As the Seahawks prepare for their Divisional Round showdown against the San Francisco 49ers, Lumen Field is getting a unique upgrade—one designed to measure just how loud and impactful the 12s can be.
Ahead of Saturday’s playoff matchup, the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN) has installed seismic sensors in and around Lumen Field to capture ground motion created by fan noise and movement. The goal is to quantify the stadium’s energy in real time, turning cheers, stomps, and celebrations into measurable seismic data.
The concept isn’t new to Seahawks fans. Seattle crowds famously registered on seismic instruments during Marshawn Lynch’s legendary “Beast Quake” run in the 2010 NFC Wild Card game, when the roar from the stands literally shook the ground. Similar activity has been recorded during other high-energy moments at Lumen Field over the years, reinforcing its reputation as one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL.
This weekend’s playoff game provides the perfect environment to revisit that phenomenon. With a heated rivalry, Super Bowl aspirations, and a packed stadium expected, researchers believe the Divisional Round could produce significant seismic readings. Fans will even be able to track the data online as the game unfolds, offering a rare look at the physical impact of crowd noise.
Beyond the novelty, the project highlights the intersection of sports, science, and Seattle culture. Lumen Field’s design already helps amplify sound, and pairing that with one of the league’s most passionate fan bases creates an environment unlike almost any other in professional sports.
As the Seahawks look to defend home turf and push deeper into the postseason, one thing is certain: the 12s won’t just be heard—they’ll be measured. Whether it rivals the original Beast Quake remains to be seen, but all signs point to another unforgettable playoff atmosphere in Seattle.