Kick off Seahawks season with Sound Transit

Commuters should expect heavy traffic in downtown Seattle around Sept. 4 home opener.

Take Link light rail to the Seahawks home opener this Thursday and forget about parking and traffic hassles. The Seahawks open the NFL season against the Green Bay Packers at 5:30pm Thursday, Sept. 4.

Opening day will also feature a free concert by Pharrell Williams and Seattle's own Soundgarden in the CenturyLink Field stadium north parking lot. Gates to the concert open at 2:30 p.m. 1000 parking spaces by the stadium will be blocked off for the concert stage and attendees.

Meanwhile, commuters planning to drive or ride buses in downtown Seattle on the afternoon and evening of the opener should plan ahead for big crowds and traffic congestion.

A few tips for riding Link light rail to the game or concert: 

• Link riders headed for the concert are encouraged to get off at Pioneer Square Station for the fastest access to the concert queuing area along Second Avenue and the special Gameday Village in Occidental Park. 
• Fans headed to the game are encouraged to get off at Stadium Station and enter the stadium through the south entrances. 
• Concert goers and game ticket holders riding Link should purchase a round-trip ticket to avoid ticket lines heading home. Best bet - buy an ORCA card ahead of time and skip lines at the ticket vending machines. 

Link's Stadium Station is a four-block walk from CenturyLink Field and Safeco Field. Complete Link schedule information here. 

Sound Transit's Sounder commuter rail trains will run on their normal weekday schedule Thursday.

Evening Sounder train commuters headed out of Seattle are encouraged to use the Jackson Street entrance to the train platforms to avoid crowds leaving the concert.

Regular fares will apply for all Sound Transit services. ORCA and all standing transit passes will be accepted. Getting an ORCA card is a great way to skip lines at ticket vending machines. Cards only cost $5 for adults, plus whatever amount a rider chooses to load in the card's E-Purse or the cost of a pass that is good for unlimited transit trips. ORCA works on trains, buses and ferries throughout the region. More information is available here.