The Story Behind the Climate Name
Amazon bought the naming rights in 2020 and dedicated the name to The Climate Pledge, which asks businesses to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040. You can see that mission at work in the electric ice resurfacers and a rain to rink system that collects water for the ice. The building has been billed as the first arena in the world certified as net zero carbon.
Where the SuperSonics Once Played
For decades this was the home of the NBA's SuperSonics, who played here from 1967 until they left for Oklahoma City in 2008. The old Coliseum hosted the 1978 and 1979 NBA Finals and the 1974 All-Star Game. It also delivered one of the league's strangest moments, when a January 1986 game against Phoenix was suspended because rain leaked through the roof onto the court.
Picking a Game With Your Seattle Kraken Tickets
The Kraken joined the NHL as its 32nd team and played their first season in 2021-22. Before their first home game, the club retired jersey number 32 to honor that place in the league and the 32,000 fans who put down ticket deposits on the very first day. Hockey seating holds 17,151, so big matchups against division rivals like Vancouver can fill the building, and those are worth booking early.
Getting to Know the Team
The Kraken have ridden their share of ups and downs. Their high point came in 2022-23, when they reached 100 points and upset the defending champion Colorado Avalanche in seven games, becoming the first expansion team in NHL history to beat a reigning champion in its first playoff series. That same season, center Matty Beniers won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year.
Since then the team has missed the playoffs and changed coaches, with Lane Lambert now behind the bench. For you, that can mean a better shot at seats for regular season games, though demand still runs high. Keep an eye on the ice-blue S logo, chosen with fan input along with the name and branding, which nods to the Seattle Metropolitans, Stanley Cup winners in 1917.
Catching the Kraken Without a Ticket
Head to the Kraken Community Iceplex in north Seattle, the team's practice home, to watch practices, join game watch parties and grab a meal at a restaurant overlooking the rink. Practice times shift through the season, so check the team's official channels before you go.
Summer Belongs to the Storm
From roughly mid-May to mid-September, the Storm take over, and basketball seating stretches to 18,300. You will be cheering for four-time WNBA champions, with titles in 2004, 2010, 2018 and 2020, and a team that has never lost a Finals series. Sue Bird, Lauren Jackson and Breanna Stewart are among the legends who have worn the uniform.
Join the Storm Traditions
- Stay on your feet: stand and cheer at the start of each half until the Storm score their first basket.
- Weather theme: watch for the mascot Doppler, who wears a wind gauge on its head, and listen for AC/DC's "Thunderstruck," the home theme song.
- Kids on the court: an all-kid dance squad leads young fans in a conga line during timeouts, which makes these games a strong pick for families.
Concerts, Roller Derby and More
Catch a show in a room that seats up to 17,340 for concerts, where touring acts often book multiple nights. The arena is also home to the Seattle Torrent of the Professional Women's Hockey League, Seattle University men's basketball and the Rat City Roller Derby league. Every event has its own detail page on the arena site, so check it before you go, since rules on bags, cameras and floor access can vary by show.
Getting to the Arena
The easiest ride is the Seattle Center Monorail, which stops about a three-minute walk away, or you can stroll from downtown in 20 to 30 minutes. The arena encourages public transit, including buses and light rail. Kraken tickets have included free rides on local transit such as the monorail, light rail, buses and water taxi, so confirm the current perk with the team before you set out.
Parking and Rides
Three garages serve the arena: the Climate Pledge Arena Garage, the 1st Ave N Garage and the 5th Ave Garage. Buy parking ahead in the Seattle Kraken app or pay when you arrive. For rideshare and pickups, use 1st Ave N on the west side or Republican Street near Warren Ave N, because police block pickups at the Space Needle turnaround and the south side of the arena after shows.
Biking In
Pedal in on the protected bike lanes that surround the arena. First-come lockers sit in the 1st Ave N Garage, and short-term racks around the plaza require your own lock.
Know the Rules Before the Doors Open
Travel light: the arena prefers that you skip the bag entirely. If you must bring one, it can be no larger than 14 by 14 by 6 inches, or a small clutch of 4 by 6 by 1.5 inches. Anything bigger than a clutch, including diaper and medical bags, goes through X-ray screening at designated lines.
- Cashless: pay with cards and mobile pay only. If you are carrying cash, a reverse ATM near Section 4 on the main concourse turns it into a prepaid Visa card.
- Water: bring an empty, non-glass reusable bottle up to 32 ounces and fill it at refill stations throughout, though some concerts ban bottles on the floor.
- Cameras: small personal cameras are usually fine, but professional gear, selfie sticks and action cameras are not.
- No re-entry: once you leave, you cannot come back in.
- Kids: children 2 and under can sit on a ticketed adult's lap for most events.
Accessibility
Pick up free assistive listening devices at Guest Services on the main concourse. Sporting events are captioned on the main video boards, and you can request captions for other events at least ten days ahead. All-gender and family restrooms are on every level, and during any event you can text the arena's help line at 206-CPA-HELP.
Make a Day of It at Seattle Center
The arena sits on the 74-acre Seattle Center grounds, built for the World's Fair, so spend the hours before puck drop exploring. Browse our guide to Seattle landmarks for nearby icons, or find more things to do in Seattle. Plan a pregame stroll through Seattle parks, then dig into Seattle neighborhoods to find a spot to eat and drink after the game.
