Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold smiles as he looks down from the team bus on Wednesday. (PNW Daily)
SEATTLE — Officials will release an official attendance figure in the coming days. However, early estimates put the crowd near one million as fans packed downtown Seattle to celebrate the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl XL victory.
Like many who braved the crowds, PNW Daily secured press credentials and headed downtown before dawn.
I drove from Blaine and followed Seattle Police Department guidance to use public transit instead of parking downtown. Even with the early start, traffic near Northgate had already slowed due to the morning commute and parade activity.
The city hosted two major events. First, the Seahawks filled Lumen Field for the trophy celebration and speeches. Then the team launched the parade through downtown.
Coaches and players addressed a packed stadium crowd.
“We talked this last week a lot about belief,” quarterback Sam Darnold said. “A lot of people didn’t believe in me. But it didn’t matter because the ones close to me believed, including y’all.”
Fans began lining the parade route around 6 a.m. Light rail trains filled from Northgate to downtown. Some supporters even camped overnight to secure prime viewing spots.
Many fans brought speakers. They sang and danced as they waited for the team to arrive.
The team paraded from Lumen Field toward the Space Needle, drawing cheers along the entire route.
Seattle Public Schools estimated more than 25 percent of students would miss class Wednesday. Even so, PNW Daily spoke with families who traveled from Ferndale, Yakima and across the state to witness the celebration.
Thanks to the many PNW Daily followers who stopped to say hello along the route.
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