Lumen Field Stadium

Here are some features and notable events related to the stadium:

1. Design and construction: Lumen Field was designed by Ellerbe Becket, an architecture firm known for designing sports venues. Its construction was completed in 2002, replacing the former Kingdome. The stadium was designed with a focus on the fan experience and includes wide concourses and extensive views of downtown Seattle and the surrounding area.
2. Seating Capacity: The seating capacity varies depending on the event. For soccer matches, the seating capacity is 37,722, expandable to 69,000 for special events. For NFL games, the seating capacity is 68,740, which can also be expanded for special events.
3. Roof: The stadium has a unique partial roof design that covers 70% of the seating area, helping to shield spectators from Seattle’s frequent rain. This design also serves to reflect crowd noise back onto the field, contributing to its reputation as one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL.
4. Name Changes: The field was originally named Seahawks Stadium and was renamed Qwest Field in June 2004 when telecommunications carrier Qwest acquired the naming rights. In 2011, the name was changed to CenturyLink Field after CenturyLink acquired Qwest. In November 2020, CenturyLink rebranded itself as Lumen Technologies, and the stadium was renamed Lumen Field.
5. Events: Beyond the Seahawks and Sounders games, Lumen Field has hosted numerous other events such as concerts, international soccer matches, and wrestling events. It’s been a venue for the NFL playoffs several times and has also hosted the MLS Cup finals.
6. The “12th Man”: Lumen Field is famous for its “12th Man” or “12s”, a term that has been used by various American football teams to refer to their fans. The Seahawks retired the number 12 jersey in 1984 as a tribute to their fans, symbolizing that the crowd can provide as much support as an additional player on the field. The noise level at Lumen Field is legendary and has caused visiting teams to commit numerous false start penalties.

Choosing the “best” seat at Lumen Field (or any stadium, for that matter) for a concert really depends on personal preference, as different areas offer different viewing and listening experiences.

1. Front and Center: If you want to be as close to the stage as possible and don’t mind standing for long periods, the floor seats or pit area (when available) can provide an intense and immersive experience. But do note, the view can sometimes be obstructed if there are taller people in front of you.
2. Lower Level: If the stage is set up at one end of the field, lower-level seats in sections close to the stage often offer a great view. Lower-level sideline seats (such as sections 106-108 or 136-138) are usually a good option.
3. Club Level: The club level seats (200 level) can also provide excellent views and sound, and usually come with additional perks like access to premium food and drink options, less crowded restrooms, and sometimes even more comfortable seating.
4. Upper Level: While they are the furthest from the stage, upper-level seats (300 level) can offer a full view of the stage and the crowd, which can be quite spectacular. This is especially true for stadium concerts with elaborate light shows and visuals.
5. Sound Quality: In terms of sound quality, because Lumen Field is primarily a sports venue, acoustics can vary. Often, the sound is best in the center sections because you avoid the sound bouncing off the stadium’s side structures.
6. VIP Boxes/Suites: If they’re within your budget, these areas can offer great sightlines, comfortable seating, and other amenities.

Remember to check the specific stage layout for the concert you’re attending, as stage setups can differ greatly from one concert to another. And of course, the “best” seat can depend on your budget as well.

Choosing the “best” seats for an NFL game at Lumen Field (or any stadium) can depend on your personal preferences, including how close you want to be to the action, what kind of view you want of the overall field and your budget. Here are some general areas to consider:

1. Lower Level Sideline: These are some of the most coveted seats in any football stadium. At Lumen Field, these would be sections around 108-112 and 136-140, as they provide close views of the action at the 50-yard line.
2. Club Level: Club Level seating, typically the 200-level sections, offers a good balance of view, comfort, and amenities. They’re located just above the 100-level sections, providing a good view of the entire field. They also typically include access to lounges, high-end concessions, and other perks.
3. Hawks Nest: The Hawks Nest (sections 149-151) is a unique part of Lumen Field. It is located in the north end zone and is known for its enthusiastic fans. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for a high-energy atmosphere, though the view of the game may not be as comprehensive as sideline seats.
4. Upper Level: While these seats are further from the action, they provide a good overview of the field, allowing you to see plays develop that you might miss from lower seats. These are also typically more affordable than lower-level or club-level seats.
5. Seats Under Cover: Given Seattle’s rainy weather, you might consider seats that are undercover. Much of the 300 level, some of the 200 level, and the back rows of the 100 level are covered.
6. Visitor or Home Side: If you are a fan of the visiting team, you might want to consider sections 300-314 and 331-343, as these are typically where visiting team fans congregate. If you’re a Seahawks fan, anywhere else in the stadium would be more home-oriented.

Remember, there isn’t necessarily a definitive “best” seat as it can vary depending on individual preferences for viewing experience, proximity to the field, crowd energy, protection from the weather, and cost.

Choosing the “best” seats for a Major League Soccer (MLS) game at Lumen Field really depends on what you’re looking for in your game-day experience. Here are some seating options you might consider:

1. Lower Level Sideline: The sections along the sidelines (roughly sections 106-112 and 130-136) offer some of the best views of the whole field. These seats get you close to the action, so you can see all the intricate footwork and strategy play out.
2. Club Level: The club level (typically 200-level sections) offers a great balance between view and comfort. These seats give you a comprehensive view of the field and often come with extra amenities such as lounge access and upgraded concessions.
3. Supporters’ Section: If you’re a Sounders fan and want a high-energy, enthusiastic atmosphere, consider the supporters’ section, usually located in the south end of the stadium (typically sections 121-123). Expect lots of chanting, singing, and flag-waving, but note that in many cases, these are general admission sections where people stand for the entire match.
4. Upper Level: These seats are further from the action, but they can provide a good view of the entire field and the game’s tactics. Plus, upper-level seats are typically more budget-friendly.
5. Midfield Seats: If you’re a soccer purist, the midfield offers a fantastic view of the game’s tactics as plays unfold. This is roughly in sections 108-110 and 134-136.
6. Covered Seats: Seattle can be rainy, so you might consider seats that are undercover. The upper rows of some lower level sections, some of the 200 level, and much of the 300 level are covered.

Remember, the “best” seat can vary depending on your preferences for viewing experience, proximity to the field, crowd atmosphere, protection from the weather, and cost.