A Guide to Seattle Pick-up Games, For When You Feel Like Playing
There are plenty of no-strings-attached sports in Seattle that you can play on a drop-in basis.
By Seattle Mag May 23, 2011
In this entrepreneurial town, we like to do things on our own time and that includes being active. Whether there’s one last work project that can’t wait or The Bachelorette conflicts with your Monday night tennis league, having a weekly team sport commitment just doesn’t always jive with our free-spirit attitude. Perhaps that’s why Seattle has such a lively pick-up sports scene. From badminton to basketball, here’s your guide to getting sporty on the fly.
Volleyball
On a sunny day in Seattle, you’d think you had been transported to Huntington Beach if you’re at Alki Beach Park, Golden Gardens, or Juanita Beach Park. These are some of the premier sand courts near the city and there’s often a wait to play on a gorgeous day, so bring a book along with your bump, set, spike.
Soccer
Seattle is a soccer town and you can bet there’s a pick-up match going on somewhere as you read this. Seattle Soccer Club is always looking for pick-up players and they even have a Twitter account to keep players up to date on match whereabouts. Mercerdale Park in Mercer Island also offers a pick-up game every night from May to October at 7:00 p.m.
Basketball
While basketball is not as popular a sport here as soccer, it’s just as (or even more) competitive. Head to Denny Playfield basketball court (one of the very few full-sized courts downtown) for some lively ball from 5:00 p.m. on. Green Lake has always been a reliable location for some pick-up basketball, but if you go, don’t forget to bring your A game to play with some serious ballers.
Ultimate Frisbee
Ultimate (as it’s called by players) is one of those sports that will make you feel like a kid again. But don’t be fooled, it’s definitely not child’s play in Seattle as you’ll see impressive throws from dedicated players out rain or shine. Starting in June and lasting all summer, head to Volunteer Park (1400 E. Galer St.) on Sunday mornings at 11:30 a.m. for an all-levels game.
Additional Resources
Check out Seattle Urban Sports on www.meetup.com for information on a variety of pick-up games from badminton to square dancing.
Follow Us
82 Million Tons of E-Waste by 2030. Now What?
Smart ways to handle old electronics after a holiday upgrade.
Every holiday season, our houses fill with upgraded gadgets and the promise that we’ll deal with the old stuff later. Meanwhile, the drawer of mystery cords multiplies, and some items just get tossed out. Most of us mean well, but those castoff electronics often end up somewhere they really shouldn’t. And with about 59% of…
Going to the Mountains This Winter? Read This.
A new online tool breaks down avalanche basics for anyone planning snowy fun off the beaten path.
I’m a rule follower when it comes to the outdoors. This summer, my family did some backcountry hiking in Whistler and made sure to do everything by the book—texting friends our plan and location, and wearing a bear bell even though it felt a little dorky. It’s reassuring to know you’ve covered the basics before…
Historic Flooding Prompts WA Governor to Declare Emergency
Rivers are surging around the state amid days of heavy rainfall.
As floodwaters swelled around Washington, threatening low-lying communities along rivers, Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a statewide emergency declaration on Wednesday. Ferguson says he’ll also seek an expedited emergency declaration from the federal government in response to the flooding, which is the result of an atmospheric river that has dumped multiple inches of rain in parts…
Barnes & Noble Is Coming Back to Downtown Seattle
The bookseller will open a new flagship at 520 Pike, marking the largest retail lease in downtown Seattle since 2020.
Barnes & Noble is returning to downtown Seattle for the first time since early 2020. The national bookseller has signed a 10-year lease for a new flagship at 520 Pike Street, a 29-story tower, taking over 17,538 square feet on the corner of Pike and 6th Avenue. The store is expected to open in the…