If the current state of Pioneer Square is any indication, Seattleites are, um, excited about the Seahawks opener. Kickoff for the Green Bay game is at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Starting today and through tomorrow, the “NFL Gameday Village” is occupying the entirety of Occidental Park (from Washington Street to CenturyLink Field’s north lot), which will be brimming with autographing Seahawks, ball pits, game simulators and oh so much more. If that’s not enough to lure you, there's also Thursday's free concert at the Clink — at 4:30 p.m. — with Pharrell Williams and the Soundgarden. (Gates open at 2:30 p.m.)Yes, we're all panicking about the imminent onslaught down here in the Square. According to MyNorthwest.com, Seattle police recommended giving yourself an extra hour to get around the downtown area and warned that cell networks may be slowed by all the texting and tweeting. Good luck, Seahawks! And more importantly, good luck to all us Seattle commuters and residents. We’re the ones who'll need it. — K.H.
