For the fourth time in 20 years, the Seattle Seahawks are headed to the Super Bowl — and something feels different across Western Washington.

From Auburn to Lake Tapps, Sumner to Milton, 12 flags are flying, jerseys are out, and even casual fans are leaning into the moment. But this isn’t really about football. It’s about belonging. It’s about community. And it’s about a region that, for a brief moment, remembers what it feels like to want the same thing.

Listen to Seattle’s Morning News w/ Charlie Harger and Manda Factor every weekday at 5am on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM or go to MyNorthwest.com to learn more!