‘A party in SODO’: Businesses feeling the excitement from Seattle Mariners fans

Tony T’s general manager told KING 5 that it felt like the universe was out to open a restaurant across from T-Mobile Park as the Mariners gain momentum.

SEATTLE – The feeling of a new era for the Seattle Mariners is the beginning of something great for Tony T’s Sports Lounge.

“The core of this team is so young,” said Brian Youngs, general manager of Tony T’s. The lounge has been open for a little over a month in a prime location across from T-Mobile Park, just like the Mariners pick up steam.

“I would like to cosmically think that we are helping each other. We are helping them, they are helping us and it will be just one party in SODO either way,” said Youngs.

Youngs is not from Seattle, he lived in New York 20 years ago.

“I’ve followed the Mariners all my life because growing up it was Ken Griffey Junior! It was all about the kid! ”He said.

The excitement of two decades ago is now palpable.

“You can just feel energy. I mean, it’s just … I’ve never seen so many avid Mariners fans in my entire time in this town. That’s probably how it felt in 2001, with all the hype,” said Young.

It feels like the universe is aligning according to Youngs, that for the first time in 20 years, the Mariners hype is bigger than ever and attracting more fans, leading to more clients for the new business.

“It’ll probably be off the hook, the best way is … you know, line up around the block, maybe twice. Looking forward to a carnival-style party in SODO when Sunday is over and the Mariners are in the playoffs, “Youngs said.

“I have so many friends who have lived in the Northwest for life who say, ‘Well, I remember when … but this is very different, this is great.’ And I’m looking forward to this sort of thing being the start of something great, ”he said.