The Seattle Seahawks got a rowdy, sunny send-off from hundreds of fans who flocked to Renton City Hall for a rally Friday afternoon.
Decked out in jerseys, wigs, mohawks, hats and other team paraphernalia the crowd chanted call and response cheers. They posed for pictures with former Seahawks players Craig Terrill and Paul Johns, mascot Blitz, the Sea Gals and a giant helmet. Team announcer Ken Carson hyped the crowd up with the Blue Thunder drumline.
Jean Lascelles came all the way from Yelm with her husband, Fred, this morning to attend the rally. The two went on their first date to the first- ever Seahawks game at the Kingdome in Seattle way back when.
“It was the most exciting day of our lives,” she said, laughing. “We’ve had season tickets off and on for however long that is, 35 years.”
Lascelles came to the rally dressed in a bright, blue wig, team jersey, dramatic glasses with a fan flag. She wasn’t alone in her outrageous garb. Almost everyone who gathered in the parking lot outside of City Hall displayed their enthusiasm for the team on their bodies, sometimes cut into their hair. Brian Loberg, from Snohomish, had his hair cut into the shape of the Seahawks’ logo.
Sara Starbuck donned similar attire with a vibrant blue wig and temporary team logos under her eyes. She’s been a fan for the past five years.
“Oh my gosh, it’s so exciting,” said Starbuck. “It’s the best season that we’ve had in a long time. Russell Wilson is amazing; I love it.”
Renton is home to the Seahawks training facility. The rally attracted die-hard local fans, but many came from surrounding cities and beyond.
“I think this is great; it just shows our home team spirit,” said Mayor Denis Law. “We’re really fortunate to have the Seahawks as part of our city. To be able to play a role in celebrating their successes and to get the energy of the community behind our team, is just wonderful.”
Law was happy to see that the rally was well-attended and that the weather cooperated. The fans declared victory over the Atlanta Falcons with their shouts of support.
“I think they’re going to go in there and win,” said Javier Perez, of Renton. “They’re going to go to the Super Bowl most likely, right,” he asked his 1-year-old Leonardo.
Perez has been a fan since 1996 when he moved here. He remembers there were more fans for the opposing team at the Kingdome back then than the Seahawks.
“This feels like ’05 again, right” he said. “He’s a future fan as well,” Perez said referring to his son, who was swallowed up by his Seahawks hood and jacket.
