Seattle Sounders FC today announced the host of exciting matchday activities fans can expect at this Saturday’s 2024 home opener, courtesy of Season Presenting Sponsor and Matchday Sponsor Toyota, as the Rave Green take to the Emerald Queen Casino Pitch at Lumen Field for the first time this season hosting Austin FC (7:30 p.m. PT / Apple TV, 93.3 KJR FM, El Rey 1360 AM).
The 2024 season marks Sounders FC’s 50th anniversary and the club has extensive and varied celebrations planned throughout the year to give fans the opportunity to celebrate the rich history of Sounders soccer while setting the stage for success in the next 50 years to come. The festivities start Saturday and fans should plan to arrive and be in seats early to enjoy the special anniversary-themed opening ceremony that starts promptly at 7:20 p.m. PT.
As a special offering on Saturday, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. PT in the Olympic Hall (formerly Northwest Concourse), fans can meet Sounders legend Ozzie Alonso. Having officially announced his retirement from professional soccer in January following 15 years of domination in MLS, the fiery midfielder – beloved by fans and feared by opponents – earlier this week signed a one-day contract with Sounders FC to retire as a Sounder. Alonso’s availability is limited due to on-field obligations and fans wishing to receive an autograph and meet the former team captain should adhere to the aforementioned timing.
Gates open at 6:00 p.m. PT. Those looking to take part in the Emerald City Supporters’ official March to Match should gather in Occidental Square Park, with the march departing at 6:30 p.m. PT on its way to the stadium.
2024 Home Opener Tickets
We are taking on Austin FC in our first home match of the year. Join us as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary season for the first time at Lumen Field.
Before entering the stadium, fans should stop by the Western Washington Toyota Dealers tent near the northwest corner of the stadium. A Sounders FC Toyota Prius and Toyota Tundra, brightly wrapped in team branding, mark the spot and fans can pick up a free co-branded anniversary-themed rally towel ahead of the match. With Toyota proudly serving as Sounders FC’s Exclusive Electric Vehicle / Hybrid Partner, a 2023 Toyota bZ4X all-electric vehicle and 2023 RAV4 Prime are also onsite for fans interested in viewing and learning more about electric vehicles and hybrids.
Those attending the match may notice slight changes throughout the stadium, as Lumen Field has updated and improved how fans navigate for games and events. This round of “Fanovation” includes new gate names, modernized signage and the addition of Lumen Field neighborhoods to assist fans with finding what elements are located near their seats. Initially introduced at the end of last season, full information about these updates can be found here.
Sounders FC is partnering with CLEAR once again this season to help fans get into Lumen Field quickly and smoothly. Fans can download the free CLEAR app, sign up and enter through designated CLEAR lanes located at the Olympic VIP (formerly Northwest VIP) Entrance on the north end of the stadium.
To stock up on all the latest Sounders FC gear featuring the club’s new crest and evolved branding, fans should visit The Pro Shop at Lumen Field, which is an essential stop on any gameday and is accessible to all visitors whether they are attending the match in-person or not. Among the offerings on Saturday, shoppers can pick up The Anniversary Kit, the club’s newest primary jersey, which is available in men’s, women’s and youth sizes. The Anniversary Kit serves as a striking and tangible springboard into Sounders FC’s anniversary season – a design philosophy built upon a modern interpretation of a vintage Sounders look and feel, encapsulating 50 years of the club’s history with a design that still feels fresh and all its own.
Throughout the stadium, fans can explore and participate in a wide variety of other activities, which on Saturday include:
• The Providence Challenge – Fans can test their soccer skills through three different activities at The Providence Challenge, as well as having the opportunity to nominate a local hero as part of the new Community Assist of the Match. Community Assist of the Match winners – selected at every game – receives tickets to an upcoming Sounders match, recognition at halftime and a videoboard feature, a custom jersey and an exclusive Sounders Community Assist custom scarf.
• Crossbar Challenge, Presented by Western Washington Toyota Dealers – Located behind Section 144 and taking place pre-match, the first five fans to hit the crossbar in this interactive skills challenge earn a chance to take a kick on-field at halftime. If a fan hits a crossbar at halftime, Western Washington Toyota Dealers donates $1,000 to RAVE Foundation.
• Protect the Net, Presented by American Family Insurance – Fans can put their skills to the test in this virtual goalkeeping game for a chance to take home some co-branded swag.
• \\ Soccer Skee-ball –** This activation allows fans to play a soccer-themed version of Skee-Ball, kicking a ball down a ramp, rather than rolling it, in order to score as many points as possible.
• Sounders Gaming Station – Challenge an opponent to a friendly match of EA Sports FC ’24.
• \\ Scarves Up! Photo Activation –** Raise a scarf at the SEATTLE letters in the North Plaza and recreate the club’s iconic matchday moment at this photobooth.
