Fans are feeling a bit blue rather than rave green today due to the Sounders loss in Mexico earlier today. Some are wondering where, exactly, the focus went, while others are woe is me-ing it up over the lack of Oba Martins, who just left the team a week before the season begins. Yes, we lost 3-1 in a matter of moments, but we did hang in there and the team was able to show off its new format, which will hopefully become a refined and well practiced move well before the end of the season.

And speaking of the season, there is something to look forward to around the corner. On Sunday, the Sounders will have their big home opener. The game will take place on March 6 at 4:00 PST against Sporting Kansas City. Gates, of course, open at 2:30, so you can get there early to start setting up. The pre match party starts at 1:30. Fans can head into The Ninety to enjoy food, beer and wine, but even before the party, fans can enjoy the big march to the stadium with other fans, music and the energy of the city. Start at Occidental Park at 1:30 where the band Mind Vice will be performing live. Former Sounder Steve Zakuani will be there to answer questions and help keep the energy going before the first match of the year begins.

Having tickets, of course, is the maker or breaker of the day. Fans who don’t yet have their tickets can visit Ticketmaster to order tickets for the game. Fans should also keep in mind that the Alaskan Way Viaduct will be closed from 6AM to 6PM. The parts of the area to be closed include South Spokane Street and the north end of the Battery Street Tunnel. Public transport is encouraged, but parking is also available. Passes can be purchased in advance and printed at home, but it will also be limited because of other events occurring on the same night.

Season tickets remain on sale, with the cheapest tickets running for $24. You can start at the season ticket member level for those, or go for more perks with the club seat member or reserve club member tickets. The reserve club tickets even include all inclusive catering, a private bar and reserved parking for use during the games. Exclusive entrances are also included for the upper level memberships.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia