SEATTLE, Wash. —Two days before the Seattle Seahawks return to CenturyLink Field, the organization gave a few lucky 12s the opportunity to hit the field before players do. 

As part of a three-day series with Make-A-Wish, the Seahawks hosted nine kids Wednesday at the stadium from the foundation, which grants wishes to children with life-threating or critical illnesses locally in Alaska and Washington. Staff members from CenturyLink Field, First & Goal Hospitality and the Seahawks, along with Blitz, Sea Gals, Blue Thunder and Seahawks Legends welcomed kids where they were greeted to loud cheers and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Each child was given a spot in the Seahawks' visitor locker room with their very own custom jersey and name plate, along with pieces of memorabilia. They also experienced tunnel introductions, painted the field, played catch with Blitz and took part in a media press conference. 

"It's kind of a priceless experience a lot of kids don't get to have," Make-A-Wish Communications Manager Jessica Matthews said. "The Seahawks really go above and beyond to give wish families an unforgettable experience that really takes them out of their medical condition and gives them a chance to be carefree and to just be kids that they don't get when they're battling critical illnesses every day." 

On Thursday, for Day 2 of the series, the same group of children visited Renton's Virginia Mason Athletic Center and attended Seahawks practice before meeting their favorite players. Tomorrow all of the Make-A-Wish kids will be in attendance at Seattle's preseason home opener against the Minnesota Vikings, on the same field their experience began. 

"I think it's really all about making sure this is an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience for everybody," Matthews said. "And it's not just the kids, it's their brothers and sisters and parents that get to come and be part of this with their children."