http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/8e/Seattle_Seahawks_logo.svg/100px-Seattle_Seahawks_logo.svg.png
Seattle Seahawks



Home of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks

http://img63.exs.cx/img63/6548/qwestfield825681109su.jpg

http://img207.exs.cx/img207/7959/qwestfield825681099cy.jpg

Qwest with Safeco Field behind it
http://img63.exs.cx/img63/9497/qwestfield825681126ep.jpg

Pretty dramatic don't you think?
http://img207.exs.cx/img207/3803/qwestfield825681073dd.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/Picture085.jpg

http://img27.exs.cx/img27/8094/qwestfield825681171qa.jpg
http://img27.exs.cx/img27/4716/qwestfield825681158bq.jpg

The tower video screen at the north end is the only one of its kind. Its the same size as the widescreen at the south end, but on it side, basically.
http://img63.exs.cx/img63/4853/qwestfield825681113vt.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle172Small.jpg


http://img27.exs.cx/img27/75/qwestfield825681134li.jpg
http://img27.exs.cx/img27/3796/qwestfield825681144re.jpg

Great looking as football stadium as well
http://img207.exs.cx/img207/8321/qwestfield825681080ce.jpg

http://img207.exs.cx/img207/827/qwestfield825681068wo.jpg

http://img27.exs.cx/img27/1053/qwestfield825681181qg.jpg

in case you're wondering, the football field is field turf(basically plastic grass with rubber granules) The soccer pitch is real grass that rolls over the field turf and actually locks itself with the blades of turf. FIFA tested and approved, and now used on infill turfs everywhere. The blades lock so well with the grass pitches that sometimes the football lines bleed through.

Another crazy (bad kind of crazy) end stand!

I really like the north end, nice and open so that it allows you to look out over Seattle. They should've done it on the other side too and you would've been able to see Safeco better, but I'm glad they didn't because its not as nice a view and it would ruin the coherence. Another class stadium for the US ;)

The US easily has the best stadiums in the world, all these threads prove that. The problem I do have with these US football stadiums especially non dome ones is that they barely get used. The NFL plays 16 games 8 of those are at home. Now they may see a soccer game or two but some of these places only see 8 events a year.

Yeah the north stand sucks.....they're bleachers for on...not seats!

I really do hate that in US stadiums....take the Michigan Stadium....107,000.....but bleechers....if it had seats it would probably not even be 80,000!

The north stand should just be taken away!

P.S
I doubt easily....compare it to europe....You might just loose!

Infact i might start a thread on that later....'Stadiums USA versus EUROPE'

Bleachers are quite rare though, old college stadiums have them but thats kind of understandable. I think you should start a US vs Europe thread too. I think it really is no contest, Europe does not have the elaborate interiors of American stadiums, they are actually quite boring.

Funny, about a year ago, people on this board were saying US stadiums were all the same and boring. Now they are being criticized for having unique layouts. LOL. As for use, the owners don't mind building football only when they can charge $50,000-$100,000 for a stadium suite.

^
exactly ... plus, Qwest is also used for international soccer matches and college football games.

Just this past year Washington State Univ and the Univ of Colorado played a out of conference game there.

The US easily has the best stadiums in the world, all these threads prove that. The problem I do have with these US football stadiums especially non dome ones is that they barely get used. The NFL plays 16 games 8 of those are at home. Now they may see a soccer game or two but some of these places only see 8 events a year.

There are plenty of other events held in football stadiums - college football, soccer, concerts, etc.

I like this stadium, but why didn´t they put in retractable roof, NW weather isn´t the best of spectator sports. What´s the point with that short end pyramid like bleechers under the video tower. The whole tower thing reminds me of olympic flame thing at olympic stadiums.

The pyramid is called something different. Boy is this a turnaround from the old set of forumers. American stadiums were bland and uninventive back then. Cost would be the first thought as to why not retractable. Their neighbor had just built a more expensive stadium next door. I'd also imagine they(Seahawks) probably wanted to get as far away from their old stadium as possible. The Kingdome simply sucked


http://agape1.net/images/safeco/kingdome.jpg
http://www.stadiumsofnfl.com/past/king1.jpg
http://www.stadiumsofnfl.com/past/king2.jpg

No offense Seattle folks, but the two venues that replaced it are a marked improvement.

Qwest Field record crowd : 66,709 Seattle Seahawks v San Fransisco 49ers on September 26, 2004

the north end sucks, but everything else is great

Pretty easily the best new American football stadium I would say. Soilder Field would be close but the exterior to Soilder looks kinda confused and it doesn't open up to the skyline like Seattle does.

And why some like the north end zone? I think it looks dope as heck.

Just thought this was an awesome pic

http://images.sportsline.com/u/ap/photos/NFC109012220_1024x768.jpg

Another crazy (bad kind of crazy) end stand!
If it was a full-blown stand, you wouldn't get that great skyline view. That's the reason (I'm guessing) that they made it taper off. As for the USA v. Europe stadium thread, it would be really cool, but you have to remember the stadiums are used for totally different things.

A few things about the north end:

- it allows a better view of the skyline
- it makes the stadium louder (it is built accoustically like a drum and the roadiest fans sit there and bang on the floor)
- it allows the sound of the NFL's loudest stadium to seep into the city and can be heard all the way from the retail district
- it has field level suites in the endzone (made famous on Monday Night Football by T.O. and his sharpie)
- it looks sweet from the outside too.

Very nice stadium apart from that terrible stand behind the goal. I understand the reasons why they built it like that, but that doesn't change the fact that it looks awful!!

yet another fantastic american stadium (although i'd agree that the north end does look a bit weird).

i remember watching american football on channel four over here back in the eighties when walter payton played and wondering why all the american stadiums looked so big and bowl-like whereas ours looked like four naff sheds. i think, since then, we've learnt a lot from the americans when it comes to stadia.

A few things about the north end:

- it allows a better view of the skyline
- it makes the stadium louder (it is built accoustically like a drum and the roadiest fans sit there and bang on the floor)
- it allows the sound of the NFL's loudest stadium to seep into the city and can be heard all the way from the retail district
- it has field level suites in the endzone (made famous on Monday Night Football by T.O. and his sharpie)
- it looks sweet from the outside too.

perhaps we should adopt this current trend of American staduims to leave the ends open so you can enjoy the view.Think of all the fantastic vista's we are missing out on.
At Wembley,the wonders of the North Acton Industrial Estate
Loftus Rd,the BBC tv centre
Spurs,the Seven Sisters Road and Broadwater Farm
the docks at Southampton
Old Trafford,the Trafford shopping centre
The Riverside in Middlesborough,the ICI Chemical plant
Birmingham City,the Bull Ring
Anymore?

A few things about the north end:

- it allows a better view of the skyline
- it makes the stadium louder (it is built accoustically like a drum and the roadiest fans sit there and bang on the floor)
- it allows the sound of the NFL's loudest stadium to seep into the city and can be heard all the way from the retail district
- it has field level suites in the endzone (made famous on Monday Night Football by T.O. and his sharpie)
- it looks sweet from the outside too.

I find it hard to believe that having an open end makes a stadium louder, surely its a combination of the fans and the roof?

Isnt the main reason for the open endzones in the US that side on seats are much more desireble?

Without having visited it(or any of them) I'd definately put it in the top 5-6 NFL stadiums(Reliant, Solider Field, Qwest, Invesco, Lambeau and Fedex) but the end zone is a negative for me. As full bowls both this and Invesco would definately be challening for my best in the world with Reliant.

If it was a full-blown stand, you wouldn't get that great skyline view. That's the reason (I'm guessing) that they made it taper off. As for the USA v. Europe stadium thread, it would be really cool, but you have to remember the stadiums are used for totally different things.


Yeahm I was just looking at rantanamos pic and thought that was most likely why it tapers down.


But I still dont like that stand...the shape of it.

I find it hard to believe that having an open end makes a stadium louder, surely its a combination of the fans and the roof?

The whole stadium was designed with sound in mind. Paul Allen, Seahawks owner hired professionals during the design phase to make the place as loud as possible. The lack of a fully covered roof and open endzone actually make the place louder by allowing sound waves to exit the place instead of bounce around muffling other sound waves. Also as I state above, the north stands are built accoustically like a drum. Not only that, they also made that the rowdy fan section.

You folks bashing the open end need to see the thing in person to understand.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/art/sports/seahawks/stadium/cover04.jpg

I'm gonna say again that I really like the unique north endzone seating. It seems like, as you said, alot more thought has gone into the stadium design as opposed to other NFL venues which may be less restrained by their surroundings and therefore not as exciting. I'd like to see more of this creativity in stadiums.

