Seahawks fans have a unique new family-friendly gathering option before games this fall with the “Tailgate on Holgate.” | Wikimedia Commons photo
Seahawks fans have a unique new family-friendly gathering option before games this fall with the “Tailgate on Holgate.” | Wikimedia Commons photo
For years, Seahawks fans have improvised their own version of tailgating in SODO’s parking lots and streets. Now, the neighborhood is giving them an official place to gather.
This fall, the SODO Business Improvement Area will turn a city-owned parking lot at First Avenue South and Holgate Street into the home of “Tailgate on Holgate” during the five Seahawks Sunday home games from October through December.
The concept is part pregame party and part neighborhood activation featuring six food trucks, lawn games, refreshments and a DJ.
Games are part of the mix at the new Tailgate on Holgate this fall sponsored by the SODO Business Improvement Area.
“Nothing’s really going on there, but a lot of people park and just tailgate, so we thought we’d just formalize it,” says Mellssa White, senior communications manager for SODO BIA, an organization established by the city of Seattle in 2014 to advocate for property owners, businesses and tenants. “Ultimately, our goal is to provide visibility to businesses in the area.”
The lot, across from popular Caribbean eatery Paseo, can hold between 75 and 100 people. The Seahawks are fully supportive, and White hopes Blitz, the team mascot, could make an appearance.
White also says the space will provide a safe, family-friendly spot to celebrate before kickoff. So far, one food truck has signed on — Chick’n Fix — and there’s currently an RFP out for five more.
“A lot of times, when people are tailgating, there are no rules and restrictions to it,” she says. “Alcohol is being thrown around. We want people to have a good time but also want them to be safe without concern for their family or the environment.”
Other places to tailgate
Here are three other popular places to tailgate in the neighborhood:
• Hatback Bar & Grille, 1201 First Ave. S.: Right in the stadium district, with a huge indoor and outdoor setup, a beer garden, lots of TVs and a loud game-day atmosphere.
• Ticketmaster Tailgate at Lumen Field Event Center opens three hours before kickoff. Has a sports bar, gaming area, live entertainment and food and drinks, but you need a game ticket to enter.
• Eighth Avenue South and Holgate Street parking area: About a 10-minute walk south of Lumen Field, but Seattle’s open-container rules apply. Good spot for pregame barbecues and picnics.