GeekWire’s 7th Anniversary Bash is just around the corner, taking place at the CenturyLink Field Event Center in Seattle this Thursday, March 15th. More than 1,500 people are expected to attend the geeky festivities, presented by First Tech Federal Credit Union. A few tickets remain, so go here to get yours.
Here’s what you’ll need to know if you are joining the fun at this wacky geek carnival.
Do I need to bring my printed ticket? No. If you are registered, we will have your name on file.
When and where is the event? 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 15th at the CenturyLink Field Event Center in Seattle, just south of CenturyLink Field. The main entrance and registration will be at the southwest doors on Occidental Ave S.
When should I arrive? Doors open at 3 p.m. All tournament players need to be checked in by 3:30 p.m., and general attendee partygoers can arrive anytime after 3 p.m. Peak party time will be around 7 p.m. when we are immersed in the finals of the ping pong, dodgeball and foosball tournaments.
Where should I park? Various parking lots and street parking surround the CenturyLink Field Event Center. All-day parking is available in the CenturyLink Field Garage for $15. Entrance to the garage is located off South Royal Brougham Way, between Occidental Ave S & 4th Ave S. You can also use the address of 330 South Royal Brougham Way in your GPS, although the physical address is not posted on the venue.
Where do I check in? Make sure to get your badge and drink tickets at the main registration desk on the west side of the CenturyLink Field Event Center along Occidental Ave S.
Are tickets to the event still available? A few general admission tickets to the anniversary bash are available. Grab those here. All tournament tickets are sold out, but we will have plenty of open play for foosball, dodgeball, Catan and ping pong. We’ve also added a number of non-tournament activities, from a board game zone to VR to a video game lounge to a special Joule cooking station.
Food and drink? Yes, and yes! Some yummy treats and special cocktails will be served. Each guest receives two drink tickets.
GeekWire Members: Look for the express line at registration to pick up your special member badge and be automatically entered in our Member Giveaway. More info on becoming a GeekWire Member here.
Tournament players: Doors will open at 3 p.m. for registered ping-pong, dodgeball, foosball and Settlers of Catan tournament players, and the tournaments begin promptly at 4 p.m.
What to wear? Casual clothing is best, and headbands are optional!
Will there be a bag and coat check? Yes, and yes. Feel free to bring a change of clothes if you are a sweaty ping pong player, or a laptop bag if you are coming straight from work.
Hash tag: #gwbash
ACTIVITIES
Sumo Wrestling: Challenge your boss, office mate or rival to a friendly pushing match on the OfferUp sumo mat, complete with giant sumo suits.
Zipline Rides: Acrophobes need not apply! A cross-venue zipline will transport GeekWire guests from one end of the Bash to the other. Share a photo of the trip at #GeekWireZipline, and you might just win a special prize from sponsor Xiamen Air.
Seattle Sounders FIFA Zone: Show off your mad FIFA 18 skills, challenging virtual soccer pros to mini matches in the Sounders-sponsored video game zone. Special raffles, giveaways and other surprises in store, too.
Open Play Ping Pong Area: Stop by the Capital One open play area, and make new friends around the ping pong table. Open to everyone, and all skill levels.
VR Lounge: What’s it like to fly over Washington … virtually? Check it out in the CenturyLink virtual reality lounge. Not ready to fly? You can also take a ride on a roller coaster or in a race car. Located near the registration area, and available to guests on a first-come, first-serve basis. Enjoy!
Impact Partners: It’s time to get engaged! Learn about one of our awesome Impact Partners, non-profit organizations that are making the Seattle area a much better place. Impact Partners include: Ada Developers Academy; ChickTech; Latino Community Fund; Greater Foundation; YearUp; WSOS; Rainier Scholars and Pacific Science Center.
KEXP DJ Morgan: KEXP’s DJ Morgan will keep the party rockin’ throughout the evening from her perch inside the First Tech Federal Credit Union DJ booth.
Beer Pong: Forget slams and spins. The real competition will take place in the beer pong zone where attendees will have some fun while sipping on some suds. Even more fun, we’ll be busting out a giant version of this fun activity.
Classic Arcade and Video Game Truck: Tetris and Galaga and Donkey Kong. Oh, my. We’re re-creating a classic video game arcade with some of the cult favorites of the 80s. Don’t want to go old school? Never fear. We’re also rolling in the video game truck with some of the hottest titles of today. Thanks to Avalara for sponsoring.
Spirit Prize: We’ll be giving away a top prize to the folks who fly their geek flags most proudly, supporting their teammates in the various tourneys or just having some cosplay fun. Do you have what it takes?
The Tabletop Gaming Zone: Board game geeks unite! Play a little Magic the Gathering, trade some wheat and iron ore in Settlers of Catan, or learn a new board game in the tabletop gaming area, presented by the good folks at Mox Boarding House.
Play Impossible: Join the fun, and see this interactive ball game in action. You’ll love it.
Shuffleboard: It’s like curling, just not on ice. Join the Zipwhip team for fun puck games on a 9-foot long shuffleboard table.
The circle bar from Sirqul: This year we’re hoping to foster even more connections at the Sirqul bar, so guests can mix and mingle with old and new friends. Stop by, have a beverage and talk about the action in the tournaments.
Cupcake wall: Stick around, and enjoy a delectable treat from the world-famous cupcake wall, presented by Skytap.
More questions? Email us at events@geekwire.com. See you Thursday afternoon, and thanks for celebrating with us.
Please note this event is 21+. Also, see our terms of use and code of conduct for GeekWire events.
