Seattle Sounders

I was in Seattle, Wa recently for a few days R & R after 7 days in Las Vegas. I think it's called "decompression" these days. On the day I arrived Seattle's Mayor League Soccer team were taking on the table topping San Jose Earthquakes. Tickets were purchased for what would turn out to be a top 2 clash. Seats in the Brougham End with views over downtown Seattle's skyline. As well as this view the Brougham End is home to the Seattle Sounders selfstyled "ultras" the Emerald City Supporters or ECS. Rumours of Seattle's rainfall might be slightly exaggerated but there is plenty of the wet stuff which results in quite a lush green city which is where I suppose they get the name of Emerald City from.

With the tickets sorted some pre match action was needed. A visit to the ECS forums quickly ascertained that drinks before the game were positively encouraged. Music to my ears. Several venues were suggested including McCoys Firehouse and Fuel . As Fuel was encountered first, Fuel it was. More than an hour before the match and place was jumping with soccer fans, most sporting the X-Box logo of the Sounder's latest shirt sponsor. As always in a busy American bar a group of hard working waitresses where keeping the punters fed and watered. Having spent many an hour in pubs both in the Isle of Man and various UK towns and cities and experienced bar staff more interested in texting their mates I am always impressed by their hard working US counterparts. Must be the tips.

In order to cope with the influx of pre match drinkers a temporary extra bar had been set up. Without a cash till the waitress made full use of her assets to store the hundreds of dollars she had taken. It put a smile on my face as I drank my PBR.

Will continue this later.