Her partner, Rohin Buttar, a Patriots fan from B.C., said he was “ready to get revenge after last year. It’s been a long offseason.”
Fans packed Seattle’s Pioneer Square for pregame celebrations ahead of the Seahawks’ home opener, turning Occidental Mall into a hub of team pride and a meeting point for visitors in town for a Super Bowl rematch.
“We’re super pumped. I didn’t sleep at all last night. It’s a new season,” said Joe McDaniel of Puyallup. “We’re going to defend our championship. We’re going to defend our Super Bowl title,” he said.
The crowd included Seahawks supporters and fans of the opposing team, with some traveling from out of town for the matchup. “I’m excited. I’m excited to do some smack talk and just enjoy the day and the game and see the Hawks win,” said Jasmina Buttar, a Hawks fan from B.C.
Her partner, Rohin Buttar, a Patriots fan from B.C., said he was “ready to get revenge after last year. It’s been a long offseason.”
Hometeam, a local business in Pioneer Square, set up a free watch party featuring a 25-foot TV screen to give fans a place to gather even if they didn’t have tickets. Greg Smith of HOMETEAM said the goal was to create an accessible community event. He said it was “a great opportunity for those who can't get into the game, who can't afford to get into the game. Put on a free event and just give them a safe space where they can enjoy and come together.”
For some fans, the scene echoed the energy of World Cup watch parties in the neighborhood.
“I was down here for the World Cup, and it was incredible what these people did for the watch party. Now to see Seattle presented on the big stage tonight, I’m just super proud to be from Seattle,” said Jake Greenberg of Kirkland.
The surge of sports crowds has also been a boost for nearby businesses. John DeLeo, owner of DeLeo's Pizza, said the run of big events has helped. “We've been able to do really well because of the World Cup.” He says the incredible sports year Seattle has had, like the Mariners going to the American League Championship, the Seahawks winning the Super Bowl, and the World Cup taking place in Seattle, has really helped his business and others around his.
Hometeam has not confirmed whether more free watch parties will be hosted but said exciting things are in the works.
