Seattle Sounders FC

Redefining Fan Engagement in the Pacific Northwest

A Culture of Passion, Loyalty, and Innovation
Seattle Sounders FC is more than just a soccer team—it’s a symbol of pride for the Pacific Northwest. With an unmatched game-day atmosphere and one of the most passionate fan bases in Major League Soccer, the Sounders have set the gold standard for fan culture. However, as the team sought to optimize early attendance and drive revenue growth, they turned to Watson for an innovative approach to deepen connections with fans and elevate the match-day experience.

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Watson’s Comprehensive Engagement Strategy

Watson’s partnership with the Sounders began with a clear goal: encourage fans to arrive early and engage with the stadium experience before kickoff. Watson implemented a loyalty program that rewarded fans for their enthusiasm and commitment. Through the Sounders’ app, fans earned points for arriving 30 minutes before kickoff, purchasing merchandise, and engaging with digital content. Rewards included discounts, exclusive fan experiences, and limited-edition Sounders memorabilia.

Pre-game zones at Lumen Field were completely reimagined. Watson worked with the team to create vibrant spaces filled with live music, food trucks featuring local flavors, and interactive games for fans of all ages. These enhancements turned the pre-game window into a destination of its own, building anticipation for the match and fostering a sense of community.

To connect with fans on a deeper level, Watson developed digital tools that personalized each fan’s journey. The Sounders app provided real-time updates, gamified challenges, and tailored offers, creating a seamless and engaging experience both at home and at the stadium.

RESEARCH

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Results

Transformational Results for Fans and Revenue

The results were extraordinary, highlighting the effectiveness of Watson’s strategy:

  • 40% increase in early attendance: Fans arrived earlier than ever, creating an electric pre-game atmosphere and setting the tone for an unforgettable match-day experience.
  • 89% growth in food and beverage revenue: Early arrivals directly contributed to record-breaking sales, proving the financial impact of engaging fans before kickoff.
  • 15% increase in season ticket renewals: The personalized experiences and rewards program strengthened fan loyalty and commitment.
  • Digital engagement surge: Fans spent more time interacting with the app, enjoying gamified challenges and accessing exclusive content.

The project wasn’t just about metrics—it was about redefining what it means to be a Sounders fan. Watson’s efforts ensured that the Sounders’ match-day experience was as dynamic and innovative as their style of play.

Voices from the Sounders Community
The partnership earned praise from the Sounders organization, who saw the campaign as a game-changer for fan engagement and revenue. One team executive remarked, “Watson’s strategy brought new energy to our pre-game experience, turning Lumen Field into a destination fans couldn’t wait to explore.”

A Personal Connection to Soccer Culture
For Watson’s team, the project was more than just another campaign. “Seattle has this incredible, vibrant soccer culture that you can feel the moment you step into the stadium,” shared a Watson strategist. “Bringing that energy to life through our work was an unforgettable experience. Watching fans engage with what we built—it’s why we do this.”

Benefits

Not Everything. Just What Works.

Strategy

Build from insight. Strategy isn’t guesswork—it’s groundwork. We listen, research, and distill what matters to guide smarter decisions and set a solid creative direction.

Content

Make it meaningful. From naming to narratives, we create content that speaks with purpose—rooted in truth, tuned to your audience, and built to connect.

Digital

Design for behavior. We craft digital experiences that are intuitive, scalable, and aligned with how real people move, click, swipe, and search.

Experiential

Bring brands to life. Physical spaces, moments, and memories matter. We design experiences that feel human—and stay with you long after the lights go out.

Marketing

Drive connection. Our marketing approach blends data and instinct—getting the right message to the right people, in ways that actually move them.

Consulting

Partner on progress. We work alongside your team to solve real problems, shift thinking, and build internal alignment—without the agency ego.