Climate Pledge Arena visitor guide: everything you need to know

Situated in the bustling Seattle Center entertainment hub, Climate Pledge Arena is the city’s premier indoor sports and entertainment venue. Originally called the Seattle Center Coliseum, the arena was built in 1962 and was the home of the NBA’s Seattle Supersonics for years before the franchise left the market. 

The facility has recently undergone massive renovations and a name change that leaves nothing up to interpretation. Having been reopened, Climate Pledge Arena is now home to the NHL’s Seattle Kraken. The arena also hosts some of the largest concerts to come through Seattle. 

While its 17,000 capacity and programming may resemble a normal venue, Climate Pledge Arena is anything but. With a strong focus on sustainability, the arena is powered almost entirely by renewable energy like solar and wind. The ethos extends to the city’s commitment to accessibility via eco-friendly transportation like public transit and cycling. 

Climate Pledge Arena is conveniently located near many of the city’s best attractions, so it’s easy to fit in a full day of sightseeing before the show or game. If you’re traveling and find yourself stuck with your bags, you’ll need to arrange a place to store them during the show because of the arena’s bag policy. Climate Pledge Arena luggage storage is easy to find. Bounce has plenty of locations throughout the city, especially near Seattle Center and Climate Pledge Arena.

Climate Pledge Arena bag policy 

The Climate Pledge Arena bag policy is pretty restrictive, as backpacks, all luggage, and most purses are not allowed inside the stadium. Climate Pledge Arena allows one clear bag per customer that is 14″ x 14″ x 6″  or smaller. Small clutch bags or purses that are 4.5″x 6.5″ or smaller are also allowed. 

Climate Pledge Arena does not have onsite bag storage for items of any size, so you’ll need to make arrangements before heading to the stadium. Bounce’s South Lake Union and Space Needle storage spots are very close to Climate Pledge Arena, so it’s as easy as it gets to stop by to drop the bags off before the show. 

Climate Pledge Arena food policy 

All outside food and beverages are prohibited inside the arena. However, according to the Climate Pledge Arena food policy, each customer is permitted to bring in one non-glass reusable water bottle that’s completely empty. There are water fountains throughout the arena for filling up your bottle. 

During the renovations, Climate Pledge Arena was outfitted with premium food and beverage options, with the stadium partnered with a variety of local restaurants and vendors to make each show a unique dining experience. 

Vegan and vegetarian options are available throughout the stadium, with the best plant-based options being the Impossible Market, 1st. Ave Nachos, and Din Tai Fung. 

If you’re not in the mood for stadium food, you’re not short of options. Seattle’s food scene is absolutely incredible, so it’s well worth checking out a few restaurants while you’re in town. Climate Pledge Arena is located near downtown and has excellent dining neighborhoods like Capitol Hill. 

Climate Pledge Arena transportation

It’s not hard to figure out how to get to Climate Pledge Arena. It’s situated at the western corner of Seattle Center, which is a large entertainment complex near downtown where you can visit the iconic Space Needle and a few of the city's museums.

Public transportation

Seattle’s public transportation network is very reliable, with an extensive system of buses and light rail that serve all of downtown. To get to Climate Pledge Arena, you can use the King County Metro buses or Sound Transit's Link Light Rail to reach the "Seattle Center" station.  

Walking

If you’re staying near downtown, Seattle Center and Climate Pledge Arena are both within a 20-minute walk. 

Biking

While Seattle is famously hilly, downtown and the areas along the water are relatively flat and bikeable. Climate Pledge Arena has bike racks for locking up your set of wheels while you’re at the game. 

Taxi and rideshare

Rideshare services like Lyft and Uber are the quickest ways to get to the stadium from around the city. Taxis are less common than they used to be, but you can still hail one downtown, and there will be a line of them at a designated area after the game. 

Seattle Monorail

The Seattle Center Monorail provides a direct connection between the Westlake Center in downtown Seattle and the Seattle Center, making it quick and affordable to get to the game from downtown. 

Climate Pledge Arena camera policy 

Cameras without an external flash or detachable lens are permitted inside the stadium. But the Climate Pledge Arena camera policy is clear in that camcorders, selfie sticks, GoPros, and video equipment are not allowed. Tripods, monopods, and other professional gear are also prohibited without a media credential.

Climate Pledge Arena rules 

Entry 

The gates will open 90 minutes prior to the puck drop for Seattle Kraken games. The same goes for concerts unless otherwise stated on the ticket. 

Permitted items 

Signs are allowed but cannot be larger than 24′′ x 36′′. They cannot be commercial, political, or inappropriate in any way and must be relevant to the event. Flags are allowed so long as the user does not wave them in a way that obstructs the view of other guests. 

Electronics like laptops and tablets are not allowed in the arena. 

Payment

Climate Pledge Arena policies mean that the stadium is completely cashless for concessions and merchandise, so you’ll need a debit card or credit card in order to make purchases. Certain retailers accept mobile payments like Amazon One, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. The arena has also adopted reverse ATMs where customers can exchange cash for a VISA card that can be used anywhere. 

COVID 

Climate Pledge Arena no long requires proof of vaccination or testing in order to attend a game or performance. 

Conclusion 

Catching a hockey game or show at Climate Pledge Arena is one of the best things to do while you’re in Seattle. And while the bag policy is strict, you have plenty of luggage storage options in Seattle through Bounce. Have a few extra hours before the show? There’s so much to do and see in Seattle, including plenty of free activities, museums, and unbelievable places to eat.