Mayor Greg Nickels today declared Oct. 29, 2009, to be Seattle Sounders FC Day. The proclamation urges residents to raise their scarves in support of the expansion team’s first-ever playoff game this evening at Qwest Field.

“Sounders FC is now the franchise by which all others will be judged, and whose supporters are the envy of clubs everywhere,” said Nickels.

The popularity of Seattle Sounders FC, together with Seattle’s world-class athletic facilities and location, are driving factors behind the city’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup™ in 2018 or 2022. The USA Bid Committee announced this summer that Seattle was one of 27 finalists; the field of cities will be winnowed again in May 2010.

Read the Mayor’s press release.

Read more about Seattle’s bid to host the World Cup.