Australian fans flood Seattle as transit braces for World Cup surge

Excitement ahead of Friday’s World Cup match between the United States and Australia was palpable in downtown Seattle as the tournament’s energy continued to build during its second week in the city.

An estimated 10,000 Australian fans are expected to attend the match, which kicks off at noon Friday. After a sellout crowd for Seattle’s opening match between Belgium and Egypt, another capacity crowd is expected.

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Many fans planning to attend are already in Seattle ahead of the highly anticipated matchup.

“This is seriously the one to be at, to play the home nation in front of its home crowd,” said Ian Lyons of Perth, Australia. He said he bought tickets as soon as the match was announced.

After arriving Thursday morning, Lyons quickly connected with other Australian supporters at Occidental Square.

“We just ran into each other here. I saw a fellow Aussie,” said Lorenzo Logozdo, another fan who made the trip to Seattle. “Whoever they play, wherever they play, I’ll be there.”

“World Cup on U.S. soil — I couldn’t miss it. I wanted to see the U.S. play,” said Tom Labonville, who traveled with four friends from the greater Boston area and their children.

Labonville and his group attended the 2006 World Cup in Germany and decided the tournament’s return to the United States was the perfect opportunity to reunite 20 years later.

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“It’s a big matchup tomorrow. We’re excited for the game. This is the best the U.S. has looked in my lifetime,” Labonville said while watching his son play on a small soccer field in Occidental Square. “This is the best part — seeing all the kids and all the different jerseys out here. That’s what the World Cup is great for.”

The World Cup has drawn fans not only from across the United States but also from around the globe.

Occidental Square has become one of the busiest gathering spots downtown, featuring a large viewing screen and numerous bars and restaurants showing matches just blocks from Seattle Stadium. The area is expected to be a focal point Friday as the Socceroos and the United States battle for first place in Group D.

“I’ve been watching over there, and it’s just been wonderful,” said Seattle resident Emilio Hernandez. “I’m glad to see the community come together and enjoy soccer.”

Fathers like Rahul Mode of Magnolia are also embracing the atmosphere. Mode had a ticket to Seattle’s opening match but sold it after he was unable to secure seats for his wife and son. Instead, the family plans to watch Friday’s game from Occidental Square.

“We’ll be here at 9 a.m. It’s a holiday for me and my wife,” Mode said. “I’m really looking forward to it. Friends will be here, and we’ll be watching together and rooting for the USA.”

The crowds, combined with a Seattle Mariners game scheduled for 7:10 p.m. Friday, are expected to create one of the busiest days in Sound Transit history. The agency said approximately 210,000 riders used the system Monday during Seattle’s opening World Cup match.

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To avoid long waits, Sound Transit is encouraging riders to take their time leaving the area and to spread out among the three stations serving the stadium district: Chinatown-International District, Stadium and Pioneer Square.

“If you’re going north, you should leave via Pioneer Square,” said David Jackson, a public information officer with Sound Transit. “It’s going to make life easier. There will be less waiting in line, less queuing and less crowding on platforms.”

Ahead of Monday’s match, Sound Transit deployed 46 trains with 174 railcars, including three-car trains on the 2 Line for the first time. The agency said it was the highest number of light rail vehicles ever operating simultaneously on the system.

Sound Transit also deployed a record number of ambassadors, contracted security personnel and police officers to help manage the expected crowds.