Oct 24, 2025
·Mary Callahan
Climate Pledge Arena is one of the most innovative sports and entertainment venues in the world. Located in the heart of Seattle’s Uptown neighborhood, right at Seattle Center, the arena is home to the Seattle Kraken (NHL) and the Seattle Storm (WNBA). After a $1 billion redevelopment, it reopened in 2021 as the world’s first certified carbon-neutral arena, setting a new global standard for sustainable entertainment.
Beyond hockey and basketball, Climate Pledge Arena regularly hosts concerts, comedy shows and special events, drawing top performers like Billie Eilish, Elton John, The Weeknd, Lizzo and Coldplay.
About Climate Pledge Arena
Address: 334 1st Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
The arena seats around 17,100 for hockey, 18,300 for basketball and up to 19,000 for concerts. With its iconic roof preserved from the original 1962 World’s Fair structure, the building blends historic architecture with cutting-edge design.
It’s not just an arena—it’s a commitment to the future. The venue’s name comes from The Climate Pledge, an initiative founded by Amazon to encourage companies worldwide to reach net-zero carbon by 2040.
A Look Back at Climate Pledge Arena’s History
The arena site dates back to the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, when the building was constructed as the Washington State Pavilion (later the KeyArena). It went on to host the Seattle SuperSonics (NBA) from 1967 to 2008, as well as decades of concerts and major events.
After the Sonics’ relocation, Seattle leaders pushed to revitalize the arena. In 2018, Oak View Group began a massive redevelopment project, keeping the iconic roof but rebuilding everything beneath it. When it reopened in 2021 as Climate Pledge Arena, it became:
The home of the Seattle Kraken, the city’s first NHL team.
The permanent home of the WNBA’s Seattle Storm, a four-time league champion.
A world leader in sustainable design, using all-electric operations, zero single-use plastics, and renewable energy sources.
How to Get to Climate Pledge Arena
Driving: Located just north of downtown Seattle, the arena can be reached via I-5 or Highway 99.
Parking: More than 10,000 parking spots are available within walking distance, including at Seattle Center and nearby garages. Pre-booking parking is highly recommended.
Public Transit: Seattle’s Metro buses, the Monorail (connecting downtown Westlake Center to Seattle Center) and the Link Light Rail offer convenient options.
Biking & Walking: Bike racks and walking paths around Seattle Center make it an eco-friendly commute.
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft have designated pick-up and drop-off zones.
Plan Your Visit to Climate Pledge Arena
Opening Times: Doors typically open 60–90 minutes before games and events.
Event Duration: NHL games last about 2.5 hours, WNBA games about 2 hours and concerts vary.
Ticketing: The arena uses mobile-only ticketing for all events.
Food & Beverages: Climate Pledge Arena partners with local Seattle restaurants and prioritizes sustainably sourced menus. Popular options include:
Just Walk Out technology stands (Amazon’s cashier-less checkout).
Seattle staples like seafood, coffee and craft beer.
Plant-based and climate-friendly menu items.
Amenities: Premium seating, lounges and suites offer upgraded experiences. Wi-Fi is free throughout the venue.
Arena Policies
Bag Policy: Only small bags and clutches (4” x 6” x 1.5”) are permitted. No backpacks.
Cashless Venue: All concessions and merchandise are cash-free, accepting cards and mobile payments only.
Sustainability: Guests are encouraged to use compost, recycle and bring refillable water bottles (with refill stations available).
Security: Metal detectors and bag checks are in place.
Re-Entry: No re-entry once you leave the building.
Inside Climate Pledge Arena
With state-of-the-art video boards, LED lighting, and incredible acoustics, the arena is designed to enhance every type of event. For hockey, fans experience one of the loudest atmospheres in the NHL, while concerts benefit from world-class staging and sound.
One standout feature is the Living Wall, a massive green plant installation inside the arena that reinforces its environmental mission. The concourses also showcase Seattle’s culture, art, and music heritage.
Make the Most of Your Visit
Best Value Seats: Upper-level sideline seats offer strong views of hockey and basketball at reasonable prices.
Premium Experience: Club seats, lounges and private suites feature luxury amenities and gourmet dining.
Concert Tips: Side-stage lower bowl sections often provide the best views and sound balance.
Before & After Events: Enjoy nearby attractions like the Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) and Chihuly Garden and Glass, all located within Seattle Center.
Legacy at Climate Pledge Arena
Climate Pledge Arena isn’t just a venue—it’s a symbol of Seattle’s innovation and leadership in sustainability. With the Kraken’s arrival, the Storm’s continued dominance, and unforgettable concerts from the world’s biggest artists, the arena has quickly become one of the most exciting destinations in sports and entertainment.
Plan Your Visit with SeatGeek
Whether you’re catching a Kraken showdown, a Storm championship push, or a bucket-list concert, Climate Pledge Arena offers an experience like no other. SeatGeek makes it easy to browse tickets, compare prices and plan your perfect event day in Seattle.