SEATTLE — The 12s and Seattle-area stores are gearing up for the first Seahawks preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders, and that means the return of former head coach Pete Carroll and recently traded starting quarterback Geno Smith.
The excitement from SODO to Pioneer Square could be felt on Wednesday at restaurants, bars, and merch shops.
Game days at home bring in an average of 60,000 fans. The Alliance for Pioneer Square says that foot traffic is crucial for businesses as the neighborhood keeps growing.
“It’s probably the most exciting pre-season game we’ve had in a long time with Pete Carroll coming back, and Geno Smith,” The Hall on Occidental Owner Gary Szeredy told KOMO News.
The area around the stadiums can look like a ghost town until the sports fans show up.
Pro Image Sports Store Manager Rafael Corona explained Seahawks apparel is their best seller year-round, with their busiest days being football Sundays when they might see thousands of customers for home games. Corona predicts the Cooper Kupp jerseys will be the hot sellers this season.
Also across from the stadiums, The Hall on Occidental opened its doors this summer and is staffed up for the crowds.
For us, it seems like a 12-hour day for fans, so it’s a much more fun and exciting season for us,” Owner Gary Szeredy said. “We can already feel the energy from the Mariners and the Sounders, and the Seahawks are just a different ball game.
Alliance for Pioneer Square Marketing and Communications Manager Angela Nguyen explained that the historic district is ready to welcome visitors as it has opened more than 20 new businesses so far in 2025, surpassing last year’s numbers.
“It’s not just about the game but a whole, full-day experience,” Nguyen said.
As of Wednesday evening, Ticketmaster showed plenty of tickets remaining in just about every section, ranging from just over $20 to $161.