The NEXT era of Tacoma Defiance at Starfire

The recent shake-up on the Seahawks roster got you concerned? Never fear—there’s another professional sports team with a community of die hard fans ready to take you in. And did we mention it’s just around the block?

The Tacoma Defiance are gearing up for their 8th season as a professional American soccer team, coming off of their most successful run since the organization’s debut back in 2015. With roots in Tukwila, the Tacoma Defiance are the reserve team for Seattle Sounders FC that provide the surrounding community with an exciting alternative to tier 1 sports that’s far more accessible and affordable for the average attendee. Many Sounders stars got their start wearing the Defiance jersey, like Jordy Delem, Josh Atencio, and Danny Leyva.

The fan base has grown steadily over the years, sticking with the team through thick and thin, cheering on their favorite players at both Starfire and Cheney Stadium. Last season, Sam Adeniran took fans on quite a ride by breaking the team record for most goals in a single season, landing a total of 13. Now, the team is making headlines once again with their recent announcement to join the inaugural season of MLS NEXT Pro.

The newest professional men’s soccer league in the U.S. and Canada, MLS NEXT Pro is the missing link that completes a pathway to the pros for rising stars. The league is also a great way to invigorate communities and introduce the youth to healthy lifestyles. As a commitment to this initiative, ticket sales for all Tacoma Defiance matches held at Starfire for the 2022 season will benefit RAVE foundation—the official charitable arm of Seattle Sounders FC that uses soccer as a way to support local communities. 

The exciting new era begins this March as the Tacoma Defiance along with 20 other clubs battle it out to be the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro champs. 

A total of 10 games will be played at Starfire this year. Catch their first match March 27th vs. Real Monarchs at Starfire Sports Complex. 

View their upcoming schedule and buy tickets here

Tacoma Defiance MLS NEXT Pro League at Starfire

Catch the inaugural season of MLS NEXT Pro, a new professional men’s soccer league, right here at Starfire and cheer on our local club — the Tacoma Defiance. There will be a total of 10 matches this season at Starfire Stadium, between March 27 and September 18.

All tickets are just $15 and are available online in advance or at the door. Ticket sales directly benefit the RAVE Foundation, the official charitable arm of Seattle Sounders FC.

The schedule is designed to work alongside each club’s respective MLS team. Here’s the lineup of who’s coming to Starfire:

    • March 27 @ 12:00 pm – Tacoma Defiance vs. Real Monarchs
    • April 2 @ 7:00 pm – Tacoma Defiance vs. North Texas SC
    • April 17 @ 3:00 pm – Tacoma Defiance vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2
    • May 1 @ 3:00 pm – Tacoma Defiance vs. Houston Dynamo 2
    • May 15 @ 7:00 pm – Tacoma Defiance vs. Real Monarchs
    • June 18 @ 7:00 pm – Tacoma Defiance vs. Colorado Rapids 2
    • July 17 @ 7:00 pm – Tacoma Defiance vs. Minnesota United FC 2
    • July 30 @ 7:00 pm – Tacoma Defiance vs. St. Louis City 2
    • August 20 @ 7:00 pm – Tacoma Defiance vs. Sporting KC II
    • September 18 @ 4:00 pm – Tacoma Defiance vs. Timbers 2

Military Appreciation Night at Starfire!

Kick off Memorial Day Weekend with a Seawolves rugby match against the Houston Sabercats! Celebrate and honor those who have served or are actively serving. Military discounts on Seawolves merchandise, service recognition, and more. It’s the final regular season home match of the season, so you don’t want to miss it!

Tickets start at just $31! Grab them here.

Kids ages 6-14 are invited to attend the Run with the Pack pre-game youth camp at 5pm, which includes:

    • (1) Standing room ticket for the game
    • Seawolves Rugby t-shirt
    • ‘Meet & Greet’
    • 10% off Seawolves merchandise
    • Autograph session to end the camp

Mother’s Day at Starfire! Seattle Seawolves vs. Dallas Jackals

Celebrate Mother’s Day with the Seattle Seawolves and watch them take on the Dallas Jackals! Exclusive women’s merchandise will be available, and an amazing giveaway for all moms attending.

Tickets start at just $31! Grab them here.

