Brian D. Oakes - Creative, Graphic Artist, Illustrator, Photographer
Brian D. Oakes - Creative, Graphic Artist, Illustrator, Photographer
2022 Seattle Kraken / Seahawks Trip

An Epic October Weekend in Seattle: Friends, Sports, and Sightseeing

From the Kraken Home Opener to Front-Row Seahawks Seats, Exploring Seattle with Friends Was Unforgettable

An Unforgettable Reunion in Seattle

I had the pleasure of hosting my friends Dre and Jill from California, along with Jill’s sister Andrea from New York, for an unforgettable weekend in Seattle. It was an especially exciting trip because it was all three of their first times visiting the city, and I couldn’t wait to show them around. From the moment they arrived, we made the most of every minute, taking in Seattle’s vibrant energy and iconic landmarks while making memories that will last a lifetime.

Experiencing the Kraken Home Opener

One of the biggest highlights of the trip was attending the Seattle Kraken home opener at Climate Pledge Arena. It was not only my first Kraken game but also a thrilling experience for all of us. The atmosphere inside the arena was electric with anticipation as the Kraken faced off against the Vegas Golden Knights. Although Seattle put up a strong fight, they ultimately fell 5-2, but the excitement of witnessing the season opener live was unforgettable. One of the funniest moments of the night was when we saw Buoy, the Kraken’s mascot, in action. His goofy antics had us all cracking up, making the night even more memorable.

Front-Row at the Seahawks Game

The next day, we took our sports enthusiasm to Lumen Field, where we attended the Seattle Seahawks game and got to experience one of the best tailgating scenes in the NFL. The energy outside the stadium was contagious, and we made sure to soak in every moment before heading inside to our incredible front-row seats. The Seahawks delivered an amazing performance, securing a 19-9 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. While we were enjoying the game, we met a Mariners fan who came down to our section, still clutching his Mariners towel. He was clearly heartbroken after the Mariners had been eliminated from the postseason just the day before, and we could feel his disappointment. It was a reminder of how intense sports fandom can be—one day, you’re on top of the world, and the next, you’re left wondering what could have been. Luckily, the Seahawks gave us something to celebrate that day.

Exploring Seattle’s Best Attractions

When we weren’t at the games, we made sure to visit some of Seattle’s most famous landmarks. We took in the breathtaking views from the Space Needle, wandered through the bustling Pike Place Market, and enjoyed a ride on the Great Wheel overlooking Elliott Bay. One of the coolest experiences was an interactive 4D movie ride that virtually flew us all over Washington State, giving us a unique perspective on the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Whether it was sports, sightseeing, or simply enjoying each other’s company, this weekend was one for the books, and I can’t wait for our next adventure together.

Sports Stadiums Mentioned In This Article

  • Lumen Field Print, Artist Drawn Football Stadium, Seattle Seahawks Football

    Lumen Field Print – Seattle Seahawks Canvas Wall Art, Football Stadium Decor

    Price range: $38.00 through $298.00
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Climate Pledge Arena Print / Canvas Wrap, Hockey Arena Art, Seattle Kraken Hockey

    Climate Pledge Arena Print / Canvas Wall Art, Seattle Kraken Hockey Arena Art

    Price range: $38.00 through $298.00
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Lumen Field High Gloss Coated, Cork-Backed Drink Coaster, Seattle Seahawks Football

    Lumen Field High Gloss Coated, Cork-Backed Drink Coaster, Seattle Seahawks Football

    Price range: $15.00 through $40.00
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Climate Pledge Arena High Gloss Coated, Cork-Backed Drink Coaster, Seattle Kraken Hockey

    Climate Pledge Arena High Gloss Coated, Cork-Backed Drink Coaster, Seattle Kraken Hockey

    Price range: $15.00 through $40.00
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

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Picture of Brian D. Oakes

Brian D. Oakes

Brian D. Oakes is an artist known for his intricate depictions of sports stadiums. A lifelong New Yorker, he relocated to Seattle in 2022, inspired by the city’s architecture, specifically the Space Needle. His passion for landmarks like the Chrysler Building and Brooklyn Bridge shapes his artistic approach. Brian has collaborated with major sports leagues and teams, but a defining moment in his career was working on the creative designs and stadium naming rights presentations for Seattle’s new football stadium. This experience solidified his belief in the deep connection between stadiums and the memories they hold, shaping his unique blend of art and architecture.

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