Blitz the Seahawk Courtesy Seattle Seahawks
Blitz, the energetic mascot of the Seattle Seahawks football team, spills the inside scoop on his favorite team moments, what he loves about the city, and what he’s looking forward to this season.
By Nils Gollersrud
Every Friday from mid-August through December, the city is awash in blue as fans don their Seattle Seahawks gear to support Seattle’s beloved football team. During home games, fans pack into open-air Lumen Field (*800 Occidental Ave), where they can watch the start-studded team battle it out on their home turf. And these all-stars don’t disappoint: The Seahawks were the NFL Super Bowl champions in 2014 and have won 10 division titles and three conference championships.
Meanwhile, Seahawks fans have racked up their own acclaim, earning the nickname “The 12th Man” or simply the “12s” as a nod to their support of the 11 active players on the field and setting the Guinness World Record for loudest crowd roar twice during the 2013–14 season. Spearheading this spirited charge is Blitz the Seahawk, the blue-and-green feathered mascot who hypes up the crowd, leading fans in thunderous cheers. In between preparations for the upcoming season, Blitz shared his favorite stadium food, fondest memories, and tips to keep team spirit up throughout the season.
What is your favorite stadium snack?
Blitz the Seahawk: I’m a big fan of the garlic fries but I can’t have them before a game. They make me smell bad.
Visit Seattle Recommends: Sample Seattle without leaving the stadium at concession booths by local favorites, like Beecher’s Mac and Cheese (for artisan sandwiches and decadently good mac) in section 305 and 335, Ivar’s (chowder, fish ‘n’ chips, and some Blitz-approved garlic fries) in section 118 and 133, and Elysian Brewing (craft brews, plus Bavarian-style meats) in section 309.
Blitz takes a touchdown selfie of the Seahawks Courtesy Seattle Seahawks
It must get pretty cold during the fall and winter months. How do you stay warm during the games?
Blitz the Seahawk: I keep warm by running around and keeping up with all the action in the stadium!
Visit Seattle Recommends: Stay warm in the stands with Seahawks jerseys, scarves, sweatshirts, and more from Seattle Team Shop (1029 Occidental Ave S), or grab gear in the stadium at The Pro Shop at Lumen Field.
Seahawks fans are notoriously animated, having broken a 137-decibel world record for their loud cheers. How can fans keep their team spirit up all season long?
Blitz the Seahawk: We have to go 1-0 every week! Every week is a new week and you have to bring your best!
Visit Seattle Recommends: On Fridays, wear Seahawks apparel and jump start your excitement with other fans at favorite pre-game watering holes like Triangle Pub (553 First Ave S) for beer on tap and Fuel (164 S Washington St) for sipping al fresco.
What was the most memorable moment from last season?
Blitz the Seahawk: Too many moments to pick just one. But my favorite was getting tackled by the special team’s players in the end zone…many times.
Visit Seattle Recommends: Make your own memories by adding nearby attractions to your itinerary for all-day fun. Play retro gaming systems at neighboring Seattle Pinball Museum (*508 Maynard Ave S) or Living Computers: Museum + Lab (*2245 First Ave S) before settling into the stadium for kick off.
Lumen Field against the city skyline Rudy Willingham
When you are on the road, what do you miss most about Seattle?
Blitz the Seahawk: I miss the 69,000 screaming fans at Lumen Field! But I love the 12s that travel on the road and make it feel like we’re back at home (or at least sound like home!).
Visit Seattle Recommends: Quality Athletics (*121 S King St), The Hawks Nest (1028 First Ave S), and Henry’s Tavern (1518 First Ave S), are great restaurants and bars to catch the game in Seattle when the Seahawks are on the road. Grab a beer or a burger and fries and get ready to cheer!
What are you most looking forward to this season?
Blitz the Seahawk: Every game! Loud 12s! And winning!
Visit Seattle Recommends: Catch a game at Lumen Field and see Blitz in action during the Seahawks season, running Aug 8–Dec 29.
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