The Seattle Sounders and their fans have built CenturyLink Field into a fortress, and it is one they will not be leaving any time soon.
The Sounders announced Monday that they have reached an agreement on a 10-year extension that will see them call the stadium home through the 2028 MLS season. Seattle have played at CenturyLink Field since arriving in MLS in 2009, sharing it with the NFL's Seattle Seahawks, and have enjoyed remarkable and enviable success at the gates. The club has been the best attended in MLS during each of its six seasons in the league and has an ongoing streak of 109 straight sellouts.
"Since the inception of our organization, CenturyLink Field has played a critical role in the growth, development and perception of our club, as has our partnership with the Seattle Seahawks and First & Goal Inc.," Sounders FC majority owner Joe Roth said in a statement. "CenturyLink Field is a premier facility that gives our players, fans and partners a first-class experience. For these reasons and more, we are pleased to call CenturyLink our long-term home, as Sounders FC continues to set the standard for our sport on and off the field."
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Despite playing in a stadium that is not soccer-specific, the Sounders have routinely increased their attendance figures. This season, CenturyLink Field has opened up an area in the 300 level to accomodate more fans. The seating capacity for MLS games is now 39,115 whereas in 2014 it was 38,300.
"CenturyLink Field has been home to many of our club's most important achievements, including last season's Supporters' Shield-clinching win and back-to-back Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup victories in 2010 and 2011," said Sounders FC owner Adrian Hanauer. "We are proud to call the venue home, and we look forward to many more milestones and victories in front of our passionate and loyal fans."
