Last week, The Padded Seat found itself on a journey that took us from Torquay’s ‘Amber’ the Harris Hawk to Seattle’s ‘Taima’ the Augur Hawk. While Amber is busy keeping seagulls off Torquay United’s pitch, Taima wows NFL fans in Seattle with her pre-game flights. These two hawks couldn’t be more different in their roles, yet they introduced us to two incredibly distinct sports hospitality experiences.
Torquay United: Genuine, Close-Knit Football Hospitality
Our week kicked off at Torquay United and ‘The Cove’ lounge at Plainmoor Stadium. We joined a shared table with some lifelong fans, tucking into a hearty two-course meal. It was cozy, unpolished, and felt like a throwback to the kind of sports hospitality that’s almost lost further up the football pyramid.
After the match, we got to hear club advisor Neil Warnock share his thoughts on the team’s hard-fought 2-1 victory. He praised the players and offered some light-hearted feedback, joking, “Everyone wants us to play like Real Madrid and Barcelona.” Moments like this – direct and personal – are rare in the top leagues in British football, where it’s more about the spectacle than personal connection. Here, it’s about the fans and the team working together to build something meaningful.
A surprise bonus? We were invited to join the half-time crossbar challenge alongside another guest. We’re happy to report that we actually hit the crossbar, earning a club shirt from VX3, our host for the day. Just another example of the charm you don’t find at larger venues.
If you’re visiting Torquay United, don’t miss a pre-match visit to Boots and Laces, the stadium’s bar. It’s got a fantastic atmosphere, a great selection of ales, and the locally made pasties looked delicious. If our hospitality package didn’t offer a 2-course meal of chicken curry and mango and passionfruit eton mess, we would have given one a try.
During the second half, we joined fans in the Popside stand, where chants and cheers were relentless. No big screens or Hollywood hype—just raw passion as the fans roared their team on.
Seattle Seahawks: High-Octane, Polished NFL Hospitality
A few days and a long-haul flight later, we found ourselves at Lumen Field in Seattle, ready for the Seahawks’ Tunnel Club hospitality package. From the moment we arrived, everything felt on a larger scale – the premium lounge, the open bar, the commemorative lanyard, the hot and cold buffet with a spread of American classics and gourmet treats. Fans have the opportunity to high-five players as they walk through the lounge pre-game, a big perk that’s part of the NFL’s flair for the dramatic.
The food and drinks selection was lavish and included seafood, sliders, charcuterie, a cheese selection and plenty more.
For the game, it was to a private suite and luxury padded seats overlooking the field. This wasn’t a cozy community gathering like in Torquay; Seattle’s hospitality was all about glitz and grandiosity.
The pre-game festivities were just as extravagant. We hit up the Ticketmaster Tailgate, a fan area located outside the stadium complete with games and activations. From axe-throwing and shuffleboard, to live music and free giveaways, you could spend hours inside and still not have enough time to sample everything on offer.
Inside Lumen Field, the “12th Man” fanbase lived up to its reputation. Both home and away fans were seated around the stadium, singing throughout the afternoon aided by the huge LED screen visuals and the occasional ‘GET LOUD’ animation. Taima the Hawk’s dramatic flight across the field signaled that it was game time. The vibe was totally different from Plainmoor – Seattle’s stadium is all about cranking up the energy and making every game feel like a huge event.
While Plainmoor can seat around 6,000 fans, Lumen Field packs in nearly 70,000—a massive difference in scale. Yet, both stadiums carried a similar spirit of loyalty and excitement that will resonate with sports fans worldwide.
Two Clubs, Two Hawks, One Memorable Week
Our trip from Torquay to Seattle gave us a look at the wide spectrum of sports hospitality, from Torquay’s warm, community-centered vibe to Seattle’s polished, high-energy NFL extravaganza. Torquay’s close-knit experience is unique in its authenticity, a rarity in today’s big leagues, while Seattle delivers an entertainment-packed spectacle.
Whether you’re chanting with loyal Torquay fans or joining the “12th Man” in Seattle, there’s a universal thrill to being part of a fanbase that lives and breathes its team. Each club offers a unique experience that reflects the heart and pride of its community, and sometimes, all it takes is a hawk to bring that spirit to life.