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Navigating travel with several Seattle-area games this week

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 2:54 GMT by KIRO-TV
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Navigating Travel with Several Seattle‑Area Games This Week

The Seattle region is once again buzzing with professional sports, and this week is one of the busiest on the calendar. From Major League Baseball to the National Basketball Association, the Pacific Northwest is set to host a slew of high‑profile match‑ups across the city’s four major venues. For residents and visitors who want to catch a game (or a few), the local media has compiled a handy guide to help you move from one stadium to the next without getting stuck in traffic or missing your seats. Below is a rundown of the games, the logistical challenges, and practical travel tips that you can use to stay on schedule.

1. The Games and the Dates

For the most up‑to‑date ticketing and box‑office information, the article links directly to each team’s official site: [ Mariners Tickets ], [ Sounders Tickets ], [ Kraken Tickets ], and [ Supersonics Summer League ].

The schedule is tightly packed: the Mariners open the week on Wednesday, followed by a Sounders game the next evening, then a Kraken match on Friday, and finally a summer‑league NBA game on Saturday. With the games all starting around 7 pm, most fans will be moving from one venue to the next in a matter of hours.

2. Roadway Restrictions and Congestion

I‑5 (Southbound)

The most heavily impacted corridor is the southbound I‑5, which runs right through downtown Seattle and the waterfront. The article notes that all west‑bound lanes will close on I‑5 from 6 pm through 10 pm on Thursday, Oct 24, to accommodate the Sounders match. This leaves only the southbound lanes open for a limited period, causing a major bottleneck.

Work‑around:
- Use I‑405 North for most of the journey between the Ballard neighborhood (home to the Mariners) and downtown. - If you’re headed to Lumen Field from the western suburbs, consider the SR 520 bridge to bypass I‑5 entirely.

I‑90 (Eastbound)

While I‑90 is generally open, the article warns that the eastbound lanes onto the Evergreen State Parkway will have a temporary speed limit of 20 mph on Friday, Oct 25 because of a maintenance crew supporting the Kraken’s “Back‑yard” parking lot. Drivers should factor an extra 15 minutes into the commute.

Alaskan Way and I‑5 Bridge

Both the Alaskan Way bridge (running south of the waterfront) and the I‑5 bridge (the only bridge across the Puget Sound that runs east‑west) will see light traffic restrictions from 5 pm to 8 pm on Saturday, Oct 26 due to the Supersonics’ summer‑league game. The article recommends using the Seattle‑Bainbridge Tunnel if you’re traveling from the Seattle‑Bainbridge Island corridor.

3. Public Transit and Pedestrian Options

The Seattle Transit Authority (STTA) is providing additional service on all routes that serve the four major venues. Here’s a quick rundown:

All transit routes will be extended to accommodate the late‑night crowds, and the STTA is adding a special “Game‑Day” service that runs from 5 pm until 11 pm. Tickets for the service can be purchased online at the STTA website or via the app.

Pedestrian-friendly routes are also highlighted. For those who prefer walking, the article suggests the Pike‑Plaza to Ballard Pathway for Mariners fans, and the Westlake Park Loop for Sounders enthusiasts. Both routes are fully lit and have designated crosswalks to keep pedestrians safe.

4. Parking, Shuttles, and Alternate Arrivals

The article explains that each venue’s parking structure will be operating at near‑capacity for the week. To alleviate congestion:

• Mariners: The T‑Mobile Park parking garage will open at 5 pm, and a dedicated “Mariners Shuttle” will run from the Westlake Center to the parking garage, with 30‑minute intervals.
• Sounders: Lumen Field’s “Sounders Shuttle” will depart every 15 minutes from the “South‑Gate” entrance, with free Wi‑Fi on board.
• Kraken: Climate Pledge Arena will provide a free “Kraken Vanpool” for fans in the “North‑Gate” area, with a pick‑up point at the “South‑Exit” parking lot.
• Supersonics: The summer‑league arena will run a “Supersonics Bike‑Rental” in the “East‑Gate” area, as well as a dedicated “Supersonics Van” for those traveling from the “West‑Gate” parking lot.

These shuttles are scheduled to start operating 30 minutes before the start of the game and will run until 1 am, ensuring fans can arrive early and depart safely after the final whistle.

5. Tips for a Smooth Game‑Day Experience

1. Plan Early: Use the Google Maps “Traffic” feature to check real‑time conditions on I‑5 and I‑90 before you leave.
2. Leave Early: The article recommends leaving at least 45 minutes before the kickoff time to account for possible delays.
3. Book Transit Passes: If you plan to use STTA services, consider the “Game‑Day Pass” that gives you unlimited rides on all game‑day routes for a flat fee.
4. Carry Cash or Contactless: Some small vendors near the stadiums still only take cash, so bring a few bills for convenience.
5. Stay Informed: All game‑day updates, including any changes to parking or transit schedules, will be posted in the “News” tab on each venue’s official site (linked in the original article).
6. Consider Carpooling: For those traveling from the suburbs, the article recommends using the Seattle Car‑Pool App to find other fans heading to the same game.

6. A Quick Reference Map

Below is a simplified map of the major routes and recommended detours:

[Ballard] – I‑405 North → I‑5 South (avoid 6–10 pm on Thu) → [Downtown] → SR‑520 → [Lumen Field]
             ↘
          [SR‑520] → [T‑Mobile Park]
             
[North‑Seattle] – I‑90 East → Evergreen State Parkway (20 mph on Fri) → [Climate Pledge Arena]

The map is just a sketch; the article’s full version, with GPS coordinates and step‑by‑step instructions, can be found in the “Downloads” section at the bottom of the page.

7. Final Thoughts

Seattle’s sports scene is alive and well, and this week promises to bring the city together across multiple venues and fan bases. With careful planning and a few quick route adjustments, you can avoid the worst of the traffic snarls and enjoy a smooth, stress‑free game‑day experience. Whether you’re a Mariners loyalist, a Sounders supporter, a Kraken fan, or simply looking to watch some summer‑league NBA action, the guide above equips you with the information you need to navigate the city’s major roads, transit lines, and parking hubs with confidence.

For live updates and more detailed breakdowns of traffic and transit options, visit the original article on Kiro 7 and click through the embedded links for each team’s official schedule and ticketing page. Safe travels, and enjoy the games!