Qwest Field Becomes “The Clink”

The long-expected transition for Seattle’s largest sports stadium has finally come to pass. Qwest Field, in keeping with its corporate namesake, has become CenturyLink Field. The company also extended the naming rights deal, ensuring the stadium will wear the CenturyLink name until 2018,
The park, which was originally known as Seahawks Stadium after construction was completed in 2002, had the naming rights purchased by Qwest Communications International in 2004. Qwest Field went on to be the home of the Seattle Seahawks and two iterations of the Seattle Sounders, as well as concerts, motorcross, trade shows, and high school playoff games.
The change came only days before a high-profile soccer match between the Sounders and New York Red Bulls, which aired on ESPN2 and brought in over 46,000 fans, a Sounders FC record. The new name was
CenturyLink will have another high-profile tenant next year, as the Washington Huskies Football team will play their games south of downtown while their Montlake building undergoes renovation.
Fan reaction has been mixed. Some have given nicknames like “The Clink” in reference to the intimidating atmosphere at football games. Others have preferred more organic names entirely. One such name is Royal Brougham Park, referring to the street running between CenturyLink and Safeco Field.
The naming rights for the stadium were reportedly worth over 70 million dollars even before the 5 year extention.