Seattle Storm
Venue and travel guide
Venue and location
Address
334 1st Ave N
Source statement; not independently verified.
City
Seattle
Source statement; not independently verified.
State
WA
Source statement; not independently verified.
Venue name
Climate Pledge Arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Zip code
98109
Source statement; not independently verified.
Parking
Cheapest
Third-party area lots/garages (advertised from ~$5) via parking apps, or park downtown and ride the Monorail; transit is strongly encouraged over driving
Source statement; not independently verified.
Guide url
https://climatepledgearena.com/transportation#driving-parking
Source statement; not independently verified.
Accessible parking
Closest ADA parking is in the Arena Garage and 1st Ave N Garage
Source statement; not independently verified.
Hours
On event days garages open with the event; non-event-day arena garages run 6 AM–12 AM (midnight)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Payment
Pre-purchase online or via the Kraken + CPA Mobile App; cashless/card and contactless on-site. Non-event days are walk-up only (no pre-purchase)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Prepaid
Yes — pre-purchase via climatepledgearena.com links or the Kraken + CPA Mobile App
Source statement; not independently verified.
Prices
Event-day garage rates vary by event (commonly ~$25–$50+); third-party area lots advertised as low as ~$5 with a longer walk. Non-event-day arena garages start at $7/hour + tax
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Climate Pledge Arena encourages transit-first access and has limited on-site parking. The 1st Avenue North Garage and 5th Avenue North Garage offer pre-paid parking only, available through the Climate Pledge Arena app. Rates typically range from $30-$60. Multiple private lots within walking distance offer variable rates. ADA parking is available in on-site garages. The arena strongly recommends using public transit due to limited parking.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Public transport
Heavily promoted as the fastest/greenest option. Served by the Seattle Center Monorail (from Westlake), extensive King County Metro bus routes, and light rail (transfer to Monorail/bus). Every publicly ticketed event includes a free King County transit pass
Source statement; not independently verified.
Tailgating
N/A — indoor arena; no dedicated tailgating areas in the urban Seattle Center setting
Source statement; not independently verified.
Traffic
1st Ave N (rideshare drop-off/pickup is prohibited there pre-event and for 45 min post-event); Mercer Street corridor and Denny Way are typical congestion points around Seattle Center
Source statement; not independently verified.
Types
Three garages — Arena Garage (underground, arena-operated, complimentary EV charging), 1st Ave N Garage (arena-operated, south of arena across Lenny Wilkens Way), and Seattle Center 5th Ave N Garage (Seattle Center-operated, east side of campus). Many additional area lots/garages bookable via app
Source statement; not independently verified.
Public transportation
Airport connection
From SEA Airport, take Link light rail (1 Line) to Westlake Station, then transfer to the Monorail; ~15 miles total
Source statement; not independently verified.
App
King County Metro Trip Planner (tripplanner.kingcounty.gov), Transit app, and the Kraken + CPA Mobile App
Source statement; not independently verified.
Best option
Park downtown and ride the Seattle Center Monorail — the arena calls it the fastest way to and from events
Source statement; not independently verified.
Bus routes
Extensive King County Metro service to Seattle Center/Uptown (e.g., routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 13, 32, and RapidRide D Line nearby)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fare
ORCA card, credit/debit, and contactless accepted (Monorail also takes these). Every publicly ticketed event ticket includes a free King County transit pass valid 2 hours before doors through 2 hours after the event (also works on the Monorail)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Ferry
Washington State Ferries / King County Water Taxi serve downtown waterfront; transfer to bus or Monorail to reach the arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Nearest station
Seattle Center Monorail station (steps from arena); light rail connects via Westlake Station downtown
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
King County Metro buses (Routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 13, 24, 33, D Line) serve the Seattle Center area. The Seattle Center Monorail connects to Westlake Station (downtown) for $3.50 each way. Link Light Rail: Westlake Station (transfer to Monorail). Bus fare: $2.75. The Monorail is the most popular transit option for arena events.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Rail lines
Seattle Center Monorail (Westlake–Seattle Center); Sound Transit Link light rail (1 Line) via Westlake with transfer to Monorail or bus
Source statement; not independently verified.
