It's Sunday in Seattle and the SeaHawks are at home.
Where are we gonna be? You got it!! We might not be able to get into the stadium but we can sure as shooting get TO the stadium!!
And we do!!
We put on our 'Hawks shirts, square up the 'Hawks ball cap on my head, grab our 'Hawks umbrellas and head out the door for The CLink (that's what the in-folks, like us, call CenturyLink Field) for all the festivities leading up to the Big Kick-Off!!
We've learned to ride the Link to the International/Chinatown Station. Oddly enough, it's closer to the Stadium than the Link Stadium Station is.
We get there and then join the happy throngs heading over to The CLink.
And there were a lot of happy throngs heading that way. On the ride up to The CLink the Link was crowded!! It was CROWDED!! And more people got on at each and every stop until we got to the Stadium Station. I felt like I was riding the rails in Japan that's how crowded it was.
To get to the stadium from the Chinatown Station we have to cross over the AmTrak Station and when we looked down we were surprised to see some SeaHawks Fans arriving by train!! Fer cryin' out loud!! These Fans are crazy and come from everywhere for the games.
We got there a little before 1200 so there was an hour and a half left before the Kick-Off and the stands were still relatively empty.
And the entrepreneurs were out in force ready to make a quick buck. Look!! For just $20, you can get a giant blown up head of Russell Wilson mounted on a stick!!
C'Mon, who wouldn't want one of those.
The stakes were big today . . . if Seattle wins then they get a bye next week and get a home field advantage when they play in two weeks.
But first, they gotta beat the Rascally Rams.
And before they can do that, all the 12s need to get into The CLink. And that means security in our modern world and that means that you can't bring your backpack into the stadium . . . unless it is a see-thru backpack.
So there were lines again of folks checking in their valuables so they can go and watch the game.
It's one of the sad facts of modern life. Plus I guess it cuts down on the number of stupid drunks in the stadium.
Here the Happy Folks are checking in their goods.
Oh, the crowds they were a crowding'!!
The SeaHawks are inordinately proud of their 12s. You hear it whenever they talk to the press and you feel it whenever you're near the game. And the 12s? They love their SeaHawks!!
This is a new touch, the big sign thanking the 12s.
Oh, yes, they do love them some 12s.
Oh, the security. Empty your pockets and take off your hats. Oh, and they have metal detector wands, too.
Ahhhh, the humanity!!
And they have a large security presence.
I will say, it wasn't as large as the last home game when the Ferguson Protesters were scheduled to be, uh, protesting?
Kidd Valley's made-to-order burgers, old fashioned hand-mixed shakes, fresh onion rings and signature fried mushrooms began in 1975 in a small storefront in Seattle's U-District. Today, Kidd Valley has 16 locations throughout Western Washington, including all the stadiums. These locations annually serve more than 1 million juicy burgers and sandwiches, 400,000 freshly-made milkshakes and more than 600,000 side orders of fries, onion rings and fried mushrooms.
I didn't know that.
Maybe someday I will even visit one of them and get me a 'juicy burger'.
Here's the reflection off the Wave at Stadium Place Apartment Building . . . aka The Glass Box.
You're gonna see a lot of this building but I make no apologies for it. It's just that interesting of a subject for me. You know my thing for reflections. Hahahaha, there it is!!
Like this reflection of Old Glory flying over The CLink.
But let's get back to the crowds which is the best part of the whole thing for Carol and I. They are, mostly, very polite and unfailingly cheerful . . . at least always before the game they are.
Anyway, one of the things that gets us is the way the fans dress up for the games. Like Ol' 89 there, smoking a stogie. It's like some of the folks coming to the game think that in order to be the best fan possible you gotta also look the part . . . and that part requires some wild and weird-looking outfits.
So a lot of our fun, besides the excitement before the game, is the people that come to the game. They really get into some ridiculous stuff.
Oh, take a look at all the wool caps people are wearing!! Hahaha, it's like some kinda weird disease.
In addition to the weird clothes there's also some other kinds of . . . weirdness.
Like this fellow. He's been there at the games for a while now. I think he was there for the first game that Carol and I went to last year.
Can't say I disagree with his sentiment . . . I just don't think it possible. I do, however, admire his tenacity.
Then there was this guy. The Valued Homeless are pretty pervasive throughout Seattle and they don't miss a chance to make a buck. Unfortunately, this clown scored big. When we were leaving, just before the kick-off, I saw him sitting on a curb counting his take for the day and he had a big wad of bills in his hands.
Don't ask.
I don't get it either.
There's also the sights and sounds to enjoy at these pre-game festivities. These folks know how to turn a dollar.
Speaking of dollars, I think these folks were making a bit more money now than they were during the last game. Unfortunately for them, the Ferguson protestors had picked the spot right in front of their stand for their protest. Put a real damper on their sales.
Hahaha, but not today!! Today they were making the money.
Scarves, hats, shirts, jackets, beads, arm sleeves, shoes and socks . . . it's all 'Hawks gear on everyone.
Occidental Avenue is a concourse of humanity . . .
. . . with little islands of food and beer.
