Few college football traditions are as uniquely Seattle as sailgating. Every fall, Husky fans gather on the waters of Union Bay to cheer on the Washington Huskies, turning game day into one of the most memorable boating experiences in the Pacific Northwest.
If you're looking for a fun way to extend your boating season, sailgating is a tradition worth experiencing. Whether you're watching the game from your boat or heading into Husky Stadium, here's what you need to know before kickoff.
Husky Stadium is one of the few college football stadiums in the country where fans can arrive by boat. That unique setting creates an atmosphere unlike any other.
Boats decorated in purple and gold fill Union Bay, friends raft together before kickoff, and boaters enjoy a full day on the water before cheering on the Huskies. For many Seattle boaters, it's one of the highlights of the fall boating season.
Be ready to tailgate all season long for the Husky Home Games! Below is the schedule and game time so you can join us!
Union Bay is an easy trip from any of the Seattle Boat Marinas. Be sure to plan 30-60min to find your spot and get settled.
Absolutely.
Many boaters choose to stay anchored with friends and enjoy the game-day atmosphere from the water. Others take the shuttle to Husky Stadium to watch the game in person.
If you plan to attend the game inside the stadium, you'll need a valid game ticket, purchase tickets here. If you're simply sailgating from your boat, no game ticket is required.
Boaters typically gather in Union Bay near Husky Harbor before kickoff.
If you don't have reserved moorage, many boaters anchor nearby and use the University of Washington's boat shuttle service to reach shore.
Because shuttle schedules, operating hours, pricing, and availability can change throughout the season, it's a good idea to check with the University of Washington before game day for the latest information.
Yes! There is moorage at Husky Harbor, but there is a long waitlist to snag one of its 150 slips and is based on "priority points" with the university. There is a "complimentary" boat shuttle that will pick you up from your boat and shuttle you to the dock. Here's what you need to know:
Seattle football weather can change quickly, so dressing in layers is always a smart choice.
We recommend bringing:
Don't forget to decorate your boat with plenty of purple and gold to join in the game-day spirit.
One of our favorite parts of football season is seeing how our customers enjoy game day on the water.
If you're sailgating this season, snap a photo of your crew or your boat and send it to us marketing@seattleboat.com. We love celebrating the boating community and showcasing the traditions that make boating in the Pacific Northwest so special.
Football season is a great reminder that boating doesn't have to end when summer does. Crisp mornings, colorful fall scenery, and the excitement of Husky game days make this one of the best times of year to get out on the water.
Whether you're rafting up with friends, heading to Husky Stadium, or simply enjoying the atmosphere from your boat, sailgating is a Seattle tradition that brings together boating and football in a way you won't find anywhere else.
We hope to see you on the water this season. Go Dawgs!