Its certainly a very nice stadium, one of my favorite in the US, maybe next to Reliant Stadium.

Coincidence or not: Kingdome used to be the loudest stadium in the NFL. Coincidence?

Anyways, I tried to explain that argument before, Sounder. Its sort of the Invesco effect. Height makes noise, and one end of escape and one enclosed helps out with noise. There was a PBS or Discovery special when Invesco was being built, where they were talking about soundwave cancellation, height, and roofs, etc on noise. They were explaining why Texas Stadium could be so quiet vs the old Mile High and why the Teflon domes were louder than the concrete ones. They also talked about the small roof on Veterans and how it directed noise very well. I'm not a sound engineer, but it all made a lot of sense. Materials and the right shape > any old roof seemed to be the moral of the story.

Coincidence or not: Kingdome used to be the loudest stadium in the NFL. Coincidence?

Anyways, I tried to explain that argument before, Sounder. Its sort of the Invesco effect. Height makes noise, and one end of escape and one enclosed helps out with noise. There was a PBS or Discovery special when Invesco was being built, where they were talking about soundwave cancellation, height, and roofs, etc on noise. They were explaining why Texas Stadium could be so quiet vs the old Mile High and why the Teflon domes were louder than the concrete ones. They also talked about the small roof on Veterans and how it directed noise very well. I'm not a sound engineer, but it all made a lot of sense. Materials and the right shape > any old roof seemed to be the moral of the story.

I'm still a little spectical considering you hear this sort of thing for every major stadium that gets built. Thats not saying that they didnt optimise the design for sound but looking at stadiums elsewhere in the US I find it hard to believe that and not the fact side seats are worth more was the reason they went with those designs.

The main factor that helps a bowl for me though is visual impact, being totally enclosed in a sea of fans beats a nice skyline view anyday plus of course they'd be larger with the ends filled in.

To me, being in the horseshoe section of "The Horseshoe" or Invesco would be much intimidating. Noise is not a token or psychological thing in American football. Its a game changing reality. It has changed rules. It changes the way a team plays, as verbal communication is key to successful on the field play. If a basketball arena is loud its merely a psychological factor. If an American football stadium is loud, not only is it psychological, but its an actual physical factor in the game.

You hear that sort of thing with other stadiums, yet their designs are similar. Lots of bowls with similar roof structures. Putting two and two together, You see that Cleveland Browns Stadium wind steering claim is in conjuction with a unique design. Arizona's noise claim comes with new materials in the roof and an almost unnecessary looking open end. Soldier Field's moving the audience closer to the field comes with a design that puts the suites away from the regular seats and close in upper decks. Ford Field's open feel for a dome comes with huge "skylights" and a lofty feel to the concourse. Now Seattle's noise claim, comes with a funky design. One could simply put the pieces together and figure out that something different is going on here.

The main factor that helps a bowl for me though is visual impact, being totally enclosed in a sea of fans beats a nice skyline view anyday plus of course they'd be larger with the ends filled in.

From the field, it is an enclosed sea of fans. There is seating and standing room only locations in the north endzone. Also the wind in the open end causes other teams problems too, just ask the kicker of the Giants.

From the field, it is an enclosed sea of fans. There is seating and standing room only locations in the north endzone. Also the wind in the open end causes other teams problems too, just ask the kicker of the Giants.

There are some seats at the end but obviously its not as inclosed as it would be if the end zones were identical. As I said its not that I don't think its a great stadium just that the above would make the difference between it being a top 20-30 one and a top 10 one for me.

If they wanted the best view perhaps they should have rotated the stadium by 90 degrees aswell...

http://www.lesitedeschampions.ca/stade_seahawks_ext.jpg

helll no....damn all u people who bash this stadium....damn its a site to see. My favrotie things about this stadium is the wo HUGE arches....they are sooo big and the lighting on them at night is a sight to see....recently..they have been lit up green and blue and there have been spotlights going all around the stadium. The second thing i love about this stadium is the opened north end...the views couldnt get much better. Lastly...i love the bleachers at the end.. i have no idea what all u r talking about but it is a unique charactersistic to the stadium and it looks amazing. I love this stadium and its one of the finest facilites in the world.

Okay it finnally worked

All I can say about the North endzone is that it looks great in person.

Ironically I got to perform in the Oregon Marching Band at the Seahawks - Steelers game 2 years ago. Just standing on the sidelines before halftime it was obvious noise was a big factor, but when taking the field to 68,000 people booing I realized this place was built to put the home team at an advantage. Quest Field led the league in false starts for the road team this year.

There are great reasons for having no retractable roof. We in the Northwest live, practice, and do everything in the rain. In fact it's rained about 45 of the last 47 days here. A visiting team is at a tremendous disadvantage on wet Field-turf. Football is meant to be played in the elements anyways.

Go Seahawks.

Fantastic stadium. Has a lot character to boot.

I think people here have to start to learn how to agree to disagree because otherwise a lot more threads will continue to be ruined by these pointless discussions.

I love this stadium!!!

SEE YA!!!

NOISE! (http://youtube.com/watch?v=xoISjdhADE4)

Damn fine stadium, always loved this and Safeco, and Seattle looks like a damn cool place as well

Really big and clean

Seattle! Big!? are you kidding me Seattle is cool as incredible stadiums even if i'm not a big fan of the safeco field design but this city is not big not by american standards anyway... Seattle is big for one thing coffee shops, amazing choices for coffee everywhere as for Quest field... it's the perfect expression of what a footballstadium should be, big no dome, comfy and five minutes away from downtown if you decide to make it difficult and walk backwards... in one word GREAT

I think he is talking about the STADIUM! It is really big!

Someone commented on how few uses per year (US) football stadiums get. Qwest Field gets more than usual.

First, there are actually at least 10 home games per year in the NFL including preseason. The Seahawks had 12 last year due to the playoffs.

Second, it holds other events. It's home to a minor-league soccer team. WSU plays one football game per year there. And there are special events -- for example the Heart Walk, an annual fundraiser with 10,000 participants, starts there.

Also, Qwest Field has a major exhibition hall attached. Between the main hall, some flex space, and the stadium concourse, it has 525,000 sf of event space -- far larger than our convention center. This is where Seattle holds boat shows, RV shows, and so on, focusing on events for locals rather than visitors. Also, the exhibition hall will soon have movable seating and acoustic treatments for concerts up to 7,000 seats -- this opens Nov 3 with Seal and Nov 4 with Van Morrison.

Combined with the baseball stadium across the street, I'm guessing that at least half of all days have something big going on.

I'm from the Seattle area but now live in Northern Idaho; about 4.5 hours east. I try to make it to one regular season Seahawks game and all the playoff games each season. Qwest is unbelievable. First, one poster pointed out that maybe they should have put the stadium facing the west to get a view of the Olympic Mountains but that would be a slight the mountain of all mountains in the the Pacific Northwest, Ranier, which is to the east. What he can't tell from the the pictures though is there are two exposed concourses below the top level that go all along the east and west sides which have killer views. You can also look out from the top of 300 level behind you and out of the stadium. The South endzone is indeed closed off but its still not as high as the E/W sides and therefore from the sides you can indeed see out to the south for a view of Safeco (Mariners baseball stadium), Ranier to the SE, and Puget Sound to the SW.

The North endzone, or the the "pyramid" looking thing is called the Hawk's Nest and is a very popular part of the stadium. The thing that is so great about it being low there (besides the view of downtown from inside the stadium) is that the north side is the main entrance into the stadium and has a really wide stairway ascending into Qwest from the North Parking Lot; with the tower reaching for the sky right there its a very exciting, intimidating presence as the multitudes approach and enter the stadium on gameday. I'll agree with most of you that is definitely an uncharacteristic feature and not the prettiest from inside the stadium, but it really is a sight to behold when you actually there. I like it better from the outside, but the screen on the top of the tower is pretty killer.

