Inside the Stadium:

The Seattle Seahawks’ fans are passionate and extremely loud. The noise level is partly due to do crazed fans, and partly due to the shape of the stadium. The hangover roof partially covers some seats in the upper deck and projects the noise back into the stadium. The North end zone is also designed with metal bleacher seats which adds for a pounding reverberation. This combination gives Seattle the home field advantage and we’ve personally witnessed the chaos of false starts, racked up penalties and yardage while there supporting their losing opponent.

Regardless, CenturyLink is one of the best places to watch a football game.  The fans are rowdy and into every down, and the stadium is architecturally spectacular.  You do not need to be a fan to enjoy this stadium (although you will get heckled if you’re there for the opposing team), as it is simply a treat to be within it on game day.

Pre-game you can check out Touchdown City inside the CenturyLink Event Center, connected to the south end of the field off Occidental Ave. There you'll find an interactive area with various games, and admission in free. Inside Touchdown City is The Endzone Club, where for $32 a person you can enjoy a pretty great tailgate party without having to do any of your own cooking or planning. There's a Bloody Mary and Mimosa station and large projection screens to enjoy pre-game TV. You can buy tickets online ahead of time to secure a seat HERE.
 
A must: you don’t want to miss the Seahawks entering the field. Even though the Seahawks have a blue stuffed human as a mascot, an actual live hawk (a buzzard) leads the team out of the tunnel and onto the field each game.  And it really is pretty amazing.  This home game spectacle gets the crowd going and the roar barely ever lets up.
 
Food and Drink:

The concessions get rave reviews and the lines are short and move fast. The beer selection is very good, among the best in our opinion. And even though there are complaints about the price - $8.50+ it’s hard to find a beer cheaper than that at any venue these days. You may remember “beergate” from January 2011, when a fan posted a video showing the same amount of beer fit in both a 16oz and 20oz cup, yet the 20oz was $1.25 more? Use your best judgment when reaching for that 20oz and consider this fact. If you're on the Upper Level, stop by Pyramid Pub (Sec 315, 330) for some good local brews.

If you’re more of a wine drinker, try the 50 yard line bars. Wine is also sold at the Kickoff Cafes and at the draft beer carts at sections 309 and 333 on the Upper Level.

As for food, you can grab a Seattle-style Hot Dog (served with cream cheese and grilled onions on a toasted bun) at numerous stands, or specialty food like Mexican fare at Viva El Dolce or Taco Ma's stands and different types of noodles like Stroganoff or Mac & CHeese at Glo Bowl. (check our stadium map for specific locations)

Staff picks: You may not associate doughnuts with football, but don’t pass by Top Pot Doughnuts without trying one.You'll find stand in the Event Center and on all levels. They have become a Seattle favorite for a reason – their combination of old style donut mixed with new toppings, is out of this world.  Forget Krispy Kreme! Top Pot also serves a good cup of coffee for those cold Seattle game days. Another local favorite is Ivar's if you're a seafood lover. You'll find stands at sections 133 and 337.
 

The Stadium and Neighborhood:

Formerly Qwest Field until April 2011, Century Link Field is the home of both The Seattle Seahawks and the Seattle Sounders (United Soccer League) team. Designed with an open air roof, the upper decks have an excellent view of both the field as well as downtown Seattle. The South end of the field has views of Mount Rainer.  Keeping in forward thinking Seattle fashion, Century Link boasts a 2.5 acre solar array - the largest in the state - which cuts energy costs by 20%.

Located just over mile from downtown, it is easily accessible by car and public transportation. And the surrounding area is loaded with great bars and restaurants to hit before and after the game. For tips check out where the fans recommend going in Before and After the Game.

Parking:

There are numerous lots available surrounding the field. The 2 closest are the North Lot and CenturyLink Field Event Center Garage but both are sold out on a season basis.

If you want to tailgate, we recommend the Homeplate parking lot. Located at 1st and Atlantic, it's a short walk south of CenturyLink Field and is sold on a game by game basis.

Street parking is available around the stadium, but it can be hard to find it you don't get there early. It doesn't hurt to take a couple of trips around the block, and we recommend scoping out the spots underneath the nearby Alaskan Way viaduct first.

There are also a good number of street parking lots available. These lots are fairly small and fill up quickly and range anywhere between $10-40 depending on how close you are. You can purchase a spot online though our affiliate Parkwhiz so either check for parking icons on our exterior map or visit their CenturyLink (still listed as Qwest) page HERE for parking options.

Public Transportation:

This is probably the most convenient way to the game as Seattle has a great public transportation system. The recently reopened underground bus tunnel with both busses and Light Rail runs from Westlake Station to the International District.  Get off at the International District stop and you can easily walk from there to the ballpark. The Light Rail is fairly new and very convenient for those traveling to the game. For more info visit the Metro System online HERE.

You can opt to take a cab to the front door of the stadium, but we recommend planning ahead if this is your mode of transport. A lot of cab drivers will refuse to take you to the stadium because of the traffic and you could get stuck missing the game if this is your only option.

Be sure to also read our Fanzooloo Faves in the "During the Game" section for tips once inside the stadium!