Tips
Activate the free transit pass in the Kraken + CPA app before arriving; the pass also covers the Monorail
Source statement; not independently verified.
Walking distance
Monorail station is a short walk (about 2 minutes) to the arena; many bus stops within 5–10 minutes
Source statement; not independently verified.
Shuttles
Cost
N/A
Source statement; not independently verified.
Dropoff
N/A
Source statement; not independently verified.
Frequency
N/A — covered by Monorail (frequent service) and Metro routes
Source statement; not independently verified.
Notes
The Seattle Center Monorail functions as the de facto shuttle between downtown (Westlake) and the arena, a ~90-second/2-minute ride
Source statement; not independently verified.
Operator
N/A
Source statement; not independently verified.
Park ride
King County Metro / Sound Transit park-and-ride lots feed light rail and bus connections to Seattle Center; the arena recommends parking at transit stations
Source statement; not independently verified.
Pickup
N/A
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
No dedicated shuttle service. The Seattle Center Monorail provides frequent 2-minute service between Seattle Center and Westlake Center in downtown Seattle. Multiple King County Metro bus routes serve the Seattle Center area.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Routes
N/A — no dedicated arena shuttle; the arena directs guests to public transit (Monorail, bus, light rail)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Schedule
N/A — see public transit
Source statement; not independently verified.
Bicycles
Overview
Bike racks are available throughout the Seattle Center campus surrounding Climate Pledge Arena. The campus has dedicated bike paths. The Elliott Bay Trail provides a scenic waterfront route. Lime and Veo bikeshare services operate throughout Seattle.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Rack locations
Short-term bike parking around the plaza, primarily at the Northeast corner of the East Plaza (personal lock required)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Secure
BikeLink bicycle lockers in the 1st Ave N Garage, first-come, first-served
Source statement; not independently verified.
Share cost
BikeLink lockers require a BikeLink card or mobile app (usage-based fee); short-term plaza racks are free
Source statement; not independently verified.
Share station
Seattle operates dockless bike/scooter share around Seattle Center; park rental scooters/bikes in designated sidewalk zones
Source statement; not independently verified.
Tips
Use the many protected bike lanes surrounding the arena; bring a personal lock for plaza racks
Source statement; not independently verified.
Accessibility
Accessible parking
Closest accessible parking in the Arena Garage and 1st Ave N Garage
Source statement; not independently verified.
Assistive listening
Assistive listening devices available
Source statement; not independently verified.
Dropoff
Accessible drop-off coordinated near the ADA garage areas; rideshare/accessible drop-offs use designated campus zones (Republican St & Warren Ave N, McCaw Hall, etc.)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Elevators
Elevators serve all concourse levels throughout the venue (fully ADA accessible)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fun fact
The arena underwent a full reconstruction beneath its preserved historic 44-million-pound roof, with accessibility upgrades throughout the 2021 rebuild
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Climate Pledge Arena is fully ADA-compliant. Accessible seating is available on all levels. All entrances are wheelchair accessible. Elevators serve every level. The Monorail and Seattle Center campus are accessible. Assistive listening devices, sensory kits, ASL interpretation, and wheelchair escort services available at Guest Services. Accessible parking in all garages. Service animals welcome. The arena was redesigned with accessibility as a priority.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Restrooms
Accessible restrooms available throughout all levels
Source statement; not independently verified.
Service animals
ADA-defined trained service animals welcome; must stay leashed/harnessed and rest in the guest's seating area (not the aisle). Animal relief areas accessed via Alaska Airlines Entry 8 on the Upper Concourse
Source statement; not independently verified.
Wheelchair seating
Wheelchair and low-mobility seating available on all levels; purchase via Ticketmaster by filtering "Show accessible tickets."
Source statement; not independently verified.
Food and vendors
Cashless
Yes — fully cashless; Apple Pay, Google Pay, and major cards accepted. Reverse ATMs (cash-to-card) available for guests with cash
Source statement; not independently verified.
Craft beer
Local craft beer including Fremont Brewing (Sky Kraken) and other regional brews
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fun fact
Climate Pledge Arena bills itself as the world's first net-zero-carbon-certified arena, and its food program emphasizes local, low-carbon sourcing
Source statement; not independently verified.
