Sounders

Daily coverage of Seattle Sounders FC, MLS and world soccer.

The Sounders are sticking to new security measures that include the use of handheld metal detectors to screen fans upon entry to CenturyLink Field.

That, of course, caused massive delays ahead of a July 3 home game against D.C. United, so general manager Adrian Hanauer gave a brief update to reporters on the topic Friday ahead of another home game at 1 p.m. Saturday against the Colorado Rapids.

“We have a plan in place,” Hanauer said. “It includes considerably more manpower thrown at the issue, we believe a better process, a test at the Gold Cup game, and we’re confident it will go smoother this time. It’s not going to be perfect. It’s an added step in the process of getting in the building, and there’s just no way to make that go exactly like it did before, but if we can keep the delays to an absolute minimum, then we feel like we’ve solved the issue.”

As a reminder, the start time has been moved up to 1 p.m. instead the 8 p.m. kickoff that was originally scheduled. Gates open at 11:30 a.m.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early and there will be another gate open in the south end of the stadium. There will be discounts on beer until 30 minutes before kickoff.