15 Jan Playoff Game Day in Pioneer Square

By RaNae Vodder

If you live in Pioneer Square and are a Seahawks fan, you are probably preparing for Sunday’s Conference Championship game.  You are likely asking yourself, “Do I have enough beverages?  What snacks shall I serve?  Is my TV big enough?  Should I ask my friends not to yell at passersby from the deck?”  If you are not a Seahawks fan, then you might be planning to be as far away as possible.  Maybe you pack up your dog and head out early to a friend’s house on the Eastside? 

As more and more people have clamored to climb aboard the Seahawks’ bandwagon, my neighbors and friends have developed some new traditions. We often have people “stop by” before the game for a visit. They drink a beer, use the bathroom, and generally head out early if the weather is good or with minutes to spare when it is not.  Sometimes there is a request to use our “extra parking spot.”  This is a great test of patience as they try to park in our tight little space. I hope they use the $50 they are saving wisely. 

After the game, we love to go outside and soak up the energy of the crowd, watch Blue Thunder and once I was even able to “hug the Hawk” (Blitz).  Our traditions ramp up with our team in the playoffs, more friends stop by before and after the game, and some even stay the night to ensure a safe drive home.  There is more celebrating and tailgating, the recycle bins are stuffed, and people who support our neighborhood have more work to do to keep everyone safe.  This year I started a new tradition… I make eye contact with our police officers and say, “Thank you for being here today.”  I am making a little extra effort to be a good neighbor.

So, in the spirit of traditions and being on the bandwagon or just appreciating what living in Pioneer Square means to you, please reply and tell us what traditions you have on game day!  And as the Bud Light slogan so perfectly said, “It’s only weird if it doesn’t work.”