Lumen Field#Event Center

The Seahawks played their home games at the Kingdome from their 1976 inaugural season until 1999, sharing the stadium with Major League Baseball's Seattle Mariners and the National Basketball Association's Seattle SuperSonics.{{cite news |url=http://o.seattlepi.com/kingdome/hawks.shtml |title=A month of Sundays with the Hawks |author=Clare Farnsworth |newspaper=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=March 27, 2000 |access-date=March 20, 2012}}{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} In 1995 a proposal was made to issue county bonds to fund a remodeling project of the facility. The proposal failed, and as a result, Seahawks' owner Ken Behring threatened to sell or move the team (likely to Los Angeles). In 1997 local billionaire Paul Allen pledged to acquire the team if a new stadium could be built and said that the team could not be profitable until they left the Kingdome. He asked the state legislature to hold a special statewide referendum on a proposal to finance a new stadium. Allen also agreed to cover any cost overruns.{{cite news |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19970607/2543328/stadium-not-a-good-deal----hawks-to-lose-money-until-new-facility-is-open |title=Stadium 'Not A Good Deal' – Hawks To Lose Money Until New Facility Is Open |author=David Schaefer |newspaper=Seattle Times |date=June 7, 1997 |access-date=December 23, 2009}}{{cite web |url=http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&file_id=3582 |title=Washington state voters approve funding for new Seahawks Stadium on June 17, 1997 |publisher=HistoryLink.org |access-date=September 27, 2009}} With Allen agreeing to pay the $4 million cost, the legislature agreed. The vote was scheduled to be held in June 1997 but in May a Seattle resident filed a lawsuit that claimed the legislature did not have authority to call for such a vote, since it would be paid for by a private party who could gain from the result. The case was delayed until after the vote.{{cite web |url=http://m.kitsapsun.com/news/1997/Oct/01/lawsuit-dismissed-seahawks-stadium-vote-court/ |title=Lawsuit Dismissed: Seahawks stadium vote withstands court challenge |work=Kitsap Sun |access-date=September 27, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091117092406/http://m.kitsapsun.com/news/1997/Oct/01/lawsuit-dismissed-seahawks-stadium-vote-court/ |archive-date=November 17, 2009}} The proposal was pitched to voters as providing both a new home for the Seahawks and a venue for top-level soccer. It passed on June 17, 1997,{{cite news |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=481997&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071116174031/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=481997&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 16, 2007 |title=Seattle expansion franchise to begin play in '09 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=ESPN |access-date=September 27, 2009}} with 820,364 (51.1%) in favor and 783,584 against.{{cite news |title=Seattle Gets OK to Build New Stadium |date=June 27, 1997 |agency=News Wire Services |work=The Rocky Mountain News}} The vote was close in Seattle, but it received 60% approval in Seattle's northern and eastern suburbs. The public funding was unpopular farther away in the eastern portion of the state.{{cite news |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19970619/2545443/stadium-won-big-in-suburbs----but-far-away-and-in-seattle-seahawk-issue-less-popular |title=Stadium Won Big In Suburbs – But Far Away, And In Seattle, Seahawk Issue Less Popular |last1=Schaefer |first1=David |last2=Serrano |first2=Barbara |last3=Varner |first3=Lynne |date=June 19, 1997 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 5, 2009}} In October, a Thurston County Superior Court judge ruled that the legislature acted properly and in the public's interest, and he dismissed the pending lawsuit. The Washington Supreme Court upheld the decision that December.{{cite web |url=http://www.djc.com/news/const/10048690.html |title=Financing for football stadium upheld by court |work=Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce |access-date=November 5, 2009}}

Voter approval of the referendum created a public–private partnership. The Washington State Public Stadium Authority was created to oversee public ownership of the stadium, exhibition center, and parking garage complex. Allen purchased the Seahawks and formed First & Goal Inc. to build and operate the facility. The budget for the project was $430 million. Of this cost, $44 million was allotted to build the Event Center, $26 million for the parking garage, and $360 million for the stadium. First & Goal was to cover cost overruns and pay up to $130 million of the project while the contribution from the public was capped at $300 million. The public funding package included new sports-related state lottery games, taxes on the facility's admissions and parking, sales tax credits and deferrals, and an eight-year extension of the 2% tax on hotel rooms in King County.{{cite news |first=Carey |last=Goldberg |title=A Decision on the Seattle Seahawks' Home |date=May 27, 1997 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/25/us/a-decision-on-the-seattle-seahawks-home.html?sec=&spon=&pagewanted=2 |work=The New York Times |page=2 |access-date=April 4, 2009}} The taxes on admissions and parking were set below the authorized 10% to preserve the tax-exempt status of the project's bonds, which were first issued on May 1, 1999; the percentage was increased to the full amount when the bonds were completely paid on January 1, 2021, with the taxes subsequently serving as dedicated funding sources for maintenance and modernization of the facilities.{{cite web |url=http://www.leg.wa.gov/JointCommittees/LFOKC/Documents/2008-10-01Quest.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091019023329/http://www.leg.wa.gov/JointCommittees/LFOKC/Documents/2008-10-01Quest.pdf |archive-date=October 19, 2009 |title=Qwest Field and Event Center |publisher=Washington State Legislature |access-date=October 19, 2009 |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |last1=Condotta |first1=Bob |title=Why a sale of the Seahawks is unlikely before May 2024 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/why-a-sale-of-the-seahawks-is-unlikely-before-may-2024/ |access-date=January 12, 2024 |work=The Seattle Times |date=June 22, 2022}} Furthermore, a clause in the referendum required Allen or his estate to give the Public Stadium Authority 10% of the proceeds from the sale of a majority or all of their interest in the Seahawks if they had done so before or on the 25th anniversary of the first bond sale. The proceeds would have been reserved for the state's public schools had a sale of the team occurred before the bonds were fully paid off; any sale in between the bond retirement and the clause expiration would have seen the proceeds go towards improvements to the stadium instead.

In September 1998, First & Goal signed a 30-year stadium lease that includes options to extend for another 20. Per the agreement, the Public Stadium Authority receives $850,000 a year from First and Goal (adjusted for inflation), and First & Goal keeps all revenue from the stadium and parking garage. The company receives 80% of the revenue from the exhibition center while the other 20 percent is allotted to a state education fund. First & Goal is responsible for all operating and maintenance costs, expected to be $6 million a year, and must keep the facility in "first-class" condition. Other details of the lease include the availability of affordable seats, a coordinated effort with neighboring T-Mobile Park (the Mariners' current ballpark) to prevent gridlock, a provision for naming rights, the investment in public art at the stadium, and the giveaway of a luxury suite to a fan each Seahawks' game.{{cite news |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19980925/2774038/seahawks-sign-lease-for-30-years-at-new-stadium |title=Seahawks Sign Lease For 30 Years At New Stadium |last=Dudley |first=Brier |date=September 25, 1998 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 9, 2009}}

File:Qwest Field (Seahawks Stadium) under construction - 2001.jpg

The architectural firm Ellerbe Becket, in association with Loschky, Marquardt and Nesholm (LMN) Architects of Seattle, designed the {{convert|1.5|e6sqft|m2}} project. Allen was closely involved during the design process. While growing up he attended games at the University of Washington's (UW) outdoor Husky Stadium. His goal was to create a similar experience and atmosphere at the new venue.{{cite news |first=Anfelo |last=Bruscas |title=Seahawks owner believes stadium will help drive team to higher level |date=July 7, 2002 |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/football/79037_allen18.shtml |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=April 4, 2009}}{{cite news |url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_418255.html |title=Profile of Allen, Seahawks owner |last=Robin |first=Acton |date=January 29, 2006 |work=Tribune-Review |access-date=November 28, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061022025835/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_418255.html |archive-date=October 22, 2006 }} The exhibition center portion of the project was designed over a period of 14 months by LMN Architects while First & Goal managed the construction.{{cite news |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2002/07/22/focus3.html |title=Multiple options: Building Seahawks Stadium was a challenge for architects and engineers |last=Smith |first=Rob |date=July 7, 2002 |work=Puget Sound Business Journal |access-date=September 9, 2009}}{{cite news |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2002/07/22/focus1.html?page=all |title=Sustained drive: Seahawks Stadium's opening culminates a six-year effort |last=Smith |first=Rob |date=July 7, 2002 |work=Puget Sound Business Journal |access-date=April 4, 2009}} Town meetings were held to discuss the impact on the public, and the company created a $6 million mitigation fund for nearby neighborhoods.{{cite news |url=http://www.djc.com/news/co/11134803.html |title=The six million dollar mitigation |last=Graham |first=J. Todd |date=June 27, 2002 |work=Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce |access-date=December 8, 2009}} In accordance with a program established by the building team, contracts totaling $81 million were awarded to minority- and women-owned businesses. Union apprentices made up 19% of the workforce through another program with local trade unions.{{cite news |url=http://www.bdcnetwork.com/building-team-project-year-awards-1 |title=Building Team Project of the Year Awards |last=Young |first=Renée |date=May 1, 2003 |work=Building Design+Construction |access-date=March 20, 2012}}

Construction of the new exhibition center and parking garage was set to commence on September 19, 1998, but prolonged lease discussions between First & Goal and the Public Stadium Authority delayed the official groundbreaking to September 28.{{cite news |last1=Barber |first1=Mike |title=Lease signing on stadium delayed again – Seahawks, board won't explain reasons why |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=WORLDNEWS&req_dat=C12EB6BE1393489FA580F5880B8B058E&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0EB04B6378CE040B |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=September 4, 1998 |page=B2 |via=NewsBank}}{{cite news |last1=Modie |first1=Neil |title=Groundbreaking for new Seahawk stadium on again – Public board, Allen's people on verge of deal |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=WORLDNEWS&req_dat=C12EB6BE1393489FA580F5880B8B058E&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0EB04B66A1F2EE16 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=September 24, 1998 |page=B2 |via=NewsBank}} The exhibition center opened on October 30, 1999, and subsequently hosted its first event on November 4.{{cite news |last1=Fryer |first1=Alex |title=New exhibition center to open – Facility to host trade and consumer shows |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=WORLDNEWS&req_dat=C12EB6BE1393489FA580F5880B8B058E&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0ED1C86890517CBA |work=The Seattle Times |date=October 29, 1999 |page=B5 |via=NewsBank}} On March 26, 2000, to make way for the stadium, the Kingdome was demolished in the world's largest implosion of a single concrete structure.{{cite news |first=Heather |last=MacIntosh |date=March 27, 2000 |title=Kingdome stadium is imploded on March 26, 2000. |publisher=HistoryLink.org |url=http://www.historylink.org/essays/output.cfm?file_id=2252 |access-date=April 27, 2009}} Almost all of the Kingdome rubble was recycled with roughly half used for the new stadium. The designers were challenged by the soft soil at the site since it was a tidal marsh until public works projects in the early 20th century adjusted the waterline of nearby Elliott Bay. The top layer is a soft fill taken from the grading projects that had leveled portions of Seattle's hills. To account for the soft soil, the complex sits on over 2,200 pilings driven {{convert|50|to|70|ft|abbr=on}} below the ground to form what is essentially a pier for the foundation.{{cite news |url=http://www.djc.com/news/co/11134806.html |title=Driven piles make stadium strong |last=Page |first=Martin |date=June 27, 2002 |work=Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce |access-date=December 8, 2008}} Eight individually connected sections were built to account for the soil concerns, temperature effects, and the potential for earthquakes.{{cite news |url=http://www.djc.com/news/co/11134804.html |title=Soft soil makes for tough design |last=Magnusson |first=Jon |date=June 27, 2002 |work=Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce |access-date=November 5, 2009}} The adjoining exhibition center and parking garage are separate structures and are not part of the eight-section stadium.

File:Aerial of Qwest Field and downtown skyline, 2002.jpg

The site of Lumen Field is the smallest of those developed for new NFL stadiums, at {{convert|30|acre|ha}}.{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/sports/seahawks/stadium/newnham04.html |title=Allen's vision: Open venue with a view |access-date=April 14, 2004 |last=Newnham |first=Blaine |date=August 2, 2002 |work=The Seattle Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040417005323/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/sports/seahawks/stadium/newnham04.html |archive-date=April 17, 2004}}{{cite magazine |last=Newcomb |first=Tim |date=February 5, 2014 |title=NFL now has three legitimate Los Angeles stadium sites in play |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2014/02/05/los-angeles-nfl-stadium |magazine=Sports Illustrated |accessdate=February 16, 2022}} The upper levels were cantilevered over the lower sections to fit within the limited space. Along with the angle of seats and the placement of the lower sections closer to the field, this provided a better view of the field than typically seen throughout the country and allowed for a 67,000-seat capacity.{{cite news |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2002/07/22/focus6.html |title=Close to the action: Fans come first in Seahawks Stadium |access-date=April 14, 2004 |last=Smith |first=Rob |date=July 19, 2002 |work=Puget Sound Business Journal}} Space is available to increase the total capacity to 72,000 for special events. Included in the capacity are 111 suites and over 7,000 club seats. The stadium has 1,400 seats for those with disabilities and their companions located in various sections. In 2009, Qwest Field ranked 21st out of the 31 stadiums in the NFL for total seating capacity.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/8062/rating-the-stadiums-team-by-team-glance |title=Rating the stadiums: Team-by-team glance |date=September 17, 2009 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=November 16, 2009}}

The configuration of Lumen Field is a U-shape with an open north end to provide views of downtown Seattle and the large north plaza. The large retractable roof of T-Mobile Park along with Mount Rainier to the southeast can be seen from the partially open south end. The stadium's concourses were built to be wide, and they provide additional views of the surrounding area.{{cite news |url=http://www.djc.com/news/co/11134805.html |title=Taking fans beyond the game |last=Kressback |first=Jim |date=June 27, 2002 |work=Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce |access-date=November 5, 2009}} A 13-story tower was erected at the north end of the stadium that visually complements the Seattle skyline.{{cite news |first=Ron |last=Gans |title=Designing Seattle's newest landmark |date=June 27, 2002 |url=http://www.djc.com/news/co/11134759.html |work=Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce |access-date=May 25, 2009}} The tower features a vertically oriented scoreboard which is the first of its kind in the NFL. At the base is bleacher seating for 3,000 called the "Hawks' Nest". Another addition not previously seen in the NFL are field-level luxury suites located directly behind the north end zone.