Qwest is really beautiful as well, the lights always stand out in the night skyline. Now, as for the roof questions: First, the Seahawks owner, Paul Allen, wanted most of the fans covered (like Husky Stadium also in Seattle) to keep them dry from the rain. The roof at Qwest covers 70% of the seats. However, football in America is the game of the elements. It is and has always been intended to be played outside. Unlike baseball, basketball, hockey, etc. which all need to be dry and covered, football is supposed to be played in the snow, sleet, and rain. Hence not wanting to put in a retractable roof like Safeco (also, I'm sure the extra cost factored in). Now the roofs over the fans is indeed made with materials and shaped as such to maximize crowd noise. For you Europeans reading this, Qwest, over the last three years or so, has become known and recognized as one of, if not THE, loudest stadium in the NFL. That's including the domes. Another poster pointed out its intentional acoustic shape which includes the open North Endzone. As I've sat all over the stadium, I know that its just as loud there as the south side. I even saw a guy record with a decibel meter in the Hawk's Nest 126 decibels in 2006. Oh yeah, I was also going to say that nearly all the NFL stadia that have retractable roofs are for keeping the sun out, not the elements. In cities like Dallas, Phoenix, etc. it can get far to hot to be able to safely play football. Arizona's new stadium has a roof that is only there for climate control because the heat can get unsafe for the fans and the players. Snow, wind, and rain don't really pose those problems.

Anyway, just wanted to throw in my take as I've had many experiences at Qwest (Including soccer, watched the US Mens National Team play Venzuela there a few years back).

Here's a few more pictures:

Qwest from the North Parking Lot
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/BBlades89/Seahawks/Qwest%20Field/Qwest14.jpg
View of Qwest and Safeco with Ranier behind. Looking from the NW down the Alaskan Way Viaduct.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/BBlades89/Seahawks/Qwest%20Field/Qwest18.jpg
This one gives a nice view of the outside of the West side of the stadium. You can see the outdoor concourse I referenced. Its on top of where the brick wall ends.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/BBlades89/Seahawks/Qwest%20Field/Qwest5.jpg
Qwest lit up for the evening.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/BBlades89/Seahawks/Qwest%20Field/Qwest13.jpg

As a Cowboy fan, I hate that place with a passion. Objectively its one of the best.

Yeah, you've definitely experienced some bummer games at the Q over the last couple years. I'm not going to lie though...I certainly enjoyed last Sunday night.

Wish I could have been there.

thank you for your informative first post, jordancda. its good to get some detailed local knowledge that doesn't run along the lines of 'I've been there and it sounds amazing'. Instead you've been able to back up your points with some interesting facts about the construction of the stadium and the reason for making it such an unusual design.

FWIW I really like this stadium - I like the pyramid stand - it gives the stadium a unique identity. I like the open air concourse with views across the bay and towards the mountains and I like the bold shape of the roof. the size is deceptive though. It looks like it should seat 78,000 not 68,000 but maybe the legroom and hip room is enormous to accommodate the ever-expanding american butt.

how does the stadium look for soccer? Is it a good venue? Do the fans tour out for soccer in Seattle? Not just international games, but a local team ?

I was impressed with it when I watched (on TV) United play Celtic there on a pre-season tour a few years ago.

As a Cowboy fan, I hate that place with a passion. Objectively its one of the best.

^^ Yup me too!!! Stupid Q feild, just wait till we get our new stadium in 09 its gonna blow Q out!!!

They EVEN STOLE THE 12th MAN FROM TEXAS A&M, even though im a Longhorn i dont like that they stole a symbol of Texas football and applied it to their stupid Sea Hawks!


Go Cowboys!!! Will be back in 2007!! Just wait and see

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/827/qwestfield825681068wo.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/8321/qwestfield825681080ce.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

thank you for your informative first post, jordancda. its good to get some detailed local knowledge that doesn't run along the lines of 'I've been there and it sounds amazing'. Instead you've been able to back up your points with some interesting facts about the construction of the stadium and the reason for making it such an unusual design.

FWIW I really like this stadium - I like the pyramid stand - it gives the stadium a unique identity. I like the open air concourse with views across the bay and towards the mountains and I like the bold shape of the roof. the size is deceptive though. It looks like it should seat 78,000 not 68,000 but maybe the legroom and hip room is enormous to accommodate the ever-expanding american butt.

Thank you Legs. I have always been fascinated by architecture and large buildings, especially stadia. I never realized there were forums such as this and I've already learned a ton just perusing some threads. I'm not all that knowledgable on other stadia outside the US other than Wembley, Old Trafford, and Millenium; so I thought I'd better start posting where I know a little something. Thanks for the welcome.

Are there plans for a soccer stadium in Seattle for the Sounders?

Are there plans for a soccer stadium in Seattle for the Sounders?

Not as far as I know. Qwest was billed as a football/soccer facility and it is where the Seattle Sounders play. The Kingdome used to host the Mariners, Seahawks, and Sounders before it was torn down. Qwest is built on the footprint of the old Kingdome.

_________________________________________________________________

Also, found two more pics that might change some opinion on the "Hawks' Nest" or the "pyramid stand".

This first one is sort of a close up of what the Nest looks like on inside.

http://photos-122.ak.facebook.com/ip002/v45/185/49/502803146/n502803146_7122_9002.jpg

These next ones show that its actually slightly elevated so that you can walk right underneath it. Actually, there is also a restaurant/food stand underneath it that sells the famous garlic fries so it always smells good in the seats in the Hawks' Nest because of the food being cooked underneath. Also, it shows that it doesn't look nearly as pyramid-like from the outside. More like a tower.

http://photos-668.ak.facebook.com/ip006/v36/227/88/70301330/n70301330_30308668_7894.jpg

http://photos.pe.facebook.com/v10/224/109/32506614/n32506614_30160614_9134.jpg

Does anyone know why the didn't make the stadium with retractable roof?

Likely because there was no want for the Final Four or Superbowl vs Extra Cost. Not to mention that the weather is a home field advantage for the Seahawks, while it would just stop the Mariners game, hence the retractable roof at Safeco.

Does anyone know why the didn't make the stadium with retractable roof?

I answered this question in a previous post. I've copied it below:

"Now, as for the roof questions: First, the Seahawks owner, Paul Allen, wanted most of the fans covered (like Husky Stadium also in Seattle) to keep them dry from the rain. The roof at Qwest covers 70% of the seats. However, football in America is the game of the elements. It is and has always been intended to be played outside. Unlike baseball, basketball, hockey, etc. which all need to be dry and covered, football is supposed to be played in the snow, sleet, and rain. Hence not wanting to put in a retractable roof like Safeco (also, I'm sure the extra cost factored in). Now the roofs over the fans is indeed made with materials and shaped as such to maximize crowd noise. For you Europeans reading this, Qwest, over the last three years or so, has become known and recognized as one of, if not THE, loudest stadium in the NFL. That's including the domes. Another poster pointed out its intentional acoustic shape which includes the open North Endzone. As I've sat all over the stadium, I know that its just as loud there as the south side. I even saw a guy record with a decibel meter in the Hawk's Nest 126 decibels in 2006. Oh yeah, I was also going to say that nearly all the NFL stadia that have retractable roofs are for keeping the sun out, not the elements. In cities like Dallas, Phoenix, etc. it can get far to hot to be able to safely play football. Arizona's new stadium has a roof that is only there for climate control because the heat can get unsafe for the fans and the players. Snow, wind, and rain don't really pose those problems. "

Very few football stadia in the USA have roofs, and with the roof Qwest does have the majority of the fans are covered in case of rain. Its also roofless over the field because of the noise factor; domes are actually quieter because the soundwaves have nowhere to exit.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3394/3256962593_327381ec97_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3237/3036094407_eea26324db_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1406/1383104920_f5e36e1d13_b.jpg

Is there a reason for the gap in the 2nd tier on the left?
I really don't like that.
Otherwise great stadium.

space for temporary stand at Superbowl?
But on the other hand Superbowl in Seattle? Is it possible?

space for temporary stand at Superbowl?
But on the other hand Superbowl in Seattle? Is it possible?

No, there will never be a Superbowl in Seattle. The lack of seats is likely due to the fact that they just arent needed. Endzone seats arent that great.

Then they should have found a more elegant solution. Like a wavy tier going down in the middle or something. But just a rectangular gap looks really bad imo.

looks they there are cafes, bar or lounges?
something like that :D

space for temporary stand at Superbowl?
But on the other hand Superbowl in Seattle? Is it possible?
Nah, probably not.

Rainy season in the Pacific Northwest is fall/winter--even with the roof, and even as beautiful a city as Seattle is, I don't think the NFL wants to carry out their festivities in the rain.

Then they should have found a more elegant solution. Like a wavy tier going down in the middle or something. But just a rectangular gap looks really bad imo.

I agree...that gap looks kinda tacky.

What I'm hoping is that the Seahawks can build a consistent winner so that demand grows to where they can completely close both the gap AND the other side of the stadium (sorry Hawk's Nest fans).