We tried going into one of the Sports Shops to get Carol a SeaHawks Scarf.
It's just another way for us to show our Seattle Seahawks Pride and stay warm.
Fun Facts: A scarf, which is also known as a Kremer, muffler or neck-wrap, is a piece of fabric worn around the neck for warmth, fashion or even for religious reasons.
Ancient Rome is one of the first origins of the scarf, where the garment was used to keep oneself clean rather than warm. It was called a sudarium, which means 'sweat cloth' in english, and was used to wipe sweat from the neck and face in hot weather.
They were originally worn by men but women soon began using the scarves, which were made of cloth and not made of wool and, ever since, the scarf has been fashionable among women . . . especially at SeaHawks football games.
Historians believe that scarves made of cloth were used to identify officers or the rank of Chinese warriors and in later times, around the 17th century, scarves were worn by soldiers of all ranks in Croatia. The officers, of course, had silk scarves whilst the other ranks wore cotton scarves.
The men's scarves were sometimes referred to as 'cravats', and were the precursor of the necktie.
The line just to get to the register had like 20+ people in it so we wisely decided to leave and come back a bit later.
Hahaha, Fashion reigns supreme at the games!!
And you never know what you will see at a game.
Like Superman!!
Yeah, Superman is a Seattle SeaHawks fan, too!!
And our fans swing from the Paragon of Truth, Justice and the American Way of Life all the way over to the evil and ruthless Dark Lord, Darth Vador . . . and one of his Storm Troopers.
Yeah, kid, swing wide around those dudes, Man!!
There is just so much to see . . . like the leggings that woman to the right is wearing. Hahaha, everyone is having a good time.
RE PETE!!
Oh, yeah!! Going back to the Super Bowl, Baby!!
Hahaha, from Superman to Darth Vador to . . . My Little Pony.
This guy comes to every game, too. Making money, honey!!
You can contact him at 12thpony.com
Hahaha, serious business
Oh, the things you see. Last time was a guy wearing a fireman's SeaHawks Helmet. Now it's a Construction Helmet.
Speaking of weird sights . . . all this guy does is walk up and down Occidental, not worrying about where the puddles are, carrying these flags.
An American flag, a POW flag and a 12th Man flag.
Back and forth with no comments or admonitions or . . . anything.
And these folks, warning everyone of their one-way ticket to Hell. I know they're out there doing what they consider to be good and I respect anyone who has a strong faith but, cheez, they condemn every religion and I have a problem with that.
So let's get back to Silly People wearing SeaHawks Stuff.
Like this woman.
The hat, the boa and the gloves weren't enough. Nope!! Let's top it all off with a 12th Man Flag!! Yeah, that makes the outfit!!
I saw these two guys off to the side in a line going into the stadium. One of them is wearing some kind of furry creature, spouting a couple of feathers and the other is wearing a foam rubber old-time football helmet, also with the attachment of some strategically place feathers.
Don't ask.
I don't know.
Oh, and the good food to eat!! There's all kinds of deleesh going on before the game!!
Bar Restaurant Reflected Window Selfie!!
The folks inside were all looking at us as we posed but, what the heck, we probably won't be the weirdest thing they see today!!
We were walking and I saw this young lady sporting a SeaHawks-themed tutu. Carol's wanted a SeaHawks-themed tutu for some time now. I figured if she couldn't have the SeaHawks-themed tutu then she could at least have a picture of a SeaHawks-themed tutu and so I asked her if I could take her picture and she said, as I sorta knew she would, 'Sure!!'
But she had a caveat . . . I'd have to take a picture of her and her friend, too. So I said, 'Sure', and took my picture and then got her cell phone and took her picture. And she wanted Carol to get into it and so she did and then the talk turned to the SeaHawks-themed tutu and the young lady explained to Carol how to make her own SeaHawks-themed tutu and so . . .
Don't ask.
I don't know.
We were walking up First Avenue when we spotted my favorite tour bus, the Duck Tours. We were still too far away to quack at them but I would have if I could have . . . and I am 100% sure they would have quacked back at me.
There it is . . . I wonder if it ever moves.
OK, this. We were standing on the corner and I heard this bicycle bell ringing and I look and around the corner of the next street and here comes this young lady ringing her bell go-to-heck and rounding the corner at a pretty fast pace and, literally, scattering the cars in the street. Then she turned onto Occidental Avenue and I got this shot of her over-loaded but still very fast pedi-cab.
She was working it and you'd better get out of her way.
Then another pedi-cab came along . . . at a more sedate pace.
It was around 1240 here . . . about 45 minutes before kick-off and the crowds were still thick and still aiming towards the stadium.
Then we saw this guy wearing his SeaHawks football uniform and he, too, happily agreed to pose for us.
Amazing!! He was very pleasant and even came back so I could get the shot of him with the stadium behind him.
Fashion? What's that?
There were lines everywhere . . . from the porta-potties to even getting into the bars!!
OK, so I saw these three guys and I was going to ask them for a picture but a woman beat me to it. So these guys stopped, turned around and then checked their outfits . . .
Carefully posed themselves just right . . .
And struck this pose.
That's some dedication.
