[rand al'thor]

http://freddie.speaksup.com/2009/11/...t-of-stadiums/

Good ol Freddie lists Qwest as number 5 in the best Footy stadiums in the world. You agree?

I've been to all but 2 home games this year, and sat in a different seat each time. And from what i've seen (and from going to international friendlies there in the past) i have to say there really isn't a bad seat in the house as far as being able to take in the view of the game. Plus the view of the city and mountains is definately a plus. You add to that that the design of the stadium was built to trap the fan noise and make it louder, it really is a unique and top 5 fan experince in my book. As far as playing there on the pitch, well since i've never played soccer in that stadium, i'll just take Freddie's word. Although, i bet a natural pitch would probably be something to think about down the line some day.

[LordIceman]

There are bad seats, trust me. I ended up with one for the Barcelona game.

Section 101 (the alcohol-free section).: I had the last seat in my row, directly next the chain link fence/railing by the edge, which obstructed my view of half the field. I couldn't remain standing to try to see over it, since the section was filled with kids and families. Hey, I'm not gonna totally block a little kid's view so I can see better. But to make matters worse, a permanent stadium sign (indicating the no-alcohol section) was affixed on the fence directly next to my face. So in order to see *anything* when the play was on the nearest third of the field, I had to contort my neck around this sign and press my face right up against the metal fence. Needless to say, I was disappointed.

This was my first visit to Qwest Field. I'm not from Seattle, so I didn't know the stadium very well. I scouted things out thoroughly, and thought I found a good seat. $50 seemed like a good deal for the lower bowl, so I took it.

I expected to be further away from the fence since I had seat #3 in the row. Little did I know, seats #1 and #2 didn't exist.

My seat, and any other within a 2-3 seats of the fence, should be clearly flagged as obstructed view. There was no such warning.

I gotta say, after spending about $1000 in travel costs and arranging a very complicated travel itinerary in order to pull the trip off... I felt ripped off.

That said, I love my Sounders, was thrilled to be there and I can't wait to go back... with a better view of the game.

Edit: Just want to emphasize that I think Qwest is a beautiful, world class soccer venue. The atmosphere was everything I expected and more!

[WestSeattle]

Ljungberg might possibly be the best DP the MLS has ever had. Not just for his play, but for the fact he has been vocal about the league's strengths *and* weaknesses. He works hard, he is honest and he seems to genuinely care about the success of the league.

I think we are damn lucky to have him. He's a great ambassador to the sport and to our league. He calls out the bad, praises the good and takes an active role in pushing the sport forward.

His blog is a must read:

http://freddie.speaksup.com/

Sadly, I wonder if we can keep him? He can help a team in Europe, and the money may speak loudly. I hope he stays. I think he's a joy to watch, and apparently, a joy to read as well.

[piojo]

not in any order but in about 90% of football fans list:

wembley-
maracana-
camp nou-
azteca-
old trafford-
santiago bernabeu-
san siro-
stadio olimpico-
anfield-
allianz-
estadio centenario-
el monumental-
estadio universitario-

just saying... top 5???
no creo

[Yoshou]

Ljungberg's just talking about the ones he's played in... For some reason I doubt he's played in most of the ones you've just listed. It's also Ljungberg's opinion. Granted, he could just be sucking up to his current teams fans, but either way, it's just his opinion and not a reflection of the opinions of soccer fans in general.

[piojo]

Originally Posted by Yoshou

Ljungberg's just talking about the ones he's played in... For some reason I doubt he's played in most of the ones you've just listed. It's also Ljungberg's opinion. Granted, he could just be sucking up to his current teams fans, but either way, it's just his opinion and not a reflection of the opinions of soccer fans in general.

again, my bad. i was just reading the thread title.

but even if that, i doubt that most players have played in more than 3 stadiums so a top personal stadium list would be pretty short, no. also i was under the impression that he hated the artificial pitch.

[Yoshou]

Originally Posted by piojo

again, my bad. i was just reading the thread title.

but even if that, i doubt that most players have played in more than 3 stadiums so a top personal stadium list would be pretty short, no. also i was under the impression that he hated the artificial pitch.

Read his post, otherwise your just proving yourself the fool.

[Dirt McGirt]

Originally Posted by piojo

again, my bad. i was just reading the thread title.

but even if that, i doubt that most players have played in more than 3 stadiums so a top personal stadium list would be pretty short, no. also i was under the impression that he hated the artificial pitch.

What in the Lords name did we do to summon your presence today?

[Yoshou]

Originally Posted by Dirt McGirt

What in the Lords name did we do to summon your presence today?

He's stalking rand al'thor for a perceived slight on another forum.

[Dirt McGirt]

Originally Posted by Yoshou

He's stalking rand al'thor for a perceived slight on another forum.

This forum is in playoff mode apparently.

I don't know if Qwest is a top 5 venue without grass but it says a lot if FL thinks so. The location, atmosphere, and design make it one of the top soccer venues in N. America. I think the only thing holding it back is the field surface.