Seattle Sounders FC inaugural match (big pix, please don't banninate me):
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3544/3370023605_1f3f3cf10b_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/3369657401_e865bfc605_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3604/3369053739_5db3288569_b.jpg

The beautiful game is indeed catching on here in the States! :banana:

come on , saunder, come on moreno and ljungberg, they are my new favorite us team :banana:

Seattle Sounders FC inaugural match (big pix, please don't banninate me):
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3544/3370023605_1f3f3cf10b_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/3369657401_e865bfc605_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3604/3369053739_5db3288569_b.jpg

The beautiful game is indeed catching on here in the States! :banana:

Is really catching!!!... Wow!!! is at full capacity

Is really catching!!!... Wow!!! is at full capacity

Well...kind of.

Is really catching!!!... Wow!!! is at full capacity

The stadium holds 67,000, but the Sounders have tarped the upper deck and will not sell those seats at all. They will sell roughly 28,000 seats for games although they opened up another 4,000 or so for the first game. They have over 22,000 season ticket holders. So last night they sold out every ticket they offer, but it doesn't fill every seat in the stadium.

It's a stadium for both sports. It hosts both exceptionally well.

Most either do one or the other. It does deeper than capacity issues. I'm talking sightlines, ect. Qwest is amazing for both.

i feel souders could make big things this season :lol:

Most either do one or the other. It does deeper than capacity issues. I'm talking sightlines, ect. Qwest is amazing for both.
I might be wrong, but i think it was designed with soccer also in mind.


anyways, i wonder if they will do that well the rest of the season, and if that would mean that capacity would be extended

I'm a HUGE Man U fan, BUT... I grew up in WA state. I LOVE the freakin' SOUNDERS!!!

Look at what they did with the field turf:

http://seattlest.com/attachments/seattle_dan/real3.jpg

It looks like a real pitch.

http://img.metblogs.com/seattle/files/2008/05/640-spt0529_sounders_p2standaloneprod_affiliate5.jpg

http://img.dailyradar.com/media/uploads/soccer/story_large/2009/02/18/m_11.jpg

^^^^^^ The first two photos you posted are real grass. They laid it down over the turf for a couple matches a little while back, but the Sounders are playing on turf. It looks nice and is better than any other turf I've seen, but there's still a major difference between it and grass. It does not play nearly as well and can make for ugly soccer.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3544/3370023605_1f3f3cf10b_b.jpg

Best looking covering ever used to cover un used seats

What are the chances of them opening upper tiers as well?

I remember this stadium from preseason games that some Euro clubs had there few seasons ago. Brilliant place.

If they start feeling like 50,000 a game is a realistic attendance number, so certainly not for a few years at any rate. They will open it up for MLS cup, and for major international matches, but my guess is that they would need to sell about 20,000 more season tickets for regular season games to have all the seats open.

I would like to see the Hawks Nest opened up

I would like to see the Hawks Nest opened up

They're going to open the Hawks Nest when they hit 30,000 season ticket holders.

They're going to open the Hawks Nest when they hit 30,000 season ticket holders.

Good.

That place is going to be pretty intense.

can I jump on the Sounders bandwagon? Milwaukee doesn't and will never have a team.

Should've too, thats the worst part, the plan for a 25,000 seater next to the Bradely Center from 2001 was great. I wouldn't say never for sure though, there are a few local developers that have been mulling over the idea of one somwhere around the fifth ward, but probably not realistic for some time.

I might be wrong, but i think it was designed with soccer also in mind.


anyways, i wonder if they will do that well the rest of the season, and if that would mean that capacity would be extended

It was. It's field is very flat, specifically to suit soccer. This is because soccer fans were heavily courted by the Seahawks when the city voted.

One question. Is there any other sport than football which uses Qwest Field during non NFL season?

Should've too, thats the worst part, the plan for a 25,000 seater next to the Bradely Center from 2001 was great. I wouldn't say never for sure though, there are a few local developers that have been mulling over the idea of one somwhere around the fifth ward, but probably not realistic for some time.

Yeah, there were so many places it could have been built. The city did nothing to help MLS come to town, even though there was alot of interest.

Amazing stadiums.

One of my favorites. Certainly my favorite stadiums in North America.

^^^^^^ The first two photos you posted are real grass. They laid it down over the turf for a couple matches a little while back, but the Sounders are playing on turf. It looks nice and is better than any other turf I've seen, but there's still a major difference between it and grass. It does not play nearly as well and can make for ugly soccer.

The main problem with playing soccer on turf is that it makes the ball difficult to control (it bounces too much). It is definitely a factor on how the game plays and, like you said, it makes for sloppy soccer.
Natural grass, on the other hand, frequently develops those yellow streaks, which by the way do not affect play at all, but look bad on TV. And as we all know professional sports in America are at the mercy of the TV interests. TV likes bright green playing fields, therefore natural grass comes out & turf goes in.

The main problem with playing soccer on turf is that it makes the ball difficult to control (it bounces too much). It is definitely a factor on how the game plays and, like you said, it makes for sloppy soccer.
Natural grass, on the other hand, frequently develops those yellow streaks, which by the way do not affect play at all, but look bad on TV. And as we all know professional sports in America are at the mercy of the TV interests. TV likes bright green playing fields, therefore natural grass comes out & turf goes in.

That has zero to do with it. They use turf because Seattle experiences a great deal of rain and between soccer, football and the other events they have there, the grass would be torn up and unplayable. TV has nothing to do with the use of turf in the US. Turf is used for a variety of reasons including, 1) you can host other events without tearing up the grass 2) weather 3) cost to maintain 4) indoors 5) football really tears up grass.

TV has nothing to do with any team's choice to go with turf. In fact, many teams have done away with turf since the 70's and 80's when it was everywhere and gone to grass even though the TV money and interests have more control now than they did then. As TV has risen, the number of stadiums with turf has decreased so there goes your theory.

The main problem with playing soccer on turf is that it makes the ball difficult to control (it bounces too much). It is definitely a factor on how the game plays and, like you said, it makes for sloppy soccer.
Natural grass, on the other hand, frequently develops those yellow streaks, which by the way do not affect play at all, but look bad on TV. And as we all know professional sports in America are at the mercy of the TV interests. TV likes bright green playing fields, therefore natural grass comes out & turf goes in.

What a stupid thing to say. I dont tihnk you could be more wrong. Turf because of TV audiences? Go away.

If you want to push some ignorant american viewpoint, at least make it relevant. This is just dumb. I really dont know what else to say.

How a field looks on TV is certainly a factor. Just not a main one.

In addition to the factors ryebreadraz mentioned, the various turf and grass options have different characteristics in:
--construction cost
--contribution to injuries
--lifetime
--availability/cost of replacement pieces when the spares run out

Turf fields are becoming more common in public athletic fields and school fields. My company (a Seattle general contractor) has done our share of these.

What a stupid thing to say. I dont tihnk you could be more wrong. Turf because of TV audiences? Go away.

If you want to push some ignorant american viewpoint, at least make it relevant. This is just dumb. I really dont know what else to say.

You shoulda kept your trap shut from the very start. TV goes as far as to have turf REPAINTED before football games if the shade of green doesn't look good on the screen.

You shoulda kept your trap shut from the very start. TV goes as far as to have turf REPAINTED before football games if the shade of green doesn't look good on the screen.

:lol:

Wow. Just wow.

^^Yeah, go ahead and laugh. How do you think football players get all those green stains on their uniforms? Picking lettuce?

That has zero to do with it. They use turf because Seattle experiences a great deal of rain and between soccer, football and the other events they have there, the grass would be torn up and unplayable. TV has nothing to do with the use of turf in the US. Turf is used for a variety of reasons including, 1) you can host other events without tearing up the grass 2) weather 3) cost to maintain 4) indoors 5) football really tears up grass.

TV has nothing to do with any team's choice to go with turf. In fact, many teams have done away with turf since the 70's and 80's when it was everywhere and gone to grass even though the TV money and interests have more control now than they did then. As TV has risen, the number of stadiums with turf has decreased so there goes your theory.

Evidently you never talked to a football player. They ALL agree that playing on turf is like playing on cement. So Seattle experiences a great deal of rain... Well, so does Northern Europe, and all European stadiums have natural grass. As to the wear and tear caused by football, an NFL team plays 8 home games during the regular season and a couple more if they make it to the playoffs. And you're saying that a natural grass field that is played on an average of 10 times a year cannot be properly mantained? I think you need some fresh air...

