His guitar hero Jimi Hendrix sang of “Purple Haze,” but Seahawks blue was also one of Paul Allen’s favorite colors. So in tribute to the late Microsoft co-founder, buildings in the Seattle area will be going blue this weekend.
Starting at dusk on Saturday and continuing through midnight Sunday, buildings from the University of Washington campus down to CenturyLink Field and across Lake Washington to Bellevue will be lit blue, according to Allen’s investment company Vulcan Inc.
Allen died on Oct. 15 at the age of 65. The technology icon and philanthropist had a hand in many pursuits in his native Seattle and the “beacons of remembrance” will honor his impact.
“Our family and all of us at Vulcan continue to be touched by the outpouring of support from so many of the people Paul’s life touched,” his sister Jody Allen said in a statement. “These beacons of light in Paul’s memory are a wonderful tribute and a reminder there remains important work to do.”
Jody Allen was named executor of Paul Allen’s estate and last week pledged that she will “ensure that Paul’s vision is realized, not just for years, but for generations.”
Vulcan said the idea for the lighting tribute came “from the outpouring of support from Seattle Seahawks fans along with organizations around the Pacific Northwest.” Allen was the longtime owner of the NFL franchise. Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers is the team’s first at home since Allen’s death.
Vulcan also thanked the Downtown Seattle Association and Alliance for Pioneer Square for aiding in the effort.
Structures taking part include:
- Amazon’s Spheres
- Microsoft City Center
- CenturyLink Field
- T-Mobile
- Columbia Tower
- PEMCO
- Washington State Convention Center
- Washington State University
- University of Washington (Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering)
- Union Square
- WSDOT’s 520 bridge
Microsoft campuses in Los Angeles and New York City will also be lit.
It won’t be the first time buildings in the region have taken on a color for a cause. The Allen Institute and other buildings and landmarks used purple light back in March to mark the countdown to Seattle’s hosting of the Special Olympics.
The Spheres also went with a rainbow effect to kick off Pride celebrations in June.
