1st Sounders game — take light rail, bus, ferry, waterfront streetcar!

The Sounders are playing their first season home game tonight at 6:30pm versus Philadelphia Union (to see a complete Sounders schedule).

I rode the light rail with family and friends the first day it opened — it just also happened on the same day as a Sounders game. As we walked through Westlake on our way to the light rail, our group attracted the attention of a Seattle Times Photographer and we ended up on the front page.

I remember how packed the area was with people testing out the light rail, and then a sea of green everywhere you looked. We’re excited to live in Pioneer Square this season where we can walk a few blocks and be at the stadium. We’re not the only ones who have such easy access to Pioneer Square and to the stadiums, however — Pioneer Square is one of the richest transit neighborhoods in the State of Washington.

I’ve heard complaints about parking (especially on game days), but why park when you can take light rail, use the extensive bus system, hop on a ferry or a water taxi, take the waterfront “streetcar” (aka bus), take a taxi, or even walk. And did I mention that buses in the city are free?

Although it won’t help for the game tomorrow, the Seattle Transit Blog reports that “Sound Transit is expanding their special sporting event service on Sounder to cover all weekend day games of both the Mariners and the Sounders this year.”

Sound Transit’s website says that “Seattle Mariners and Sounders FC soccer fans can forget about traffic and take Sound Transit’s popular Sounder commuter rail trains to weekend day games this season. The special Sounder service is in addition to regular Link light rail service to and from the stadiums.”

Also, don’t miss the March to the Match, which starts 60 minutes before game time at Occidental Park. Sounders are partnering with the Parks Dept to provide free hot dogs to ticket holders, free face painting, and a bouncy house for kids (or immature adults).