Fans encouraged to plan ahead due to road closures for Saturday's match
RENTON, Wash. - The Sounders FC announced today all the game day activities in honor of Armed Forces Day during the Sounders versus FC Dallas match on May 18. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and gates open at 6 p.m.
In addition, fans are encouraged to plan ahead in light of the complete closure of SR 99 between Valley Street and the south end of the Battery Street Tunnel. There are plenty of transportation options for fans to access CenturyLink Field by visiting the team's transportation guide at //www.soundersfc.com/matchday/transportation/guide.
Service members from the Washington Army National Guard will participate in a re-enlistment ceremony on the field during pregame warm-ups. Service members from all five branches will participate in pregame ceremonies, including 20 youth from Joint Base Lewis MCchord whose parents are currently deployed.
A military wreath will be displayed in the North Plaza along with performances by the Kentwood High School Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps. The 20 person team was recently recognized during the Northwest Drill & Rifle Conference and Armed Drill Championships.
The local Puget Sound branch of the United Service Organizations (USO) will have a booth in the West Plaza, The USOis a nonprofit organization that provides programs, services and live entertainment to United States troops and their families. Since 1941, it has worked in partnership with the Department of Defense (DOD), relying heavily on private contributions and on funds, goods, and services from various corporate and individual donors. The USO operates 160 centers worldwide.