On Saturday, July 9, Sounders FC hosts its archrival Portland Timbers (1:30 p.m. PT / FOX, FOX Deportes, 93.3 KJR FM, El Rey 1360 AM) in a nationally-televised match presented by matchday sponsor Zulily. The game is set to be one of the biggest of the season, with the Rave Green not only playing their Cascadia nemesis in a pivotal matchup, but also unveiling the team’s 2022 Concacaf Champions League title banner in the Lumen Field rafters prior to the match.
As the club continues its Summer with The Champs campaign, presented by Emerald Queen Casino, Saturday’s match offers an enhanced slate of matchday activities designed to celebrate two historic moments: becoming the first MLS team to win Concacaf Champions League and the selection of Seattle as a host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Tickets to attend the club’s match vs. Portland on Saturday, July 9 can be purchased HERE, with single-match tickets remaining.
Additional details about Saturday’s celebrations can be found below.
EARLY ARRIVAL & TRAFFIC CONSIDERATIONS
Saturday’s match kicks off at 1:30 p.m. PT, with gates opening at 12:00 p.m. PT. Sounders FC urges all fans to arrive early to enjoy the many on-site activations while still being seated in time to take in the special opening ceremonies, including the banner drop.
With a large crowd expected, fans should prepare for heavier traffic than usual if driving and are encouraged to consider public transportation options, such as the SoundTransit Sounder train, which is running a special service. In addition, fans should note that WSDOT’s Revive I-5 project continues this weekend, with southbound I-5 lane reductions from 10:00 p.m. PT Friday through 5:00 a.m. PT Monday.
For those arriving by bicycle, the team – in conjunction with Cascade Bicycle Club – is offering a complimentary bike valet program this Saturday. Bicycles can be parked with the bike valet located on Occidental Avenue near the north parking lot of the stadium starting two hours before kickoff and must be claimed no later than one hour after the final whistle.
OUTSIDE GATES – PRE-MATCH FESTIVITIES
Outside of the stadium ahead of the game, fans can stop by Occidental Square Park from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. PT for SoundCheck. SoundCheck offers a party atmosphere with music by local bands, Sounders DJs and SoundWave, family-friendly activities, chances to win Sounders FC prizes and more.
This Saturday, SoundCheck additionally features the return of Sammy the Sounder and a special SEA 2026 photo opportunity. A live taping of Side x Side with Zak & Brad, the club’s podcast, is also scheduled. Hosted by former Sounders Steve Zakuani and Brad Evans, Saturday’s taping features special guest Roger Levesque. Levesque, a Sounders legend infamous within the Seattle-Portland rivalry, is also a RAVE Foundation board member and newly appointed Executive Director of Washington Youth Soccer.
The Emerald City Supporters’ March to the Match then departs Occidental Square Park at 12:30 p.m. PT on its way to Lumen Field.
Outside of the northwest gates, Western Washington Toyota Dealers is also onsite with a vehicle display and handing out free clear bags to fans.
INSIDE GATES – PRE-MATCH FESTIVITIES
Stadium gates open at 12:00 p.m. PT, with the first 33,000 fans receiving a limited-edition set of Concacaf Champions League pins, courtesy of matchday sponsor Zulily.
In the stadium’s North Plaza, a pre-match concert from local hip-hop artist Travis Thompson is taking place from 12:45-1:15 p.m. PT. Thompson – a prominent rapper from Burien – has a playful sound that is guided by rhymes that combine evocative description and candid emotion. Known as a protégé of fellow hip-hop artist and Sounders FC Owner Macklemore, Thompson released music independently beginning in 2015. After being featured on Macklemore's 2017 song "Corner Store," he made his major-label debut with the 2019 EP “Runaways,” followed the same year by the album “Reckless Endangerment.” His third LP, 2021's “BLVD BOY,” features guest spots from the likes of G-Eazy and Juicy J.
For Alliance Members – the team’s Season Ticket Holders – the North Plaza also offers an exclusive Member Beer Garden presented by Michelob Ultra. This special area contains lawn games, complimentary Champions-themed cotton candy and more. To enter, Members can simply show the Pro Shop 2022 STM Discount Card from their Sounders FC App.
In the West Field Plaza, Sounders FC’s charitable arm, RAVE Foundation, is auctioning 26 mounted and autographed prints from the popular Summer with the Champs player photoshoot. The exclusive prints can be viewed in person on matchday, or online at Sounders.GiveSmart.com. Bidding takes place exclusively online, opening today, July 6, at 12:00 p.m. PT and closing promptly at the conclusion of halftime of Saturday’s match.
Funds raised benefit RAVE’s 26 Fields by 2026 initiative, which aims to build 26 community playfields by 2026. The initiative prioritizes historically-underfunded communities with free, small playfields, which serve as anchors for culturally-responsive RAVE programs that use soccer as a vehicle to support whole, healthy children.
In addition to Lumen Field’s wide variety of matchday concessions, fans can also find special treats at a selection of featured food trucks in the North Plaza, sourced in partnership with Intentionalist to support local BIPOC and diverse-owned small businesses. Saturday’s food trucks include: Dat Creole Soul, serving authentic Cajun cuisine; Ma & Pops, vegan, handcrafted ice pops inspired by Caribbean and Southern roots; and Macadons, providing delicious macarons for any occasion.
The North Plaza, Northwest Marshalling and West Concourse of the stadium are also where fans can find a selection of games and activities, which on Saturday include:
• Washington Youth Soccer Display – Fans can learn more about Washington Youth Soccer, the home of U.S. Youth Soccer in Washington State.
• 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.
• Soccer Billiards – Fans can play a soccer-themed version of pool, challenging a partner and kicking colored soccer balls into the oversized pool table pockets before their opponent does.
• Photo Mosaic Experience – Sounders FC partner El Jimador offers a fun photo experience for those 21 years of age and older.
• Summer With The Champs Photo Experience – Available for all fans, don’t miss a chance to snag a one-of-a-kind celebratory photo with the 2022 Concacaf Champions League trophy.
CHAMPIONS OF CHAMPIONS CELEBRATION & BANNER DROP
In recognition of the Rave Green’s historic Concacaf Champions League victory and in honor of the special day of celebration, the Lumen Field Pro Shop is featuring exclusive “Champions of Champions” merchandise that includes limited-run products such as hats, shirts, sweatshirts and more. Items are available for purchase now and on matchday, while supplies last.
On Saturday, all fans are strongly encouraged to be in their seats by 1:30 p.m. PT to take in pre-match ceremonies presented by Emerald Queen Casino, beginning with an exclusive performance by members of indie folk band The Head And The Heart. Formed in Seattle in 2009, the band recently released their newest album “Every Shade of Blue,” available now on multiple streaming platforms and will play August 12th and 13th at Marymoor Park with special guest, Dawes. Tickets are still available for August 13th HERE.
Following this uniquely Seattle show, the club looks to shake the stadium as fans join the traditional Boom, Boom, Clap display during team walk-outs.
The championship celebration culminates in the unveiling of the 2022 Concacaf Champions League banner, as Sounders FC celebrates attaining the CCL crown and becoming the first MLS team to win the continental title.
The national anthem is being performed by Seattle musical artist, Shaina Shepherd and is followed by the club’s “Scarves Up!” moment, which is being led by Roger Levesque and several Washington Youth Soccer members.
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.
CCL CHAMPIONS CELEBRATION
Join us as we drop a Concacaf Champions League banner from the rafters at our match against the Portland Timbers on July 9! Don’t miss limited quantity giveaways, exclusive merchandise, and special musical performances from Travis Thompson and The Head And The Heart.
