The Climate Pledge Arena, home of the NHL’s Seattle Kraken and WNBA’s Seattle Storm, is situated on the west side of one of the most popular areas in Seattle known as the Seattle Center.
The Seattle Center draws crowds year-round for hockey games, basketball games, concerts, conventions, and shows at neighboring performing arts centers.
The Climate Pledge Arena has something for everyone, but because of that, driving to the arena may require an extra step of planning. With both venues attracting large groups of tourists and local sports fans alike, it is helpful for patrons to make a plan for parking before heading to the area.
If you are planning to drive directly to the next Seattle Kraken hockey game, here are the best places to park for the game.
Official Climate Pledge Arena Parking
The Climate Pledge Arena is located at 334 1st Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98109 inside the grounds of the Seattle Center. There are four main parking garages that surround the center.
Official parking garages provide the closest parking for any event at the Climate Pledge Arena. Though the campus offers ample parking for all events, these parking garages come with a higher price for larger events. These spots are considered the safest parking available and typically fill up first.
Arena Underground Garage
The underground garage is the closest to the Climate Pledge Arena. It has an easy entry point at 150 Lenny Wilkens Way. This parking deck has multiple levels, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and convenient ADA parking. You cannot get any closer than this location as it is just below the ice.
1st Avenue N Garage
This garage is just south of the arena with entries on Warren Avenue N and John Street. The walk to a game from this garage is less than 5 minutes.
5th Avenue N Garage
This garage is east of the Seattle Center. The 5th Avenue Garage is located at 516 Harrison Street and has entrances on both Harrison Street and Republican Street.
Mercer Street Garage
This garage is north of the Seattle Center. It is close to the Seattle Repertory Theater, the Cornish Playhouse, and McCaw Hall. Entries to this garage are on both 3rd Avenue N and 4th Avenue N.
Climate Pledge Arena Parking Garage Prices
The official garages for the Seattle Center and Climate Pledge Arena are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. According to the Seattle Center Visitor Info site, pricing ranges from just $6 an hour to $30 for 24-hour parking.
Most eventgoers pay between $20 and $30 on average to park at these garages. However, prices are subject to change without notice, and these lots may have higher-than-normal pricing during high-demand events.
Free Parking Near the Climate Pledge Arena
Street parking spots are ample in the Queen Anne area of downtown Seattle. Spots are often found for very cheap or for free here. However, street spots are prioritized for residents that live in the area. During Seattle Kraken games or any other major events at the Seattle Center, these street spots are harder to find, and prices for street spots can be higher than normal during those times.
For events expected to bring more than 10,000 attendees, the Seattle Department of Transportation enforces rates that range from $3 an hour to $8 an hour depending on the time of day you park.
Private Parking Lots Near the Seattle Center
The Seattle Center brings in tourists from across the state. This means there are many privately-owned parking lots in addition to garages. To take advantage of private lots but still be close to the arena, drivers can utilize the multitude of lots on the west side of the Seattle Center.
Though private parking lots are plenty in the Queen Anne area, these lots are much smaller than the garages and fill on a first-come, first-serve basis. These lots are also often uncovered.
Get to the city early to grab one of these spots and bring whatever is needed to walk to the arena in the Seattle weather. First Avenue N, Queen Anne Avenue N, and 1st Avenue W offer lots that can range in price from $5 to $20 for a spot with a short 10-15 minute walk to the arena after parking.
Accessible Parking Near Climate Pledge Arena
The Arena Underground Garage, 1st Avenue N Garage, and 5th Avenue N Garage have convenient ADA parking and are van accessible. The Mercer Street garage also offers ADA parking, but ADA spots at the Mercer garage may not be accessible to all vans due to height restrictions.
Arena visitors can book ADA spots at Seattle Center official garages before arrival to ensure a safe parking experience for anyone needing this accessibility. Be sure to have any ADA or accessible parking pass requirements visible in your vehicle when utilizing these spots.
Parking Downtown and Taking the Monorail
The grounds of the Seattle Center are just one mile away from the famous Space Needle in downtown Seattle. The Seattle Center’s Monorail, a highly-regarded and well-run landmark in Seattle, runs directly along 5th Avenue from the arena to downtown in just 90 seconds. This makes getting to the arena a breeze if you are already parked downtown.
Taking the monorail from downtown a mile away is considered the fastest way to get to the arena if you do not want to park closer to the arena. Downtown Seattle also offers even more parking opportunities if all lots closest to the center are full.
Wrap Up
The Climate Pledge Arena and Seattle Center are great places to enjoy games and experience vibrant Seattle life. The location of the arena and the amenities of the area make the center a great place to catch a game and hang out around town when the game is over.
Visitors to the arena do not have to book the most expensive parking spot in the area to ensure a great time at any of these events. Make sure you choose the best option for you and plan your trip before heading to the Seattle Center to take advantage of all the campus has to offer.
James is a big time NBA Golden State follower, who makes sure to catch games when he's in the area. He likes to follow International Soccer, with an interest in small town soccer club, Blackburn Rovers located in the North on the UK.