Climate Pledge Arena: Seattle's Sustainable Centerpiece
Seattle's premier sports and entertainment venue, Climate Pledge Arena sets the standard for sustainability and world-class experiences.
Climate Pledge Arena, located in the heart of Seattle Center, is more than just a sports and entertainment venue; it's a symbol of Seattle's commitment to sustainability and a world-class destination for diverse events [5, 8, 15]. Originally constructed as the Washington State Pavilion for the 1962 Seattle World's Fair, designed by architect Paul Thiry, the building has evolved through several iterations, including a period as the Seattle Center Coliseum and later as KeyArena [3, 15]. The arena underwent a massive $1.15 billion redevelopment from 2018 to 2021, retaining its landmarked roof while constructing a completely new arena beneath it [3, 8, 11]. This ambitious project not only modernized the facility but also prioritized environmental sustainability, earning the Climate Pledge Arena the distinction of being the first net-zero carbon certified arena in the world [5, 15]. The arena is named after The Climate Pledge, an initiative founded by Amazon and Global Optimism, which calls on businesses to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 [3, 5]. Today, Climate Pledge Arena hosts a wide array of events, including Seattle Kraken NHL games, Seattle Storm WNBA games, concerts, and family shows [5, 7, 10]. With a seating capacity of 17,151 for hockey, 18,300 for basketball, and up to 17,200 for concerts, the arena provides an intimate and exciting atmosphere for fans [3, 5, 11]. The arena also incorporates several sustainable features, such as a rainwater collection system for creating ice and a commitment to diverting 95% of waste from landfills [15]. Visitors can enhance their experience by taking a behind-the-scenes tour, exploring areas typically off-limits to the public, such as locker rooms and star dressing rooms [28, 29]. The surrounding Seattle Center offers a variety of attractions, including the Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), and Chihuly Garden and Glass, making it a vibrant destination for tourists and locals alike [20, 30].
Local tips
- Take public transportation to Climate Pledge Arena; your event ticket often includes a free transit pass [4, 6].
- Arrive early to explore Seattle Center and its attractions, including the Space Needle and MoPOP [20, 30].
- Check the arena's website for specific event day policies, including bag restrictions and camera allowances [2].
- Explore the Climate Collective for diverse and innovative food and beverage options [2].
- Consider pre-purchasing parking in advance, as it can be limited, especially during events [4].
A brief summary to Climate Pledge Arena
- 334 1st Ave N, Seattle, Queen Anne, Washington, 98109, US
- +1206-752-7200
- Visit website
Getting There
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Public Transport
Climate Pledge Arena is easily accessible via public transportation. From downtown Seattle, the Seattle Center Monorail provides a quick and direct connection to Seattle Center, a short walk from the arena [4, 6, 9]. Alternatively, several King County Metro bus routes serve Seattle Center [6, 13]. Your event ticket often includes a free transit pass valid on buses, light rail, and the Monorail [4, 6, 13]. The ride on the monorail is only 90 seconds [4]. Cost: Free with event ticket; otherwise, Monorail fares are $3.50 for adults, $1.75 for youth (6-18) [13].
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Walking
From many downtown Seattle locations, Climate Pledge Arena is accessible by foot. The walk from Pike Place Market is approximately 20-30 minutes, heading north along 1st Avenue [20, 33]. The route is mostly flat, with a slight uphill incline as you approach Seattle Center. Cost: Free
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Ride Share
Ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber offer convenient access to Climate Pledge Arena. However, be aware of designated drop-off and pick-up zones, as some streets near the arena may be restricted [4]. Popular drop-off locations include Republican Street & Warren Avenue N, the MoPOP turnaround, Mercer Street – McCaw Hall Drop Off Zone, and Denny Way – Pacific Science Center Drop Off Zone [4]. Expect higher fares during peak event times. Cost: Ride-share fares vary depending on distance and demand, but a typical short trip from downtown could range from $15-$30.
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Driving
If driving, several parking garages are available near Climate Pledge Arena, including the Arena Garage, 1st Ave N Garage, and 5th Ave Garage [4]. Pre-purchasing parking is recommended, especially during events, to secure a spot and potentially save money [4, 18]. Cost: Event parking rates typically range from $20-$45 [21]. Hourly rates on non-event days start at $7 [4].
