Seahawks Fans Set to Shake Lumen Field as Scientists Measure “Beast Quake” Potential
As the Seattle Seahawks prepare to face their division rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, in Saturday’s high-stakes NFL playoff game, scientists from the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN) are readying their equipment to measure whether the legendary “12s” fan base can literally move the earth with their enthusiasm. Six seismic sensors strategically installed throughout Lumen Field will capture the collective energy generated by thousands of fans jumping, stomping, and celebrating. This unique scientific endeavor continues a fascinating tradition of monitoring seismic activity during Seattle sporting events, providing a measurable, scientific dimension to the city’s passionate fan culture.
The current project builds upon PNSN’s previous stadium deployments during Seahawks playoff games in 2014, 2015, and 2017, but the phenomenon began with the original “Beast Quake” in 2011. During that unforgettable playoff game against the New Orleans Saints, running back Marshawn Lynch’s earth-shaking touchdown run generated seismic activity that registered on nearby instruments. That iconic moment cemented the connection between Seattle sports and seismic monitoring in popular culture, creating a tradition that continues to this day. “With these six seismometers, we have Lumen Field ‘wired up’ and we can record exactly how the excitement of the crowd leads to shaking of the ground, much like an earthquake does,” explains PNSN Director Harold Tobin from the University of Washington. “We expect the massive crowd of 12s to generate measurable seismic energy.”
The science behind the spectacle offers a compelling educational opportunity. As fans create vibrations through their coordinated movements—jumping in unison, stomping their feet, or simply erupting in cheers—the energy transfers through the stadium structure into the ground. The seismometers detect these vibrations, allowing scientists to measure their intensity and compare them to natural seismic events. While fan-generated “earthquakes” differ fundamentally from tectonic activity, the monitoring equipment detects both through similar principles. This sports-science crossover provides an accessible entry point for the public to understand seismic monitoring concepts, while documenting just how powerful collective human activity can be.
PNSN’s seismic monitoring extends beyond football, having recorded significant activity during recent Seattle Mariners playoff games as well. Last fall, their instruments captured the earth-moving celebrations when Jorge Polanco hit a game-winning single to clinch a 15-inning marathon against the Detroit Tigers in the American League Division Series, and again when Geno Suárez’s grand slam electrified T-Mobile Park during the American League Championship Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. These recordings demonstrate how Seattle’s passionate sports culture consistently generates measurable geological effects, creating a unique intersection of athletic achievement and scientific observation. The recurring nature of these measurements allows scientists to compare different sporting events and crowd reactions over time.
The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, based at the University of Washington’s College of the Environment, operates over 700 seismic stations throughout Washington and Oregon. While their primary mission involves monitoring earthquakes and volcanic activity crucial for public safety, these sports-related projects engage the public with their scientific work in accessible, entertaining ways. The deployment at Lumen Field represents just a small fraction of their overall monitoring network but generates disproportionate public interest and engagement. Through these high-profile collaborations, PNSN simultaneously conducts interesting scientific observations while raising awareness about seismic monitoring in a region where earthquake preparedness remains critically important.
For Seahawks fans attending Saturday’s game against the 49ers, the seismic monitoring adds another layer of motivation to an already emotionally charged playoff atmosphere. Not only will they be supporting their team in a critical postseason matchup against a bitter rival, but they’ll also have the opportunity to collectively generate measurable seismic activity—perhaps even rivaling the legendary Beast Quake of 2011. Those interested in following the seismic activity during the game can watch real-time seismograms on PNSN’s website or follow updates on their social media channels. As kickoff approaches, both scientists and sports fans eagerly anticipate what could be a ground-breaking performance from Seattle’s famously loud 12s, creating a perfect fusion of scientific curiosity and sports passion that embodies Seattle’s unique cultural character.