Evidently you never talked to a football player. They ALL agree that playing on turf is like playing on cement. So Seattle experiences a great deal of rain... Well, so does Northern Europe, and all European stadiums have natural grass. As to the wear and tear caused by football, an NFL team plays 8 home games during the regular season and a couple more if they make it to the playoffs. And you're saying that a natural grass field that is played on an average of 10 times a year cannot be properly mantained? I think you need some fresh air...

Do you realize how many times during the year a team has to replace the grass between the hashes? Youre saying the wear and tear of a field is similar between football and soccer? Come on.

Do you want to keep spending money on all of that? Probably not. Maybe you dont remember the backlash created by the first game played at Wembley during the rain. Remember how badly the field was torn up after just one game? Football is great during the elements, but come on. Football fields dont hold up that well in the rain. Example: Pittsburgh.

As for the Seahawks playing on turf. Well the players couldnt have hated the turf that much...it was basically installed because the players enjoyed playing on it during the two years they played at Husky Stadium.

^^What matters is how often the field is played on. Obviously if you play either football or soccer every other day on a natural grass surface you're gonna make a mess of it, rain or shine. But football teams play at home every 2 weeks, and they don't even practice in their home stadiums. Consequently the field should have more than enough time to recover. Granted, a turf playing surface is lower-maintenance, is "cleaner" and... and it looks a hell of a lot better on TV.

Evidently you never talked to a football player. They ALL agree that playing on turf is like playing on cement. So Seattle experiences a great deal of rain... Well, so does Northern Europe, and all European stadiums have natural grass. As to the wear and tear caused by football, an NFL team plays 8 home games during the regular season and a couple more if they make it to the playoffs. And you're saying that a natural grass field that is played on an average of 10 times a year cannot be properly mantained? I think you need some fresh air...

You can keep a grass field fine playing 10 games a year, but you better not expect to play soccer or have concerts there during the season. That's not realistic because teams aren't going to turn down all of that money that they get from other events so turf is necessary in some stadiums. The FA caught a lot of flack for the condition of the Wembley turf following the NFL game there. If you've got two weeks to let the grass recover then sure, go ahead with grass, but don't expect anything else to go on at the stadium in the mean time. Take a look at Pittsburgh's turf when they play multiple football games in a weekend and have a concert there.

And players don't think playing on turf is like playing on cement. That was the old astroturf. The new stuff is far better and the Seahawks actually went with turf after their players asked for it following their time at Husky Stadium while Qwest was being built.

football players love the new infill turfs, in many cases more than grass because its consistent.

And football is murder on grass. Even the Texas Longhorns are giving up their grass field. Its a VERY expensive proposition sometimes when it comes to football. And yes, grass is painted all the time. Even the green parts. Yes, its for TV. Its done in the NFL and college football all the time because of the beating it takes. Artificial turf is now died, and graphics are actually sewn in.

Question: Why didn't they close in this side like the opposite side?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3394/3256962593_327381ec97_b.jpg

^^^^ So you could have a view of downtown and because they already had the 67,000 seats that they wanted.

http://www.smartdestinations.com/design/images/seattle/attractions/GoSEA-qwestfieldnorth.jpg

I think they still could have that same view of the sky line with it mirroring the other side.

O well, still one of my favorite stadiums in the world

Why are there only bleachers at hawks nest.

Why are there only bleachers at hawks nest.

The Hawks Nest is a place for the rowdiest of fans. They want to pack as many people as possible in there and they wanted metal bleachers so they could jump up and down, stomp and everything else to make noise on them.

Why even have bleachers? Just make the nest a nice terrace.

has qwest field ever been expanded with those extra 5000 seats, and if so, does anyone have pictures ? where are the extra seats put ? im guessing on each side of the hawk nest ... ?

Why even have bleachers? Just make the nest a nice terrace.

because jumping on metal bleachers is louder then jumping on cement.

People like soccer in Seattle?

People like soccer in Seattle?

They've sold out every game thus far and have showed up in strong numbers for friendlies before they got a MLS team. It's a very good soccer city.

Thanks..., is very interesting like soccer is every time most popular into US

what?

People like soccer in Seattle?

absolutely. They can't get enough of Sounders FC. Good on them.

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v3772/6/92/1005505126/n1005505126_30434238_270905.jpg
heres a picture I took at the SEA-LA game. never seen so many cards in my life!

^^^ Seeing that picture makes me think the Sounders should make blue their primary color, so as to stand out against the grass a little better. Hmmm.

Watching them on television can be a little straining, but blue is a little too common in MLS.

Seattle Sounders are increasing their capacity to 32,000 for the rest of the season.

Seattle Sounders are increasing their capacity to 32,000 for the rest of the season.

what are season tickets at ??

So the hawk's nest will be open every match now??
Or how would th increase take place??

can we please discuss the stadium instead of soccer ? ok im sorry , you can discuss soccer as much as you want , but can somebody please answer my questionfrom earlier :

has qwest field ever been expanded with those extra 5000 seats, and if so, does anyone have pictures ? where are the extra seats put ? im guessing on each side of the hawk nest ... ?

So the hawk's nest will be open every match now??
Or how would th increase take place??

I don't think they're opening the Hawk's Nest. I believe they're adding to the capacity by opening up the seats on the first level they had closed on the south side.

Last I heard they were at roughly 22,000 season tickets.

I don't think they're opening the Hawk's Nest. I believe they're adding to the capacity by opening up the seats on the first level they had closed on the south side.

Last I heard they were at roughly 22,000 season tickets.

that's a damn good number. Highest in the league by far.

Great stadium. I love the arches, and it reminds me of another great stadium in Portugal. ;)


Hopefully the Seahawks won't suck this year. :P Don't wanna waste one of the loudest stadiums in the world.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/115/308410997_bcafaca3a1.jpg?v=0

http://www.bustedcoverage.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/3126854465_5a4bfec7d6.jpg

Some of that world-class fan noise in action:

QVuQ5aw0HAQ

Am I the only one who hates when American/Canadian soccer fans throw shit on the field? Like Wilbon said on PTI, its bush-league.

Its Soccer American style!!! Why do we have to do soccer the classy way like Europe or the "O my god those people are retarded and drunk and killing each other in the stands" way like South of the USA?

GAAAAAH!!!! ENOUGH SOCCER IN THIS THREAD !!!!! its about the STADIUM!!! ...

still no pictures of qwest field in 75 000 mode ?

^^ Yeah I was wondering the same... about the 75,000 capacity.

Am I the only one who hates when American/Canadian soccer fans throw shit on the field? Like Wilbon said on PTI, its bush-league.

Now that's one of the most hypocritical things I've seen in a while. How about the Mexican fans that marred nearly every Gold Cup game pelting opposition benches and corner takers with hard debris. Their game against Panama got delayed a full 15 minutes. Toronto fans toss harmless streamers

Now that's one of the most hypocritical things I've seen in a while. How about the Mexican fans that marred nearly every Gold Cup game pelting opposition benches and corner takers with hard debris. Their game against Panama got delayed a full 15 minutes. Toronto fans toss harmless streamers

well spoken. What you guys did to Blanco was hillarious!

Seattle vs Chelsea

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/46082000/jpg/_46082913_terry_getty766.jpg

<object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wj2t8Xq6UZk&hl=en&fs=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wj2t8Xq6UZk&hl=en&fs=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object>




what am I doing wrong here?
You just take the wj2t8Xq6UZk part of the address and stick it in between [ youtube ] and [ /youtube ] (I've widened the brackets by one space each way so that you can see it) and then you get
wj2t8Xq6UZk

Why do we have to do soccer the classy way like Europe

There won't be anything classy about the Gillingham vs Swindon game I'm going to in a week or so! :lol: Kick-off has already been put forward to 12:30.

I gotta admit, Qwest doesn't look too bad with a soccer field. As one poster mentioned its a shame that such a great stadium gets very little use outside the Seahawks' and Sounders' games.

There won't be anything classy about the Gillingham vs Swindon game I'm going to in a week or so! :lol: Kick-off has already been put forward to 12:30.

I don't know, Gillingham vs Swindon just has oozes class! I'm going as well!

I do really love this stadium to remain on topic, one thing i've always wondered was whether if necessary, could/would Qwest field be rounded off into a complete bowl? Or was it built solely to remain in that mode.

I don't know, Gillingham vs Swindon just has oozes class! I'm going as well!

I do really love this stadium to remain on topic, one thing i've always wondered was whether if necessary, could/would Qwest field be rounded off into a complete bowl? Or was it built solely to remain in that mode.

Yes, it was! A bowl would kill the view and acoustics of the stadium. ;) it is one of the loudest stadiums in the world, afterall.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/115/308410997_bcafaca3a1.jpg?v=0



That looks like football weather to me, now if they didn't have that roof all the fans could be part of the expierence.

