#6 Go to a Sounders game

My first impression as we walked toward the Clink (Century Link) stadium was, “This looks and sounds an awful lot like the Colosseum.” Having just visited Rome only two weeks prior, the sheer size of the arena felt familiar. Granted, it’s not built with stone archways and columns, and the violence doesn’t even begin to compare with the horrors that took place in the arena, but there were similarities: The thunderous roar of the crowd, hungry for action; the epicurean consumption of overpriced food and drink; the fancy boxes for rich patrons; and the angry shouts over a bad play or call.

Many even chanted, “Let him die! Let him die!” whenever a member of the opposing team was stalling for time by rolling on the turf in apparent agony. While the sarcasm was evident and the player was most likely not hurt, it was still eerie. Not unlike the Latin “Lugula! Lugula!” chant in the Colosseum. (“Kill him! Kill him!”)

This comparison goes to show just how intense North American soccer (mainly it’s fans) can get! The number of spectators and enthusiasm for the sport surprised my parents in particular. Their flight arrived that same day and, in spite of jet lag, they stood and smiled through the whole match! The Sounders were losing (miserably…to a sub-par team, I hear), but Mom and Dad looked like they were enjoying themselves! Now before my Sounders-fan friends cry foul, they weren’t relishing in the defeat, but simply taking in the experience. I’m just thankful they were willing to come out on a chilly night, when their internal clocks were telling them it was 10pm. What troopers! They handled the night with more grace and contentment than I did.

I embarrassed myself right off the bat by asking our row mates if they were in the right seats (I thought I heard Super Husband say different numbers). One girl gave me a sidelong glance and muttered that they should know, they sit in those seats every time. I made some laughing comment about how we were obviously the newbies here. But she didn't laugh. Or smile. Or even acknowledge my presence once I sat down next to her.

*awkward turtle*

Should've known from that moment we were in for a crummy game. What a way to kick off the experience!

Other less embarrassing highlights include recognizing Dempsey and other players I’d only seen on TV. Our seats were better than I hoped, and it was surreal to watch the game up close. The cheering section was nearby—all the jumping, motions, and singing looked exhausting! How do you even get to watch and enjoy the game like that?!

My favorite part was turning to see my parents in the section next to us, surrounded by screaming fans with raised blue-and-green scarves. They kept me from getting too disappointed by this first experience. I also enjoyed sitting next to Super Husband, who finally got to wear the Sounders scarf I bought him our first Christmas together. He patiently answered my questions about calls and hugged me close as we wove through the maze of passages, clogged with spectators.

I have a feeling we’ll be back...and next time I'll remember to give those cranky season pass holders (friends excluded) a wide berth. Mitte! Mitte! ("Let him go free!")