 AM) featuring an enhanced slate of special matchday events and activities surrounding the celebration of the Rave Green’s Concacaf Champions League victory – including the unveiling of the newest title banner in the rafters of Lumen Field – the club reminds media and fans about area traffic considerations that may impact arrival times.
All attending tomorrow’s match are strongly encouraged to arrive early and plan for heavier traffic than usual if driving, as the expected large crowd will exacerbate travel times already slowed by several area construction projects.
Construction shutdowns and lane reductions include:
• 520 Bridge – All lanes of the Highway 520 Bridge across Lake Washington are closed from 11:00 p.m. PT Friday through 5:00 a.m. PT Monday due to construction. The bridge’s bicycle and pedestrian lane remains open.
• Revive I-5 – Expansion joint replacement work continues on I-5 southbound through SoDo near the stadiums this weekend, with lane reductions beginning at 7:30 p.m. PT Friday and running through 5:00 a.m. PT Monday. Cars are being funneled into the collector-distributor lanes, to the right of the downtown mainline, while the junction form I-90 into southbound I-5 will be closed most of the weekend.
• First Avenue South Bridge – Two left lanes on northbound SR 99 / SR 509 are closing tomorrow, Saturday, July 9, on the First Avenue South Bridge in SoDo for bridge maintenance. Lane reductions are scheduled for 5:30 a.m. PT through 12:00 p.m. PT.
In addition, the Seattle Mariners host the Toronto Blue Jays this weekend, with a 7:10 p.m. PT game scheduled for Saturday evening.
A host of public transportation options exist for those wishing to avoid the traffic, including the SoundTransit Sounder train, which is running a special service. For those arriving by bicycle, the team – in conjunction with Cascade Bicycle Club – is offering a complimentary bike valet program this Saturday. Bicycles can be parked with the bike valet located on Occidental Avenue near the north parking lot of the stadium starting two hours before kickoff and must be claimed no later than one hour after the final whistle.
With prematch festivities galore and a special opening ceremony that includes an exclusive musical performance by members of indie folk band The Head And The Heart ahead of the championship banner reveal, Saturday’s rivalry match shouldn’t be missed and fans are reminded to be in their seats early. The club encourages all attendees to plan ahead for traffic to prevent missing out on this unique celebration.
For further information regarding any of the activities mentioned here, please contact a member of Sounders FC Communications. To learn more about Sounders FC matchdays, health and safety and how to be prepared to attend a match, visit SoundersFC.com/Matchday/Know-Before-You-Go.
