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Where to See Rugby in Seattle: Catch a Seattle Seawolves Match

Last Updated: February 10, 2026

If you’re looking for exciting things to do near Seattle, attending a Seattle Seawolves rugby match at Starfire Stadium in Tukwila is an unforgettable experience.

The Seattle Seawolves are a professional team in Major League Rugby (MLR), North America’s top-level rugby league, and they’re known for their fast-paced, physical style of play that creates an electric game-day atmosphere. Even if you’re new to the sport, you’ll find the crowd welcoming and the fans happy to help you learn the basics while you enjoy one of the most thrilling live sporting events in the Seattle area.

Seattle Seawolves Schedule

About the Seattle Seawolves

Rugby 101

What to Do Near Starfire

Seattle Seawolves Schedule

The Major Rugby League season runs in the spring, and the schedule is typically released in the previous fall.

The 2026 season includes five matches played at Starfire Stadium.

April 3 vs Old Glory DC at 7:30 PM PT
April 24 vs Chicago Hounds at 7:00 PM PT
May 17 vs Anthem RC at 1:00 PM PT
May 31 vs New England Free Jacks at 5:00 PM PT
June 7 vs California Legion at 6:00 PM PT

Visit the Seattle Seawolves website to buy tickets and see the full schedule.

The Seattle Seawolves: A Local Team with National Recognition

First, a bit of background: the Seattle Seawolves are a professional rugby team competing in Major League Rugby (MLR), the top-tier professional rugby league in North America. Founded in 2017, the team quickly made its mark by winning back-to-back MLR championships in 2018 and 2019. The Seawolves play their home matches at Starfire Stadium in Tukwila, a venue known for its intimate setting and energetic crowds. With a capacity of just over 4,000 seats, the stadium offers great sightlines from every section. The stadium is easy to reach by car or public transportation, and it's less than 10 minutes from dozens of Seattle Southside hotels. Plus, rotating food trucks add a fun, ever-changing lineup of local eats at each match.

Rugby 101: The Basics Before the Match

New to rugby? Don’t worry, you don’t need to know every rule to enjoy a Seattle Seawolves match. Rugby is a fast-paced sport that blends the constant motion of soccer with the physical intensity of football. Once the game starts, the excitement is easy to follow.

Each team has 15 players on the field, and the main goal is to score by grounding the ball in the end zone for a try (similar to a touchdown). After a try, teams have the chance to earn extra points with a kick through the uprights. One key difference from football: the ball can only be passed backward, so players rely on quick runs, strategic kicking, and teamwork to move down the field. You’ll also see unique moments like scrums (where players pack together to restart play) and lineouts (throw-ins from the sideline). Expect nonstop action, big hits, and an energetic crowd from start to finish.

One thing that’s difficult to put into words is the excitement of live rugby. The Seawolves are known for their hard-hitting, aggressive style of play, and fans can expect to see plenty of tackles, scrums, and lineouts. Don’t know what any of those words mean? Don’t worry, the other fans are friendly to newcomers and can help get you familiar with what you’re seeing. The family-friendly atmosphere makes Seawolves games a great outing for everyone, whether you're a seasoned rugby fan or a first-time spectator.

What to Do Near Starfire

If you're heading to Seattle Southside for a Seawolves game, we suggest making a day (or weekend!) of the experience. Book one of the many hotels just a few minutes from the stadium, and pick a few attractions to check out while you're in town. Some of the most popular things to do include:

Family Fun Center, an indoor and outdoor amusement park with rides, go-karts, arcade games, and more
The Museum of Flight, one of the largest non-profit air and space exhibits in the world
Fort Dent Park and the Green River Trail, right next to Starfire Stadium
K1 Speed, an indoor, all-electric racetrack

Starfire is minutes away from Westfield Southcenter, a large shopping center filled with places to shop and grab lunch or dinner. Savor fresh Northwest fare at Duke's Seafood, share a round of margaritas and tacos at Moctezuma's, feast on dumplings at Mr. Dim Sum or Din Tai Fung, or enjoy a refined meal at JOEY Southcenter. Within the mall, there are also many family-friendly attractions:

AMC Southcenter, a large movie theater showing popular new releases
Great Big Game Show, a live, hosted experience that simulates a classic TV game show
The Escape Game, a series of interactive puzzles to solve with a partner or team
Round1 Bowling & Arcade, a classic entertainment center with bowling and arcade

No matter how you spend your time in Seattle Southside before or after the game, you're sure to have a memorable time.