ailgating is a classic part of football season. In Seattle, we take it to the water.
Sailgating is the game-day tradition of gathering on boats before kickoff, combining the energy of a tailgate with a cruise on the water. And there may be no better place to experience it than Husky Stadium, which sits directly along the shores of Lake Washington.
On Washington Huskies home game days, Lake Washington fills with purple and gold as fans make their way toward Husky Harbor by boat. Some arrive aboard their own vessels. Others let someone else handle the navigation.
With Argosy Cruises’ Husky Sailgating, fans can board at Carillon Point in Kirkland, cruise across Lake Washington, enjoy drinks and game-day energy onboard, and arrive at Husky Stadium ready for kickoff.
What is Sailgating?
Sailgating is the unique Seattle tradition of tailgating on boats before a sporting event. Sailgating is essentially tailgating on a boat.
Instead of gathering around cars and parking lots before a game, fans take the celebration onto the water. Boats become floating pregame parties filled with team colors, music, food, drinks and plenty of game-day spirit.
At Husky Stadium, Sailgating is especially unique because fans can travel across Lake Washington and arrive right at Husky Harbor, steps from the stadium.
It’s transportation and pregame rolled into one.
Want to host your own Sailgating event? Charter a boat with Argosy Cruises and create a custom Sailgating experience to an upcoming game for you and your guests.
This practice not only enhances the game-day experience but also showcases Seattle’s rich nautical culture, offering an unforgettable way to support local teams while embracing the city’s natural beauty.
Why Sailgating is Popular in Seattle
Location, location, location.
Husky Stadium sits directly on the western shore of Lake Washington, giving it one of the most recognizable waterfront settings in college football.
On game days, that waterfront becomes part of the atmosphere. Boats gather around Husky Harbor while fans dressed in purple and gold celebrate before heading ashore for kickoff.
For Washington fans, arriving by water is more than an alternative to driving. It’s part of the Husky football experience.
And if you’re coming from Kirkland or elsewhere on the Eastside, there’s another benefit: you can trade part of the traditional game-day commute for a cruise across Lake Washington.
Do You Need a Boat to Sailgate?
No boat? No problem.
While some fans sailgate aboard privately owned or chartered boats, you don’t need access to your own vessel to experience the tradition.
Argosy Cruises offers Husky Sailgating cruises from Carillon Point in Kirkland to Husky Stadium for select Washington home games.
You board before kickoff, cruise across Lake Washington with fellow fans and arrive at Husky Harbor with time to make your way into the stadium.
After the game, return to Husky Harbor for the cruise back to Kirkland.
Football game admission is not included with Sailgating tickets.
What Is Argosy Husky Sailgating Like?
Think of the trip to the game as part of the game-day experience.
Instead of spending your pregame sitting in traffic, you can enjoy Lake Washington views and celebrate with other Husky fans on your way to the stadium.
Onboard you’ll find:
- Indoor seating
- Outdoor viewing space
- A full-service bar
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase
- Snacks available for purchase
- Restrooms
- Plenty of purple-and-gold game-day energy
You’ll also get a perspective on Husky Stadium that’s hard to replicate from land: approaching the stadium from Lake Washington alongside other boats headed toward Husky Harbor.
Where Does Husky Sailgating Leave From?
Argosy’s Husky Sailgating cruises depart from Carillon Point in Kirkland.
That makes Sailgating especially convenient for fans starting their game day on the Eastside.
Carillon Point is also home to several waterfront restaurants, so you can turn your trip into a full pregame outing before boarding.
Nearby dining options include COMO, Le Grand Bistro, El Encanto and Carillon Kitchen.
Game-day tip: If you’re planning to eat before your cruise, make a reservation when possible and leave plenty of time to get to the dock before boarding.
When Does the Sailgating Cruise Leave?
Sailgating cruise times are based around each game’s kickoff.
For Argosy’s Husky Sailgating cruises, boarding begins before departure at Carillon Point, with the cruise timed to arrive at Husky Harbor before kickoff.
Because college football kickoff times can be announced or adjusted closer to game day, always check your specific cruise information before heading to Kirkland.
Most importantly: plan around your boarding time, not just the vessel’s scheduled departure.
What Should You Bring Sailgating?
Dress for both football and a day on the water.
Seattle fall weather can change quickly, so layers are usually a good idea. Consider:
- Purple and gold
- A waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- An extra warm layer
- Your phone and game tickets
- An approved bag that meets Husky Stadium requirements
Remember that you’ll be heading directly into Husky Stadium after the cruise, so anything you bring aboard needs to meet current stadium policies.
What About Food and Drinks?
Food and drinks are part of any good tailgate, and Sailgating is no different.
Argosy’s Husky Sailgating cruises offer a full-service bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase, along with snacks.
If you’re looking for a larger meal, consider eating at one of the restaurants around Carillon Point before boarding.
That way, your entire pregame can happen along the Kirkland waterfront before you cruise across Lake Washington.
Private Sailgating vs. Argosy Husky Sailgating
There are a couple of ways to experience sailgating in Seattle.
Bring Your Own Boat
Experienced boaters can make their own game-day plans on Lake Washington and coordinate appropriate access around Husky Harbor.
This option requires more planning around boating regulations, docking, weather, safety equipment and your post-game transportation.
Take an Argosy Sailgating Cruise
For a more hands-off experience, Argosy takes care of the boat and transportation.
Simply arrive at Carillon Point, board the cruise and enjoy the ride to Husky Stadium.
It’s an especially easy option for fans who want to experience sailgating without owning a boat or organizing a private charter.
Charter a Private Boat
Want the experience for your own group?
A private charter can turn sailgating into a private game-day event for friends, family, clients or coworkers.
[EXPLORE PRIVATE CHARTERS]
What About Seahawks, Sounders and Mariners Games?
Seattle’s relationship with the water extends beyond Husky football.
While Husky Stadium offers the city’s true arrive-by-boat sailgating experience, fans heading to games at Lumen Field or T-Mobile Park can still make the water part of game day.
Argosy’s Harbor Cruise departs from Seattle’s downtown waterfront, making it an easy pregame activity before walking toward the stadium district for a Seahawks, Sounders, Reign or Mariners game.
Think of it as pregaming on the water rather than traditional sailgating.
[EXPLORE HARBOR CRUISES]
Why Sailgate in Seattle?
Skip the Usual Pregame
A parking lot works.
Lake Washington is better.
Sailgating turns the hours before kickoff into an experience instead of simply time spent getting to the stadium.
Experience Seattle from the Water
Seattle is shaped by its waterways, and Sailgating combines that part of the city with another local obsession: sports.
Make Transportation Part of the Fun
If you’re coming from Kirkland, your ride to Husky Stadium can double as your pregame.
Experience a Husky Tradition
Even longtime Seattleites may never have approached Husky Stadium from the water.
Sailgating gives you a completely different perspective on one of Seattle’s most recognizable sporting venues.
Tips for Your First Husky Sailgating Experience
Book early. Popular games can fill up, so don’t leave Sailgating tickets until game day.
Watch the kickoff time. Sailing schedules are built around the game’s kickoff.
Arrive before boarding begins. Give yourself extra time for parking and walking to the dock at Carillon Point.
Dress in layers. You’re spending part of your day on Lake Washington and part inside an outdoor football stadium.
Check Husky Stadium policies. Make sure anything you bring aboard can also enter the stadium with you.
Plan your pregame meal. Carillon Point has several restaurants within the same waterfront area as the departure dock.
And, of course:
Wear purple.