Local
Ballard Pizza Co., Mercer St. Mac, Yugo, and other curated local/PNW partners; commitment to source ~75% of ingredients within 300 miles
Source statement; not independently verified.
Mobile ordering
Yes — supported via Amazon "Just Walk Out" (JWO) and Amazon One palm-pay technology for contactless concessions
Source statement; not independently verified.
Notable stands
Amazon Go-style "Just Walk Out" markets; Tom's Watch Bar; Climate Collective local-vendor stands
Source statement; not independently verified.
Parking Apps Accepted
Kraken + CPA Mobile App for parking pre-purchase; cashless card/contactless payment
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Climate Pledge Arena features an all-electric, sustainable food and beverage program — the first in professional sports. Local Seattle vendors, Pacific Northwest-sourced ingredients, craft beer from Washington breweries, and innovative plant-based options. The Storm Team Store is on the main concourse. Fully cashless venue with mobile ordering throughout.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Signature food
Local-chef and Pacific Northwest-inspired fare via the arena's "Climate Collective" program — e.g., Italian beefs, sushi hand-rolls, and other PNW dishes; signature drinks include the Kraken Rum Punch
Source statement; not independently verified.
Vegetarian
Plant-based and allergy-friendly options widely available throughout the arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Venue history
Architect
Paul A. Thiry (1962); NBBJ (1995 renovation); Populous (2021 reconstruction). CAA ICON project manager; Mortenson general contractor (2021)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Construction cost
$7 million (1962); $74.5 million (1995); approximately $1.15 billion (2021 reconstruction)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Famous moments
Hosted the 1996 NBA Finals (SuperSonics); Seattle Storm WNBA championship runs (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020 — title-clinchers were at the Storm's older home or bubble, but the franchise's KeyArena history is celebrated here); 1962 World's Fair landmark structure
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fun fact
The arena's distinctive hyperbolic-paraboloid roof — a 1962 World's Fair landmark — was kept in place and the entire building rebuilt underneath it
Source statement; not independently verified.
Original capacity
~14,000–15,000 in earlier configurations; current basketball capacity 18,300
Source statement; not independently verified.
Original name
Washington State Pavilion (1962); later Washington State Coliseum, Seattle Center Coliseum, then KeyArena (1995–2018)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Originally built for the 1962 Seattle World's Fair as the Washington State Coliseum. Underwent a $1.15 billion redevelopment, reopening in October 2021 as Climate Pledge Arena — the world's first International Living Future Institute Net Zero Carbon certified arena. The Seattle Storm have played here since 2021 (previously at KeyArena at the same location, 2000-2018). Four-time WNBA champions. The arena features a living wall, all-electric operations, and rainwater-to-ice conversion.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Renovations
1964; 1994–95 (became KeyArena); 2018–2021 full reconstruction preserving the landmark roof, reopening as Climate Pledge Arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Retired numbers
Storm banners include championship and retired-number honors (e.g., Sue Bird's No. 10 and Lauren Jackson's No. 15 retired by the Storm); SuperSonics legacy banners also tied to the building's history
Source statement; not independently verified.
Venue details
Capacity
18,300
Source statement; not independently verified.
Climate
Fully enclosed, climate-controlled indoor arena; marketed as the world's first certified net-zero-carbon arena, powered by renewable electricity
Source statement; not independently verified.
Elevation
Approximately 100 ft above sea level (Seattle Center / Uptown)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Levels
Multiple concourse/seating levels (lower bowl, suite/club level, upper bowl)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Premium
Premium seating, clubs, and luxury suites available (see climatepledgearena.com/premium-seating)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Basketball seating capacity: approximately 18,300. The iconic roof from the 1962 World's Fair was preserved and now hovers above a completely rebuilt arena bowl. Standard 94-foot basketball court. The arena sits within the 74-acre Seattle Center campus featuring the Space Needle, MoPOP, and Chihuly Garden and Glass.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Scoreboard
Center-hung high-definition video scoreboard installed in the 2021 reconstruction
Source statement; not independently verified.
Shared tenants
NHL Seattle Kraken, PWHL Seattle Torrent, and (NCAA) Seattle Redhawks share the venue
Source statement; not independently verified.
Surface
Hardwood basketball court (portable over the ice/event floor)
Source statement; not independently verified.