SEATTLE, WASH. – Seattle Sounders FC today announced further details concerning the route and timing for its MLS Cup Champions March and Rally. The event celebrates the team’s historic MLS Cup victory, which was secured on Saturday night in a penalty-kick shootout over Toronto FC and is set to take place on Tuesday, December 13 throughout downtown Seattle.
The march portion of the event kicks off at 11:00 a.m. PT at Westlake Park on Fourth Avenue and Pine Street. The championship Sounders FC players and coaches are then set to travel via Emerald City Trolleys north along Fourth Avenue, turning right on Cedar Street to continue north on Fifth Avenue before heading west at Thomas Street and onto Seattle Center grounds.
Sounders FC Supporters' Groups and Alliance Council are set to lead the procession of player and coach trolleys, which are then followed by representatives from Sounders FC’s Academy teams. The Sound Wave Band brings up the rear of the march and, as the band passes, fans lined along the road are encouraged to file in behind and march along to the rally grounds at Seattle Center. Fans may also choose to proceed directly to Seattle Center for the team rally.
The rally portion of the event is scheduled for 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. PT on the Fisher Lawn and fountain mall at Seattle Center. This location holds special meaning for Sounders FC, as the team hearkens back to its original NASL roots by rallying with fans in celebration of its first MLS Cup Championship at the foot of the Space Needle, where the club began playing its games at Memorial Stadium in 1974.
At the rally, Sounders FC play-by-play voice Matt Johnson serves as emcee of the celebration and Mayor Ed Murray, King County Executive Dow Constantine and Congressman Jim McDermott are set to be in attendance to briefly address Sounders FC’s accomplishment as it applies to both the City of Seattle and the State of Washington.
Sounders FC players and coaches are scheduled to be introduced and present the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy to the city and region that have supported the club since its inception.
Those planning daily travel in the areas affected by march and rally plans should be aware of scheduled road closures and take advantage of alternate routes as necessary. A full list of road closures and times is scheduled to be available later this afternoon.
SOUNDERS FC MLS CUP CHAMPIONS MARCH AND RALLY
- WHAT: Sounders FC MLS Cup Champions March and Rally – celebrating Seattle Sounders FC’s historic 2016 MLS Cup title
- WHEN: Tuesday, December 13 – March set to begin at 11:00 a.m. PT from Westlake Park and Rally planned for 12:30 p.m. PT kickoff at Seattle Center
- WHERE: March procession begins at Westlake Park from Fourth Avenue and Pine and turns right down Cedar Street, continues north on Fifth Avenue before proceeding west at Thomas Street past the Museum of Pop Culture and onto Seattle Center grounds. Rally is being held on the Fisher Lawn and fountain Mall at Seattle Center, in the shadow of the Space Needle