Kids ages 6-14 are invited to attend the Run with the Pack pre-game youth camp at 5pm, which includes:

    • (1) Standing room ticket for the game
    • Seawolves Rugby t-shirt
    • ‘Meet & Greet’
    • 10% off Seawolves merchandise
    • Autograph session to end the camp

Seattle Seawolves vs. San Diego Legion

Come cheer on our Seattle Seawolves as they take on the San Diego Legion on Saturday, April 16 at 3pm.

Tickets start at just $31! Grab them here.

You can also catch the game on Roots Sports Plus, and the Rugby Network.

Seattle Seawolves vs. LA Giltinis

Catch the Seattle Seawolves take on the 2021 MLR defending champions LA Giltinis at Starfire Stadium Saturday, March 26 at 3pm. Arrive early for a full day of rugby and watch two Rugby WA teams take the pitch before hand.

Tickets start at $31. Grab them here!

You can also catch the game on Root Sports Plus and The Rugby Network.

Pride Night at Starfire! Seattle Seawolves vs. NOLA Gold

Join Seattle Seawolves at Starfire Stadium for Pride Night on Friday, March 4! Welcome special guests Seattle Quake Rugby, celebrate Seattle Pride, and stock up on Seawolves pride merchandise. The Seawolves look to continue their dominating start to the 2022 season as they take on NOLA Gold.

Tickets start at just $31! Grab them here.

Kids ages 6-14 are invited to attend the Run with the Pack pre-game youth camp at 5pm, which includes:

    • (1) Standing room ticket for the game
    • Seawolves Rugby t-shirt
    • ‘Meet & Greet’
    • 10% off Seawolves merchandise
    • Autograph session to end the camp

Winter Fun for Everyone

Is it cold outside? Yes. Has the sun been replaced by a moody expanse of clouds and an omnipresent drizzle that appears to be falling from all directions? Absolutely. But is that going to stop you from getting out of the house and making the most of this PNW winter? No way!

Here are a few ideas for keeping active and enjoying some serious fun this season.

Take a Tour Through Sweets and Space


Seattle Chocolate Factory Tour
– After a small break, the Seattle Chocolate factory and flagship store is now accepting bookings for tours. Learn about how your favorite chocolates are made and sample some of the most decadent confections.

Museum of Flight– Pack up the whole family and head over to the Museum of Flight. This renowned collection of incredible air and space crafts, artifacts, galleries, and exhibits is just the right spark for your curiosity to light your way through the winter darkness. From the untold flight stories of World War II, to the heroic journey of the Apollo spacecraft to the moon, there’s something here to inspire everyone.

Feel the Rush of the Great Indoors

iFly Indoor Skydiving – Want a truly one-of-a-kind experience guaranteed to lift your spirits? Visit iFly Indoor Skydiving and jump into one of their state-of-the-art wind tunnels that provide a safe flight simulation experience. There’s nothing like it and unlike IRL sky falling, the weather is always memory-making perfect at iFly.

DEFY Extreme Air Sports Trampoline Park – If you’ve been all cooped up this winter and in dire need of getting those wiggles out, DEFY’s trampoline park is calling your name. It pairs safety with no constraints, offering foam pits, trapeze activities, obstacle courses, extreme dodgeball, endless trampolines, and more.

Bundle Up and Enjoy the Show

The Seawolves are Back! – The 2022 Major League Rugby season is finally here and the champion Seattle Seawolves are hosting their opener at Tukwila’s Starfire Sports on February 6 against the Toronto Arrows (booooo). Grab a hot beverage, bundle up in all your favorite Seawolves gear, and get ready for the season’s most exciting sports action in the PNW.

Want more ideas for winter fun? Check out our Activities page.

Seattle Seawolves vs. Austin Gilgronis

Come cheer on our Seattle Seawolves as they take on the Austin Gilgronis Saturday, February 26th at 5:00pm. Tickets start at just $31. Grab them before they’re gone!

Buy tickets here.

Seattle Seawolves vs. Utah Warriors

Come cheer on our Seattle Seawolves as they take on the Utah Warriors Thursday, February 10th at 7:30pm. Tickets start at just $31. Grab them before they’re gone!

Buy tickets here.