File:CenturyLink Field Sounders layout.jpg]]

Allen rejected plans for a retractable roof during the early stages of the stadium's design. The lack of a retractable roof made it open to the elements, provided better views, and reduced the total cost of the project. The roof, at 200,000 sq ft (19,000 m²),{{cite web |url=http://www.specjm.com/sustainable/casestudies/seahawks.asp |title=Seahawks Stadium – Sustainable Building Case Studies |publisher=Johns Manville Inc |access-date=April 14, 2009}} covers 70% of the seats but leaves the field open. The roof spans {{convert|720|ft|abbr=on}} between concrete pylon supports at the north and south ends of the stadium. Its two expansive sections are held from below by trusses.{{cite web |url=http://www.modernsteel.com/Uploads/Issues/April_2004/30728_EAE_seahawks.pdf |title=EAE Award Seattle Seahawks Stadium |publisher=Modern Steel Construction |access-date=April 28, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126142056/http://modernsteel.com/Uploads/Issues/April_2004/30728_EAE_seahawks.pdf |archive-date=November 26, 2010}} From above, two arches with additional supports rise {{convert|200|ft|abbr=on}} over the field. Post-tensioned cables were used to achieve its final shape and positioning.{{cite news |url=http://www.pobonline.com/Articles/Cover_Story/97a0817cac0f6010VgnVCM100000f932a8c0____ |title=Tackling a Stadium Project |last=Brown |first=James |date=November 1, 2001 |work=Point of Beginning Magazine |publisher=A/E/C Media Group |at=Cover Story |access-date=December 10, 2009}} To minimize damage in the event of an earthquake, the roof has a friction pendulum damper system. This disconnects the roof from the support pylons so that it can move independently of the structure. The technology had never been applied to a large-scale roof before Lumen Field. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck the Seattle area during construction. The structure responded as expected by the designers, and there was minimal damage. The project was completed on budget and a month ahead of schedule.

The roof was originally painted white to aesthetically distinguish it from both T-Mobile Park and the nearby industrial area; however, the paint gradually turned ash gray despite cleanings and repaintings, prompting a blue-colored repaint of the roof from May to July 2010.{{cite news |title=Filthy Qwest Field roof could use a little love |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=WORLDNEWS&req_dat=C12EB6BE1393489FA580F5880B8B058E&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F12F85AA9C61E2D68 |department=Seattle Sports Blog |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=May 4, 2010 |via=NewsBank}}{{cite news |title=It turned blue! Qwest Field roof painted |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=WORLDNEWS&req_dat=C12EB6BE1393489FA580F5880B8B058E&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F130FEBBF442FB378 |department=Seattle Sports Blog |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=July 15, 2010}} Light-emitting diodes following the outline of the stadium's logo were subsequently installed on the roof in October 2019.{{cite press release |date=October 3, 2019 |title=Seahawks, CenturyLink Field Shine Bright From The Rooftop With Connected Lighting From Signify |url=https://www.seahawks.com/news/seahawks-centurylink-field-shine-bright-from-the-rooftop-with-connected-lighting |publisher=Seattle Seahawks |accessdate=April 9, 2023}} The east side of the stadium has a large glass curtain wall that faces the nearby International District. The exterior of the stadium also consists of salmon-colored concrete, and the west side of the structure is partially clad with red brick. The coloring and facade were designed so the stadium would blend with the older buildings in neighboring Pioneer Square. To reduce costs, the exterior was not completed with brick or ornate steel work.

In 2015, the stadium was expanded with the addition of the Toyota Fan Deck{{efn|The Toyota Fan Deck is sponsored by the Western Washington Toyota Dealers, an association of local Toyota dealers; it is not sponsored directly by Toyota.{{cite press release |title=Seahawks adding 1,000 seats to CenturyLink Field |url=http://www.seahawks.com/news/2015/02/23/seahawks-adding-1000-seats-centurylink-field |publisher=Seattle Seahawks |date=February 23, 2015 |access-date=November 15, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117025254/http://www.seahawks.com/news/2015/02/23/seahawks-adding-1000-seats-centurylink-field |archive-date=November 17, 2015}}}} on {{convert|5775|sqft|m2}} of space at its southern end; privately funded by the Seahawks, it consisted of a new 12 Flag raising platform flanked by two 500-seat sections, pushing the capacity of the stadium to 68,000. The 1,000 additional seats were made available to then-current season ticket holders, with remaining seats allocated to the Blue Pride waiting list for season tickets.{{cite news |last1=Stiles |first1=Marc |title=The ruling on the field is confirmed: Seahawks expanding the Clink |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/2015/02/the-ruling-on-the-field-is-confirmed-seahawks.html |access-date=May 19, 2023 |work=Puget Sound Business Journal |date=February 23, 2015}}{{cite news |last1=Baker |first1=Geoff |title=With new deck, Seahawks cater more to quality than quantity |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/with-new-deck-seahawks-cater-more-to-quality-than-quantity/ |access-date=May 19, 2023 |work=The Seattle Times |date=August 16, 2015}} The stadium also has additional seats that can be deployed for special events, bringing the maximum capacity to 72,000.{{cite web |title=Venue Information |url=http://www.centurylinkfield.com/venue-information/ |publisher=CenturyLink Field |access-date=August 2, 2019}}

Lumen Field underwent minor renovations in 2022 as the stadium marked its twentieth anniversary. Improvements to the stadium made before the start of the 2022 Seahawks season include the conversion of an unused {{convert|6300|sqft|m2|adj=on}} space below the Hawks' Nest into a food and beverage area, the addition of an open cashierless concession area on the concourse behind the Toyota Fan Deck, and the replacement of a pair of video display boards at the north end of the stadium with Diamond Vision boards from Mitsubishi Electric that were more than double the size of the pre-existing ones.{{cite news |title=New bars, food market teed up at Lumen Field |url=https://www.djc.com/news/ae/12150098.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=April 1, 2023 |work=Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce |date=July 22, 2022 |language=en}} A {{convert|1800|sqft|m2|adj=on}} pregame hospitality area adjacent to the home team's locker room was then opened for the 2023 Seahawks season; named the Tunnel Club, it allows spectators to view players walking between the locker room and the field.{{cite news |last1=McCormick |first1=Bret |title=New premium space opening at Lumen Field for '23 NFL season |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2023/02/09/Facilities/seahawks-tunnel-club-lumen-field.aspx |access-date=January 12, 2024 |work=Sports Business Journal |date=February 9, 2023 |language=en}}{{Cite press release |title=Introducing The Tunnel Club At Lumen Field |date=February 8, 2023 |publisher=Lumen Field |url=https://www.lumenfield.com/venue-info-news/introducing-the-tunnel-club-at-lumen-field |access-date=January 12, 2024}} Additional planned renovations include the creation of two standing room open-air decks.{{cite news |last1=McCormick |first1=Bret |title=Lumen Field to get fan experience upgrades |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Closing-Bell/2022/07/20/Lumen-Field-upgrades.aspx |access-date=April 1, 2023 |work=Sports Business Journal |date=July 20, 2022 |language=en}}

In October 2023, the stadium's gates and concourses were renamed under a new "neighborhoods" program for destination signage; the four "neighborhoods" are Cityside (north), Cascade (east), Rainier (south), and Olympic (west).{{cite press release |date=October 11, 2023 |title=A New Wave of Fanovation |url=https://www.lumenfield.com/venue-info-news/new-wave-of-fanovation-2023 |publisher=Lumen Field |accessdate=October 20, 2024}} The concourses at Lumen Field are staggered: Olympic Hall on the west side is at field level, while Cascade Main on the east side and Rainier Main on the south side are elevated one level above. The club and suite levels sit above the Cascade and Olympic concourses, followed by the "Summit" levels for the Cascade, Rainier, and Olympic "neighborhoods".{{cite web |title=Lumen Field Stadium Directory |url=https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/seahawks/zmmdd0y8poreqyajbuww |publisher=Seattle Seahawks |accessdate=October 20, 2024}} Lumen Field has 45 concession stands, 63 restrooms with 799 toilets and 364 urinals, 12 elevators, and over 500 television screens.{{cite web |title=Lumen Field |url=https://www.soundersfc.com/club/facilities |publisher=Seattle Sounders FC |accessdate=October 20, 2024}} The stadium has a public art collection that includes Earth Dialogue, a series of four disks by Bob Haozous on the north side of the Hawks' Nest that faces Downtown Seattle.{{cite news |last=Hackett |first=Regina |date=July 18, 2002 |title=Public art commitment adds passion to stadium |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/public-art-commitment-adds-passion-to-stadium-1091561.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |accessdate=October 20, 2024}}

File:Soundersfcqwestfield.jpg

The 1997 state referendum stated that the stadium would feature a natural grass surface, but FieldTurf was not an option when the stadium was originally presented to voters according to the Public Stadium Authority.{{cite news |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/football/40640_turf28.shtml |title=Turf battle ends as stadium board approves FieldTurf |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=September 27, 2009 |date=September 27, 2001}} Seahawks management reconsidered the playing surface after the Seahawks played on FieldTurf at Husky Stadium during the 2000 and 2001 seasons. Artificial turf was installed because it was easier to maintain than natural grass. The potential damage to a natural grass field caused by Seattle's frequent rain also made the surface an appealing option. In order to keep a grass surface robust under heavy football use during late fall and early winter rains, a $1.8 million irrigation and heating system would have been required. The coach of the Seahawks at the time, Mike Holmgren, said that FieldTurf installation was the right decision and stated that "the players love it, and I think this surface will offer a better product on the field for the fans."{{cite news |first=Tom |last=Pedulla |title=Seahawks' artificial turf earns praise from players |date=September 10, 2002 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2002-09-10-fieldturf_x.htm |work=USA Today |access-date=August 3, 2009}} Local soccer fans were concerned that the lack of a natural grass field would hinder Seattle's chances of receiving an MLS expansion franchise. They asserted that voters had approved the facility with the understanding that the new stadium was intended for soccer as well as football. In a compromise, First & Goal agreed to pay for grass to be installed for special events when needed.{{cite news |first=Greg |last=Lamm |title=Qwest Field playing surface to be replaced |date=February 8, 2008 |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2008/02/04/daily35.html |work=Puget Sound Business Journal |access-date=May 14, 2009}}

In 2002, Seahawks Stadium became the first stadium in the NFL to install a FieldTurf artificial field. The surface is made of plastic fibers rooted in a mixture of ground rubber and sand.{{cite news |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/othersports/32948_turf27.shtml |title=Showdown looms over turf in new stadium |last=Bruscas |first=Angelo |date=July 27, 2001 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=November 5, 2009}} The field was replaced in early 2008 after tests showed that compression of sand and rubber increased the risk of player injuries. For the second installation, FieldTurf won the bid over Polytan. For the replacement surface, a one-inch (two and one-half centimeters) poured rubber foundation was added to prevent the compression from reoccurring. Under the naming rights agreement, Qwest paid $500,000 for the installation and First & Goal paid the remaining amount, which was undisclosed. By 2010 the FieldTurf's quality had decreased with the blades becoming matted down. It also failed FIFA's quality testing to be ranked 2 Star. A new FieldTurf surface was laid down in 2012 and it met the requirements of a 2 Star field after testing.{{cite news |last=Mayers |first=Joshua |title=CenturyLink turf passes FIFA 2-Star testing |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/soundersfcblog/2018140224_centurylink_turf_passes_fifa_2.html |access-date=May 4, 2012 |newspaper=The Seattle Times |date=May 4, 2012}} A new turf field, using the FieldTurf Revolution 360, was installed in February 2016 ahead of the 2016 Sounders season.{{cite news |last=Pentz |first=Matt |date=February 19, 2016 |title=Seahawks, Sounders announce new FieldTurf installation at CenturyLink Field |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/seattle-sounders-announce-completion-of-new-fieldturf-installation-at-centurylink-field/ |newspaper=The Seattle Times |access-date=February 21, 2016}}

There have been various opinions regarding both the artificial surface and temporary grass surfaces used for soccer matches. After the Brazilian national team defeated Canada's side 3–2 in 2008, Brazil's coach commented that one reason for his team's unexpectedly poor performance was the loosely installed grass field.{{cite news |first=Greg |last=Bell |title=Brazil survives Canada 3–2 |date=June 1, 2008 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2008-06-01-1569670979_x.htm |work=USA Today |access-date=April 4, 2009}} The Grenada national team struggled to cope with the artificial surface during their loss at the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUSTRE56408P20090705 |title=U.S. make winning start in Gold Cup |date=July 4, 2009 |publisher=Reuters |access-date=November 6, 2009}} In July 2009, the U.S. Soccer Federation chose D.C. United's RFK Stadium over Qwest Field for the U.S. Open Cup. The general manager of D.C. United speculated that RFK's grass field was one of the reasons his team had a stronger bid.{{cite news |url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/2009/07/payne_responds_to_sounders.html?wprss=soccerinsider |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107175757/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/2009/07/payne_responds_to_sounders.html?wprss=soccerinsider |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 7, 2012 |title=Payne Responds to Sounders |last=Goff |first=Steven |date=July 23, 2009 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=July 25, 2009}} The general manager of the Sounders, Adrian Hanauer, told The Seattle Times in 2010 that replacement of the surface was a continuing conversation between the Sounders and Allen's Vulcan Inc.{{cite news |last=Mayers |first=Joshua |title=Talking about the Qwest turf and injuries with Sounders FC |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/soundersfcblog/2012903749_talking_about_the_qwest_turf_a.html |access-date=January 28, 2011 |newspaper=The Seattle Times |date=September 15, 2010}} When the Los Angeles Galaxy traveled to Seattle in May 2012, the FieldTurf was noted as one of the reasons David Beckham and Robbie Keane were left out of the line-up.{{cite web |last=Bueno |first=Luis |title=Galaxy's lineup shifts fall flat in defeat at Sounders |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/05/03/galaxys-lineup-shifts-fall-flat-sounders-loss |publisher=Major League Soccer |date=May 3, 2012 |access-date=May 4, 2012 |archive-date=February 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201013050/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/05/03/galaxys-lineup-shifts-fall-flat-sounders-loss |url-status=dead }} In 2014, the field was criticized during an ESPN broadcast after an Amazon corporate event involving a game of Quidditch damaged the pitch before a Sounders match.{{cite web |last=Oshan |first=Jeremiah |title=CenturyLink's turf looked awful, here's what the Sounders had to say about it |url=https://www.sounderatheart.com/2014/8/11/5991761/centurylink-turf-awful-bad-statement-quidditch |work=Sounder At Heart |access-date=March 10, 2019 |date=August 1, 2014}} Zach Scott expressed concerns over the same installation of the field and its effects on his body. The 10-year lease extension between Sounders FC and First & Goal announced in 2015 mandates new turf every four years or sooner; the first such new installation was in 2016.{{cite web |last=Pentz |first=Matt |title=Sounders announce CenturyLink Field lease extension through 2028 season |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-announce-centurylink-field-lease-extension-through-2028-season/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=March 10, 2019 |date=March 16, 2015}}{{cite news |last=Pentz |first=Matt |date=February 19, 2016 |title=Seahawks, Sounders announce new FieldTurf installation at CenturyLink Field |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/seattle-sounders-announce-completion-of-new-fieldturf-installation-at-centurylink-field/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 6, 2022}}

