With the city buzzing from Friday night’s win, businesses can expect another surge this coming week.
SEATTLE — The Mariners’ dramatic win over Detroit in Game 5 of the ALDS didn’t just thrill fans — it filled the streets of Pioneer Square and Sodo, bringing a surge of energy and business to the neighborhood.
Pioneer Square and the area around T-Mobile Park saw 181,888 visits during the first weekend of October, up 141 percent from last year, according to the Downtown Seattle Association. Bars and restaurants can see up to three times their average foot traffic on game days, and when the Sounders and Seahawks are also playing, Pioneer Square can host over 116,000 visitors.
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“I’m still waiting for the hangover crowd to come in from yesterday,” said Amanda Funaro, who works at McCoy’s Firehouse.
Brendan Casey, owner of Parlour Pioneer Square, said that game days are a boon for local businesses, and the momentum this postseason has been especially welcome for new businesses. This year alone, more than 20 new businesses have opened in Pioneer Square, offering visitors even more to explore.
The Mariners’ playoff run isn’t just benefiting businesses — it’s energizing fans too.
“It’s great to see the vibrancy in the city coming back for a visit and have the team win… couldn’t be better,” said Todd Fairweather, a longtime Seattle resident and Mariners supporter.
Even newer fans like Amanda have caught the excitement. “I actually became a Mariners fan a couple years ago because of the staff here and everything they told me about the team,” she said.
Seattle isn’t done celebrating yet. With the Mariners advancing to the American League Championship Series, the team is guaranteed at least two more home games at T-Mobile Park, with the possibility of a third.
Fans have already lined up to pick up playoff apparel at the pro shop, while local businesses prepare for another round of high-energy game days.
Game 1 against the Toronto Blue Jays begins at 5:03 p.m. Sunday and will air on FOX.