Venue Information

Qwest Field is designed with a 67,000 seat capacity, with 5,000 additional seats available for special events, and 1,400 seats for fans with disabilities. With a roof covering 70 percent of the seating area, fans will enjoy wide, comfortable seats with sideline seating a mere 52 feet from the playing field and end-zone seats just 40 feet from the action. The facility also features a dozen elevators and expansive concourses with an ample provision of concessions stands and restrooms.

On June 2nd, 2004, the Seahawks announced a new stadium sponsorship agreement with Qwest Communications International Inc., with the stadium to be named "Qwest Field." In addition to the naming rights, the agreement includes Qwest's increased support for local Seahawks charities. The agreement also calls for Qwest to be the telecommunications supplier to Qwest Field, the stadium and exhibition center operator, First & Goal, and all other Seahawks facilities.  
Details & Seahawks CEO Tod Leiweke interview

Set just south of historic Pioneer Square, against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains and glistening Puget Sound, Qwest Field is unlike any other stadium in the world. Inside the stadium you will experience perfect views of the field and surrounding area, unmatched comfort, cutting-edge technology and outstanding dining options. In fact, Qwest Field has every amenity to make it the ideal place to enjoy exciting Seahawks football played outdoors.

In addition to Seahawks football, the stadium can accommodate many levels of soccer competition, including Major League Soccer, amateur, international, World Cup, and collegiate soccer. The NCAA has expressed interest in holding a future national collegiate soccer Final Four in this facility. The stadium can also accommodate outdoor music concerts and could someday serve as a venue for the Olympics.

Stadium History

• Grand Opening Ceremonies- Dignitaries are on hand for the official ribbon cutting ceremony (7/19/2002).
• Public Fanfare Days- Fans get an eyeful and an earful of the new stadium (7/20/2002).
• Opening Night Fireworks- The stadium and the skies above were all aglow on opening night (8/10/2002).
• Stadium goes “au naturel”- Natural grass is installed for the US-Venezuela soccer match (3/29/2003).
• Lights on the 4th- The roof trusses are red, white & blue for the 4th of July (7/4/2004).
• NFC Championship Game- The Seahawks advance to Super Bowl XL (1/22/2006)

Qwest Field
800 Occidental Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98134

Design/Construction:
Design—Ellerbe Becket, in association with LMN Architects
General Contractor—Turner Construction Company

Budget:
Qwest Field: $360 million
Qwest Field Event Center: $70 million

Financing:
Cost to public: $300 million
Cost to Seahawks owner, Paul G. Allen: $130 million, plus cost overruns

Seating:
Capacity for 72,000

• 67,000 fixed seats including 7,000 club seats
• additional 5,000 seats for special events
  Roof protection for 70 percent of seats

Suites:
112 suites, including “Red Zone” suites, the NFL’s first field-level boxes
The largest executive suites in professional sports

Amenities:
Many conveniences for fans and visitors, including:

• 11 public elevators
• 63 wheelchair-accessible restrooms
• 1,400 seats for people with disabilities and their companions
• Wider concourses
• 48 concession areas throughout the stadium on all levels
• 3,100 parking spaces onsite, with 8,400 in surrounding lots and 15,000 in lots downtown

Field Size:
Football: 55.3 yards wide, 120 yards long
Soccer: 70 yards wide, 110 yards long (meets FIFA standards)