Between August and November, both the Seahawks and Sounders FC host games at Lumen Field. Each team has emphasized the importance of playing their games without the other team's painted lines on the field.{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2009737244_sounders26.html |title=Qwest Field pulls off quick turnaround between Sounders FC and Seahawks games |last=Romero |first=José Miguel |date=August 25, 2009 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 30, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090827161249/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2009737244_sounders26.html |archive-date=August 27, 2009}} Around 2003, at the Seahawks' request, local company EcoChemical developed for the field a new kind of paint that is "designed to fail". The new paint is relatively easy to remove with a power washer and a special chemical solution, a process that the company describes as environmentally friendly. With the new paint, converting the field between American football and soccer takes 14 hours in dry weather, though painting logos and other colors takes additional time.{{cite web |last=Chris |first=Daniels |title=CenturyLink to convert from soccer to football field in 48 hours |url=http://www.king5.com/sports/CenturyLink-to-convert-from-soccer-to-football-field-in-48-hours-223559361.html |publisher=KING 5 |access-date=September 29, 2013 |date=September 12, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922034519/http://www.king5.com/sports/CenturyLink-to-convert-from-soccer-to-football-field-in-48-hours-223559361.html |archive-date=September 22, 2013}} Despite various preparations, some Sounders matches—particularly in the playoffs—have had Seahawks logos and American football lines painted on the turf.{{cite news |last=Oshan |first=Jeremiah |date=November 1, 2013 |title=CenturyLink Field turf to have football lines for Seattle Sounders-Portland Timbers playoff matchup |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/centurylink-field-turf-have-football-lines-seattle-sounders-portland-timbers-pla |work=MLSsoccer.com |accessdate=November 7, 2022}}

{{See also|Seattle Seahawks}}

File:CenturyLink Field panorama 2016.jpg

Prior to the stadium opening in 2002, Allen and Bob Whitsitt said that they hoped the new stadium would help turn the Seahawks into a Super Bowl contender and that Seattle would be considered to host the championship game. The seating is expandable to 72,000 for the purpose of holding the game, but the NFL typically does not consider cities with outdoor stadiums where the average temperature in February is below {{convert|50|°F|0}}.{{cite news |last=O'Neil |first=Danny |title=Chill on those Super Bowl-to-Seattle questions |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/seahawksblog/2011952041_chillonthosesuperbowltoseattlequestions.html |access-date=May 25, 2010 |newspaper=The Seattle Times |date=May 25, 2010}} The number of season tickets available at Qwest was capped at 61,000 following the Super Bowl appearance. The ensuing waiting list was the first for the Seahawks since the early 1990s.{{cite news |last=O'Niel |first=Danny |title=No waiting for Seahawks' season tickets |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/seahawks/2012406109_hawk21.html |access-date=August 5, 2010 |newspaper=The Seattle Times |date=July 20, 2010}}

The team's first season at their new home was in 2002.{{efn|2002 also marked the Seahawks' first season in the National Football Conference (NFC) since their inaugural season in 1976; they were members of the American Football Conference (AFC) between 1977 and 2001.{{cite news |last1=Dugar |first1=Michael-Shawn |title=What Seahawks lost, gained in AFC-to-NFC move in NFL realignment 20 years ago |url=https://theathletic.com/3636746/2022/09/29/seahawks-nfc-afc-rivalry-history/ |access-date=April 9, 2023 |work=The Athletic |date=September 29, 2022 |language=en}}}} Their first game at the new facility was a 28–10 preseason loss to the Indianapolis Colts on August 11, 2002.{{cite news |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/recaps/2002/08/10/seahawks_colts/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130121031857/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/recaps/2002/08/10/seahawks_colts/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 21, 2013 |title=2002 NFL Preview – Recap:Indianapolis Colts 28, Seattle Seahawks 10 |publisher=CNN/Sports Illustrated |access-date=April 4, 2004}} Their first regular-season game was held on September 15, 2002; the Sehawks lost by a score of 24–13 to the Arizona Cardinals, the same franchise that defeated them in the first regular-season game at the Kingdome in 1976. The Seahawks went on to end their first season at the new field with a 7–9 record, winning only three home games. In the 2003 season, the team went undefeated at home and reached the playoffs. It was the first time the franchise had won 10 games in a single season in 17 years.{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/chronicle/archive/2003/12/28/SPGRA3VGE81.DTL |title=Playoffs or not, Holmgren should stay as coach |last=Miller |first=Ira |date=December 12, 2003 |work=San Francisco Chronicle |access-date=September 9, 2009}} The Seahawks again reached the postseason during the 2004 season and played their first playoff game at Qwest Field on January 8, 2005. In that game, they lost to the St. Louis Rams who had already defeated them twice that season.{{cite news |title=Seahawks disappointed a third time as Rams continue dominance |last=Romero |first=José Miguel |date=January 18, 2001 |work=The Seattle Times}} The following season, the Seahawks went undefeated at home for the second time in three years and won their first-ever NFC Championship,{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/seahawks/2002703274_hawk25.html |title=Ho-ho-home field: Beating Colts assures best NFC record |last=Romero |first=José Miguel |date=December 12, 2005 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 9, 2009}} but lost in Super Bowl XL. Between 2002 and 2005, the Seahawks won 24 of their 32 regular season games at the stadium.{{cite news |first=Scott M. |last=Johnson |title=The Sound Has Effects in Seattle |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=January 10, 2006 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/09/AR2006010901651.html |access-date=January 8, 2008}}

In 2006, the Seahawks had a 9–7 record and hosted the Dallas Cowboys in the wild card round of the playoffs.{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/seahawks/2007-01-07-jordan-babineaux_x.htm?POE=SPOISVA |title=Seahawks saved by Babineaux's corner-turning play |last=Corbett |first=Jim |date=January 7, 2007 |work=USA Today |access-date=September 9, 2009}} The Seahawks trailed 20–13 with less than 7 minutes remaining but came back to win 21–20.{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2003512878_webhawk06.html |title=Hawks win a wild, wild wild-card game |last=Romero |first=José Miguel |date=January 6, 2007 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 18, 2009}} In 2007, the team won seven of their eight home games and clinched their fourth consecutive division title.{{cite news |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/football/345629_hawk01.html |title=Seahawks counting on Qwest mystique to stop Redskins |last=Farnsworth |first=Clare |date=January 1, 2008 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=November 18, 2009}} Qwest Field was again the site for their wild card game, and they defeated the Washington Redskins 35–14.{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=280105026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080109084749/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=280105026 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 9, 2008 |title=Redskins give valiant effort, but Seahawks advance to face Packers |publisher=ESPN |access-date=November 18, 2009}} In 2008, the Seahawks went 4–12 and had only two home wins. Holmgren left the organization after the season.{{cite news |url=http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2008/dec/30/the-big-boss-says-goodbye/ |title=The Big Boss Holmgren Says Goodbye |last=Froschauer |first=John |date=December 30, 2008 |work=Kitsap Sun |access-date=November 26, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081231195445/http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2008/dec/30/the-big-boss-says-goodbye/ |archive-date=December 31, 2008}} When he was interviewed about memorable moments and the fans, he said that Qwest Field was "a remarkable place to compete in and to play professional football".{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/seahawks/2008543729_hawkgameday21.html |title=Seahawks vs. Jets Preview |last=Romero |first=José Miguel |date=December 21, 2008 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 26, 2009}} He called a game at the stadium "an experience".

In 2010, the Seahawks were the first NFL team with a losing record ever to win a division title in a season not shortened by a strike.{{cite news |last=O'Neil |first=Danny |title=Seahawks upset Saints, 41–36 |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/seahawks/2013885514_hawk09.html |access-date=January 28, 2011 |newspaper=The Seattle Times |date=January 8, 2011}} Seattle earned its fifth consecutive home playoff victory with a 41–36 win over the New Orleans Saints. "God bless the voters," defensive tackle Craig Terrill said after the game in reference to the stadium's importance to the franchise.{{cite news |last=Kelley |first=Steve |title=It's been a great two weeks for Seattle sports fans |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/stevekelley/2013893216_kelley10.html |access-date=January 28, 2011 |newspaper=The Seattle Times |date=January 8, 2010 |page=C-6}}

Under Pete Carroll, the Seahawks were undefeated at home during the 2012 season.{{cite news |url=http://www.nwcn.com/home/185238922.html |title=Wilson leads Seahawks past Rams 20-13 |work=Northwest Cable News |date=December 30, 2012 |agency=Associated Press |access-date=January 13, 2013 |author=Booth, Tim |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130103042854/http://www.nwcn.com/home/185238922.html |archive-date=January 3, 2013}} Season tickets for 2013 sold-out with a franchise-record 98% renewal rate.{{cite news |last=Eatpm |first=Nick |title=Seahawks see franchise-record renewal rate as 2013 season tickets sell out |url=http://blog.seattlepi.com/football/2013/06/20/seahawks-see-franchise-record-renewal-rate-as-2013-season-tickets-sell-out/ |access-date=July 21, 2013 |newspaper=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=June 20, 2013 |archive-date=June 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627195416/http://blog.seattlepi.com/football/2013/06/20/seahawks-see-franchise-record-renewal-rate-as-2013-season-tickets-sell-out/ |url-status=dead }} Through the 2018 season, the Seahawks compiled a regular season record of 95–41 at the stadium.{{cite news |last1=Furman |first1=T. J. |title=The Eagles host the Seahawks Sunday, but home-field advantage is the worst it's been since 1972 |url=https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/philadelphia-eagles-seattle-seahawks-nfl-playoffs-home-field-advantage-worst-since-1972-20200103.html |access-date=April 21, 2023 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |date=January 3, 2020 |language=en}}

Lumen Field often sells out for Seahawks games; although the team struggled to sell out games (with two resulting blackouts){{efn|Under then-current NFL policy, a game that failed to sell out 72 hours prior to its start time would result in its blackout in the home team's television market. This policy was effectively suspended in 2015.{{cite news |last=Condotta |first=Bob |title=NFL scraps blackout policy for 2015 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/nfl-scraps-blackout-policy-for-2015/ |access-date=April 16, 2023 |work=The Seattle Times |date=March 23, 2015}}}} in its inaugural season at the stadium, it has sold out every game after the 2003 home opener,{{cite news |last1=Kaplan |first1=Daniel |title=Leiweke: Wins will chase away TV blackouts |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Journal/Issues/2003/09/15/This-Weeks-Issue/Leiweke-Wins-Will-Chase-Away-TV-Blackouts.aspx |access-date=April 16, 2023 |work=Sports Business Journal |date=September 15, 2003 |language=en}} with 146 consecutive games sold out through the 2019 season.{{cite news |last=Bell |first=Gregg |date=August 19, 2020 |title=Seahawks make it official: no fans for at least the first 3 home games because of COVID-19 |url=https://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/nfl/seattle-seahawks/article245094410.html |work=The News Tribune |access-date=September 1, 2020}}{{efn|All Seahawks home games during the 2020 season were played without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Seattle.{{cite news |title=Seahawks to allow full crowds at Lumen Field next season |url=https://apnews.com/article/seattle-seahawks-health-coronavirus-pandemic-nfl-sports-60b1d1498ceea67f4441f15aff848be5 |access-date=April 19, 2023 |work=Associated Press |date=June 22, 2021 |language=en}}}} Despite dismal on-field performances in 2008 and 2009, the team maintained its base of season ticket holders;{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/seahawks/2009564266_hawktix30.html?FORM=ZZNR2 |title=Seahawks single-game tickets go on sale Monday morning |last=O'Neil |first=Danny |date=July 30, 2009 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 24, 2009}} Before the 2008 season, the 14,000 single game tickets not already allotted sold out less than 15 minutes after they became available.{{cite news |first=Susan |last=Kelleher |title=Hawks tickets gone in a flash |date=August 5, 2008 |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/seahawks/2008091951_tickets05.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=May 1, 2009}} After going 9–23 over two seasons in 2008 and 2009, the number of available season tickets was increased to 62,000. The largest crowd to attend a Seahawks game at Lumen Field was 69,190, against the Philadelphia Eagles on November 20, 2016.

Lumen Field has earned a reputation as one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL. It was, at one point in time, in the Guinness World Record books for being the loudest stadium in the world.{{Cite web |date=September 12, 2013 |title=Seattle Seahawks fans set stadium noise record Sunday |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/seattle-seahawks-fans-set-stadium-noise-record-sunday/ |access-date=September 16, 2013 |website=FOX Sports|agency=Associated Press}}{{cite news |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-28-bears-seahawks-sep28,0,1967559.story |title=Chicago Bears beat Seattle Seahawks 25–19 |last=Pompei |first=Dan |date=September 28, 2009 |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=September 28, 2009}} The seating decks and partial roof, both trap and amplify exceptional amounts of noise and reflect it back onto the field.{{cite news |url=http://www.komonews.com/sports/13058992.html |title=Redskins on Qwest Field: 'That stadium was loud' |agency=Associated Press |publisher=KOMO News |access-date=April 30, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090801144457/http://www.komonews.com/sports/13058992.html |archive-date=August 1, 2009}} This noise possibly contributes to increased false start penalties since opposing offenses can miss audibles and the snap count, as well as delay of game penalties due to the reduced efficiency of communicating plays to the offense.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/print?id=2299446&type=story |title=Crowd noise makes venues tough for road teams |last=Clayton |first=John |date=January 21, 2006 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=September 9, 2009}} From 2002 through 2012, there have been 143 false-start penalties on visiting teams in Seattle, second only to the Minnesota Vikings.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4731877/three-point-stance-seattle-seahawks |title=Three-point stance: Seattle Seahawks |last=Parolin |first=John |date=October 10, 2012 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=November 9, 2012}} During that same time period, the Seahawks have accumulated a home win record of 59–29, with a simultaneous road record of 33–55.{{cite web |title=How Important is the Seahawks' Home Field Advantage? |url=http://thesportspost.com/blogs/view/how-important-is-the-seahawks-home-field-advantage |work=thesportspost.com |publisher=The Sports Post |access-date=September 5, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905213854/http://thesportspost.com/blogs/view/how-important-is-the-seahawks-home-field-advantage |archive-date=September 5, 2014 }}

File:12th man qwest field.JPG

When Tod Leiweke was hired as the Seahawks' new CEO in 2003, he had a large flagpole installed in the south end to fly the 12th Man Flag as a tribute to the team's fans, collectively known as the 12th man.{{cite news |first=John |last=Levesque |title=Leiweke's handiwork best seen in Seahawks aura |date=January 13, 2006 |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/football/255504_leve13.html |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=April 18, 2009}}{{cite web |last1=Farnsworth |first1=Clare |title=On This Date: 12th Man flag raised for first time |url=http://blog.seahawks.com/2012/10/12/on-this-date-12th-man-flag-raised-for-first-time/ |publisher=Seahawks.com |access-date=February 8, 2016 |date=October 12, 2012}}{{efn|As of 2014, the Seahawks refer to their fans as the "12s" due to licensing restrictions from Texas A&M University, which holds the rights to the "12th Man" trademark.{{cite news |title=The Seahawks' ubiquitous 12s |url=https://archive.kitsapsun.com/news/local/the-seahawks-ubiquitous-12s-ep-298472156-355720801.html/ |access-date=April 18, 2022 |work=Kitsap Sun |date=February 1, 2014 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Rovell |first1=Darren |title=Seahawks reach 5-year licensing deal with Texas A&M |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/17274864/texas-aggies-lends-12th-man-trademark-seattle-seahawks-5-year-deal |access-date=April 18, 2022 |work=ESPN |date=August 11, 2016 |language=en}}}} The team had retired the number 12 in 1984 to honor its fans, who had gained notoriety for intensifying the Kingdome's noisy acoustics such that the NFL enacted a rule in 1989 penalizing home teams for disruptive crowd noise when visiting teams are on offense; the rule itself is rarely enforced due to the futility of controlling such noise leaguewide.{{cite news |last1=Belson |first1=Ken |title=Seahawks Fans Act as Extra Player, Tormenting Opponents and Eardrums |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/20/sports/football/when-fans-turn-up-volume-seahawks-play-with-a-man-advantage.html |access-date=May 20, 2023 |work=The New York Times |date=January 19, 2014}} A local celebrity, sometimes a former Seahawk, raises the flag during the network television pre-game events.{{cite web |url=http://www.seahawks.com/spirit-of-12/history-of-the-12s |title=The 12s |website=Seahawks.com|date=August 24, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203012510/http://www.seahawks.com/spirit-of-12/history-of-the-12s |archive-date=December 3, 2016}}

