LESS GRIDLOCK, MORE GRIDIRON: All Aboard for Sound Transit's "Sounder Seahawk Special," a train with its own special look

Sound Transit's Sounder commuter rail line will offer a new service this fall: trains to all regular-season Sunday afternoon Seahawks home games. And, there will be no mistaking the "Sounder Seahawks Special" thanks to a unique partnership between the transit agency and the NFL team.

At a ceremony announcing the new service, Sound Transit and Seahawks officials unveiled what is believed to be the first ever locomotive wrap---A Sounder engine dramatically decked out with the new team logo.

"This locomotive will be used exclusively on the "Sounder Seahawks Special," said Sound Transit Board Vice Chair Dave Earling.

"We're very excited about the Sounder service and the Sounder Seahawks Special," said Scott Patrick, Seahawks Vice President for Corporate Sales. "The wrap is so unique, we've already received inquiries about it from around the NFL."

"Not only does this partnership provide a powerful marketing tool for the Seattle Seahawks, said Earling, "it also symbolizes Sound Transit's commitment to offering alternatives for commuters, sports fans and those traveling to special events throughout Puget Sound."

Like the popular Sound Transit Sounder "Home Run" trains to Seattle Mariners' games, the Seahawks service will give fans a stress-free way to get to games.

Seahawks service will begin Sunday, September 15 (vs. Arizona). It will also serve games on November 3 (vs. Washington); November 17 (vs. Denver); November 24 (vs. Kansas City); December 8 (vs. Philadelphia); and December 22 (vs. St. Louis).

Seahawks fans can board the Sounder trains in Tacoma at 11 a.m., Puyallup at 11:13 a.m., Sumner at 11:18 a.m., Auburn at 11:27 a.m., Kent at 11:34 a.m., Tukwila at 11:41 a.m. and arrive around noon at Seattle's King Street Station, just a short walk from the new Seahawks Stadium.

For the return trip, the train leaves King Street Station at 5:35 p.m. sharp (fans may begin boarding at 5 p.m.-due to railroad schedules, the train must depart at 5:35 p.m. even if the game goes into overtime).

Train fares are the same as regular Sounder service (a roundtrip ticket for adults from Tacoma, Puyallup and Sumner is $8; $6 if you board in Auburn, Kent or Tukwila). The PugetPass and FlexPass are valid for Seahawks Sounder service; an upgrade ticket is required if the pass value is less than the trip cost. No refunds or replacements will be issued for lost or unused tickets.

Tickets can be purchased in advance (roundtrip only) by mail with check or money order. Advance ticket order forms will be available on Sounder trains, by calling Sound Transit toll-free at (800) 201-4900; (206) 398-5410 for TTY, and on the Sound Transit Web site at: sounder/timetables/SdrseahksTrain2002.htm

Tickets can also be purchased on the day of the game through a ticket vending machine, located at all Sounder stations. Ticket vending machines accept cash, Visa, MasterCard and debit cards. Fans who need to use the ticket vending machines are asked to arrive at the station early.

Sounder currently operates two roundtrips every weekday between Tacoma and Seattle, with an average of more than 11,000 weekday riders per week. A third roundtrip between Seattle and Tacoma is expected before the end of the year.

Edmonds County Councilmember and Sound Transit Board Vice Chair Dave Earling along with Scott Patrick, Seahawks Vice President for Corporate Sales, christen the Seahawk wrapped locomotive

Brian Davis, the Voice of the Seattle Seahawks, was master of ceremonies at the unveiling of the Seahawks Sounder Special.

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Sound Transit plans, builds and operates regional transit systems and services to improve mobility for Central Puget Sound.