On a recent newscast in the Seattle area, the newscaster referred to the newly opened Climate Pledge Arena as Seattle’s newest wonder. While I don’t normally think of sports arenas as wonders, I thought it was an interesting comment on this renewed arena. Seattle has had a football field, a baseball field, and now is excited to have a hockey and basketball arena. The opening of Climate Pledge Arena has been a big deal for the city of Seattle.
For opening weekend free access was provided to the arena so area residents could check it out without paying for a ticket to attend an event there. My wife got us tickets, and so we made plans to view this new addition to Seattle.
Climate Pledge Arena is at the Seattle Center, and parking and traffic there can be expensive and a real pain. Our first priority was determining how to get there. We decided to go with another new addition of Seattle, the Link Light Rail from Northgate. While the light rail system has been in place for a number of years, the Northgate station just recently opened up. At the moment it is the farthest north one can travel on the light rail.
We drove to Northgate and easily found a parking space. We were a little uncertain as to how to get up to the train as it is elevated, and there seemed to be a couple of entrances. However, we figured it out and walked up the stairs to the platform. Having a senior Orca card made it easy to tap on, and it’s only a dollar to ride for seniors.
The trip into town was actually pretty boring. Shortly after leaving Northgate the train goes into a tunnel and stays in the tunnel all the way through Seattle so there is nothing to see except the various station stops. Taking the bus gives riders more things to look at, but it is slower.
We got off at the Westlake Center and climbed up to the third floor. From there we were able to take the monorail to the Seattle Center. That ride is very short and for the distance, much more expensive per mile. However, it is certainly more convenient and faster than taking a bus. The monorail has been a uniquely Seattle experience since the World’s Fair in 1962.
We began our time at the Center by grabbing some lunch at the Armory which visitors can enter right off of the monorail. After we had eaten, we wandered outside to where there was a harvest market going on. The Center had installed nice wooden structures to house those who were selling their items. One side was very much a farmer’s market with fresh fruits and vegetables. The other side had items like hand made soap and other products for sale. The market was part of the celebration of the opening of Climate Pledge Arena.
There was also a stage with live music playing throughout the day. Visitors could hear the music throughout the area as they celebrated the new arena.
Of course in this area one feature dominated the landscape, the Space Needle. This gave me more opportunities to add to my possible perfect Space Needle photos.
After perusing the harvest market, we wandered over to the Climate Pledge Arena. I wanted to walk around the outside of the building to get photos. Some art pieces had been commissioned especially for the arena, and I wanted to check those out as well. We found most of the pieces and also enjoyed going over to the fountain area which has been a centerpiece for the Seattle Center ever since it opened.
As we were walking around outside the weather began to take a turn for the worse. The day’s forecast has been for a rather stormy Sunday, but so far we had only had some drizzle. Now the rain and wind began to pick up. We were still early for our designated entry time to go inside. However, we asked if it was OK if we went in early, and they let us in.
Entering the arena requires more than just a ticket. First we had to show proof of vaccine. The organization had worked out a way with the Clear company to set up information on one’s phone. Before leaving home we had downloaded the information into the Clear app. At the arena we just flashed the app on our phones, and they let inside. The app is free for use at Climate Pledge Arena, and proof of vaccine will be required for everyone who attends an event there for at least the near future.
Once inside we also had to pass through a security check. It seems life has become very complicated of late. If you are attending a game or event at the arena, be sure to arrive early to make sure you get through the lines in time.
Once inside we first went in to check out the arena. From the entrance level we were actually up quite high. From the outside the building doesn’t seem that tall. However, the arena is sunk down quite deep into the ground so it is actually taller than one might expect.
Obviously Climate Pledge Arena is set up for the new Kraken hockey team, but it is also home to Seattle’s WNBA team, the Storm. Their Championship banners hang above the center screen. Of course there is also hope that in the near future the NBA will return to Seattle, and the Sonics will be reinstated and play here.
Seattle based Amazon bought the naming rights to the arena, and they chose the name Climate Pledge Arena. Visitors will see Amazon’s presence in a number of ways throughout the arena. One is in the cashier-less markets they operate throughout the arena. Sensors are able to see what you are taking, and they charge your registered credit card as you leave the market. This is something Amazon has been experimenting with in larger sized markets in the Seattle area. It is one of the elements that makes this arena a wonder.
Another local company whose name is prominent at the arena is Alaska Airlines. They seem to be working closely with Amazon and the arena.
One of the outside walls on the lower floor is a green wall dedicated to explaining the idea behind the name and concept of Climate Pledge Arena. Information is provided about the type of construction done that makes the arena more environmentally friendly. It is certainly a different approach to a sports arena. Time will tell how effective they are in meeting their goals. Nevertheless they have been bold enough to put a name on it that will keep their pledge under scrutiny.
As we wandered around the facility, we saw a lot of the food venues. They were all closed except for Amazon’s markets. However, my observations was that there was as much emphasis on alcoholic beverages as there was on food. In fact on both sides of the arena there were parallel bars that were huge with a lot of seating including bar seating that looked out onto the arena. I guess that’s one way they make their money.
We sat in the seats, and they seemed fairly comfortable. Being a new facility everything seemed quite nice. From below it was interesting to look up and see outside through the upper windows. It showed how deep the arena is.
While the rain had not stopped, we decided to leave. I was still looking for an art piece outside that I had heard about. I did find it. It is intended to be a representative of on octopus, a tribute to the Kraken.
The weather was pretty stormy as we returned to the Armory so we stayed there for a bit until the rain and wind died down some and then returned as we had come via the monorail, the light rail and finally driving home. Except for the weather, it had been an interesting day becoming acquainted with Seattle’s newest wonder.
Climate Pledge Arena will become a major event center in Seattle, I have no doubt. It is unique in a number of ways and adds to Seattle’s image as a place of innovation. While its exterior reminds one of the original Key Arena, its interior has definitely taken a step in a different direction.
Has anyone else had a chance to visit Climate Pledge Arena? Anyone been to a Kraken or Storm game there? I’d love to hear your reactions and experiences. Share those in the comment section below. We all benefit from your thoughts.