In 2005, the stadium gained national attention when the visiting New York Giants committed 11 false start penalties.{{cite news |url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=251127026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110226121926/http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=251127026 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 26, 2011 |title=Three missed FGs doom Giants in OT loss to Seahawks |publisher=ESPN |access-date=November 18, 2009}} Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren attributed the penalties to the enthusiasm and noise from the crowd. He dedicated the ball used to make the game-winning field goal to the fans, and it is now displayed at the stadium.{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2002652430_hawk29.html |title=Hawk Notes: "12th man" key to latest victory over Giants |last=Romero |first=José Miguel |date=November 29, 2005 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 9, 2009}} The Giants' general manager, Ernie Accorsi, asked an NFL senior vice president whether the Seahawks had broadcast artificial crowd noise over the public address system during this game.{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/sports/a-giant-mistake-loud-clear-article-1.610270 |title=A Giant Mistake, Loud & Clear |last=Raissman |first=Bob |date=September 26, 2006 |work=Daily News |access-date=March 20, 2012 |location=New York}} The NFL sent a memorandum early in the 2006 season about such complaints and sent officials to monitor two games. Holmgren denied the allegations, and the crowd responded by being even louder than usual when the Giants returned to Qwest Field.{{cite news |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/football/285932_noise21.html |title=Seahawks: The sound by the sound |last=Farnsworth |first=Clare |date=September 21, 2006 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=November 18, 2009}} Since 2005 the Seahawks have tracked the number of false starts committed by visiting teams and display the statistic on a scoreboard to motivate the crowd. As of 2013, the stadium has had a league-high number of false starts since.{{cite web |last=Langland |first=Tyson |title=Seattle's 12th Man Helped the Seahawks Set a New Record and More NFC West News |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1521602-seattles-12th-man-helped-the-seahawks-set-a-new-record-and-more-nfc-west-news |work=Bleacher Report |date=February 8, 2013 |access-date=January 21, 2016}}{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2437992 |title=Seahawks, A&M resolve '12th man' dispute |date=May 8, 2006 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=November 3, 2009}}{{cite news |first=Chris |last=Colsto |title=Hasselbeck, Seahawks light up Giants 42–30 |work=USA Today |date=September 24, 2006 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/games/2006-09-24-seahawks-giants_x.htm?POE=SPOISVA |access-date=January 7, 2008}} In preparation for the 2005 NFC Championship Game at Qwest Field, the Carolina Panthers practiced with the recorded sounds of jet engines in the background to prepare for the volume of the crowd.{{cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E06E2DE133FF931A15752C0A9609C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=1 |title=Pro Football; Hold the Coffee: The Seahawks and Their Fans Have a Thirst for the Bubbly |last=Brown |first=Clifton |date=January 22, 2006 |work=The New York Times |access-date=September 9, 2009}}

Kickers experience further disadvantages when attempting field goals at Lumen Field. Both the stadium's proximity to Puget Sound and the open north end create winds that are challenging to gauge. Former Seahawks kicker Josh Brown adjusted to the winds, and he believed the moisture in the air caused trouble for others.{{cite news |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/football/286208_hawk23.html |title=Giants kicker back at scene of meltdown |last=Farnsworth |first=Clare |date=September 23, 2006 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=November 19, 2009}}

On September 15, 2013, Seattle Seahawks fans successfully broke the Guinness World Records for the loudest stadium in the world. The 131.9-decibel record occurred during the sack of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in the first quarter. Fans then broke their new record during the third quarter of the same game when a level of 136.6 decibels was achieved during a goal line stand by the Seahawks defense.[http://seattletimes.com/html/seahawks/2021833455_seahawksscene16xml.html 136.6 decibels! Hawks fans break Guinness mark for loudest stadium] The Seattle Times The record was broken by the crowd at Arrowhead Stadium on October 13, 2013, with a sound pressure level of 137.57 decibels.{{cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs fans set loudest stadium record at Arrowhead |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/kansas-city-chiefs-fans-set-loudest-stadium-record-at-arrowhead-0ap2000000261582 |work=NFL.com |publisher=National Football League |access-date=October 13, 2013}} The record was later regained by the Seahawks fans on December 2, 2013, with 137.6 decibels against the New Orleans Saints, but lost once again to Arrowhead Stadium in a Monday Night Football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots on September 29, 2014, setting the record that still stands at 142.2 decibels.{{cite web |last=Thorman |first=Joel |title=Kansas City Chiefs break Guinness World record against Patriots with 142.2 decibels |url=http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2014/9/29/6870283/kansas-city-chiefs-guinness-world-record-crowd-noise-decibels-patriots-mnf |work=SB Nation |date=September 29, 2014 |access-date=January 21, 2016}}

The Seattle Dragons of the XFL played their only two home games at CenturyLink Field during the short-lived league's 2020 season. The team was among seven in the XFL to share its stadium with NFL teams and drew a league-record 29,172 fans at the home opener on February 15, 2020.{{cite news |last1=Benjamin |first1=Cody |title=Pete Carroll thinks Seattle should embrace XFL team that will share the Seahawks' stadium |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/pete-carroll-thinks-seattle-should-embrace-xfl-team-that-will-share-the-seahawks-stadium/ |access-date=May 10, 2020 |work=CBS Sports |date=December 7, 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Arthur |first1=Ben |title=Seattle Dragons president thanks locals for 'incredible support' after XFL shutdown |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/coronavirus/article/xfl-dragons-president-thanks-fans-amid-shutdown-15193390.php |access-date=May 10, 2020 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=April 10, 2020}} The second game had 22,060 in attendance, with the team among the highest-drawing in the XFL before the league suspended operations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news |last1=Calkins |first1=Matt |title=Dragons and XFL have been an early hit in Seattle, but jury's still out on league's staying power |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seattle-dragons/xfl-dragons-have-been-an-early-hit-but-jurys-still-out-on-leagues-staying-power/ |access-date=April 22, 2023 |work=The Seattle Times |date=February 22, 2020}} The team resumed play in 2023 at Lumen Field as the Sea Dragons, holding their first home game on February 23.{{cite news |last=Lantz |first=Shane |date=October 31, 2022 |title=Seattle's XFL team has a new name, but familiar roots |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seattle-dragons/seattles-xfl-team-has-a-new-name-but-familiar-roots/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=October 31, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Hanson |first1=Scott |title=Seattle Sea Dragons make their pitch to local fans as XFL season nears |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seattle-dragons/seattle-sea-dragons-make-their-pitch-to-local-fans-as-xfl-season-nears/ |access-date=April 21, 2023 |work=The Seattle Times |date=January 16, 2023}} The Sea Dragons played their last game at the stadium on April 23, clinching a playoff berth with a 28–9 victory over the Vegas Vipers; the team did not survive the XFL's merger with the United States Football League to form the United Football League the following year.{{cite news |title=Sea Dragons clinch playoff spot after win vs. Vipers |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/other-sports/sea-dragons-clinch-playoff-spot-after-win-vs-vipers/ |access-date=January 1, 2024 |work=The Seattle Times |date=April 23, 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Russell |first1=Jake |title=XFL, USFL announce merger to form the United Football League |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2023/12/31/xfl-usfl-merger-ufl/ |access-date=January 1, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=December 31, 2023}}

File:Air Force at Qwest.jpg hosting Air Force in 2005]]

Lumen Field has hosted several college football games. The hometown Washington Huskies played their 2005 season opener against the Air Force Falcons at the stadium in Tyrone Willingham's first game as head coach.{{cite news |first=Ted |last=Miller |title=What you see is what you get with Willingham |agency=Associated Press |publisher=ESPN |date=August 26, 2005 |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/preview05/news/story?id=2140417 |access-date=January 7, 2008}}{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=252462005 |title=Washington 17, Air Force 20 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=November 22, 2009}} The Huskies played their entire 2012 home schedule at the stadium while their home field, Husky Stadium, underwent a $250 million renovation; to expedite the start of the renovation by three weeks, the Huskies and the Washington State Cougars also played the Apple Cup in 2011 at then-CenturyLink Field.{{cite news |last1=Condotta |first1=Bob |title=Huskies will play 2012 football season and 2011 Apple Cup at Qwest Field |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/uw-huskies/huskies-will-play-2012-football-season-and-2011-apple-cup-at-qwest-field/ |access-date=May 21, 2023 |work=The Seattle Times |date=September 30, 2010}} The stadium hosted its second Apple Cup in September 2024 after the Huskies moved to the Big Ten Conference and agreed to a five-year Apple Cup schedule with the Cougars.{{cite news |last=Yamashita |first=Andy |date=September 9, 2024 |title=Jedd Fisch ponders UW-WSU rivalry future before Saturday's Apple Cup |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/uw-husky-football/jedd-fisch-ponders-uw-wsu-rivalry-future-before-saturdays-apple-cup/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=September 17, 2024}}

From 2002 through 2014, the stadium hosted a Washington State Cougars' non-conference home game each season (except for 2010). This included the 86th "Battle of the Palouse" against the Idaho Vandals in 2003.{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=232420070 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030923084504/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=232420070 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 23, 2003 |title=Washington State 25, Idaho 0 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=November 16, 2009}} The attendance for the dozen Cougar games ranged from 30,927 to 63,588.{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/cougars/2009834606_coug10.html |title=Washington State has no agreement to play at Qwest Field beyond Saturday |last=Grippi |first=Vince |date=September 9, 2009 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 15, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090913070157/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/cougars/2009834606_coug10.html |archive-date=September 13, 2009}}{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/budwithers/2009854995_withers13.html |title=Cougars football team is no match for Hawaii, falls 38–20 |last=Withers |first=Bud |date=September 12, 2009 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 3, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923031353/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/budwithers/2009854995_withers13.html |archive-date=September 23, 2009}}{{cite web |title=Rutgers rallies in 4th to beat Cougars 41-38 |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400547993 |work=ESPN |date=August 29, 2014 |access-date=January 21, 2016}} CenturyLink Field is approximately {{convert|300|mi}} from WSU, but closer to many alumni in the Seattle metro area. The university's athletic director said that an attendance of 50,000 was needed to make it worth moving the game from Martin Stadium in Pullman.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=4864809 |title=Wazzu to return to Qwest Field in 2011 |date=January 27, 2010 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=ESPN |access-date=February 11, 2010}} The Cougars went 6–6 in their annual Seattle home game, which generated additional revenue that was invested in facilities for the football program while also increasing exposure to the western side of the state.{{cite news |last=Eaton |first=Nick |title=WSU Cougars discontinue annual football game in Seattle |url=http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlesports/2014/08/27/wsu-cougars-discontinue-annual-football-game-in-seattle/ |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=August 27, 2014 |access-date=January 21, 2016 |archive-date=January 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128040402/http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlesports/2014/08/27/wsu-cougars-discontinue-annual-football-game-in-seattle/ |url-status=dead }}

In April 2009, it was proposed that the annual Apple Cup between the Seattle-based Huskies and the Pullman-based Cougars be hosted at CenturyLink Field for six years beginning in 2010. The two programs could not reach an agreement on how to divide tickets. Pullman's business community had expressed concerns that playing the game away from the Palouse would be detrimental to the local economy.{{cite news |first=Nicholas |last=Geranios |title=WSU won't seek Apple Cup at Qwest |date=April 24, 2009 |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009118803_apfbcapplecupqwest2ndldwritethru.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=April 25, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090428101219/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009118803_apfbcapplecupqwest2ndldwritethru.html |archive-date=April 28, 2009}}

Qwest Field hosted the second and final Seattle Bowl in late 2002, in which Wake Forest beat Oregon 38–17.{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=223640154 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030117074238/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=223640154 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 17, 2003 |title=MacPherson's three TDs power Wake's rout |publisher=ESPN |access-date=November 10, 2009}} The inaugural Seattle Bowl was played a year earlier at Safeco Field, but the game was discontinued when organizers could not secure financing before 2003. Later attempts to revive the Seattle Bowl were unsuccessful.{{cite news |title=Seattle Bowl may be back in '04 |date=December 17, 2003 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=1688663 |access-date=September 16, 2009}} The Seattle Sports Commission led a push in 2008 for a new bowl game starting in 2010 that would have been a fundraiser for Seattle Children's Hospital.{{cite news |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/college/group-pushing-for-new-bowl-game-in-seattle/ |title=Group pushing for new bowl game in Seattle |last=Condotta |first=Bob |date=August 13, 2008 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=May 21, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080817114330/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/collegesports/2008109637_seattlebowl13.html |archive-date=August 17, 2008}}

Lower division NCAA teams have played at the stadium throughout the years. From 2003 to 2008, the Division II football teams from Western Washington University and Central Washington University met each year in a rivalry game called "The Battle in Seattle." Central won all but the 2004 game, and each meeting attracted more than 11,000.{{cite news |first=Craig |last=Smith |title=Battle in Seattle / Central quarterback attracts NFL interest |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/collegesports/2008254202_battle11.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=April 18, 2009 |date=October 11, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014055251/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/collegesports/2008254202_battle11.html |archive-date=October 14, 2008}} Western (of Bellingham) discontinued its football program after the 2008 season, but Central (of Ellensburg) agreed to continue the series with Western Oregon University (of Monmouth) for games in 2009 and 2010. "Battle in Seattle VII" saw Central make a comeback to win 23–21 in front of 5,374.{{cite news |url=http://www.kvnews.com/articles/2009/10/19/sports/doc4adcd80cb2173018707102.txt|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130127093331/http://www.kvnews.com/articles/2009/10/19/sports/doc4adcd80cb2173018707102.txt|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 27, 2013 |title=Small crowd shows up to Battle in Seattle VII |last=Abbott |first=Ian |date=October 19, 2009 |work=Daily Record |access-date=November 12, 2009}}

