Mariners and Sound Transit partner to use game tickets to ride Link light rail to and from Safeco Field

The Seattle Mariners and Sound Transit are partnering to make it easier for fans to get to and from Safeco Field on game days.

Beginning Opening Night, Thursday, March 29, when the Mariners play the Cleveland Indians, fans with a valid Mariners game ticket can ride Link Light Rail on game days—courtesy of the Mariners.

Through June 3, game tickets, either digital or paper, will be valid to ride Link on game days starting three-hours before first pitch through the end of Sound Transit’s regular daily schedule. Ticket-holding fans need only show their Mariners ticket on board the train if asked by a fare officer to present their ORCA car or Link ticket.

“Starting this spring, we will make trips to Safeco Field an even better experience for Mariners fans,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine, who is also a member of the Sound Transit Board of Directors. “Our partnership will encourage more fans to enjoy home games without having to pay for parking or leave early to beat traffic.”

“We know from surveys that traffic and parking are two of the biggest frustrations our fans face. This partnership is a great way to utilize an existing public asset to help fans get to and from Safeco Field in a fast, convenient way,” said Kevin Mather, Seattle Mariners President and CEO.

“What could be easier?” said Sound Transit Chief Executive Officer Peter Rogoff. “You buy your game ticket and automatically buy your trip back home. Sound Transit is thrilled that the Mariners are sponsoring such an easy way for fans to reach games.”

Riders are encouraged to park for free at the Angle Lake light rail station in SeaTac or board Link at one of the many stations along the route from SeaTac to the University of Washington. There also are a number of paid garages downtown in close proximity to the Westlake or other light rail stations that offer parking in the evenings. Safeco Field is served by Link stations in Pioneer Square and the International District, as well as two stations in SODO (Stadium and SODO), where fans can find plenty of pre- and postgame food and beverage options.

Uber Discount

Uber has sweetened the Link deal with a discount for fans going to/from light rail stations at Angle Lake and the University of Washington. Fans who take Uber to or from those two stations on game days will receive $3.50 off their fare. (The Uber discount does not apply to/from other stations along the route.)

Pedestrian Corridor Improvements

In addition to sponsoring light rail rides for ticket-holding fans, the Mariners and the Washington State Major League Baseball Stadium Public Facilities District have launched an on-going effort to improve the pedestrian experience for game goers traveling from the Link Stadium Station along Royal Brougham Way to Safeco Field. Improved elements include light pole banners and graphics on concrete support columns and the underside of the exit ramp from I-90 that represent sports imagery in the blues and greens of the color palette used by the Mariners, Sounders and Seahawks—the pro sports teams that call the SODO area home.

This pilot promotion is valid for Link light rail only and does not include Sounder, ST Express and Metro buses. 

More information on year-round travel options to SODO stadiums by train and bus can be found on soundtransit.org and metro.kingcounty.gov.