Go the Seahawks!!!

This is proberly the wrong place to ask but is there a thread somewhere for the next NFL season? I can't find one

You just take the wj2t8Xq6UZk part of the address and stick it in between [ youtube ] and [ /youtube ] (I've widened the brackets by one space each way so that you can see it) and then you get
wj2t8Xq6UZk

Thanx. Feel like an idiot for that.

I don't know, Gillingham vs Swindon just has oozes class! I'm going as well!

Probably in different ends though! A friend of mine is a Swindon Town fan so when I'm not watching hockey I often go to away games with him. First time experiencing this rivalry but there will be passion that's for sure (I'd hope there isn't too much class :D).

Is the soccer pitch used 105x68m?

Is the soccer pitch used 105x68m?

I've been told so, but I don't know for sure.

GOD F***ING D*MN IT !!!!!!! THIS THREAD IS NOT ABOUT SOCCER ITS ABOUT THE STADIUM !!!! argh , my favourite stadium in the world, and instead of answering questions about the stadium ( like the one about 75 000 expansion ) or discussing the stadium there has been like 4 pages with nothing but soccer , i mean all the sounders talk / pictures slightly pisses me of since im a seahawk fan , but that is relevant to the stadium so i can live with that... but the soccer talk has gone way out of hand!!!! I mean you think someone has written something interesting about your favourite stadium, and its some " who has the best fans of gillingham and swindon " or some other soccer bullsh**t !!!

i have nothing against soccer, its my second favourite sport next to football, but this thread is about QWEST FIELD !!!!! there is probably soccer thread if you want to discuss soccer..

sercan can you please give warnings or something if they keep spamming this thread with soccer talk ? i mean i wouldnt' start a discussion about which baseball team has the best fans in the Old Trafford thread....

GOD F***ING D*MN IT !!!!!!! THIS THREAD IS NOT ABOUT SOCCER ITS ABOUT THE STADIUM !!!! argh , my favourite stadium in the world, and instead of answering questions about the stadium ( like the one about 75 000 expansion ) or discussing the stadium there has been like 4 pages with nothing but soccer , i mean all the sounders talk / pictures slightly pisses me of since im a seahawk fan , but that is relevant to the stadium so i can live with that... but the soccer talk has gone way out of hand!!!! I mean you think someone has written something interesting about your favourite stadium, and its some " who has the best fans of gillingham and swindon " or some other soccer bullsh**t !!!

i have nothing against soccer, its my second favourite sport next to football, but this thread is about QWEST FIELD !!!!! there is probably soccer thread if you want to discuss soccer..

sercan can you please give warnings or something if they keep spamming this thread with soccer talk ? i mean i wouldnt' start a discussion about which baseball team has the best fans in the Old Trafford thread....

Wow get off your high horse. This is about any events that take place in the stadium.. if theres a soccer game, then we will discuss it. Tough shit.

GOD F***ING D*MN IT !!!!!!! THIS THREAD IS NOT ABOUT SOCCER ITS ABOUT THE STADIUM !!!! argh , my favourite stadium in the world, and instead of answering questions about the stadium ( like the one about 75 000 expansion ) or discussing the stadium there has been like 4 pages with nothing but soccer , i mean all the sounders talk / pictures slightly pisses me of since im a seahawk fan , but that is relevant to the stadium so i can live with that... but the soccer talk has gone way out of hand!!!! I mean you think someone has written something interesting about your favourite stadium, and its some " who has the best fans of gillingham and swindon " or some other soccer bullsh**t !!!

i have nothing against soccer, its my second favourite sport next to football, but this thread is about QWEST FIELD !!!!! there is probably soccer thread if you want to discuss soccer..

sercan can you please give warnings or something if they keep spamming this thread with soccer talk ? i mean i wouldnt' start a discussion about which baseball team has the best fans in the Old Trafford thread....

Seattle finds formula for soccer success (http://www.mercurynews.com/sports/ci_12971495?nclick_check=1)

"On game days, thousands of Seattle Sounders FC fans congregate downtown wearing team scarves before parading to Qwest Field with a 53-member marching band in tow.

Ten years after Major League Soccer officials promised the Emerald City a franchise, the Sounders have given the sport hope in its debut season while turning conventional wisdom on its head. Soccer might never fully resonate with Americans, but in the Pacific Northwest the Sounders have created a groundswell of support that defies logic."



"the Sounders have succeeded because of solid ownership, a close relationship with the Seattle Seahawks and Qwest Field and perhaps a bit of serendipity."

Wow get off your high horse. This is about any events that take place in the stadium.. if theres a soccer game, then we will discuss it. Tough shit.


okay i overreacted, i appologse for that. yes its fine to discuss the sounders and soccer games concerning qwest field in this thread, it was just all the talk about swindon and canadian soccer fans that made me snap. again sorry.

still , try to stick to the stadium please

i'm surprinsingly pleased viewing such enthusiasm in seattles's fan after the match Vs chelsea ! it's likely in Europe :)
Congratulations for the stadium and the club!

Which the level of seattle in MLS? Do the MLS raise enough people in different stadiums? could you tell me more about situation of soccer now in Us? thanx

Now that's one of the most hypocritical things I've seen in a while. How about the Mexican fans that marred nearly every Gold Cup game pelting opposition benches and corner takers with hard debris. Their game against Panama got delayed a full 15 minutes. Toronto fans toss harmless streamers

not really THAT hypocritical, considering I am American. I expect Mexicans and other Latin Americans to do this sort of stuff---not Americans or Canadians. It's not in our character to do that kind of stuff for the most part.

Just wait till Philadelphia gets their team. People that don't even like soccer are going to go to games just because they have the freedom to toss garbage on the field at players.

Just wait till Philadelphia gets their team. People that don't even like soccer are going to go to games just because they have the freedom to toss garbage on the field at players.


yay!

That looks like football weather to me, now if they didn't have that roof all the fans could be part of the expierence.

what... the players who are keeping warm by playing the sport (i say players i mean the players from the team within the team who happens to be on the field at the moment) and the fans aren't as they are in the stands semi inanimate.

Your just as bad as my fellow Europeans who moan about the lack of roofs, who cares each style has it's merits and a blend creates diversity...

not really THAT hypocritical, considering I am American. I expect Mexicans and other Latin Americans to do this sort of stuff---not Americans or Canadians. It's not in our character to do that kind of stuff for the most part.

Just wait till Philadelphia gets their team. People that don't even like soccer are going to go to games just because they have the freedom to toss garbage on the field at players.

WTF great attitude. A glossy "loud" atmosphere maybe yours and wilbons cup of coffee but it doesn't suit all people, for some they want to express their support for a team in a different way and create an intimidating atmosphere and many cases show the opposition really what they think of them.

No doubt if it had any press Luis Figo's return to the nou camp would have been called "bush league" afterall he got pelted with mobile phones, bottles of urine (and allegedly) a pigs head everytime he went near the touchline, personally i think he got what he deserved for his money chasing disloyalty.

People may pelt players because they can, but that's a good thing it shows that in the places where it's still tolerated football hasn't become sanitised and the players aren't above contempt. I mean Barca have now banned the ultras and the atmosphere at the nou camp is a joke.

Diehard support for a team is one thing, acting like a complete jackass in the name of "team loyalty" is another.

WTF great attitude. A glossy "loud" atmosphere maybe yours and wilbons cup of coffee but it doesn't suit all people, for some they want to express their support for a team in a different way and create an intimidating atmosphere and many cases show the opposition really what they think of them.

No doubt if it had any press Luis Figo's return to the nou camp would have been called "bush league" afterall he got pelted with mobile phones, bottles of urine (and allegedly) a pigs head everytime he went near the touchline, personally i think he got what he deserved for his money chasing disloyalty.

People may pelt players because they can, but that's a good thing it shows that in the places where it's still tolerated football hasn't become sanitised and the players aren't above contempt. I mean Barca have now banned the ultras and the atmosphere at the nou camp is a joke.

I'm sorry, but its bush-league. Amateur, childish, and not becoming of a professional league. If my team was handicapped on corners because a bunch of shit was hitting my player, I would quickly look upon the league as turning into professional wrestling or cage fighting of the past. I don't care what they do in the stands (singing/chanting, berating/swearing at players, signs/banners/flags), but it becomes a joke when you have obstacles and flares on the pitch. It's even more embarassing when they throw bodily fluids on the field and especially towards other fans in the crowd. Mexican National Team fans are notorious for pulling that stuff.

