The smells of fried chicken and burgers waft in the air, music is pounding out notes high and low, and people are streaming by the thousands into one of the newest, most innovative arenas in the world. Climate Pledge Arena is coming to life for another one of its 200-plus events a year.
You have probably experienced the excitement and buildup to a special moment within the walls of the reborn entertainment venue in Seattle Center. It is an occasion that can be cherished for years.
But that was game day or concert night, where you and friends enjoyed the moment from assigned seats. What if you could see other areas that are usually off-limits? And what if those special spots – usually accessible for luxury seat owners, players or performers – were now available to see?
The operators of Climate Pledge Arena recently launched their expertly guided tours to the public. The hour-plus, walk-through experience takes small groups from the press deck high above the stands to the underbelly of the facility where players and performers hang out before receiving the roar of the crowd. It’s something to behold.
Beyond seeing the physical structure, visitors are guided through the history of the original facility from the 1962 World’s Fair as well as learn more about the land’s original Indigenous inhabitants. Tour guides share the inspiration of the Climate Pledge and the arena’s mission to get to net-zero carbon by 2040 – well ahead of the Paris Accord.
In addition to informational displays, there is an Instagram-worthy Climate Pledge Living Wall covering 1700 sq. ft. of greenery fed by LED lamps and resting within planters made from 100% post-consumer recycled water bottles. There is even a private recording studio for singers and songwriters to collaborate.
Tours take place outside of event hours and can evolve nearly every day they are conducted. That’s because some areas can be off-limits, for example when sports teams are on-site holding meetings or practice. League rules prohibit anyone other than team personnel from being near their workspace.
Tip: Schedule a tour when teams – the NHL’s Kraken, WNBA’s Storm and Seattle University men’s basketball squad – are all playing on the road or enjoying their off-season. That should virtually ensure visitors will be able to explore locker rooms and other exclusive areas.
Speaking from personal experience, the tour is worth the price of admission. The busy summer tourist season – with more than 250 cruise sailings from Seattle each year – should make the Climate Pledge Arena tour a popular attraction along with the Space Needle and other sites around Seattle Center. Learn more about the arena tours here.