Brian D. Oakes - Creative, Graphic Artist, Illustrator, Photographer
Brian D. Oakes - Creative, Graphic Artist, Illustrator, Photographer
New Year’s in Seattle: Kraken, Seahawks, the Winter Classic, and Fireworks with My Nephews

New Year’s in Seattle: Kraken, Seahawks, the Winter Classic, and Fireworks with My Nephews

A Sports-Filled Seattle Trip with My Nephews

My nephews, Jeremy and Patrick, recently came to visit me in Seattle, and we packed their trip with as much sports action as possible. They’re both huge sports fans, so I knew we had to make the most of their time here. With hockey and football in full swing, plus a special outdoor game on the schedule, the timing couldn’t have been better. From the electric atmosphere of Climate Pledge Arena to the roaring crowd at Lumen Field, this trip was all about unforgettable moments.

We kicked things off with a Kraken game at Climate Pledge Arena, and the energy was unreal. It was their first time experiencing an NHL game in person, and they were hooked from the opening faceoff. The crowd was loud, the action was fast, and we even got to see the Kraken pull off a big win. Just a couple of days later, we shifted gears and headed to Lumen Field to watch the Seahawks. There’s nothing quite like the intensity of a Seattle home crowd, and Jeremy and Patrick couldn’t get over how loud it got, especially during big defensive stops. Unfortunately the Seahawks lost on New Year’s Eve to the Steelers.

In between all the live games, we spent a day at home just relaxing and watching some classic sports movies. We picked a lineup of favorites, including Mystery, Alaska (R.I.P. Dead Bailey). It was the perfect way to unwind, reminisce about our own sports memories, and debate which movie had the best underdog story. As much fun as it was to be in the middle of the action at live games, there was something special about just kicking back and sharing our love of sports through film.

The highlight of our trip, though, was the NHL Winter Classic at T-Mobile Park on New Year’s Day. Watching the Kraken take on the Golden Knights outdoors in a baseball stadium was an experience unlike any other. The setting was incredible—hockey under the open sky, the stadium packed with fans, and the added magic of seeing a baseball park transformed into a massive ice rink. We bundled up, cheered our hearts out, and soaked in every second of this once-in-a-lifetime event. Whether we were celebrating a Kraken win, watching classic sports movies, or just hanging out between games, this trip was all about sharing unforgettable moments together.

Sports Stadiums Mentioned In This Article

  • T-Mobile Park Print, Artist Drawn Baseball Stadium, Seattle Mariners Baseball

    T-Mobile Park Print – Seattle Mariners Canvas Wall Art, Baseball 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
  • 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
  • T-Mobile Park High Gloss Coated, Cork-Backed Drink Coaster, Seattle Mariners Baseball

    T-Mobile Park Drink Coaster – Seattle Mariners Baseball, High Gloss Cork-Backed Design

    Price range: $15.00 through $40.00
    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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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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