Skip to content

Food & Drink

A 12th Man Guide To Tailgating

When your blood runs green and blue, here’s how to tailgate like a true 12

By Maggie Kerr August 27, 2018

tailgaters

This article originally appeared in the September 2018 issue of Seattle magazine.

This article appears in print in the September 2018 issue. Click here to subscribe.

Catching the game on TV garbed in team colors is fine, but during home games, the most dedicated Seahawks fans take it to the next level. Want to join them this year? You have options. Head to the fenced-off, pedestrian-based Hawk Alley Tailgate area (Pioneer Square, 2200 Utah Ave. S), or drive your vehicle to a tailgate lot.

For tips on tailgating Seahawks style, we consulted Frazer Loveman, manager of Beast Bus (the nonprofit that started the donation-based Hawk Alley Tailgate), and longtime season ticket holder and tailgater (and Tukwila’s Foster High School football coach) Nick Cairns.

1. Early hawk gets the spot. CenturyLink Field doesn’t allow tailgating on its property (except in the North Lot, reserved for season ticket holders). Prime tailgating spots are primarily south of the stadium in private parking lots (costs vary, $20‒$40) or on the street. To secure a spot, arrive by about 8 a.m.

2. Don’t forget the meat. Before game day, break out the slow cooker and prepare your favorite pulled pork recipe, the meat of choice for tailgating. This easy meal travels well and allows you to leave the Coleman stove at home.

3. Color-coordinate your accessories. Whatever your beverage of choice (and remember, public consumption of alcohol is illegal), put it in a cup. Cairns recommends the classic plastic cup—in blue, natch.

4. Pack in, pack out. Clean up your area by bringing your own trash bags. And because you’re in Seattle, don’t forget to designate one of them for recycling.

5. Have a restroom strategy. Portable toilets are few and far between in some areas. Have a plan (hey, that RV comes in handy here).

6. Dress appropriately. Wear as much green and blue as possible (obviously!), and when the weather turns cool, Loveman recommends a snood (a scarf and hood combo), his line of defense against the winds that prevail just south of the stadium.

7. Prepare a game-day playlist. Cairns recommends “locker-room aggressive” tunes: high-energy rock and hip-hop. But mind who your opponent is; for each game, Cairns removes artists originating from the opposing team’s state.

8. Join the community. Bring games (like cornhole, a bean-bag toss game) and engage with others. Otherwise, says Loveman, you’re just left standing around drinking beer (in a designated area, of course).

9. Be respectful. Tailgaters are often the “first responders” for the overly excited or intoxicated. Game day is a family event—surround yourself with responsible fans.

Follow Us

The Pulse: Thawing Out

The Pulse: Thawing Out

Seattle’s food scene steps up and an ugly art tradition lives on

We made it through all the snow and ice this week, and now it’s time to gear up for Valentine’s Day. We’re keeping things simple this year — just stencils, stickers, glitter, and some white cards to decorate. What are your plans? It’s been a week full of news and updates, so here’s what’s happening…

Chef Jan Parker is All Over the Map

Chef Jan Parker is All Over the Map

As Reyna Filipina Kitchen prepares to open, the chef’s got her hands full with popups and dinner parties

Seems like wherever I turn lately, I see Chef Jan Parker’s face. Since 2018, the Tacoma-based popup and catering chef has been serving her fresh, dynamic Filipino cuisine at farmer’s markets, in wineries and breweries, at ticketed dinner parties, in holiday street festivals, even at flea markets and vintage clothing fairs. She’s also hard to…

The Pulse: Snow on the Horizon

The Pulse: Snow on the Horizon

A new MoPOP exhibition, Memorial Stadium’s future, and Pete Carroll in dad mode

Hey there, how’s it going? It’s been a busy week at the office. We’re gearing up for the next print issue — think stunning homes and killer photos. Also, they’re calling for light snow this weekend and possibly into Monday. Any bets on if it’ll actually happen? It’s been a dry winter, so any precipitation…

Valentine’s Day: How Suite It Is

Valentine’s Day: How Suite It Is

Check out these eight romantic getaways 

Valentine’s Day: Dinner, flowers, romance. Done? This year consider a new tradition: the perfect annual excuse to pamper, luxuriate, and staycate. Here are eight local options for cozying up with Valentines, Galentines, and Palentines of every persuasion.   W Bellevue Bellevue makes for a delightfully nearby staycation — just pop across the bridge and press…