Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena Opens With Concerts and the Kraken’s First Home Game

The exterior of Climate Pledge Arena on a partly cloudy day with the Space Needle in the background.

The new arena is 800,000 sqft., 2x the size of the former Key Arena. | Photo via Climate Pledge Arena

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Ready for Seattle’s mean, green events machine? The much-anticipated Climate Pledge Arena opens this week, starting with a benefit concert from the Foo Fighters and Death Cab for Cutie Tuesday night. 🎸

That show will be followed by an official grand opening Friday as Coldplay takes the stage. Then, on Saturday, the Kraken have their first home game ever. Whew.

Seattle Kraken's rink at Climate Pledge Arena.

There’s a 17,000-person capacity for hockey games. | Photo via Climate Pledge Arena

Whether you were able to nab tickets to these events or not, we’ve got everything you need to know about the shiny new digs before visiting for the very first time.

Fan features

  • 2 separate triangular big screens positioned for better sightlines
  • 4 vendors hooked up to Amazon’s “just walk out” technology, meaning no cash or card transactions necessary and shorter lines
  • Premium sound quality with 16,000 sqft. of lapendary panels, acoustical curtains, and baffling throughout 🔈

Food + drink highlights

How to get there

  • Light Rail. Get off at Westlake Station, then hop on the monorail to Seattle Center and stroll over. 🚍
  • Metro Buses. Routes 1-4, 8, 13, 15, 17-18, 24, 29, 32-33 all go to Seattle Center from points north, south, west, and east. Schedules and updates here. 🚎
  • Parking. 3 garages are located in the vicinity, at Mercer St., 5th Ave., and 1st Ave. N. 🚙

Pro tip: Make sure to download the Climate Pledge Arena app, which allows you to save vaccine verification info (a requirement for entry for guests 12 and older). It also includes access to free public transit fares and advanced parking reservations.

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