Origins and Evolution
Climate Pledge Arena began its journey as the Washington State Pavilion for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, designed by architect Paul Thiry with its signature hyperbolic paraboloid roof—now a designated Seattle landmark. After the fair, the venue became the Washington State Coliseum, hosting notable events including the Beatles’ 1964 concert.
In 1995, a major renovation transformed it into KeyArena, updating the interior for NBA and WNBA standards while preserving the historic roof. The most recent $1.15 billion redevelopment (2018–2021) completely reimagined the arena for the modern era while achieving landmark sustainability credentials and preserving its architectural legacy.
Visiting Hours & Ticket Information
Hours
- Event Days Arena gates typically open 60–90 minutes before event start times.
- Non-Event Days Public access is limited; guided tours may be offered on select dates.
- Check the official schedule for specific entry times.
Ticketing
- Purchase Tickets are available through the official Climate Pledge Arena website or via the Kraken+Climate Pledge Arena app.
- Pricing Varies by event, seating location, and demand; NHL games can range from $30–$400+ per seat, with premium suites priced higher.
- Mobile Entry All tickets are digital for contactless entry.
(Climate Pledge Arena Seattle: Visiting Hours, Tickets & Historical Guide)
(Climate Pledge Arena Seattle: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Guide)
Getting There & Parking
- Public Transit Accessible via Seattle Center Monorail (from Westlake Center), multiple Metro bus routes, and Link Light Rail.
- Car Parking garages are available at Seattle Center, with advance reservations recommended due to limited capacity and high demand (expect around $50 for event parking).
- Bike/Walk Ample bike racks and pedestrian-friendly paths.
- Rideshare Designated drop-off points near main entrances.
Accessibility Features
Climate Pledge Arena is fully ADA-compliant, offering:
- Wheelchair-accessible entrances and seating
- Assistive listening devices
- Accessible restrooms and elevators
- Designated parking spaces
- Service animal accommodations
Guests needing special assistance should contact Guest Services in advance.
Arena Architecture & Sustainability
Adaptive Reuse and Design
- Historic Roof The 1962 hyperbolic paraboloid roof was preserved and lifted during redevelopment, symbolizing Seattle’s commitment to heritage and innovation.
- Glass Curtain Walls Offer 360-degree views and seamless pedestrian access to the Seattle Center campus.
Sustainability Initiatives
- Net Zero Carbon Certification World’s first arena to earn this distinction through renewable energy use (on-site solar, off-site wind), zero-waste operations, and carbon offsetting.
- Rainwater Harvesting A 15,000-gallon cistern collects rainwater, used to maintain the NHL ice surface.
- Zero Waste TRUE Platinum certification, diverting over 90% of waste from landfills.
- No Single-Use Plastics Compostable alternatives are used throughout the venue.
- Local Sourcing 75% of food is sourced locally, and unused food is donated to community partners.
- Transparency Annual, third-party verified sustainability reporting.
(SeatSecrets)
(An Emerald City Life)
Events & Tenant Teams
Professional Sports
- Seattle Kraken (NHL) The city’s newest franchise, with a seating capacity of 17,100 for hockey.
- Seattle Storm (WNBA) Four-time WNBA champions, drawing fans to basketball games configured for up to 18,100 seats.
Concerts & Special Events
- Internationally renowned artists and bands
- Family shows, comedy acts, festivals, and more
- Flexible seating and advanced acoustics for diverse programming
(Climate Pledge Arena Seattle: Visiting Hours, Tickets & Historical Guide)
Seating Options & Premium Experiences
- General Seating Lower and upper bowls, with clear sightlines for sports and concerts.
- Premium Clubs Moët & Chandon Imperial Lounge (exclusive “Opera box” seating), Symetra Club, WaFd Bank Club, Cove seats (directly behind the glass for hockey), and American Express Hall.
- Suites Accommodate 18–20 guests, with catering packages and premium amenities.
- Accessibility Wheelchair and companion seating distributed throughout all price levels.
Arena Tours & Experiences
- Kraken Arena Tours Guided tours of premium seating, suites, and behind-the-scenes areas, focusing on both the arena’s transformation and the Seattle Kraken’s story.
- Sustainability Tours Insight into the arena’s environmental features, including rainwater harvesting and the living wall.
Tours are limited and should be reserved in advance when available.
(Elite Sports Tours)
(An Emerald City Life)
Food, Beverage, and Amenities
- Concessions Wide range of local and sustainable options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices.
- Club Dining Premium ticket holders access exclusive lounges with all-inclusive dining and drinks.
- In-Seat Ordering Available in select premium sections.
- Technology Mobile ticketing, Amazon One palm payment, high-speed Wi-Fi, and arena app for real-time updates.
(SeatSecrets)
(The Stadiums Guide)
Nearby Attractions
Situated within Seattle Center, visitors have easy access to:
- Space Needle Seattle’s iconic observation tower
- Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) Celebrating music, sci-fi, and pop culture
- Chihuly Garden and Glass World-renowned glass art
- Seattle Center Armory Food court and gathering space
The area is highly walkable and photogenic—plan extra time to explore before or after your event.
Visitor Tips & FAQs
Top Tips
- Arrive Early For parking, security, and to enjoy pre-event amenities
- Use Public Transit or Rideshare Avoid parking congestion and reduce your carbon footprint
- Download the Arena App For mobile tickets, concessions, and updates
- Check Weather Seattle’s climate can be variable; bring a rain jacket if walking or cycling
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are typical visiting hours?
A: Gates open 60–90 minutes before most events. For tours, check the arena website for updated schedules.
Q: How do I purchase tickets?
A: Use the official website or authorized sellers; mobile tickets are standard.
Q: Is the arena accessible?
A: Yes, with ADA-compliant entrances, seating, restrooms, and assistive services.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Guided tours are occasionally offered; check the website for availability.
Q: What nearby attractions can I visit?
A: Space Needle, MoPOP, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and the Armory are all steps away.