On October 31, 2009, the Division I FCS Eastern Washington University Eagles played a home game in Seattle for the first time. Along with the goal of drawing alumni from the metropolitan area, the athletic directors from both Eastern Washington (of Cheney) and Washington State had expressed the importance of connecting with alumni at receptions and other events on the western side of the state.{{cite web |url=http://www.allvoices.com/news/2831939/s/30871834-eastern-washington-s-football-schedule-includes-game-at-qwest-field |title=Eastern Washington's football schedule includes game at Qwest Field |work=The Olympian |access-date=September 27, 2009 |date=March 27, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010113714/http://www.allvoices.com/news/2831939/s/30871834-eastern-washington-s-football-schedule-includes-game-at-qwest-field |archive-date=October 10, 2013}} Billed as the "Showdown on the Sound", the game was a 47–10 victory over the Portland State Vikings.{{cite news |title=E. Washington 47, Portland St. 10 |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=293040331 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111115850/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=293040331 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 11, 2012 |publisher=ESPN |date=October 31, 2009 |access-date=November 11, 2009}}{{cite news |title=Eastern vs. Portland State |url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/oct/31/eastern-vs-portland-state/ |work=The Spokesman-Review |date=October 31, 2009 |access-date=November 11, 2009}} According to Eastern's athletic director, Qwest Field's rental was $50,000 for the day.{{cite news |url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/nov/01/qwest-experience-worth-doing-again/ |title=Qwest experience worth doing again |last=Bergum |first=Steve |date=November 1, 2009 |work=The Spokesman-Review |location=Seattle |access-date=November 1, 2009}} The stadium subsequently hosted a game on September 11, 2010, between Eastern and Central; coined the "Battle of the Sound", the game saw Eastern prevail over Central 35–32.{{cite news |last1=Collingwood |first1=Ryan |title=10 years after the title: Central Washington gave Eastern Washington all it could handle in Seattle |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/sep/06/10-years-after-the-title-central-washington-gave-e/ |access-date=May 20, 2023 |work=The Spokesman-Review |date=September 6, 2020}}

Lumen Field has been used for high school football. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) puts on the annual Emerald City Kickoff Classic at the stadium. The event is a season-opening series of games between some of the best teams in the state.{{cite web |url=http://www.maxpreps.com/news/jliJBZvdEd6OEwAcxJTdpg/washington--skyline-wins-showdown-of-top-ranked-football-teams.htm |title=Washington: Skyline wins showdown of top-ranked football teams |last=Joyce |first=Nathan |date=September 7, 2009 |publisher=MaxPreps |access-date=September 10, 2009}} The WIAA approached the Seahawks regarding use of the stadium for their high school football state championship games after moving them out of the Tacoma Dome in 2019, but the latter declined and recommended using Husky Stadium instead, noting that they were unable to match the offer terms from UW's athletic department.{{cite news |last1=Manley |first1=Jon |title=Why Husky Stadium? WIAA leader explains reasons for moving state football championships |url=https://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/high-school/article276147816.html |access-date=June 7, 2023 |work=The News Tribune |date=June 6, 2023}}

The stadium features a meeting between one of the best teams in Washington and one of the best from another state in the "Best of the West" game. On September 4, 2004, Washington's Bellevue High School and California's De La Salle High School played in front of over 25,000, a state high school event attendance record. Bellevue ended De La Salle's national-record 151-game winning streak in a 39–20 win.{{cite news |last=Grippi |first=Vince |date=September 9, 2004 |title=Bellevue's win over De La Salle had bit of deja vu |url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2004/sep/09/bellevues-win-over-de-la-salle-had-bit-of-deja-vu/ |work=The Spokesman-Review |access-date=April 16, 2019}} On September 16, 2009, Bellevue defeated another highly regarded California school at Qwest Field in a 30–16 victory over Long Beach Polytechnic. USA Today had recently rated both teams highly with Long Beach third and Bellevue at 16th in the nation.{{cite news |first=Sam |last=Cameron |title=Bellevue headlines Classic |date=September 20, 2009 |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/preps/379887_bellevue20.html |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=July 5, 2009}}

After the organizer of the event announced a match-up between Washington's Skyline High School and Oregon's Jesuit High School in 2009, he said that he proposed the possibility of televising games to Fox Sports, but Fox did not televise the game.{{cite web |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2009/09/high_school_football_taking_to.html |title=High school football taking to NFL stadium, national television in 2009 |last1=Wilson |first1=Mike |first2=Jerry |last2=Ulmer |date=September 3, 2009 |publisher=The Oregonian |access-date=November 3, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100111222030/http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2009/09/high_school_football_taking_to.html |archive-date=January 11, 2010}} Skyline went on to shut out Jesuit 17–0 during that year's Emerald City Classic.{{cite news |url=http://sammamishreview.com/2009/09/08/skyline-shuts-out-oregon%E2%80%99s-best |title=Skyline shuts out Oregon's best |last=Huber |first=Christopher |date=September 8, 2009 |work=Sammamish Review |access-date=September 10, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007161255/http://sammamishreview.com/2009/09/08/skyline-shuts-out-oregon%E2%80%99s-best |archive-date=October 7, 2011 }}

Within Lumen Field, a large art piece called The State of Football pays tribute to high school football in the state of Washington. The piece features a depiction of Washington and holds replica football helmets from every high school football team in the state. The installation is part of the Stadium Art Program commissioned through First & Goal's lease of the facility, costing nearly $1.75 million.

File:OL Reign vs. Washington Spirit - October 6, 2023 - view from southeast.jpg match in 2023]]

Lumen Field is also designed for soccer. The stadium meets FIFA sight line requirements and provides separate locker rooms for soccer teams. Camera locations were chosen for optimal television coverage of the sport.{{cite news |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Seahawks+Stadium+Scores+World-Class+Soccer%3B+Manchester+United+Kicks...-a095094741 |title=Seahawks Stadium Scores World-Class Soccer; Manchester United Kicks Off U.S. Tour in Seattle |agency=Business Wire |publisher=TheFreeLibrary.com |access-date=March 20, 2012 |archive-date=February 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201214356/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Seahawks+Stadium+Scores+World-Class+Soccer%3B+Manchester+United+Kicks...-a095094741 |url-status=dead }} Numerous exhibition games have taken place at Lumen Field, including high-profile clubs such as Manchester United, Barcelona, Celtic, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Club América and Chivas de Guadalajara. These games have proved to be highly popular, and the first sell-out of 66,772 fans at the stadium was a soccer match between Manchester United and Celtic.{{cite news |date=July 23, 2003 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/3086949.stm |work=BBC News |title=Man Utd thump Celtic}} National teams such as Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico, and China have played exhibition games at the stadium. The artificial turf has been temporarily overlaid with grass for international matches.{{cite news |title=Qwest Field goes Au Naturel |date=March 19, 2003 |url=http://www.seahawks.com/qwest-field/facts/natural-grass.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327205918/http://www.seahawks.com/qwest-field/facts/natural-grass.html |archive-date=March 27, 2009 |publisher=Seattle Seahawks |access-date=March 20, 2012}}

Seattle was the site of the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup Group B opening round between the national teams of the United States, Costa Rica, Canada, and Cuba. Two matches of the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup opening round were also played at the stadium on July 4, 2009. In the second match, the United States comfortably defeated Grenada, who were playing in their first major international competition, 4–0. The Gold Cup returned in 2013 with Panama beating Martinique and Mexico defeating Canada in opening group play matches.{{cite news |last=Mayers |first=Joshua |title=Much at stake for Mexico in Gold Cup match in Seattle |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/much-at-stake-for-mexico-in-gold-cup-match-in-seattle/ |access-date=July 22, 2013 |newspaper=The Seattle Times |date=July 10, 2013}} CenturyLink Field also hosted three matches during the 2016 Copa América Centenario, a special inter-continental tournament, including two group stage fixtures and a quarterfinal match between the United States and Ecuador attended by 47,322 spectators.{{cite news |last=Goff |first=Steven |date=June 15, 2016 |title=Soccer is different in Seattle. You'll see why in the Copa America quarterfinals |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2016/06/15/soccer-is-different-in-seattle-youll-see-why-in-the-copa-america-quarterfinals/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=July 12, 2019}}{{cite news |last=Pentz |first=Matt |date=June 16, 2016 |title=Clint Dempsey guides U.S. to 2-1 victory over Ecuador, berth in Copa America semifinals |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/clint-dempsey-guides-us-to-2-1-victory-over-ecuador-berth-in-copa-america-semifinals/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=July 12, 2019}}

On November 22, 2009, Seattle was the site of the 14th annual MLS Cup between Real Salt Lake and the Los Angeles Galaxy, where Salt Lake won the Cup on penalty kicks (5–4) in front of 46,011.{{cite web |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=698957&sec=mls&root=mls&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091118052429/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=698957&sec=mls&root=mls&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 18, 2009 |title=Galaxy and RSL earn deserved spots in MLS Cup final |author=Steve Davis |publisher=ESPN |access-date=November 15, 2009}}{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2010334062_mlscup23.html |title=Real Salt Lake wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks |last=Romero |first=José Miguel |date=November 22, 2009 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 26, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091126013541/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2010334062_mlscup23.html |archive-date=November 26, 2009}} The stadium was the eighth venue to host the event and had the fourth-largest attendance for an MLS Cup.{{cite news |date=November 23, 2009 |title=Galaxy's star power can't stop Salt Lake |url=https://www.registerguard.com/article/20091123/SPORTS/311239984 |work=The Register-Guard |location=Eugene, Oregon |agency=Associated Press |access-date=April 16, 2019}}{{cite news |first=José Miguel |last=Romero |title=Seattle awarded 2009 MLS Cup |date=March 12, 2009 |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2008841069_sounders12.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 4, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525082256/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2008841069_sounders12.html |archive-date=May 25, 2009}} The MLS Cup returned to Seattle in 2019, with the Sounders hosting Toronto FC as the team with the better regular season record. The Sounders won in front of 69,274 spectators, setting a new record for a sporting event at Lumen Field and recording the second-highest cup attendance in league history.{{cite news |last=Goff |first=Steven |date=November 10, 2019 |title=Seattle Sounders claim MLS Cup for 2nd time in 4 seasons by roaring past Toronto FC, 3-1 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/11/10/seattle-sounders-claim-mls-cup-second-time-four-seasons-by-roaring-past-toronto-fc-/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=October 10, 2019}} Seattle will host the Sounders' three group stage matches during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and three additional games after the installation of a temporary grass surface.{{cite news |last=Booth |first=Tim |date=October 15, 2024 |title=FIFA president lauds Seattle as city lands more major soccer matches |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/world-cup/fifa-president-lauds-seattle-as-city-lands-more-major-soccer-matches/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=October 20, 2024}}

Lumen Field is one of sixteen venues that will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be played in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The stadium is scheduled to host four matches during the group stage and two matches in the knockout stage. It is one of two Pacific Northwest venues hosting the event, together with BC Place in Vancouver.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=February 4, 2024 |title=Here's how many World Cup matches Seattle will host and when the U.S. team is town |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/world-cup/heres-how-many-world-cup-matches-seattle-will-host-and-when-the-u-s-team-is-town/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=February 4, 2024}}

Seattle had two venues—Lumen Field and Husky Stadium—among 58 facilities considered in the unsuccessful United States bid for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.{{cite news |first=José Miguel |last=Romero |title=Qwest Field and Husky Stadium confirm interest in World Cup |date=April 23, 2009 |url=http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/sounders/2009/04/23/qwest_field_and_husky_stadium.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=April 30, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423222425/http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/sounders/2009/04/23/qwest_field_and_husky_stadium.html |archive-date=April 23, 2009 }} When discussing Seattle as a candidate, Sunil Gulati of the U.S. Soccer Federation called Lumen Field (then Qwest Field) "a world-class facility".{{cite news |first=José Miguel |last=Romero |title=Qwest Field could play host to a World Cup match |date=April 10, 2009 |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2009015208_sounders10.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=April 30, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412113854/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2009015208_sounders10.html |archive-date=April 12, 2009}} Seattle finally hosted a World Cup qualifier on June 11, 2013; the qualifier, which was the city's second overall and the first since 1976, saw the United States defeat Panama 2–0 in front of a raucous crowd of 40,847.{{cite news |last1=Brewer |first1=Jerry |title=U.S. World Cup qualifier shows Seattle in its best soccer light |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/us-world-cup-qualifier-shows-seattle-in-its-best-soccer-light/ |access-date=June 16, 2022 |work=The Seattle Times |date=June 11, 2013}}{{cite news |last=Schaerlaeckens |first=Leander |title=Seattle crowd lives up to top billing |url=http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/usa/story/seattle-lives-up-to-top-billing-during-usa-world-cup-qualifying-win-vs-panama-061213 |access-date=July 22, 2013 |newspaper=Fox Sports |date=July 12, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706125653/http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/usa/story/seattle-lives-up-to-top-billing-during-usa-world-cup-qualifying-win-vs-panama-061213 |archive-date=July 6, 2013}} The combined Canada–Mexico–United States won the right to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a 2018 vote by FIFA; Lumen Field was one of the 23 finalist venues named by the organizing committee.{{cite news |last=Goff |first=Steven |date=June 16, 2018 |title=2026 World Cup host cities: Ranking the contenders |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2018/06/16/2026-world-cup-host-cities-ranking-the-contenders/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=July 12, 2019}}

Lumen Field was subsequently announced in June 2022 as one of the 11 American venues, as well as one of five current MLS venues selected to host matches.{{cite news |last=Hernandez |first=Cesar |date=June 16, 2022 |title=World Cup 2026 host cities revealed, with 11 venues in U.S., 3 in Mexico and 2 in Canada |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37629375/world-cup-2026-host-cities-revealed-11-venues-us-3-mexico-2-canada |work=ESPN |access-date=June 16, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Evans |first1=Jayda |date=June 16, 2022 |title=Seattle selected as one of 11 U.S. cities to host 2026 men's World Cup |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/seattle-selected-as-one-of-10-us-cities-to-host-2026-mens-world-cup/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=June 16, 2022}} Under preliminary plans by the city government, it would cost up to $10.5 million to host the World Cup matches, including installation of a temporary grass surface, policing the venue and practice fields, and managing a fan festival at the Seattle Center or on the city's waterfront.{{cite news |last=Beekman |first=Daniel |date=October 22, 2018 |title=Hosting 2026 World Cup would cost Seattle millions, but almost all money would be recovered, city says |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/hosting-the-world-cup-in-2026-could-cost-seattle-as-little-as-82000-city-estimates/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=July 12, 2019}} During the event, the stadium will be temporarily renamed to "Seattle Stadium" in accordance with FIFA's policy on corporate sponsored names.{{cite web |title=The FIFA World Cup 2026™ stadiums |url=https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/world-cup-2026-stadiums-fifa-soccer-football-mexico-usa-canada |publisher=FIFA |accessdate=March 16, 2023}}

{{See also|Seattle Sounders (1994–2008)}}

The first sporting event at the stadium was a double-header on July 28, 2002, that included both the Sounders Select Women and the men's Seattle Sounders of the USL team. The women defeated the Vancouver Breakers 4–3, while the men beat the Vancouver Whitecaps 4–1 in front of 25,515 people.{{cite news |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/default/article/Sounders-christen-Seahawks-Stadium-before-25-515-1092351.php |title=Sounders christen Seahawks Stadium before 25,515 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=July 28, 2002 |access-date=December 27, 2011 |author=Steven Rouse, Joel}} The USL team began using the facility regularly as their home field in 2003. Although team management was concerned with the high rent and the underused seating capacity, they were drawn by the sponsorship opportunities and location. The Sounders increased their average attendance from 2,583 at Seattle's Memorial Stadium in 2002 to 3,452 at the new stadium in 2003.{{cite news |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20030925/sounders25/whats-next-for-the-sounders |title=What's next for the Sounders? |last=Massey |first=Matt |date=September 23, 2003 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=August 5, 2009}} In 2005, the Sounders beat the Richmond Kickers 2–1 in a penalty shootout for the USL championship in front of 8,011. Scott Jenkins scored the final goal and announced his retirement after the game.{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2002534641_sounders02.html |title=Sounders win championship in extra lengthy finale |last=Masey |first=Matt |date=October 2, 2005 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=August 15, 2009}}

