About stadium

Stadium introduction

Originally known as the Seahawks Stadium and later associated as Qwest followed by CenturyLink, the 67,000 capacity outdoor stadium first opened in 2002 after a gruelling four year construction period. Costing an estimated $565 million adjusted to today’s prices, CenturyLink Field is an impressive sight to behold and was primarily built host NFL matches of the Seattle Seahawks. It wasn’t until seven years later after opening in 2009 that the Seattle Sounders Soccer Team moved into the state-of-the-art facilities at the start of the season after becoming the 15th franchise to enter Major League Soccer. The first competitive fixture of the Sounders inaugural season was a three nil victory against the New York Red Bulls. Prior to this CenturyLink Field had been used to host exhibition Soccer matches of major European Teams such as Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid, with one fixture between Man United and Celtic in 2003 even attracting a sell out crowd of 66,772. Identifying an untapped market for soccer, the Seattle Seahawks owner established The Sounders Franchise and immediately moved them into Centurylink. Although one might suspect the stadiums facilities to be inadequate for soccer matches, the ground actually meets FIFA sight line requirements and even has comparable camera locations to smaller sports venues. The atmosphere during NFL games is famous for breaking noise records, and although the average crowds are smaller for soccer matches the acoustics helps to carry the noise well. Sell-out Soccer attendances at the Seahawks Stadium are becoming increasingly common as interest in the sport grows, with derby matches against the Portland Timbers all but guaranteed to attract a full house. There has been talk in recent years of an American World Cup Bid, and CenturyLink field continues to be cited as a prime example of the country’s capabilities as hosts.

How to get to the Stadium

800 Occidental Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98134, United States