Sounders/M’s twinbill is a must for Seattle sports fan

A lot of people spent Saturday indoors. They stayed dry, caught up on some work, maybe finished a last-minute tax return.

Not me.

My taxes remain unfiled because Saturday was an opportunity for the glorious, holy grail of Seattle sports: A Sounders/Mariners doubleheader.

Kyle Davis, a coworker in the sports department at The Herald, asked me if I was interested in attending the two games. And I was more than happy to accompany him to the MLS contest between the Sounders and the New England Revolution in the afternoon and the night game between the Mariners and their American League West rivals, the Texas Rangers, on Saturday night. I’ll tell you right now it doesn’t matter neither team won. I had a great time. I got to spend the afternoon and evening at two beautiful stadiums in downtown Seattle.

There’s a lot to plan when attending two sports events in one day. And I’m here to help.

First there’s logistics to think about. I normally drive around Seattle trying to find a cheap (i.e. free) place to park because journalism isn’t the best-paying gig. But my broke self can justify splurging $15 because I get to park my car for the whole day.

Then comes the most daunting task: figuring out how to dress.

There are several options for a two-sport day. There’s the “mix and match” strategy, which Kyle employed, with a Sounders jersey and a Mariners hat. A solid choice. We also saw the “perfect pair” a few times, where one person was decked out in Sounders gear and the second was in M’s attire from head to toe.

Finally, there’s the “switcher.” This was me. It’s the person that wants to be on top of everything, wearing a Sounders jersey and scarf to CenturyLink Field before switching into a Mariners jersey (Griffey, in this case because there’s no one better) for the night game at Safeco Field.

There were also several casually-dressed fans at the stadiums as well. In all honesty, it doesn’t really matter what you wear as long as you dress warm.

Because spoiler alert: It’s cold and it rains.

At the start of the game there was something we never expected to see: The sun. It didn’t last long. I do appreciate the rain holding out until the 70th minute of the Sounders game, although there was what we’ll call an “aggressive wind.”

I get soccer isn’t for everyone. A 0-0 tie — the score of the Sounders-Revolution game — makes some people feel like they got a bit of a bum deal.

But you go for the experience. It’s always fun to watch Sounders fans throw their scarves in the air — even though they’d probably rather keep them on in the 40-degree weather — and chant/harass the opposing team.

I’ve watched soccer matches in four countries on three continents and I’ll be honest, I rarely remember the final score. The best part is the experience. Seattle fans cheer like fans in Europe — and believe me, the Emerald City Supporters could give European-club fans a run for their money.

Sure, in a perfect world it wouldn’t pour rain for the last 20 minutes of the game. But this is Seattle and if you’re not used to the rain by now, I really don’t know what to tell you.

In between games we went back to the car to dry off — with a towel that I (brilliantly) brought along just in case — and warm up. We also dropped into the Seattle Team Shop on the walk to the car and I bought a Seattle Supersonics shirt because I BELIEVE!!!

After we were about 80 percent dry it was time to head to Safeco Field for the Mariners’ game and the beautiful party known as The Pen. I also had a chance to check out some of Safeco’s new amenities, such as Edgar’s Cantina.

Word has it that every once in a while the cantina’s namesake, Mariners legend/hero Edgar Martinez, will show up and hang out. He didn’t do so on Saturday night — at least we didn’t see him — but I was still able to try one of the specialty drinks: The .312.

Made of Campari, lime juice, soda water and Zac mezcal — which is a line of mezcal that Martinez and a business partner import from Mexico — the .312 is named for Edgar’s career batting average. It was quite strong — and warmed me up quickly.

In The Pen there were plenty of people wearing Sounders jerseys who had decided to “mix and match,” including Arlington’s Austin Defreece. The incredibly lucky Defreece said he has participated in several Sounders-Mariners doubleheaders.

“We knew we were going to the Sounders game and as long as we’re down here it was convenient,” Defreece said. “It was something else to do.”

“We thought it might be kind of fun to go to a Mariners game,” said Brock Binder, Defreece’s friend.

There was one hurdle for Defreece and Binder to clear before they were able to go to the games.

Fortunately, it worked out.

“My wife said it was OK,” Defreece said.

If you’re holding back tears thinking, “Oh no, I missed my chance to do something incredibly special,” fear not! There are five more soccer-baseball doubleheaders — once a month — until September.

And there are some good ones.

On June 8th there’s an opportunity to see a pair of rivals. At 1:10 p.m. the New York Yankees visit Safeco Field before the Sounders take on Cascadia Cup rival Vancouver at 7:30. On Sunday Sept. 29 the Mariners host Oakland in their regular-season (and at this rate, likely 2013-season) finale at 1:10 p.m. before the New York Red Bulls visit the Sounders at 6 p.m.

So it’s not too late. It’s still possible to enjoy the great — and likely wet — Seattle sports scene.

Sure the Mariners lost 3-1 and the Sounders played to a scoreless draw. But I left Seattle on Saturday night with a huge smile on my face — and it wasn’t just because of the .312. I got to spend an entire day watching sports.

Now it’s time to do my taxes.

I really need a refund.

I spent $15 on parking Saturday.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.