Sounders FC hosts unprecedented day of soccer rivalry and music celebration at Lumen Field on August 29 with Side by Side: The PNW Experience

Seattle Sounders FC today announced details surrounding Side by Side: The PNW Experience, the team’s can’t-miss event of the season coming to Lumen Field on August 29. The day is highlighted by the previously announced doubleheader, featuring a blockbuster day of soccer in a first-of-its-kind event for the Puget Sound region that sees both its men’s and women’s professional teams play at the same venue on the same day in a single-ticketed experience, with OL Reign vs. Portland Thorns FC at 4:00 p.m. PT followed by Sounders FC vs. Portland Timbers at 7:30 p.m. PT. 

Beyond the excitement of this day of classic Pacific Northwest rivalry on the pitch, the Rave Green are celebrating the life and legacy of Jimi Hendrix with special matchday elements to enjoy, including three live music stages located throughout the stadium, spotlighting both established and up-and-coming local artists. 

Tickets are currently available, and all are invited to Lumen Field to take part in this extraordinary day celebrating passionate soccer rivalries and honoring the legacy of Jimi Hendrix and the Seattle music culture that has thrived in his wake. The entire event is a single-ticketed experience, with one ticket providing access to both games and all related activities throughout the stadium.

Fans are strongly encouraged to arrive early ahead of the afternoon’s first match, as music performances begin at 3:00 p.m. PT and exclusive specialty items like event gear and scarf tags are expected to move quickly. 

Additionally, to further Sounders FC’s dedication to Defend the Right to Play, one of the four core social justice arenas for change championed by the club’s official Social Justice Framework, 50 percent of net ticket sales for the Lumen Field Green Zone and other sections for August 29 will directly fund a collaborative RAVE Foundation and OL Reign mini pitch on a Tacoma Public Schools campus. Those interested in supporting this special initiative can purchase tickets here.

LIVE MUSIC

A host of special activities are planned for the day, led by the three stages of live music, courtesy of club partner the Puyallup Tribe’s Emerald Queen Casino. Sets at each stage are scheduled to run from 3:00-4:00 p.m. PT and 6:00-7:30 p.m. PT, giving fans plenty of opportunity to relax and enjoy Seattle summer sunshine and musical performances before each of the two matches.

The Hendrix Main Stage is located in the North Plaza of Lumen Field and will lead the way with a Seattle music showcase, headlined by a Jimi Hendrix tribute performance by The Black Tones in between the OL Reign and Sounders FC matches. 

Sounders FC is partnering with Seattle staples MoPOP – the Museum of Pop Culture – and The Residency – an experiential arts education program and training ground for aspiring young artists from low-income backgrounds – for its secondary stages.

The MoPOP SOUND OFF! Stage, located in the West Club, is set to feature a variety of music styles with Hendrix-inspired twists. The Residency Stage, located in the East Main Concourse, is home to R&B and rap musicians working with The Residency.

A full list of artists and set times will be provided closer to the event date.

In addition to the trio of official stages and associated artists, fans can enjoy a variety of buskers performing throughout the stadium, infusing the day with additional musical touches.

MATCHDAY GIVEAWAY

Matchday sponsor Zulily is providing 30,000 Jimi Hendrix Kit-themed Sounders FC flags, available at seats throughout the lower bowl. Fans in attendance will be asked to use their flags as part of a pregame moment leading up to kickoff.

SPECIALTY ITEMS

Scarf tags are back, giving fans a chance to grab a unique memento to remember the historic day. First offered by the team at its 2020 home opener to commemorate the 2019 MLS Cup championship, these limited-edition fabric tags can be sewn onto a scarf immediately by one of the dedicated on-site seamstresses or taken home by fans to attach themselves. 

Fans attending the August 29 match can choose one of four exclusive tag designs: a purple tag featuring Side by Side: The PNW Experience artwork, an orange tag featuring the Sounders FC and OL Reign crests, a yellow tag featuring a guitar and Jimi Hendrix signature design or a purple tag with the salmon logo of The Puyallup Tribe of Indians and Sounders FC crest.

Scarf tags are only available while supplies last and are expected to move quickly. Fans wishing to ensure that they are able to secure a scarf tag are strongly encouraged to arrive at the stadium early and make visiting a tag station a priority.

Tag stations can be found in the Lumen Field North, East and West Plazas, with an additional dedicated station for Season Ticket Members in the Member VIP area located in the North Plaza. 

In addition to scarf tags, the Lumen Field Pro Shop will be stocked with t-shirts and scarves featuring exclusive Side by Side: The PNW Experience artwork.

EXCLUSIVE AUCTION ITEMS

Fans have the chance to bid on a selection of exclusive auction items, including a one-of-a-kind Gibson Les Paul Special II GT guitar, donated by Gibson Gives and featuring a custom design inspired by the Sounders FC Jimi Hendrix Kit.

Auction proceeds benefit RAVE Foundation’s initiative to build small fields for free play in marginalized communities throughout the Puget Sound region, and, specifically, auction items will help fund a collaborative mini pitch investment in Tacoma with OL Reign.

Other auction items include Jimi Hendrix Kit Signature Boxes – each exclusive collectable box containing a Jimi Hendrix Kit jersey and signature scarf, not available for purchase in stores; framed Side by Side: The PNW Experience event posters; game-worn player gear and much more. Many of these items will additionally feature autographs from Sounders FC players.  

Items can be viewed and bids placed via Sounders.GiveSmart.com – allowing everyone to participate whether or not they are able to attend the match. Bidding opens at 12:00 p.m. PT on August 25 and closes at the end of halftime of Sounders FC’s match against the Timbers.

At the match, auction items will be available for viewing in person in the Northwest Main Concourse.

ALLIANCE MEMBER EXPERIENCE

Located in the North Plaza, Sounders FC Season Ticket Members can take advantage of The Alliance Member Experience, a special VIP area complete with space to relax and commune, the Michelob Ultra beer garden, lawn games and a dedicated scarf tag station which includes a special fifth tag option available only for Members. Members will also have the chance to win exclusive prizes.

HONORING OLYMPIANS

Freshly back to the NWSL following the Olympic Games in Tokyo, fans can celebrate the gold and bronze medals earned by Canadian and American players with a special pre-match ceremony held ahead of kickoff of OL Reign’s match against Thorns FC.

GOLDEN SCARF PRESENTATION

The Joe Roth Golden Scarf – renamed in 2019 to recognize and honor the indelible impact inaugural club owner Joe Roth had on Sounders FC since the club’s inception in MLS – is considered Sounders FC’s highest distinction, presented to select members of the community who have either had a great impact on the sport or have done remarkable things for the city and region.

Ahead of kickoff of Sounders FC’s match against the Portland Timbers on August 29, the Rave Green will present their first Golden Scarf since 2019, posthumously honoring Jimi Hendrix. Hendrix’s scarf will be accepted by his family on his behalf.