Keep your eyes peeled this week, Seattle. The city is about to get you hyped.
Ahead of Thursday's Western Conference Semifinals against the Vancouver Whitecaps at CenturyLink Field (7:30 p.m. PT; FS1, FOX Deportes, KIRO Radio 97.3 FM, El Rey 1360 AM), the Seattle metropolitan area will have plenty of civic activations to spread excitement and pride. Whether it's drifting across the Puget Sound or towering high above the downtown streets, there will be a Rave Green tint to the Emerald City.
On matchday morning, all Washington State Ferries into and out of Seattle's Coleman Dock are flying Sounders flags.
For the second consecutive year, the Seattle Aquarium will have divers plunge into the Windows on the Washington Waters display with Sounders scarves, while harbor seals and river otters join in with soccer ball enrichment.
There's also the Russell Investments Center, through building owner CommonWealth Partners, that will have have a special Sounders-themed lighting planned for the evenings of Wednesday and Thursday. The building, which has previously treated the Seattle waterfront to towering displays celebrating the Seahawks and Mariners great Edgar Martinez, will display a "Born In '74" tribute to the Sounders, complete with an 18-story "74" displayed in the windows along its west façade.
The Hammering Man, located in front of the Seattle Art Museum, will glow Rave Green and wear a Sounders logo on Wednesday evening. Also expect to see the Columbia Center, CenturyLink Field arches and Seattle Great Wheel have Sounders-related lights and displays this week.
It takes a city to defend a city. Civic pride is entrenched in the club. Way to go, Seattle!
