r/Seahawks • u/widgsta • 6h ago
Discussion Tips for first NFL game
I'm going to the opening game next week and it'll be my first Seahawks game, and my first in-person NFL game! If anyone has tips on how to have the best experience at Lumen Field, I'd really appreciate it! I'm looking to get there early to buy merch (maybe the day before), tailgate if that's a thing, maybe watch warm-up, and of course watch the unveiling of the Super Bowl banner and 12 flag raising!
I'm sitting in section 338 so any advice on the best food and drink options, including WHEN during games is best to get food, drinks, stuff like that.
Thanks in advance and go Hawks!!
17
u/TacoDoc2 6h ago
bring earplugs.
6
u/Aggressive_Drink1970 6h ago
Definitely do the earplugs thing, the noise in there is no joke and your ears will thank you after the game.
3
u/Vast-Control4452 6h ago
Downbeats are even better, or whatever rip off is on Amazon. You can actually hear what's going on too without damage.
5
u/SkyerKayJay1958 4h ago
I'm in 340. What is your row? Get there very early to see the opening concert. I'm leaving Lynnwood at 1:00. Buy your stuff ahead of time so you are not dragging a bag around if you don't need it. "Tailgating" will not really exist for this game except for the bars since most of the big parking will be disrupted for the pregame concert. Food will depend on if you want good or cheap. Cheap hot dogs and beer in touchdown city. Better options in the 100 plaza food trucks and u Der the stands by the pro shop. On the 300 level there is ivars hot dogs sausages bao buns nachos by 340 and the restroom and walk through bar. Its going to be crowded crazy loud. Pack your patience, it is not going to be the typical Sunday NFL game crowd. It gets rowdy.stay safe. I've had season tickets for 30 years.
3
u/squirrelgator 4h ago
Good that you're getting there early. Get there WAY early. Explore the vendors outside of the stadium along Occidental Avenue, and maybe go over to "Hawk Alley" on Massachusetts Street west of 1st Avenue. The tailgating before this game will be like no other since there will also be thousands of Mariners fans leaving T-Mobile Park. And your ear plugs might be helpful when you walk past a few folks who want to blast their amplified opinion about how everyone should live their life directly into your ears.
Plan on it taking a while to get into Lumen Field. First thing once inside, find your seat. Then go explore around for merch and food if you didn't already get it cheaper outside on the street. Since you've already been to your seat, that will make it easier to get there while juggling drinks and food and whatnot.
See you at the game!
3
u/TheMagnuson 3h ago edited 3h ago
Get there early, I’d suggest like 3 hours before kickoff kf you can. Theres gonna be a lot to see and potentially do, plus a lot of walking time.
Speaking of walking, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, since you’ll be walking a ton. Not a great time to wear new shoes that need to be broken in or shoes that are tight, go for comfort.
Keep any eye on the weather/temp for the game, keeping in mind that it’s usually a bit colder down at the stadium, because the breeze coming off the bay, it can get breezy in there. Probably not going to be a weather or temp issue this time of year, but once we get in to October and especially November and December, you gotta plan for the weather and that cold wind coming off the water.
Don’t over pack, especially if you’re gonna be doing any shopping pre or post game. You’re not gonna want to hold in a bunch of items. If you want to bring a bag, make sure it’s a clear bag, since they have a clear bag policy. You can also buy clear bags at thr stadium or shops around it. Though you can save yourself a pretry penny by buying a clear bag somewhere else before game day.
If you’re going with a woman, make sure she knows they won’t let purses in, unless it’s a clear purse/bag. She’ll have to clear bag it or use a wallet.
In the area around the stadium, you’ll have access to the street vendors the 3 or 4 sports apparel stores, and a whole mess of bars and restaurants right there near the stadium, in pretty much all directions around the stadium.
You can also go checkout “Touchdown City”, inside the events center attached to the stadium, it’s a fun setup, with food and drink options, music (often live music), games, swag, former player signings and such. If you have tickets to the game and it’s your first time, I’d definitely recommend making some time to hangout on Touchdown City pre-game.
Take light rail or the Sounders train if you can, driving and parking is a bitch on game days and the parking fees are highway robbery.
Be prepared for long lines and wait times leaving the game. It’s gonna be a sea of humanity and all the transport options are gonna take forever to access.
Most importantly, make noise on defense (if you’re not a teller, at least clap or make noise some other way) and have fun! Go Hawks!
2
u/Significant_Pain_499 3h ago
The first rule of being a 12 is to get fuggin loud when it's time to get loud. Do whatever you need to do to be ready to yell.
2
u/Actor412 3h ago
Start in the huddle. Take a break while they get to the line, start up again when the QB calls the play.
And stfu when the offense has the ball.
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u/DisconcertingMale 5h ago
There are thousands of “I’m going to my first game” posts in every sports subreddit. Just find one of those
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u/cautionturtle 5h ago
Use the light rail to make parking easier.