In 2008, the MLS expansion franchise Sounders FC decided to develop the Starfire Sports Complex in nearby Tukwila, and the USL team played most of the season at that facility. At the time, team management thought that practicing and playing at Starfire could provide a better transition for those hoping to play for the new MLS team.{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2004404693_sounders10.html |title=USL Sounders to make Starfire their home base |last=Massey |first=Matt |date=May 10, 2008 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=August 15, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080618031240/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2004404693_sounders10.html |archive-date=June 18, 2008}} The last match for the USL Sounders at Qwest Field was the 2008 season opener against the rival Portland Timbers. The game ended in a scoreless draw in front of 10,184.{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2004406059_sounders11.html |title=Sounders come up empty, "just a little off" in shooting |last=Massey |first=Matt |date=May 11, 2008 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=August 15, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080616172058/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2004406059_sounders11.html |archive-date=June 16, 2008}}

{{See also|Seattle Sounders FC}}

File:Seattle Sounders FC First Game ECS Overhead.jpg

The potential to draw an MLS expansion team helped drive public support for building the stadium in 1997.{{cite news |first=Bob |last=Sherwin |title=MLS team in Seattle no sure bet |date=May 10, 2000 |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20000510/4020160/mls-team-in-seattle-no-sure-bet |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=June 23, 2009}} In 1996, Seattle was considered for one of the 10 original MLS teams; however, the region lacked an adequate outdoor stadium.{{cite news |first=Elliott |last=Almond |title=Want A Stadium For Football? Try A Little Soccer |date=May 11, 1996 |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19960511/2328650/want-a-stadium-for-football-try-a-little-soccer |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=June 23, 2009}} In 2007, it was announced that Seattle would be the home of an expansion team. The first Sounders FC regular season match was at the stadium on March 19, 2009. Fredy Montero scored the first goal in a 3–0 Seattle victory.{{cite web |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=260857&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090323083751/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=260857&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 23, 2009 |title=Sounders triumphant in MLS debut, blank Red Bulls |date=May 20, 2009 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=June 20, 2009}}

Before the opening of their first season, the Sounders already had the highest number of season ticket holders in the MLS after they sold all 22,000 of the offered season ticket packages.{{cite web |url=http://www.soundersfc.com/post/2009/03/02/sounders-fc-sells-out-home-opener |title=Sounders FC Sells Out Home Opener |author=Sounders FC Public Relations |date=March 2, 2009 |publisher=SoundersFC.com |access-date=March 3, 2009}} The team created a web site that was used to identify seating arrangements for season ticket holders based on personal interests including preferred method for watching a game and foreign team preference.{{cite news |first=Mathew |last=Gaschk |title=Sounders FC expected to sign star |date=May 1, 2008 |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/soccer/361303_sounders01.html |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=April 30, 2009}} For the first half of the inaugural season, the upper and lower sections were tarped off, limiting the seating capacity to 27,700.{{cite web |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/mls-awards-seattle-expanison-team-2009 |title=MLS awards Seattle expansion team for 2009 |date=November 17, 2007 |publisher=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=March 20, 2012 |archive-date=April 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426235335/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/mls-awards-seattle-expanison-team-2009 |url-status=dead }} The club hoped to create an intimate environment as well as a supply-and-demand factor that would reward season ticket holders and encourage early purchase of seats.{{cite news |last=Greg |first=Johns |title=Sounders likely to open up more seating at Qwest |url=http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlesports/archives/168308.asp |access-date=September 22, 2010 |newspaper=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=May 8, 2009}} The stadium has continuously sold out league matches in the limited seating configuration. However, majority owner Joe Roth has said that he "won't be happy"{{cite news |url=http://blogs.seattletimes.com/soundersfc/2012/09/26/majority_owner_joe_roth_on_att/ |title=Majority owner Joe Roth on attendance, an expiring jersey deal with Xbox, the NBA/NHL in Seattle, and more |work=The Seattle Times |date=September 26, 2012 |author=Mayers, Joshua |access-date=November 12, 2019 |archive-date=November 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112011349/http://blogs.seattletimes.com/soundersfc/2012/09/26/majority_owner_joe_roth_on_att/ |url-status=dead }} until the entire venue is open.

The stadium was designed to easily open seating sections in stages if needed. After repeated sellout crowds, additional sections were opened, increasing total capacity to 32,400.{{cite news |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/soccer/05/14/seattle-sounders/index.html |title=Sounders increase capacity at Qwest Field |publisher=SportsIllustrated.com |access-date=May 15, 2009 |date=May 14, 2009 |archive-date=May 18, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090518004330/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/soccer/05/14/seattle-sounders/index.html |url-status=dead }} In the Sounders' first year they set an MLS record with an average home attendance of 30,943 people.{{cite news |first=Andrew |last=Winner |title=Home crowd gives Sounders FC big boost |date=October 25, 2009 |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/home-crowd-gives-sounders-fc-big-boost |publisher=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=March 20, 2012 |archive-date=February 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201013114/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/home-crowd-gives-sounders-fc-big-boost |url-status=dead }} Official capacity was increased to 35,700 after the 2009 season.{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2010875575_sounders24.html |title=Success in the second season won't be easy for Sounders FC |last=Romero |first=José Miguel |date=January 23, 2010 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 24, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100127184940/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2010875575_sounders24.html |archive-date=January 27, 2010}} In 2011, The Sounders continued to hold the highest average attendance in the league with 38,496.{{cite news |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/top-mls-stories-in-2011/ |title=Top MLS stories in 2011 |work=FOX News |date=December 30, 2011 |access-date=January 2, 2012}} Official capacity was increased again to 38,500 with the opening of the Hawk's Nest for the 2012 season.{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/soundersfcblog/2016783022_hawks_nest_will_be_open_in_12.html |title=Hawks Nest will be open in '12, season tickets on sale Thurs |work=The Seattle Times |date=November 16, 2011 |access-date=January 2, 2012 |author=Mayers, Joshua}} The team averaged 44,247 spectators in the 2015 MLS season, its all-time record.{{cite news |date=October 26, 2015 |title=MLS sets new attendance records, Seattle hold highest average in league |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/10/26/mls-sets-new-attendance-records-seattle-hold-highest-average-league |publisher=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=April 16, 2019}}{{cite news |last=Goff |first=Steven |date=September 17, 2017 |title=Professional soccer attendance records fall in Atlanta and Cincinnati |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2017/09/17/professional-soccer-attendance-records-fall-in-atlanta-and-cincinnati/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=April 17, 2019}} {{As of|2019}}, the regular season MLS capacity at Lumen Field is listed as 37,722 seats, with four matches scheduled to use larger sections of the stadium.{{cite web |title=CenturyLink Field |url=https://www.soundersfc.com/team/facilities |publisher=Seattle Sounders FC |access-date=April 16, 2019}}

File:Seattle Sounders FC vs. Minnesota United FC - June 15, 2024 - tifo display.jpg

The Sounders set the state's single game soccer attendance record when they hosted Manchester United in front of 67,052 in July 2011.{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2015676820_sounders21.html |title=Manchester United schools Sounders FC 7–0 before record crowd |first=Joshua |last=Mayers |date=July 20, 2011 |newspaper=Seattle Times |access-date=July 22, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723110004/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2015676820_sounders21.html |archive-date=July 23, 2011}} On October 15, 2011, additional seats were available for a record crowd of 64,140 during the final regular season home match, a Sounders 2–1 win followed by ceremonies honoring retiring goalkeeper Kasey Keller.{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2016516460_keller16.html |title=Kasey Keller's retirement party draws crowd of 64,140 |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=October 15, 2011 |newspaper=Seattle Times |access-date=March 20, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227035749/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2016516460_keller16.html |archive-date=February 27, 2012}} And on October 7, 2012, another attendance record was broken when 66,452 fans were present for a 3–0 win over the Portland Timbers, following a ceremony awarding retired Forward Roger Levesque a Golden Scarf.{{cite news |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1184460/seattle-sounders-pound-portland-timbers-in-front-of-66,000-fans?cc=5901 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011034048/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1184460/seattle-sounders-pound-portland-timbers-in-front-of-66,000-fans?cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 11, 2012 |title=Eddie Johnson, Sounders pound Timbers |work=ESPN.com |date=October 7, 2012 |access-date=October 15, 2012}} The Sounders set an attendance record for sporting events at the stadium of 69,274 when Seattle hosted the 2019 MLS Cup Final against Toronto FC, winning 3-1 for their 2nd MLS Cup trophy.{{cite news |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/2019-mls-cup-breaks-seattle-sounders-all-time-attendance-record |title=2019 MLS Cup breaks Seattle Sounders all-time attendance record}}

CenturyLink Field has hosted two U.S. Open Cup tournament finals. On October 5, 2010, the tournament's 81-year-old attendance record was broken when Sounders FC defeated the Columbus Crew 2–1 in front of 31,311.{{cite web |title=Seattle Sounders FC Earn Second Consecutive Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Title in Front of Record-Setting Crowd at Qwest Field |url=http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Lamar-Hunt-U-S-Open-Cup/2010/10/Seattle-Sounders-FC-Repeats-as-Lamar-Hunt-US-Open-Cup-Champions-with-21-Win-against-Columbus-Crew.aspx |publisher=United States Soccer Federation |date=October 5, 2010 |access-date=October 9, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101009132755/http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Lamar-Hunt-U-S-Open-Cup/2010/10/Seattle-Sounders-FC-Repeats-as-Lamar-Hunt-US-Open-Cup-Champions-with-21-Win-against-Columbus-Crew.aspx |archive-date=October 9, 2010}} That record was broken one year later when CenturyLink Field again hosted the final on October 4, 2011, as 36,615 spectators watched Seattle defeat the Chicago Fire 2–0.{{cite news |url=http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/sports/chicagofire/apx-mls-soccer-chicago-fire-seattle-sounders-lamar-hunt-us-open-cup-final |title=Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup-Record crowd |publisher=FOX Chicago News |date=October 5, 2011 |access-date=March 12, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111021013151/http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/sports/chicagofire/apx-mls-soccer-chicago-fire-seattle-sounders-lamar-hunt-us-open-cup-final |archive-date=October 21, 2011}} The stadium has also hosted a CONCACAF Champions League tournament final; on May 4, 2022, the Sounders defeated Pumas UNAM 3–0 in the second leg of the final before a tournament-record crowd of 68,741 to win 5–2 on aggregate, becoming the first MLS team to win the tournament under its current format.{{cite news |last1=Evans |first1=Jayda |title=One for the history books: Sounders clinch MLS' first CCL title in front of record crowd in Seattle |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/one-for-the-history-books-sounders-clinch-mls-first-ccl-title-in-front-of-record-crowd-in-seattle/ |access-date=May 4, 2022 |work=The Seattle Times |date=May 4, 2022}}

Like the Seahawks, the Sounders have received attention for sellout crowds and boisterous fans.{{cite magazine |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jonah_freedman/04/27/seattle-keller/?eref=sircrc |title=Seattle keeper Kasey Keller chats about coming home, future of MLS |last=Freedman |first=Jonah |date=April 27, 2009 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=November 5, 2009 |archive-date=October 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024194549/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jonah_freedman/04/27/seattle-keller/?eref=sircrc |url-status=dead }} The Seattle Times reported that a "new standard for attendance and game-day atmosphere has been set"{{cite news |first=José Miguel |last=Romero |title=Sounders, Toronto crowds cheer for supremacy |date=April 4, 2009 |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2008982157_sounders041.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 5, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090508141237/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2008982157_sounders041.html |archive-date=May 8, 2009}} due to the loud sellout crowds. The passionate Emerald City Supporters have dubbed the general admission sections behind the south goal the "Brougham End" for the street that runs along the south edge of the complex.{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2009496314_soundersnotes19.html?FORM=ZZNR |title=Fans came out in full force on Saturday |last=Romero |first=José Miguel |date=July 19, 2009 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 6, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604113213/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2009496314_soundersnotes19.html?FORM=ZZNR |archive-date=June 4, 2011}}

{{See also|Seattle Reign FC#Stadium}}

OL Reign played against Portland Thorns FC at the stadium on August 29, 2021, as part of a doubleheader with the Sounders and Timbers. The Reign defeated the Thorns 2–1 in front of 27,248, breaking the then NWSL's attendance record.{{cite news |last1=Evans |first1=Jayda |title=Megan Rapinoe scores a brace to lead OL Reign past Portland before an NWSL-record crowd |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/reign/megan-rapinoe-scores-a-brace-to-lead-ol-reign-past-portland-before-an-nwsl-record-crowd/ |access-date=December 15, 2021 |work=The Seattle Times |date=August 29, 2021}} The Reign later announced on December 15 that they would move into the stadium for the 2022 season, leaving their previous home, Cheney Stadium in Tacoma, as plans to build a soccer-specific stadium in the city stalled amid the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=December 15, 2021 |title=OL Reign to play 2022 home games in Seattle at Lumen Field |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/reign/ol-reign-to-play-2022-home-games-in-seattle-at-lumen-field/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 15, 2021}} The stadium's capacity is reduced to 10,000 seats for most OL Reign home matches.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=March 17, 2022 |title=With move to Lumen Field, OL Reign get set to embark on a new era in Seattle |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/reign/with-return-to-lumen-field-ol-reign-gets-set-to-embark-on-a-new-era-in-seattle/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=March 26, 2022}} A new NWSL attendance record of 34,130 was set on October 6, 2023, by the Reign for Megan Rapinoe's final home match.{{cite news |last=Peterson |first=Anne M. |date=October 6, 2023 |title=Retiring U.S. soccer star Rapinoe honoured by OL Reign in front of record NWSL crowd |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/megan-rapinoe-honoured-record-nwsl-crowd-1.6990179 |publisher=CBC Sports |agency=Associated Press |accessdate=November 17, 2023}}

The stadium became a yearly site for Supercross races in 2005. Seattle had been left out of the circuit since the Kingdome hosted the race in 1999.{{cite news |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/othersports/220393_dirt16.html |title=Qwest field gets down and dirty for supercross |last=McNerthney |first=Casey |date=April 16, 2010 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=April 24, 2010}} It takes more than 650 truckloads of dirt to build the course for the event that around 50,000 spectators attend.{{cite news |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/othersports/220203_supercross15.html |title=Supercross roars back onto Seattle stage |last=McNerthney |first=Casey |date=April 15, 2010 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=April 24, 2010}} In May 2004, Qwest Field hosted the first Major League Lacrosse game played outside the East Coast; it hosted a second game the following year.{{cite news |last=Romero |first=José Miguel |date=May 29, 2005 |title=Seattle welcomes big-league lacrosse |page=C4 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seattle-welcomes-big-league-lacrosse/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=February 1, 2024}} The stadium has also been used for public speaking engagements. For example, the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, Tenzin Gyatso, delivered a 28-minute speech to 50,817 people on April 12, 2008.{{cite news |first1=John |last1=Iwasaki |first2=Brad |last2=Wong |title=Qwest Field crowd hears Dalai Lama's call for greater compassion |date=April 12, 2008 |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/local/358882_dalaivisit.html?source=mypi |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=April 30, 2009}}

