Seattle city crews cleaned up confetti, food waste, and abandoned couches within hours of the Seahawks’ Super Bowl parade Wednesday, with police reporting no arrests despite an estimated crowd approaching 1 million people packed along the downtown route.
Seattle Police had predicted upwards of 1 million people would crowd sidewalks and streets along 4th Avenue to watch the parade, which began near Lumen Field and ran up to Denny Way. Crowds formed as early as 6 a.m., with fans lined shoulder to shoulder. Some climbed onto building balconies, others into tree branches, and some even onto the roof of a 7/11 at the end of the parade route.
Once fans headed home, the avenue was covered with confetti, food scraps, cups, and even couches, prompting Seattle Department of Transportation, Seattle Public Utilities, and the Metropolitan Improvement District to begin cleanup just after 2 p.m. SDOT deployed a dozen ground crew members to pick up trash and move metal fencing off the street to make way for three full-sized street sweepers. Additional trucks hauled away six to seven couches.
By 4:45 p.m., all lanes of 4th Avenue reopened and traffic resumed. Both the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s office and Seattle Police reported no incidents or arrests during the parade on what was a sunny day in Seattle. “Thank you to the Seahawks – the players, the coaches, the staff, for an unforgettable season and for creating the experience we shared today. Quarterback Sam Darnold said this is a special place to play football. This is a special place to be a fan, too,” said King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion.
The successful execution of the massive celebration contrasts with previous championship parades in other cities that have resulted in property damage, injuries, or arrests. Seattle’s preparation, including street closures beginning at 6 a.m. and coordinated deployment of officers throughout the route, appears to have prevented the chaos that marked post-game celebrations following the Super Bowl victory, when fans damaged the historic Pioneer Square pergola.
