Stadium Surroundings

The neighborhoods surrounding Seattle’s stadiums are packed with history and intrigue, perfect for before, during, and after a game.

Pioneer Square, Seattle’s oldest neighborhood, abuts Lumen Field (800 Occidental Ave S)—home of the Seattle Seahawks, Sounders FC, and Reign FC—and the Seattle Mariners’ ballfield at T-Mobile Park (1250 First Ave S). Stay close to these top-notch sports venues without sacrificing fun and local flavor. At Embassy Suites (255 S King St), amble downstairs for a seafood breakfast frittata or a pregame beer at 13 Coins (255 S King St). Or take in the roar of the crowd while lounging in Silver Cloud Hotel – Seattle Stadium’s (1046 First Ave S) rooftop pool.

Uncover the subterranean stories behind the historic neighborhood of Pioneer Square with Bill Speidel’s Underground Tours (614 First Ave). Smith Tower (506 Second Ave), once the tallest building this side of the Mississippi, offers 360-degree views of the city from its 35th-floor bar and observatory.

Hit German pub Altstadt (209 First Ave S) for a pregame pint, perfect your putt at Flatstick Pub (240 Second Ave S), or get a bracing post-game cocktail at chic Good Bar (240 Second Ave S). Sounders FC fans, don’t miss the March to the Match at Occidental Park (117 S Washington St) 90 minutes before kickoff to sing your heart out with supporters.

For even more food and fun stops, head just east to the Chinatown-International District—it’s filled with tiny shops, tea houses, and other surprises. Hood Famous Cafe + Bar (504 Fifth Ave S) sells sweet Filipino treats and coffee. Peruse crafts by Northwest and Japanese artists at KOBO (604 S Jackson St), dive into a bowl of noodles with a side of soup dumplings at Dough Zone (504 Fifth Ave S #109), or belt out a karaoke tune at Moonwalk (601 S King St). Try the Wing Luke Museum (719 S King St) for a primer on Seattle’s Asian history. For tchotchkes and snacks, don’t miss impressive grocer Uwajimaya (600 Fifth Ave S) or Sun May (5 Canton Aly S), standing for more than a century.

Explore the Seattle Center while rooting for the four-time WNBA champions Seattle Storm or the NHL team Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena (305 Harrison Street). Sip coffee and browse records in KEXP’s Gathering Space (472 1st Ave N) or climb to the top of the iconic Space Needle (2901 3rd Ave) for panoramic views of the city and beyond. The Masonry (20 Roy St) pairs wood-fired pizzas with 14 beers on tap, and Citizen Campfire (706 Taylor Ave N) is the perfect outdoor hangout with fire pits, Adirondack chairs, and fusion “Korexican” food.

The adjacent South Lake Union neighborhood has plenty of food options too. Snack on satay and spring rolls at Wild Ginger (2202 8th Ave) or sip cocktails on the rooftop at MBar (400 Fairview Ave N).

Where to Watch 

Looking to get hyped before the game or celebrate afterward with fellow fans? The food and vibe are on point at SoDo’s The Boxyard complex (1201 First Ave S), home to Hatback Bar & GrilleSteelheads Alley, and a beer garden with food trucks on game days. By Climate Pledge Arena, drop by sports pub Uptown Hophouse (219 First Ave N) for pulled pork sliders and craft beer. In Ballard, Rough & Tumble Pub (5309 22nd Ave NW) is one of the nation’s only sports bars devoted to women’s sports. Features include a deck, a fun atmosphere, and a big menu—including vegan options and zero-proof mocktails. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE SEATTLE LOCALIST

Seattle’s best every month in your inbox

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Book Your Trip

Advertisements