Star Wars Weekend with the Seattle Mariners

What better way to spend a gorgeous summer weekend than hang out with a whole cast of Star Wars characters at a Mariners game? Every year the Mariners host Star Wars Weekend with special Star Wars themed activities. It is an incredibly fun weekend where fans can dress up and take pictures with Star Wars characters.

I had the pleasure of joining Garrison Titan, the local branch of the 501st Legion, to photograph the weekend of fun. It was an unusually hot weekend in Seattle with temperatures reaching the mid-90s, but that didn’t dampen any of the excitement and joy had by everyone.

Fans of all ages enjoyed posing for photos with the characters. Some wore themed t-shirts. Others dressed up in costumes of their own.

Many of the armored characters can come off as a bit intimidating, but that didn’t stop the kids from approaching them and giving them high-fives.

As with most things Star Wars, this was a wonderful family event. It’s not every day that you get to dress up as your favorite Star Wars character and go to a baseball game.

Even though the costumes are serious business, that didn’t mean the members of Garrison Titan couldn’t have a little fun. A First Order stormtrooper tried to order a beer at a concession stand. Darth Vader gave a thumbs up to the crew at Kid Valley.

A special edition Taijuan “Sky” Walker bobble head doll was given to the first 20,000 fans entering Safeco Field for Sunday’s game.

Chewbacca was an especially popular character on Saturday. Standing well over 7' tall, he caught everyone’s attention as he walked through the stadium and posed for pictures.

The characters had some fun singing and dancing during the 7th inning stretch and with the “play ball” opening. The Moose dressed up for the occasion as well.

There was so much happiness and joy amongst the fans. It was infectious. I couldn’t stop smiling the entire time I was taking photos.

The Junior Miss Washington winners attended the game on Sunday and were more than happy to pose for a photo-op with Darth Vader.

Huge thanks to the 501st Legion, Garrison Titan, and Alpha Base Rebel Legion for inviting me out to photograph the festivities. It was an amazingly fun and entertaining weekend.

You can see more photos from the weekend at http://photography.dannyngan.com/starwarsweekend2016.