University of Washington Tailgating
Hit up the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium as part of your camping trip out in the Pacific Northwest for a truly unique game day experience with the University of Washington. Seattle area RV campgrounds welcome travelers year-round.
Event information
The Washington Huskies are a powerhouse team in the Pac-12 with four football national titles to their name. The school is a city campus in Seattle, Washington, and they play at the magnificent Husky Stadium, which has a capacity of over 70,000. The Huskies are easily recognizable from the crowd with their unique purple and gold color scheme which makes Husky Stadium an incredible backdrop in which to catch a game on your trip.
The Huskies have held the all-time FBS record with 64 straight unbeaten games, so this is a historic team to watch play. They are supported on the sidelines by both a costumed mascot (Harry the Husky) and a live mascot named Dubs, who is an Alaskan Malamute. Harry the Husky attends games for the other Husky sporting teams, while Dubs' appearances outside of football are more limited.
Quarterback U, as the school is sometimes known, has a history of producing top-level players that go on to play in the NFL. When watching a game at Husky Stadium you may be watching one of the future greats of the game. Tailgating and traditions at the school will all combine to make this a perfect stop on your camping trip through the Pacific Northwest.
Tickets
Getting tickets for events at the University of Washington can be difficult if you wait until the last minute. The best option to make sure you get a preferred seat is to buy your tickets in advance through the online Washington Huskies ticket office. These tickets can be claimed in a variety of ways, including printing them off or picking them up from the will call window. Ticket prices vary by game and the average seat has cost around $70 in recent seasons.
Explore University of Washington Tailgating RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Getting to Husky Stadium can be an arduous journey as is the case with most athletic facilities in urban areas. Allow plenty of time, more time than you think you will need, to get there from your campsite. Arriving at the stadium as close to when the parking lots open is the best choice if you want to drive. The stadium is hemmed by a lake and neighborhoods and the traffic in the direct vicinity can be a bit hectic on game day.
Parking areas
Parking is best if you bring cash, and fans can pay staff members at any lot or garage on campus. A credit card requires a trip to the gatehouse (usually opens early in the morning) before going to the lot. Parking for RVs is typically available on the campus lots, and this has been around $120 per game in recent seasons. Parking for cars is cheaper and cars with three or more people may get a discount. Tailgating is a time-honored tradition at the University of Washington.
Public Transportation
Seattle has a very solid public transit system and this will allow you to get to Husky Stadium quickly and easily from anywhere in the city. The closest Sound Transit Link light rail station is the aptly named University of Washington Station. This is just a five-minute walk from the station. There are also Metro buses that run to the UW area and direct shuttle buses from a number of park and ride lots around the city.
Where to stay
Onsite
Staying onsite in the lots around Husky Stadium is prohibited. Either check with some of the local businesses to see if the will allow overnight parking, or be ready to head to the stadium in the morning from a nearby Seattle RV Park.
Nearby
RV campgrounds in the area offer various amenities that will make your stay in Seattle more fun, like Issaquah Village RV Park. Look for a park that has either things to do in nature or that offers a quaint setting, great WiFi, and maybe a pool or rec center for the kids. Another good option is the Seattle/Tacoma KOA which is about 20 miles south of the stadium and provides a good base for the trip.
Getting around
One way to get around portions of Seattle on two wheels as it is a very bike-friendly city. Check your routes to see if the places you want to go will be close enough to ride for your crew. Husky Stadium is very easy to get around and is fully ADA accessible, but it may be a bit far for some by human-power. Stadium entrances are geared toward helping guests enjoy their experience. Golf carts help fans from their cars to the gates and assisted listening devices are available in the stadium itself.
What to pack
Clothing
Rain gear should be at the forefront of your mind from late September onward when heading to a Washington Huskies game. Make sure to have raincoats in the RV in case game day is wet. Layers will also be important the further into the football season that you get. Don't forget a t-shirt, hoodie, or jacket emblazoned with the logo of the Huskies or that shares the love of purple and gold.
Gear
Having a tent for the tailgate is probably a good idea unless you want the chance of rain drawing you back inside the camper until game time. Making sure there is a way to keep your phone, cash, and keys dry is another great idea. If it is nice, and there is a good chance the weather will be delightful, then make your tailgate setup as Husky-centric as possible in color. Avoid the crimson and grey of the Washington State Cougars and the green and yellow of the Oregon Ducks.
Health & Safety
Prepare to stay hydrated and layer on the sunscreen to avoid getting burnt both at the stadium and at the tailgate. It would also be wise to make sure the RV is equipped and serviced, especially the tires as this helps with driving in wet conditions. Keep kids close and give them fun games to enjoy while you grill up your favorite entrees and sides.
Where to eat
Cooking
Tailgating is allowed and encouraged in all the campus lots and garages. If you are looking to grill, then make sure you are in a surface area lot as grilling is prohibited in the garages. Open flames are not allowed anywhere on campus. Have any meets or sides you want for the day prepared in the RV before setting up the grill to help make sure all needed items are present. Maybe show your tailgate guests how to make a Seattle Dog (covered in cream cheese and grilled onions) for a bit of local flair.
Restaurants
Seattle has a reputation as a city that people flock to for its food and there is a good reason for this. Asian food and seafood are particularly prominent, but whatever cuisine you are feeling there is likely a Seattle restaurant that has you covered. Sushi is obviously a great option here and taking a stroll through Pike Place Market will get you craving some good seafood for dinner.
Vendors
Heading to The Zone around three hours before kickoff until game time will allow you to enjoy the tailgating atmosphere, food, drinks without having to do any work yourself. If you are still hungry when in Husky Stadium, then there are plenty of food and drink options that are just cash or a credit card away. Classics like nachos, pretzels, and cheese fries are well represented in the Emerald City.
Safety
Security
In recent years, there has been a clear bag policy in effect at Husky Stadium. This means the only bags allowed into the facility, other than small clutches, are clear vinyl, plastic, or PVC bags that are 12" x 6" x 12" or smaller. Make sure that you give yourself plenty of time to work through the security lines knowing that this policy is in place, and don't bring any of the prohibited items that would have to be taken back to your camper.
Weather
The adage tells us that it is always raining in Seattle, and while this isn't exactly true, the city does see more than its fair share of rainy days. Late summer and early fall games will likely be sunny, and Seattle isn't always a place where the temperature matches the sun. Check your weather app in advance of the trip, and before the game, to help you know what clothing to wear. Layers will certainly be needed by the end of the season, and it might be worth grabbing a blanket for those late-season games.
Medical
There are medical centers and hospitals throughout Seattle, and Husky Stadium is only a few miles from such facilities. This means an emergency situation that cannot be handled by the first-aid station and paramedics at the stadium can be quickly referred up the chain. Always alert the nearest member of staff if a medical problem arises.