• Sounders ‘Til I Die Instagram Wall – Themed photo opportunity for fans to grab the perfect social media shot.
Throughout 2024, Sounders FC is also offering special promotions and programs through several of its proud partners, with items fans can expect at home matches all season long, including:
• Regence Dream Team – Sounders FC and Regence BlueShield continue to partner with local youth organizations and Sounders FC Season Ticket Members to provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for children to participate in team walkouts during every opening ceremony.
• Regence’s Corners for Community – Regence BlueShield supports every corner kick by a Sounders FC player with donations to RAVE Foundation.
• El Rinconsito Goals = Free Tacos – All fans in attendance at a Sounders FC home match where Seattle wins or draws with one or more goals have the opportunity to redeem the voucher found on their Account Manager for free tacos (max of four).
• SharpeVision Laser Focus – When Sounders FC scores at any point after the 88th minute at a home match (including stoppage time), a lucky fan will win free LASIK surgery, courtesy of SharpeVision MODERN LASIK & LENS.
• 50/50 Raffle Presented by Washington Lottery – At each home match during the regular season fans can purchase a 50/50 raffle ticket through the 50th minute of play. The fan with the winning ticket receives 50 percent of the total amount raised through the raffle sales of the match, with the other 50 percent benefiting RAVE Foundation, the official charitable partner of Sounders FC. The winning raffle number is announced between minute 70 and 80 each match and posted to RaveFoundation.org/5050, where more details and official rules can also be found.
• Discount Tire – Fans who utilize digital parking passes from Sounders FC are automatically able to access exclusive monthly discounts from Discount Tire when they scan their parking pass upon arrival. Be sure to download the Sounders FC mobile app to access these monthly matchday offers.
• McDonald’s – After any Sounders win, home or away, fans can redeem a free McChicken with any $2 purchase at Western Washington McDonald’s locations. Download the McDonald’s app to receive the offer at 11:00 a.m. PT the next day.
This season, the club continues to feature BIPOC and diverse-owned food truck and pop-up restaurants at matches throughout the year. Curated by Intentionalist, these local small businesses align with Sounders FC’s social impact and cultural calendar, giving fans the opportunity to discover new culinary delights with food trucks in Lumen Field’s North Plaza and a pop-up restaurant location in Lumen Field’s PNW Marketplace concessions area, located in the Cascade neighborhood (formerly East Concourse) outside of Section 113.
Saturday’s specialty eateries all support local Black-owned small businesses in honor of Black History Month. The featured North Plaza food trucks are Swagg-n-Wagon, serving perfectly cooked fried chicken with sides like waffle fries and buttery cornbread, and Where Ya At Matt, offering Creole choices like gumbo, jambalaya and fresh beignets. At the PNW Marketplace, Taste of the Caribbean showcases Jamaican culture with delicious dishes like oxtail, jerk chicken, curried goat and fried plantains and Creamy Cone Café serves up locally sourced ice cream, fresh waffle cones, espresso beverages and quick café eats.
Additional concessions updates for the 2024 season include the continuation of Amazon Just Walk Out concession stands located in the Cascade neighborhood (formerly East Concourse), giving fans the ability to easily grab and go for gameday needs. Sounders FC also continues to offer its popular Value Menu this year, which provides matchday deals at specific concessions areas in the stadium such as $3 popcorn, $5 hot dogs and more.
The anniversary-themed pre-match celebration begins promptly at 7:20 p.m. PT, so fans should plan to be in their seats to enjoy all the additional elements. Saturday’s pre-match ceremonies salute 50 years of Sounders soccer in the form of special welcomes, video tributes, fireworks and a 50th anniversary light show using Lumen Field’s latest LED technology.
As always, the club’s traditional pre-match traditions including Boom, Boom, Clap and player lineup announcements are also scheduled.
Sounders FC matchday regular Johnathan Wright performs the national anthem on Saturday.
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.
Single-match tickets for each of the club’s 17 MLS home matches are currently on sale. In addition to single-match tickets, Sounders FC offers fans many ways to become a part of the Rave Green Family. In addition to Season Membership, Flex Membership and Digital Membership, the newly introduced Pick ‘Em Plan delivers flexibility and convenience as planholders can customize their own selection of matches that fit their individual schedules. Pick ‘Em Plans start at three-match selections, with a variety of exclusive benefits – included but not limited to merchandise, on-field experiences, suite upgrades and more – unlocked as further matches are added to a plan.
Limited seating is available for 2024 and the club is seeing higher demand for its 50th anniversary season, so all fans are encouraged to secure their tickets or membership packages without delay in order to ensure the best possible seating. Information about all Sounders FC ticketing products and more can be found at SoundersFC.com/Tickets.