The largest concert attendance in the stadium's history was set on July 22, 2023, by Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour; 72,171 spectators watched at Lumen Field on the first of two days.{{cite news |last=Rietmulder |first=Michael |date=July 24, 2023 |title=Taylor Swift Night 2 surprise songs in Seattle dig deep |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/music/taylor-swift-night-2-surprise-songs-in-seattle-dig-deep/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=July 24, 2023}} The record was surpassed a month later by Ed Sheeran's The Mathematics Tour, which drew 77,286 to Lumen Field on August 26.{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Owen R. |date=August 27, 2023 |title=Ed Sheeran smashes Taylor Swift's Lumen Field attendance record |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/music/ed-sheeran-smashes-taylor-swifts-lumen-field-attendance-record/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=August 31, 2023}}

Lumen Field hosted several events related to the 2023 MLB All-Star Game, which was played at the adjacent T-Mobile Park. The first two rounds of the Major League Baseball draft took place at Lumen Field on July 9.{{cite news |date=May 8, 2023 |title=MLB amateur draft to be held at Lumen Field during All-Star week |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/37565893/mlb-amateur-draft-held-lumen-field-all-star-week |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |accessdate=July 4, 2023}} The playing surface was divided into several pitching areas while the north lot and event center include performance stages, batting cages, and museum exhibits.{{cite news |last=Nall |first=Marissa |date=July 7, 2023 |title=Lumen Field gets a baseball makeover for MLB All-Star festivities |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2023/07/07/lumen-field-play-ball-park-construction.html |work=Puget Sound Business Journal |accessdate=July 7, 2023}}

{{Redirect|WaMu Theater|the theater in New York City at Madison Square Garden formerly sponsored by Washington Mutual|Hulu Theater}}

File:Moderna COVID-19 vaccination session at Lumen Field Event Center - April 30, 2021.jpg session in April 2021]]

The Lumen Field Event Center connects to the stadium's west field plaza and consists of two exhibition halls, a conference room, and a concourse. The center hosts pre-game events for the Seahawks and Mariners. According to the Public Stadium Authority's website, the event center contributes more than half a billion dollars to the region's economy.{{cite web |url=http://www.stadium.org/exCenterInformation.asp |title=Event Center Information |publisher=Public Stadium Authority |access-date=September 10, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090822124240/http://www.stadium.org/exCenterInformation.asp |archive-date=August 22, 2009}} Originally debuting as the Washington State Stadium Exhibition Center, the center became known as the Seahawks Exhibition Center upon the stadium's opening in 2002.{{cite news |title=Around the Northwest |url=https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/Around-the-Northwest-1089879.php |access-date=May 2, 2022 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=June 22, 2002 |via=CT Insider}} The center was renamed the Qwest Field Event Center in 2004 after Qwest acquired naming rights to the complex;{{cite news |last1=Farnsworth |first1=Clare |title=Seahawks Stadium sponsor's new logo to debut |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/sports/football/article/Seahawks-Stadium-sponsor-s-new-logo-to-debut-1150419.php |access-date=May 2, 2022 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=July 28, 2004}} it retained the "Event Center" name in subsequent renamings of the complex.{{cite news |last=Condotta |first=Bob |title=Qwest Field renamed CenturyLink Field |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/qwest-field-renamed-centurylink-field/ |newspaper=The Seattle Times |date=June 20, 2011 |access-date=May 16, 2023}}

The Event Center had previously been called "the worst venue in town" for concerts, but in 2006, AEG Live and First & Goal formed a partnership to create a new theater within the Event Center space. Washington Mutual (WaMu) obtained the naming rights to the new theater in a 10-year deal, calling it the WaMu Theater.{{cite news |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20060912/webqwest12/new-theater-to-open-at-qwest-field-event-center |title=New theater to open at Qwest Field Event Center |last=Young |first=Bob |date=September 9, 2006 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=August 26, 2008}} The theater space can be assembled on an as-needed basis within the building and equipment, including the {{convert|104|ft|m|adj=on}} wide stage, can be dismantled and stored in the stadium. The theater's acoustics were improved by installing panels on the ceiling and a large curtain. Depending on the seating configuration, the capacity can be 3,300, 4,000, or 7,000. Seal performed the inaugural concert on November 6, 2006.{{cite news |first=Gene |last=Stout |title=Seal's the deal at the giant, portable WaMu Theater at Qwest center |date=November 3, 2006 |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/pop/290914_nightlife03.html |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=May 25, 2009}} Though the naming rights deal was terminated following the bankruptcy of Washington Mutual during the 2008 financial crisis, the theater retained the WaMu name, with AEG intending to seek a new sponsor for it; the meaning of the WaMu abbreviation was subsequently altered to represent "Washington Music" instead.{{cite news |last1=Bower |first1=Meg |title=The Last WaMu Branches Standing Don't Offer Free Checking |url=https://www.seattleweekly.com/news/the-last-wamu-branches-standing-don%C2%92t-offer-free-checking/ |access-date=April 16, 2022 |work=Seattle Weekly |date=September 22, 2009}}{{Cite podcast |url=https://mynorthwest.com/3859691/before-it-collapsed-wamu-ad-campaign-was-the-friend-of-the-family/ |title=Before it collapsed, WaMu ad campaign was the 'Friend of the Family' |website=The Resident Historian |publisher=KIRO Radio |last=Banel |first=Feliks |date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=April 1, 2023}}

During the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Event Center was contracted for use as a field hospital. The temporary hospital was erected in April 2020 with 250 beds under the management of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Army Corps of Engineers.{{cite news |last=Gutman |first=David |date=March 27, 2020 |title=CenturyLink Field Event Center, home to boat shows and concerts, will become a field hospital during coronavirus pandemic |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/centurylink-field-event-center-home-to-boat-shows-and-concerts-will-become-a-field-hospital-during-coronavirus-pandemic/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=March 27, 2020}} On April 8, the state government announced that the field hospital would be dismantled and relocated to another state by the federal government, as the pandemic's spread in Washington had slowed.{{cite news |last=O'Sullivan |first=Joseph |date=April 8, 2020 |title=Inslee sending back CenturyLink field hospital to federal government to help states hit harder by coronavirus |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/inslee-sending-back-centurylink-field-hospital-to-federal-government-to-help-states-hit-harder-by-coronavirus/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=April 8, 2020}} In March 2021, the Event Center was converted into a mass vaccination center with capacity for 4,000 to 5,000 doses per week administered by the city government in partnership with First & Goal and Swedish Health Services.{{cite news |last=Gutman |first=David |date=March 10, 2021 |title=Lumen Field Event Center opens Saturday as huge COVID-19 vaccination clinic; here's how it will work |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/seattle-wants-to-vaccinate-22000-people-a-day-at-lumen-field-event-center-from-covid-19-that-effort-starts-saturday/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=March 10, 2021}} The Event Center was also used as a vote center during the 2020 and 2022 elections by King County.{{cite news |last=Arthur |first=Ben |date=October 28, 2020 |title=Seahawks, King County Elections to open CenturyLink Field vote center on Saturday |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/sports/seahawks/article/Seahawks-CenturyLink-Field-to-be-used-vote-center-15682903.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |accessdate=November 8, 2022}}{{cite news |last=Zhou |first=Amanda |date=November 8, 2022 |title=2 hour line to vote in-person at Lumen Field, election officials say |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/2-hour-line-to-vote-in-person-at-lumen-field-election-officials-say/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 8, 2022}}

During a Seahawks football game on January 8, 2011, the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN) recorded what was dubbed a "Beast Quake", for Marshawn "Beast Mode" Lynch, a player whose performance on one running play excited the Qwest Field stadium crowd enough for the resultant shaking to be recorded on PNSN instruments.{{cite news |first=Christina |last=Reed |date=January 14, 2011 |title=Seahawks' Seismic 12th Man |work=discovery.com |publisher=Discovery Channel |url=http://news.discovery.com/human/seahawks-seismic-12th-man.html |access-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-date=October 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030003231/http://news.discovery.com/human/seahawks-seismic-12th-man.html |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |title=One year ago, Seattle Seahawks 12th Man Earthquake |first=John |last=Vidale |url=http://pnsn.org/blog/2011/12/31/one-year-ago-seattle-seahawks-12th-man-earthquake |publisher=PNSN |date=December 31, 2011 |access-date=January 12, 2015}} In 2014 and 2015 additional sensors were added in and around the stadium. Motivations for the experiment included conducting a quick-reaction exercise for the seismometer network team to install sensors and interpret results, and to test the ability to handle increased web traffic from interested visitors from the general public.{{cite news |title=Sizing Up Seismic Activity of Football Fans: Scientists to Track Effects of Fans at Seahawks-Panthers Game |first=Kirk |last=Johnson |date=January 9, 2015 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/10/us/scientists-to-track-effects-of-fans-at-seahawks-panthers-game.html |access-date=January 12, 2015}}{{cite news |title=Seahawks fans to help test earthquake early warning system |date=January 7, 2015 |url=http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/seattle/2015/01/07/seahawks-playoffs-earthquake-warning-system/21398393/ |first=Travis |last=Pittman |publisher=KING-TV |location=Seattle, Washington |access-date=January 12, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111094416/http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/seattle/2015/01/07/seahawks-playoffs-earthquake-warning-system/21398393/ |archive-date=January 11, 2015}}{{cite news |title=Panthers-Seahawks game will be site of earthquake experiment |first=Manuel |last=Valdes |publisher=Associated Press |via=The Charlotte Observer |date=January 9, 2015 |url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2015/01/09/5435276/seahawks-game-will-be-site-of.html |access-date=January 12, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112210711/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2015/01/09/5435276/seahawks-game-will-be-site-of.html |archive-date=January 12, 2015}}{{cite web |title=Seismic Game Analysis |date=January 11, 2014 |first=Steve |last=Malone |publisher=PNSN |url=http://pnsn.org/seahawks |access-date=January 12, 2015}} Shaking was detected at the stadium after a 90-yard touchdown run during a January 10, 2015 playoff game, dubbed a "Kam Quake" for the player making the run, Kam Chancellor.{{cite news |title=Researchers: 'Kam Quake' shakes CenturyLink Field |date=January 11, 2015 |author=Vienna Cat. |publisher=KATU-TV |location=Portland, Oregon |url=http://www.katu.com/news/local/Scientists-Kam-Quake-shakes-CenturyLink-Field-288199141.html |access-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112201634/http://www.katu.com/news/local/Scientists-Kam-Quake-shakes-CenturyLink-Field-288199141.html |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |title=Panther versus Seahawk Game Analysis |first=Steve |last=Malone |url=http://pnsn.org/blog/2015/01/11/panther-versus-seahawk-game-analysis |publisher=PNSN |date=January 11, 2015 |access-date=January 22, 2015}} The PNSN scientists stated that the biggest event of all was the "Dance Quake", which was caused by all the jumping and dancing that followed Marshawn Lynch's touchdown and 2-point conversion during 2014–15 NFC Championship Game on January 18, 2015.{{cite news |title=2-point conversion quake bigger than 'Beast Quake' |date=January 21, 2015 |url=http://www.king5.com/story/sports/nfl/seahawks/2015/01/21/seahawks-2-point-conversion-quake/22116275/ |agency=Associated Press |publisher=KING-TV |location=Seattle, Washington |access-date=January 21, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123035546/http://www.king5.com/story/sports/nfl/seahawks/2015/01/21/seahawks-2-point-conversion-quake/22116275/ |archive-date=January 23, 2015}}{{cite news |title=Packers versus Seahawks game analysis -- too exciting |first=Steve |last=Malone |url=http://pnsn.org/blog/2015/01/19/packers-versus-seahawks-game-analysis-too-exciting |publisher=PNSN |date=January 19, 2015 |access-date=January 22, 2015}}

PNSN has also recorded seismic activity from Sounders fans; multiple earthquakes were recorded on November 10, 2019, during the MLS Cup final between the Sounders and Toronto FC.{{cite web |last=Williams |first=David |date=November 11, 2019 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/11/us/seattle-soccer-goals-seismograph-trnd/index.html |title=Each time Seattle scored in the MLS Cup final, the fans' reaction registered on earthquake measuring devices |work=CNN |access-date=May 5, 2022}} Further "RaveQuakes" were recorded on May 4, 2022, during the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League Final between the Sounders and Pumas UNAM.{{cite news |last1=Clarridge |first1=Christine |title=Triumphant Sounders fans shake the Earth, celebrate, spread the love on Twitter |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/triumphant-sounders-fans-celebrate-spread-the-love-on-twitter/ |access-date=May 5, 2022 |work=The Seattle Times |date=May 5, 2022}} During two Taylor Swift concerts for The Eras Tour in July 2023, PSNS recorded a maximum ground acceleration of {{convert|0.011|meters/s}} with peaks similar to a magnitude 2.3 earthquake. The readings were attributed to fan noise and dancing as well as the sound system used for the concerts.{{cite news |last=Che |first=Chang |date=July 28, 2023 |title='Swift Quake': Taylor Swift Fans Shake Ground During Seattle Concert |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/28/arts/music/taylor-swift-earthquake-seattle-.html |work=The New York Times |accessdate=July 28, 2023}}

File:Aerial CenturyLink Field November 2011.jpg

The stadium was originally named Seahawks Stadium. The name was changed to Qwest Field in June 2004 after telecommunications carrier Qwest bought the naming rights for $75 million for a period of 15 years.{{cite news |first=Angelo |last=Bruscas |title='Qwest Field' approved |date=June 25, 2004 |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/football/179433_hawk25.html |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=April 30, 2009}} According to the agreement, the proceeds must be used for maintenance and upgrades. A portion of any profit then goes into a $10 million fund Allen guaranteed for youth playfields.{{cite news |first=Angelo |last=Bruscas |title=Seahawks owner believes stadium will help drive team to higher level |date=June 18, 2002 |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/football/79037_allen18.shtml |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=April 30, 2009}} As a result of CenturyLink's acquisition of Qwest, the stadium was officially renamed CenturyLink Field on June 23, 2011.{{cite news |title=Qwest Field to become CenturyLink Field on Thursday |url=http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlesports/2011/06/20/qwest-field-to-become-centurylink-field-on-thursday/ |access-date=June 20, 2011 |newspaper=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=June 20, 2011 |first=Gerry |last=Spratt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622122916/http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlesports/2011/06/20/qwest-field-to-become-centurylink-field-on-thursday/ |archive-date=June 22, 2011}} CenturyLink renewed its naming rights contract in 2017, paying $162.7 million for the stadium from 2019 to 2033.{{cite news |last=Condotta |first=Bob |date=June 7, 2017 |title=CenturyLink set to more than double its pay to keep sponsoring Seahawks' stadium |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/centurylink-set-to-more-than-double-its-pay-to-keep-sponsoring-seahawks-stadium/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 19, 2018}} Although CenturyLink changed its corporate name to Lumen Technologies in September 2020, the stadium was to retain the CenturyLink Field name due to a clause in the contract that permits a one-time name change only if a corporate takeover occurs.{{Cite news |last=Svaldi |first=Aldo |date=September 14, 2020 |title=CenturyLink rebrands itself as Lumen Technologies |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2020/09/14/centurylink-rebrands-itself-as-lumen-technologies/ |work=The Denver Post |access-date=October 7, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Baker |first=Geoff |date=October 22, 2018 |title=Analysis: Why CenturyLink Field is unlikely to be renamed for Paul Allen any time soon |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/petition-on-renaming-centurylink-field-to-honor-paul-allen-nice-thought-but-no-chance-of-working/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 7, 2020}} Despite that clause, the name was changed to Lumen Field on November 19 following approval from the Washington State Public Stadium Authority.