The people that do that sort of stuff (not the streamers, but the more disgusting stuff) aren't fans of the sport ---they are assholes who deserve a beat down. There are plenty of players I hate in baseball or basketball, but I wouldn't dream of hitting them in the face with shit---like I was an ape.

this is what you would love to see at every game (1:40 mark)

eeLDnPu-wRw&feature=browch

I'm sorry, but its bush-league. Amateur, childish, and not becoming of a professional league. If my team was handicapped on corners because a bunch of shit was hitting my player, I would quickly look upon the league as turning into professional wrestling or cage fighting of the past. I don't care what they do in the stands (singing/chanting, berating/swearing at players, signs/banners/flags), but it becomes a joke when you have obstacles and flares on the pitch. It's even more embarassing when they throw bodily fluids on the field and especially towards other fans in the crowd. Mexican National Team fans are notorious for pulling that stuff.

That's your opinion, if I wanted to i could reel off a list of things in american sports culture which are retarded but because I understand people are different I don't criticise based upon what my own standards are.

The people that do that sort of stuff (not the streamers, but the more disgusting stuff) aren't fans of the sport ---they are assholes who deserve a beat down. There are plenty of players I hate in baseball or basketball,

They are fans of the sport and arseholes they aren't mutually exclusive you know... But personally if they think it's fair and rational to throw urine at someone who am i to judge, i don't live in their culture.

It's stupid and disgusting, but (so is the attidude of cristiano ronaldo) these people honestly believe they are helping their team and are showing loyalty, it's complex.

but I wouldn't dream of hitting them in the face with shit---like I was an ape.

i'd leave the racial slurs right there...

this is what you would love to see at every game (1:40 mark)

eeLDnPu-wRw&feature=browch

that ron artest thing is old, you don't need to educate me you know. I was in halls at university over here with a girl from indiana she showed everyone at the time.

The facts are most professional sportsmen are overpaid mercenary dickheads who other than the skills (or lack of) they show don't deserve any respect and i sure as hell won't give them any.

Of course I wouldn't neccessarily hit one, but if i was drunk and angry who knows, shit happens, although i'm fairly certain i could show restraint. The fact is some people can't especially when in a group.

But of course that's not what i want to see every game, the facts are I won't do it, but if it happens so be it, as long as these players aren't being seriously harmed then who cares.

That's your opinion, if I wanted to i could reel off a list of things in american sports culture which are retarded but because I understand people are different I don't criticise based upon what my own standards are.

Go ahead and reel them off. But throwing garbage and bodily fluids is looked down upon in every sporting event in this country, with maybe the exception of underground fighting/wrestling.



They are fans of the sport and arseholes they aren't mutually exclusive you know... But personally if they think it's fair and rational to throw urine at someone who am i to judge, i don't live in their culture.

There isn't a single culture on this earth that would accept this as normal behavior in any other situation. Why only at a sporting event?



'd leave the racial slurs right there...

ahem......what? Its a racial slur to use the word ape when comparing rowdy fans who throw bodily fluids at humans---ie. chimps?



that ron artest thing is old, you don't need to educate me you know. I was in halls at university over here with a girl from indiana she showed everyone at the time.

The facts are most professional sportsmen are overpaid mercenary dickheads who other than the skills (or lack of) they show don't deserve any respect and i sure as hell won't give them any.

Of course I wouldn't neccessarily hit one, but if i was drunk and angry who knows, shit happens, although i'm fairly certain i could show restraint. The fact is some people can't especially when in a group.

But of course that's not what i want to see every game, the facts are I won't do it, but if it happens so be it, as long as these players aren't being seriously harmed then who cares.

Of course they are overpaid, but that doesn't mean they deserve to be treated like that. And for what? A game where you kick a ball around?

oh man the last couple posts are very interesting. I even drank a beer for that... but can you guys stay a little-ish on topic? Good points by the way, even though you guys will never agree with eachother.

guys ist about the stadium

guys ist about the stadium

EXACTLY THANK YOU !!!!! :D

oh man the last couple posts are very interesting. I even drank a beer for that... but can you guys stay a little-ish on topic? Good points by the way, even though you guys will never agree with eachother.

thank you! :cheers:

I do have to make a point about this section though. I wish we were allowed to discuss sports along with the stadium itself. There is only so much that can be said about the architecture/design of a stadium before branching onto the fans, traditions, the team itself, and that sort of stuff.

My first post!

I like the stadium overall.
The overhangs are awesome.
Couple of minor complaints...
People seem to dislike the North end but
I think the South end looks weird with the open cutout. Looks unfinished.
Would of looked nicer if somehow the designers put a
nice curve to it. Kinda like Arrowhead Stadium
The mounting for the overhang on the South end where the seats are
looks odd.
Lastly, the scoreboard on the North end looks like it was done for
the concept to be carried out. Long vertical screens doesnt look modern.
I know it fits this particular concept though...

Still a nice stadium.

i'm surprinsingly pleased viewing such enthusiasm in seattles's fan after the match Vs chelsea ! it's likely in Europe :)
Congratulations for the stadium and the club!

Which the level of seattle in MLS? Do the MLS raise enough people in different stadiums? could you tell me more about situation of soccer now in Us? thanx

please answer :)

please answer :)

Well, I'll try

In the MLS there is only 1 level and Seattle is in it.

As for attendence, the mls is growing failry well, i don't know the exact numbers though.

As for the situation of soccer as a whole, it is still more popular at the amatur and youth levels (i.e.- YMCA programs), but the interest in MLS is growing.

If you want more info try this thread http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=647092&page=78

or this http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=136

----
as for qwest field, it is one of my favorite venues. I especially like the breathtaking backdrop of downtown seattle.

In the MLS there is only 1 level and Seattle is in it.
Red Bull could join them when their new stadium opens.

Yesterday's match Seattle Sounders vs. FC Barcelona:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3483/3795971394_0c1cfeaea9_o.jpg

Barcelona crushed Seattle... I guess it couldve been worse considering that Seattle is the world's youngest professional soccer team.... and Barcelona is a beast of the sport.

I watched a bit of the game and it was pretty cool seeing that place filled with Sounder fans. I like what Seattle is bringing to the league and soccer in the U.S. Hopefully this isn't some one year peak that dies out. Adding in Portland and Vancouver (cities with little sports competition) to the mix will hopefully make sure that it doesn't.

I already said that I was jumping on the Sounders bandwagon until Milwaukee gets a team. :lol: The Mariners are my A.L. favorites.

That's a lot of Green in the stadium, not Barca colors.

Barcelona crushed Seattle... I guess it couldve been worse considering that Seattle is the world's youngest professional soccer team.... and Barcelona is a beast of the sport.
Messi is simply unstoppable, there is nothing else to it.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3483/3795971394_0c1cfeaea9_o.jpg
whats the height of the stands?

Messi is simply unstoppable, there is nothing else to it.

Yeah true.


Anywho the Seahawks have a decent home schedule this season, so maybe Qwest can attempt some record setting loudness. :)

i think capacity is actually 68 000 something.... atleast the seahawks average slightly above 68 000 ...

does anybody know how they will paint the endzones this season ? i hated the way they painted them last year , with just blue seahawks in them... I think every NFL team should have their endzones completley painted in the team colour , not just painting letters and leave the rest turf coloured...

please paint the endzones like we used to have them , when they were all blue with white seahawks letters !!! and not like last year , that will just remind us of that horrible season ...

Yeah anything that keeps the last season out of memory is a good move. lol

From flickr

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2590/3983295794_69951b65bf_o.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/surrealize/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2241/1963115579_f1d1d643ec_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/12163087@N04/

nvm

What was the final attendance total for the Sounders this past season?

What was the final attendance total for the Sounders this past season?

499,262 for an average of 31,203.

[QUOTE=Phriggin' Ogre;50463647]From flickr

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2590/3983295794_69951b65bf_o.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/surrealize/







that picture is just breathtaking

499,262 for an average of 31,203.

Wow. That's incredible. How are season ticket sales looking for next season?

Wow. That's incredible. How are season ticket sales looking for next season?

Not sure about season ticket sales specifically, but they're opening more of the stadium so it must be going well.

499,262 for an average of 31,203.

Is that including the USOC games as well?

Does any other stadium use the sound enhancing material that is uses on Qwest Field?

Does any other stadium use the sound enhancing material that is uses on Qwest Field?

I don't believe so. It also has to do with the design of the 2 coverings along the sidelines.

Is that including the USOC games as well?

