Seattle used to be the most hostile atmosphere on the schedule for the 49ers, but that may have officially changed coming into their Week 1 encounter.
When it comes to the fixture every season, it goes without saying that it used to be the most hostile environment the San Francisco 49ers would face is the annual trip to Seattle.
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Qwest Field, CenturyLink Field, Lumen Stadium. Whatever it's known by, it was a hostile atmosphere that broke the record for the loudest outdoor stadium. Not once, but twice. That game was against the Niners, too, no less.
In the golden era of the rivalry when head coaches Pete Carroll and Jim Harbaugh were butting heads, it truly was the most hostile of environments. And it isn't a surprise the 49ers (and other teams) would struggle to get the win with such a loud and impactful crowd factor disrupting their rhythm.
You might note that this article is using a lot of past tense. The reason for that is simple: We may not be in that era anymore.
49ers fans are in the majority for Week 1 showdown at Seahawks
While Seahawks fans are loud, 49ers fans can't be matched when it comes to travelling. Los Angeles is practically a second home for the Niners, given how it's decked out in red and gold whenever the team plays the Rams at SoFI Stadium.
This didn't fly for years in Seattle, but maybe the new Sam Darnold era isn't quite grabbing the hearts of Seahawks fans if this tweet by David Lombardi is anything to go by:
For the first time ever, 49ers fans are expected to be the majority in.... Seattle.
Vivid Seats projects 53% of the crowd on Sunday will be 49ers fans
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) September 2, 2025
Now granted, 53 percent is certainly not an egregious number... for L.A. But for Seattle, it's very shocking. The 49ers faithful project to be a majority, as slim as it may be, and that's quite shocking for what was once one of the most hostile places to play in pro football.
While this might not have a huge effect on the overall game, the fact it won't be packed full of the 12th Man like it used to be is good news for the Niners, who won't have their cadences and adjustments disrupted nearly as much as they used to be. If quarterback Brock Purdy is going to have his chance to shut up the doubters, then him actually being able to shout out adjustments to his players certainly helps a little.
This by no means indicates the 49ers are destined to win the opener, but it certainly does make things a little bit less hostile when the two teams kick off on Sept. 7.