This Sunday, August 14, as Sounders FC hosts Real Salt Lake (7:00 p.m. PT / FOX 13+, Univision Seattle, Prime Video, 93.3 KJR FM, El Rey 1360 AM) in a game presented by matchday sponsor WaFd Bank, the club celebrates the rich history of the Sounders franchise through the annual throwback-themed match, giving fans a fun variety of throwback matchday elements and activities.
Those attending the game are reminded to plan for heavier traffic in the SoDo area, as the Washington State Department of Transportation continues its Revive I-5 work this weekend, with southbound lane reductions from 7:30 p.m. PT on Friday, August 12 through 5:00 a.m. PT on Monday, August 15. In addition, OL Reign hosts Gotham FC on Sunday at Lumen Field in a 12:00 p.m. PT kickoff.
Fans are encouraged to explore public transportation options when possible. For those arriving by bicycle, the team – in conjunction with Cascade Bicycle Club – is offering a complimentary bike valet program this Sunday. 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.
Outside of the stadium, fans can look forward to SoundCheck in Occidental Square Park. This public pre-match event is scheduled from 4:30-6:00 p.m. PT on Sunday. Fans can stop by the park to enjoy a party atmosphere with games, Sounders throwback trivia and prizes and a special performance by the Seattle Steel Pan Project, a professional performance ensemble featuring some of the most seasoned steel pan performers and musicians in the Pacific Northwest.
The Emerald City Supporters’ March to the Match then departs Occidental Square Park at 6:00 p.m. PT on its way to Lumen Field.
Located outside of Lumen Field’s northwest gates and available to all fans whether ticketed or not, Coca-Cola is on-site with the Coca-Cola Boom Box, a mobile music experience amplified by Coke Zero. The Coca-Cola Boom Box is the first-ever fully solar-powered interactive music experience, utilizing an upcycled shipping container. The Boom Box contains an interactive DJ experience, photo booth spaces and phone charging pads. Coca-Cola is also giving away sunglasses and t-shirts to those who stop by.
The first 12,000 fans through gates on Sunday can look forward to receiving a free Sounders throwback hat, courtesy of matchday sponsor WaFd Bank. WaFd Bank is additionally giving away 2,000 “Walt the Vault” coin banks at the Northwest Gate at the conclusion of the match.
At the Lumen Field Pro Shop, Sunday offers a selection of limited-edition throwback gear, including a heritage-themed scarf designed to match the day’s giveaway hat.
RAVE Foundation is running its annual Throwback Auction for Sunday’s match, filled with items from the Sounders FC archives. Items can be viewed in person on matchday in the Northwest Concourse, or online at Sounders.GiveSmart.com. Bidding is currently open and takes place exclusively online, closing promptly at the conclusion of halftime on Sunday. The highlight of the auction is the Sounders FC Fan Van – a 1986 Toyota van completely wrapped in Rave Green and featuring the club’s retro logos alongside modern embellishments such as an LED display board and a sound system with microphone for shoutouts and rallies.
Washington State Legends of Soccer offers a booth in the Northwest Concourse where fans can see demonstrations of the organization’s online museum, take a photo with a life-size Marcus Hahnemann cutout, enter raffles and more.
As a nod to the birth of the Sounders franchise and as a way for fans to commemorate the throwback match, a special “Born in ‘74” photo station is also available for fans along the West Concourse.
The featured North Plaza food trucks on Sunday are Swagg-n-Wagon, serving fried chicken and classic sides of fries, collard greens and cornbread, and Ma and Pops, offering vegan, handcrafted ice pops inspired by Caribbean and Southern roots. Sourced in partnership with Intentionalist, these trucks support local diverse-owned small businesses.
The national anthem is being performed by Jonathan Wright, while, immediately before kickoff, “Scarves Up!” is being led by USL Sounders alum and Ballard FC Head Coach Jason Farrell.
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.