Doubtful. Those are just the numbers that I pulled off ESPN.com, but it was under MLS statistics so I'm assuming that just MLS matches are included.

They averaged 4,700 in the Open Cup, which is about what Starfire holds.

Qwest field got a blue roof:

(Edit: boo lack of imbeding, link to story instead)
http://www.king5.com/sports/Qwest-Field-roof-gets-new-color-98538114.html

Liked it better white, but not a huge difference to the average person walking down the street.

Qwest field got a blue roof:

(Edit: boo lack of imbeding, link to story instead)
http://www.king5.com/sports/Qwest-Field-roof-gets-new-color-98538114.html

Interesting, I was up there for a wedding last month and the roof looked really dirty and ugly. I thought maybe it was just from the incessant drizzle up there, but I suppose maybe they were just prepping it.

Interesting, I was up there for a wedding last month and the roof looked really dirty and ugly. I thought maybe it was just from the incessant drizzle up there, but I suppose maybe they were just prepping it.

Mmmm... nah, it was the drizzle. I think they painted it blue for the same reason I bought a black car: It can be filthy but still look good.

Google just recently updated their sattelite photos of Seattle, so you can see the old dingy white roof:
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=&q=qwest+field,+seattle,+wa&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Qwest+Field,+Seattle,+King,+Washington+98104&gl=us&ei=3lFBTKPVJoqmsQPwm6z4DA&ved=0CB4Q8gEwAA&ll=47.595174,-122.331326&spn=0.002648,0.006968&t=h&z=18

Haha I wouldn't even call that white. Grayish white I guess.

former Seattle Mariner Ken Griffey Jr. at Qwest Field January 3, 2010

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABPub/2010/06/02/2012016702.jpg

Dean Rutz, Seattle Times

don't know if this has already been posted.............


-daAM954xf0&feature=related

Seattle Sounders FC vs Chelsea FC 18 July 2009, attendace 65, 289

YzBFU-TIii4

s4BbpHCS6o0

Seattle Sounders FC vs FC Barcelona 05 August 2009, attendance 66, 848

ajr9vZ3K0sE

What was the final attendance total for the Sounders this past season?
Top 50 in the world

http://www.prostamerika.com/2009/10/25/sounders-enter-worlds-top-50-14621/

Top 50 in the world

http://www.prostamerika.com/2009/10/25/sounders-enter-worlds-top-50-14621/
That is a very old link. The 2010 average was 36,173, found here:

http://mls.theoffside.com/attendance/and-the-results-of-mlss-2010-attendance-stats-are.html

I know that was for 2009, but Sounders were in the Top 50 in the world!

I know that was for 2009, but Sounders were in the Top 50 in the world!
Unfortunately I could not find the complete list, or a list for 2010. That info would be interesting.

My family got a thing in the mail, saying that Qwest is changing their name to CenturyLink. Any word if or when they will change the name of the stadium?

^^Wikipedia mentions the probable name change as well.

http://www.king5.com/news/local/Qwest-Field-to-get-new-name-with-corporate-takeover-report-says-118594049.html

Qwest was acquired by Century Link, so the naming rights of the stadium is now CenturyLink Field.

How is Sounders attendance doing this year?

How is Sounders attendance doing this year?

I believe they're averaging over 36,000. There was an article about the rivalries between the MLS clubs in Vancouver, Seattle and Portland in a recent issue of Sports Illustrated.

How is Sounders attendance doing this year?

Current average is 37,264. They opened the entire upper deck for a match against the Redbulls (part of a package deal with the game against ManU) and had about 41,000 people.

Speaking of ManU, their travel roster was announced today, and it seems they're actually brining some big name people for once: http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/07/08/rooney-ferdinand-confirmed-manchester-united-trip-new-england

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt74/MatchFitUSA/MLS%20Cup%20Seattle/QwestFieldAerial.jpg


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/185/374083591_a0b83c2543_z.jpg


http://www.elpais.com/recorte/20100926elpneglse_1/XXLCO/Ies/Estadio_Qwest_Field.jpg




if you want to see more stadia pictures , Please visit below URL.


http://cafe.daum.net/stade/Seattle (http://cafe.daum.net/stade/5BIE/63)



http://traveldk.com/dkimages/0-seattle_master.jpg

this is my favorite stadium of the MLS

Thread title should be updated. Now called Century Link Field.

Also, anyone have any up to date pictures? They've since painted the roof blue, and after Qwest got bought out, they painted the Century Link logo on each of the roof sections. I've been calling it the Clink recently, but I know people still refer to it as Seahawks Stadium.

you can look for new pics on flirk page

I'm glad they changed the name. Qwest is incredibly tough to type quickly.

I'm glad they changed the name. Qwest is incredibly tough to type quickly.

LOL. They should have named it Qwerty Stadium.

XBOX IS THE OWNER OF THIS STADIUM?'

XBOX IS THE OWNER OF THIS STADIUM?'

What? No...

Stadium is public owned, but operated by a company owned by Paul Allen.

Paul Allen is one of the founding members of Microsoft. He also owns most of the 2 teams that play there (Sounders and Seahawks). To make a little more advertizing revenue for the Sounders, they sold naming rights for the field to Microsoft for sounders games. Instead of calling it Microsoft field, they decided to use the opportunity to advertize their gaming system, the X-Box.

64,000 in attendance for the last regular season home game at Century Link (Keller's last game would have helped). I would love to know all the ingredients that have made the Sounders so successful. What works in this city that doesn't work elsewhere? I know a couple of factors like the history of the Sounders, the cosmopolitan nature of the city, the marketing towards affluent adolescents and so on... but is there any more to it than that? Sounders are a microcosm of the potential future of the MLS.

http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/San+Jose+Earthquakes+v+Seattle+Sounders+FC+nSNxHfJxYSXl.jpg

http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/San+Jose+Earthquakes+v+Seattle+Sounders+FC+QG9hAOEYQg-l.jpg

http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/San+Jose+Earthquakes+v+Seattle+Sounders+FC+V1Kfengzqu_l.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6068/6103863987_5762deeaee_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/8379824@N07/6103863987/)
CenturyLink Field (http://www.flickr.com/photos/8379824@N07/6103863987/) by beanhead4529 (http://www.flickr.com/people/8379824@N07/), on Flickr


http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6103865137_9eb0d87bc5_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/8379824@N07/6103865137/)
CenturyLink Field II (http://www.flickr.com/photos/8379824@N07/6103865137/) by beanhead4529 (http://www.flickr.com/people/8379824@N07/), on Flickr

nice!!! i love it

64,000 in attendance for the last regular season home game at Century Link (Keller's last game would have helped). I would love to know all the ingredients that have made the Sounders so successful. What works in this city that doesn't work elsewhere? I know a couple of factors like the history of the Sounders, the cosmopolitan nature of the city, the marketing towards affluent adolescents and so on... but is there any more to it than that? Sounders are a microcosm of the potential future of the MLS.

Seattle, Portland (sold out every game) and Vancouver (3rd best attendance in MLS) can't really be repeated anytime soon simply because the Pacific Northwest likes soccer with no excuses. It's not looked down upon like in other cities. Having the Sounders, Timbers and Whitecaps operating on and off for the past 35 years doesn't hurt either.

http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/San+Jose+Earthquakes+v+Seattle+Sounders+FC+nSNxHfJxYSXl.jpg

http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/San+Jose+Earthquakes+v+Seattle+Sounders+FC+QG9hAOEYQg-l.jpg

http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/San+Jose+Earthquakes+v+Seattle+Sounders+FC+V1Kfengzqu_l.jpg

Just wow.

Could we realistically get to the point one day where the Sounders draw 67, 000 every game?? I wonder. 10 years? 20 years?

Could we realistically get to the point one day where the Sounders draw 67, 000 every game?? I wonder. 10 years? 20 years?

In 20 years I think that's not only possible, but probable. Anything that sounds crazy now only requires a comparison between 2011 and 2001. The MLS is unrecognizable for the most part.

The Sounders already draw more people than the Seahawks (535,000 vs 654,000), but thats with an extra 9 games, and they only just beat it by 120,000 over all. So its a bit misleading, and tickets are cheaper as well I imagine, but its a small indicator of soccers growth. Considering the league is nowhere near fulfilling its potential, 60k+ at Century Link average in 10-20 years time almost seems more logical than ridiculous.

It seems that there are more than 67,000 seats!!

It seems that there are more than 67,000 seats!!

You could Count them ? :lol:

But I know what you mean its like soldier field in chicago has 61,000 and the smallest stadium in the nfl but the size of the stadium looks more like a 75,000.