After the stadium was renamed for CenturyLink in 2011, fans and media outlets speculated on potential nicknames for the venue. An informal reader poll conducted by The Seattle Times showed that "The Clink" was a popular suggestion;{{cite news |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/what-to-call-centurylink-field-here-are-some-ideas/ |title=What to call CenturyLink Field? Here are some ideas |work=The Seattle Times |date=June 21, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624210946/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/seahawks/2015387173_clinkreax22.html |archive-date=June 24, 2011 |access-date=June 13, 2022}} it was subsequently used among fans and locals.{{cite press release |author=Pete von Reichbauer |date=January 2015 |title=Celebrating 40 years of Seahawk History |url=https://your.kingcounty.gov/mkcc/members/vonreichbauer/news/15January.html |publisher= King County Council – Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer |access-date=June 10, 2022}}{{cite news |last=Stone |first=Larry |date=September 10, 2020 |title=Without 12s at CenturyLink, the Seahawks created their own hostile environment — and rode it to a 2-0 record |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/without-12s-at-centurylink-the-seahawks-created-their-own-hostile-environment-and-rode-it-to-a-2-0-record/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=June 10, 2022}} From 2009 to 2018, the field was entitled "The Xbox Pitch at CenturyLink Field" during Sounders FC matches as part of a sponsorship deal with Microsoft.{{cite news |first=José Miguel |last=Romero |title=Microsoft launches deal with MLS, Sounders FC |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/microsoft-launches-deal-with-mls-sounders-fc/ |newspaper=The Seattle Times |date=May 29, 2008 |access-date=June 13, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080917171119/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2004444715_soundersfc29.html |archive-date=September 17, 2008}} However, when Zulily took over the Sounders FC sponsorship before the start of the 2019 season, the field was left unnamed; the deal did not include naming rights to the field.{{cite news |last=Baker |first=Geoff |date=January 17, 2019 |title=Sounders, Reign ink new jersey sponsorship deals with Seattle-based online retailer Zulily |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-reign-ink-new-jersey-sponsorship-deals-with-seattle-based-online-retailer-zulily/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 18, 2019}} A new sponsorship with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians was announced in September 2022, renaming the field to "Emerald Queen Casino Pitch at Lumen Field".{{cite news |last=Shefte |first=Kate |date=September 7, 2022 |title=Sounders, Emerald Queen Casino announce naming-rights deal for Lumen Field pitch |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-emerald-queen-casino-announce-naming-rights-deal-for-lumen-field-pitch/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=September 11, 2022}}

In addition to its 48 concession stands, restaurants and lounges are located throughout the stadium.{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/sports/seahawks/stadium/food/concessions.html |title=Concessions to the fans |last=Romero |first=José Miguel |date=August 2, 2002 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 3, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204142317/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/sports/seahawks/stadium/food/concessions.html |archive-date=December 4, 2008}} Along with typical fare, local Pacific salmon sandwiches, Dungeness crab cakes, and microbrews are served,{{cite news |title=Seahawks Stadium |last=Pedulla |first=Tom |date=September 6, 2002 |work=USA Today |page=E.05}} as well as food from Chinatown–International District restaurants. Aramark was the initial food and beverage service provider for the stadium and exhibition center, having signed a five-year contract in 2001.{{cite news |title=Seahawks stadium food contract worth $10 million |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2002/06/24/daily48.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=March 19, 2023 |work=Puget Sound Business Journal |date=June 28, 2002}} Levy Restaurants followed with a five-year deal to provide the service for the complex in 2006, while Delaware North Sportservice took over service operations in 2013;{{cite news|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=WORLDNEWS&req_dat=C12EB6BE1393489FA580F5880B8B058E&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F1130C410347463F8 |title=Qwest Field hires new food vendor |last=Shrestha |first=Bibeka |date=July 22, 2006 |work=The Seattle Times |page=E1 |via=NewsBank}}{{cite news |last1=Fink |first1=James |title=Seattle next order for Del. North's Sportservice |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/news/2012/12/19/seattle-next-order-for-del-norths.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=June 16, 2022 |work=Buffalo Business First |date=December 19, 2012}} under both contracts, First & Goal paid a management fee to the vendor while covering operational costs.{{cite news |last1=Muret |first1=Don |title=Seahawks, Jazz take new paths to food service |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Journal/Issues/2017/08/07/Facilities/Food.aspx |access-date=March 19, 2023 |work=Sports Business Journal |date=August 7, 2017 |language=en}} The Seahawks subsequently created First & Goal Hospitality to provide the food and beverage service in-house in 2017, doing so until Levy regained the rights via a partnership in 2020; the service continued to operate under the former brand as part of the agreement.{{Cite press release |title=Seattle Seahawks And Levy Partner To Elevate The First & Goal Hospitality Experience At CenturyLink Field |date=August 5, 2020 |publisher=Seattle Seahawks |url=https://www.seahawks.com/news/seattle-seahawks-and-levy-partner-to-elevate-the-first-goal-hospitality-experien |access-date=June 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807015734/https://www.seahawks.com/news/seattle-seahawks-and-levy-partner-to-elevate-the-first-goal-hospitality-experien |archive-date=August 7, 2020}}

The pouring rights of non-alcoholic beverages at the stadium were initially held by The Coca-Cola Company, which had a longstanding partnership with the Seahawks prior to 1998, when the team partnered with PepsiCo. In May 2007, Seattle-based Jones Soda outbid Coca-Cola to sign a five-year contract for the rights, making it the only venue in the NFL that did not have a contract with either Coca-Cola or PepsiCo.{{cite news |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/business/316867_jonessoda23ww.html |title=Jones Soda lands soft drink rights at Qwest Field |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=May 23, 2007 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=November 15, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203103250/http://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/Jones-Soda-lands-soft-drink-rights-at-Qwest-Field-1238261.php |archive-date=February 3, 2012 |url-status=live}} Jones Soda, known for unusual and holiday-themed soda flavors such as Blue Bubblegum and Turkey & Gravy, said it was working to develop football-related soda flavors, such as "grass-stain".{{cite news |url=http://www.abcmoney.co.uk/news/24200776431.htm |title=Jones Soda chases down Qwest Field deal |agency=Associated Press |website=ABCmoney.co.uk |access-date=November 3, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722152643/http://www.abcmoney.co.uk/news/24200776431.htm |archive-date=July 22, 2011}} Amid increasing financial turmoil for Jones Soda, the company renegotiated its contract with the Seahawks in September 2009, relinquishing the rights to provide energy drinks and water along with a luxury suite.{{cite news |last1=Allison |first1=Melissa |title=Jones Soda scales back sponsorship, sales deal with Seattle Seahawks |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/jones-soda-scales-back-sponsorship-sales-deal-with-seattle-seahawks/ |access-date=April 20, 2023 |work=The Seattle Times |date=September 26, 2009 |page=A8}} Both parties ultimately announced their mutual decision to end the Jones sponsorship in June 2010,{{cite news |last=Johns |first=Greg |url=http://blog.seattlepi.com/football/2010/06/29/pop-seahawks-end-partnership-with-jones-soda/ |title=Pop! Seahawks end partnership with Jones Soda |date=June 29, 2010 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=December 31, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111203172426/http://blog.seattlepi.com/football/2010/06/29/pop-seahawks-end-partnership-with-jones-soda/ |archive-date=December 3, 2011}} following which Coca-Cola reclaimed the vending rights with a five-year agreement.{{cite press release |url=http://www.seahawks.com/news/press/article-1/Coca-Cola-the-Official-Soft-Drink-of-the-Seahawks-now-Available-for-Fans-at-Qwest-Field/f7aaed2a-0d42-4d73-8837-6cddd8e6847e |title=Coca-Cola, the Official Soft Drink of the Seahawks, now Available for Fans at Qwest Field |date=June 30, 2010 |publisher=Seattle Seahawks |access-date=November 30, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100705120637/http://www.seahawks.com/news/press/article-1/Coca-Cola-the-Official-Soft-Drink-of-the-Seahawks-now-Available-for-Fans-at-Qwest-Field/f7aaed2a-0d42-4d73-8837-6cddd8e6847e |archive-date=July 5, 2010}} The Seahawks and Coca-Cola announced a multi-year partnership extension in 2018.{{cite press release |url=https://www.seahawks.com/news/seattle-seahawks-coca-cola-announce-multi-year-partnership-extension |title=Seahawks, Coca-Cola Announce Multi-Year Partnership Extension |date=August 1, 2018 |publisher=Seattle Seahawks |access-date=April 20, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028113006/https://www.seahawks.com/news/seattle-seahawks-coca-cola-announce-multi-year-partnership-extension |archive-date=October 28, 2020}}

File:Soundertrainandqwest.jpg and Amtrak's Coast Starlight at nearby King Street Station after a Seahawks game in 2008]]

Lumen Field is bordered by the Pioneer Square, International District, and Industrial District neighborhoods of Seattle. The stadium's referendum approval required a transportation management program to coordinate transportation options. First & Goal's facility lease agreement also included a provision to ease gridlock. A "dual event agreement" with T-Mobile Park was established so that two events with a combined attendance of over 58,000 would not occur within four hours of each other. The agreement was also implemented to coordinate mass transit to the stadiums on game days.{{cite web |url=https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/mitig_traf_cong/seahawks_case.htm |title=Mitigating Traffic Congestion – The Role of Demand Side Strategy Seahawks Stadium (Qwest Field) – Seattle WA |publisher=Federal Highway Administration |access-date=September 27, 2009}}

The Link light rail system has two stations on the 1 Line that serve Lumen Field: Stadium station near the south entrances and International District/Chinatown station near the north entrances.{{cite news |last1=Goodwin |first1=Shaun |last2=Van de Venter |first2=Karlee |date=July 21, 2023 |title=Your ultimate mega-guide to Taylor Swift in Seattle: Parking, tailgating, merch & more |url=https://www.thenewstribune.com/entertainment/article277481268.html |work=The News Tribune |accessdate=March 1, 2024}}{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=May 26, 2009 |title=International District/Chinatown Station is switching point for many commuters |page=B1 |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2009261916_stinternational26m.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202060904/http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2009261916_stinternational26m.html |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |url-status=dead }} Light rail trains run every 15 minutes on weekends and serve Seattle, Tukwila, and SeaTac.{{cite press release |date=September 7, 2023 |title=Sounder kicks off Seahawks service for season opener vs. the Los Angeles Rams |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/sounder-kicks-seahawks-service-season-opener-vs-los |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=March 1, 2024}} It began service on July 18, 2009, the same day as an exhibition match between the Sounders and Chelsea. Local and regional buses service the area with stops within three blocks of the stadium,{{cite map |date=September 2023 |title=Transit Routs to Stadiums & Events Center, Weekday Service |url=https://kingcountymetro.blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Stadium_Events-Center_Map_Weekday-1.pdf |publisher=King County Metro |accessdate=March 1, 2024}} and the county's King County Metro bus service formerly offered express routes from several area park and ride lots for games.{{cite news |last=Gutman |first=David |date=October 20, 2017 |title=Seahawks cancel gameday shuttle from Eastside to CenturyLink Field |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/seahawks-cancel-gameday-shuttle-service-from-the-eastside-to-centurylink-field/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 2, 2017}}

Intercity trains serve the stadium through Seattle's King Street Station and overflow tracks accommodate extra trains during events.{{cite news |first=Mike |last=Lindblom |title=Sports fans to find relief at Stadium light-rail stop |date=June 1, 2009 |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009284443_ststadium01m.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=July 3, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090612094909/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009284443_ststadium01m.html |archive-date=June 12, 2009}} Sounder commuter trains operate regional service on Sundays if the Seahawks have a home game or for mid-day Sounders FC games on Saturdays.{{cite news |date=December 15, 2004 |title=Qwest Field: Covering all the routes |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/stadium/parking/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923003337/http://old.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/stadium/parking/ |archive-date=September 23, 2015 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url=http://blog.seattlepi.com/transportation/archives/198185.asp |title=Take the train to Mariners and Sounders FC games |last=Gutierrez |first=Scott |date=March 15, 2010 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=March 16, 2010 |archive-date=July 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707033754/http://blog.seattlepi.com/transportation/archives/198185.asp |url-status=dead }} In 2008, the commuter trains carried 64,000 event goers to the two nearby stadiums. Amtrak, primarily through the Pacific Northwest corridor's Cascades route, also serves the station.

Lumen Field is located near the junction of Interstate 5 and Interstate 90 to the east. It is bordered by State Route 99 and the south portal of the State Route 99 tunnel to its west, while the State Route 519 corridor connects I-90 to the neighborhood. Local governments compromised with both the Seahawks and Mariners on the location of new ramps over the train tracks that run along the east sides of Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park. An overpass for South Royal Brougham Way, the road that borders the south edge of the Lumen Field complex, to improve access and safety was completed in May 2010.{{cite web |url=http://www.mynorthwest.com/?nid=11&sid=155416 |title=Expect construction delays for Mariners Opening Day |access-date=April 30, 2009 |last=Haeck |first=Tim |date=April 19, 2009 |publisher=KIRO Radio |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714144120/http://mynorthwest.com/?nid=11&sid=155416 |archive-date=July 14, 2011}} The stadium has 2,000 parking spaces in its parking garage and 8,400 in the surrounding lots to accommodate automobile traffic. Beginning in December 2011, construction of the Stadium Place mixed-use development project replaced much of the north lot. The developer must replace the 500 lost parking spots and turn over parking revenue to the Public Stadium Authority per an agreement with King County.{{cite news |first=Bob |last=Young |title=Council OKs selling lot near Qwest Field |date=June 5, 2007 |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003734695_northlot05m.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=April 30, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100215204557/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003734695_northlot05m.html |archive-date=February 15, 2010}}

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website}}
• [https://stadium.org/ Washington State Public Stadium Authority]
• [https://www.seahawks.com/game-day/ Lumen Field page at the Seattle Seahawks site]
• [https://www.soundersfc.com/matchday/stadium-guide/ Lumen Field page at the Seattle Sounders FC site]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090610032811/http://www.ellerbebecket.com/expertise/project/2_169/Qwest_Field_Events_Center_formerly_Seahawks_Stadium_.html Project information from Ellerbe Becket]
• [http://seatingchartview.com/centurylink-field/ Lumen Field Seating Chart]
• [http://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/usa/seahawks_stadium Lumen Field on StadiumDB]

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