But even in this disorganized orderly goings-on, there have to be rules and The CLink was no exception to that rule (Oh, that was rich, wasn't it?).
I checked and NONE of these rules addressed proper public wear . . . obviously.
The pace was picking up, the lines were getting longer, the kick-off was getting closer and the noise was growing.
Oh, look!! Another Seattle SeaHawks-themed tutu!!
Artsy-Fartsy Alert!!
The Glass Box and a plane. I couldn't help myself. It isn't that bad, is it?
Then, from looking up to looking down, we saw this!!
I just don't get surprised anymore.
Looks pretty normal until you see the woman wearing the SeaHawks shoes, pants, cape and, most importantly, SeaHawks colored hair.
She was not alone in her choice of hair color.
I wonder what his thought process was as he suited up for the game today. Hahaha, he was having fun, that's for sure.
Speaking of blue hair, what better to top it off with than a miniature replica of The Lombardi Trophy which is awarded to the team that wins the Super Bowl. And, uh, that'd be us!!
Whup!! There it is!!
The Glass Box!!
Proudly flying the 12 Flag.
OK, there was a trailer there from the Toyota dealerships around Seattle and I had a question about the Toyota Pre-Runner and so I stopped to ask this fellow.
I got my questions answered. Before we left I asked him if he had any more scarfs left. Turns out he didn't. They'd handed out a WHOLE bunch of them already and I didn't really think he had anymore but it wouldn't hurt to ask, so I did.
So they were all out of them but this guy was so nice, that he actually took off his scarf and put it on Carol. Wow!! Then he asked me if I wanted one and, do you notice the guy in the rear, the one without a scarf or a smile?
Yeah, he grabbed that guy's scarf and gave it to me!!
And then he happily posed for a picture.
Nice guy!!
It's just fun, strolling along and seeing all the sights before the game and just enjoying. Wherever there is room for a business someone will fill it up and make them some money. This group had a burn barrel lit and were grilling up some brats . . . smelled ga-ood!!
and the SeaHawks were there, too.
Look at the burn barrel a bit closer. See?
Hahahaha, that's SeaHawks Pride!!
The lines were getting longer with the good folks waiting to get into the game.
RE PETE!!
It was now about 1320 and kick-off was gonna happen in about 5 or so minutes so the crowds had finally begun to thin out a bit.
There's the 12th Pony . . . and our religious fanatics.
And this guy. I guess he's ready for some Pedi-Cab Wars. I guess.
And they had a face-painter, too. It's almost like a carnival but without all the rides.
And, by now, the crowds were mostly in the stadium and not in the Sports Shops so we finally went in and got Carol her new scarf.
There's the Big Glass Box proudly flying the 12th Man Flag.
And if you look real close, you can see some of the residents getting some of their money's worth. See 'em? They've got some good seats to watch what's going on around the stadium. I don't believe they can see onto the field.
Still, kinda cool place to have a party, eh?
Artsy-Fartsy Alert!!
Hahaha, I couldn't resist. I turned around from the Big Glass Box and saw this in the opposite direction and . . . snap.
I do likes me some clouds.
The noise inside the stadium was growing and most everyone was inside . . . except for the late ones and there are always late ones.
There wasn't an empty seat anywhere. See the people at the top? They pay over $100 to stand up for the entire game up there.
Cray-Cray.
And, the Big Glass Box.
Now this is cool.
The fans were getting heated up!!
It's amazing the noise generated in this stadium. It makes me uncomfortable and I'm on the outside of the stadium. I honestly don't know if I'd be able to take for a whole game.
Hahaha, it's like a cathedral, isn't it!?!
And as we were leaving, we saw these kids arriving . . . very late. And he wasn't too keen on waiting for them.
Guys.
Whenever I think of Seattle one of the things I think about is the huge role Boeing plays in the history and the present of Seattle and so I often find myself looking up at the planes as they come into SeaTac.
It's Seattle, Man.
As we were going up the steps to cross over to the Link, we saw this guy doing some kind of commentary with The CLink as his backdrop.
Don't know what it was about, I tried to listen in on what he was saying but the crowd noise made that impossible for me.
If you ever see this guy let me know what he was about, OK?
The SeaHawks beat the Rams, 20-6, and got the top seed for the NFC play-offs. They get a bye next week and then they have home field advantage when they play the winner of the first round.
Gooooo, 'Hawks!!
But it was time to head back and so we went to the Link . . .
. . . for our trip home. Starting with the International District/Chinatown Station, the Link goes underground until the end at the Westlake Station. They're working now to extend the Link over to the U-District.
It was a cold day. There's some colder weather moving in, too. The lows are suppose to get down into the 20s in a day or two.
But it was a pleasant enough day for us. It didn't rain, much, and the SeaHawks won.
That means this town is gonna go crazy for the next two weeks!!
All in all a very good day.
I'm looking forward to the nonsense that's coming. If the 'Hawks go back to the Super Bowl this town will be bonkers!! Last year will look like a quiet church service compared to what will happen if they win the Super Bowl again.
Hahahaha, let's hope, eh!?!
Life is good.
Hooah!!
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