Amazon Climate Pledge

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Lore & Background

Inside the Climate Pledge Arena, the atmosphere is distinctively Pacific Northwest, blending the deep teal and dark grey aesthetics of the Kraken with the region's commitment to green technology. The venue has quickly become a pilgrimage site for fans who remember the old days of the Sonics, now channeling that same civic pride into the Kraken. From the moment the doors open, the space vibrates with a unique energy, where the roar of the crowd mingles with the hum of sustainable systems, symbolizing a new era for Seattle sports.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the arena is crisp and cool as the lights dim to a deep, oceanic teal. A low rumble begins in the stands, not from an engine, but from thousands of fans tapping their sticks on the ice boards in unison. The sound builds into a deafening roar that shakes the glass, echoing off the high ceiling where solar panels silently power the floodlights above. In the center circle, the puck drops, and the city holds its breath, ready to witness history unfold on the ice beneath them.

Reader's Guide

The Climate Pledge Arena is a sleek, modern venue characterized by its open sightlines and sustainable design features, including geothermal cooling and solar power integration. The interior is dominated by the team's signature teal and dark grey color scheme, creating an immersive underwater aesthetic that fits the Kraken identity. A defining tradition here is 'The Kraken Call,' a ritual where fans stomp their feet and bang on surfaces to create a rhythmic, thunderous sound intended to intimidate opponents. This unique auditory experience has become a staple of home games, turning the arena into a deafening fortress that visitors find difficult to navigate. The fanbase is diverse, reflecting Seattle's tech-savvy population alongside generations of die-hard hockey enthusiasts who waited decades for this moment. The local identity blends a love for nature and innovation with a fierce competitive spirit, creating a welcoming yet intimidating environment where every game feels like a community celebration.

Did You Know?

• The arena was the first NHL-specific arena to achieve LEED Platinum certification upon its renovation completion (the Golden 1 Center, an NBA arena, achieved it earlier).
• It features a geothermal system that utilizes the earth's natural heat to regulate the building's temperature.
• The venue replaced the old KeyArena name entirely, symbolizing a fresh start for Seattle sports under a naming rights deal with Amazon.
• Seattle was one of several major US cities without an NHL team until the Kraken arrived in 2021.

Foundational History and Market Demand

The path to Seattle's return to professional hockey began long before the modern franchise existed. The city's deep roots trace back to the Seattle Metropolitans, who made history in 1917 as the first American team to capture the Stanley Cup, though they folded by 1924. Decades later, the Seattle Totems kept the sport alive in the Western Hockey League until 1975. By 2012, NHL interest surged, with statistical analysis revealing Seattle possessed the largest base of avid fans among U.S. markets without a team. Speculation intensified when the Phoenix Coyotes faced relocation threats in 2013, prompting a contingency plan for local investors to purchase and move the franchise. Although Glendale ultimately retained the Coyotes, the momentum continued. In late 2017, the city approved arena renovations with Oak View Group, leading to the NHL Board's unanimous approval of an expansion application in December 2018. This paved the way for a $650 million investment that officially established the Seattle Kraken as the league's 32nd member in April 2021.

Building the Roster and Expansion Draft

Constructing a competitive team required strategic leadership, beginning with the hiring of Ron Francis as general manager in mid-2019. Francis prioritized speed, character, and competitiveness when shaping the roster. The organization officially unveiled its identity in July 2020, selecting the name 'Seattle Kraken' along with distinct branding and jersey designs. A unique pre-draft free agency period allowed Seattle to secure key players like Adam Larsson, Jamie Oleksiak, and Chris Driedger before other teams could intervene. The expansion draft itself was a historic spectacle held at Gas Works Park, drawing over 4,000 spectators in an event mirroring the 2017 Vegas Golden Knights process. Following this, the Kraken utilized their second-overall pick in the entry draft to select Matty Beniers from the University of Michigan, a standout center who had led NCAA rookies in goals the previous season. These foundational moves set the stage for the team's inaugural free agency signings and the appointment of Mark Giordano as the first captain.

Inaugural Season and Playoff Breakthrough

The Kraken commenced their journey on October 12, 2021, suffering a narrow opening-night loss to Vegas before securing their first victory against Nashville two days later. Their inaugural season at Climate Pledge Arena proved challenging; the team finished last in the Pacific Division with only 60 points, marking a difficult start for the expansion franchise. However, resilience defined their second year. During the 2022–23 campaign, Seattle surged to a 46–28–8 record, accumulating 100 points and clinching the Western Conference's first playoff wild card spot. This momentum carried into the postseason, where they faced the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Colorado Avalanche. In a stunning upset that went the full seven games, the Kraken eliminated the Avalanche, becoming the first expansion team in history to win their initial playoff series against the reigning champion. Although their run ended in the second round against the Dallas Stars, this achievement cemented their status as a formidable new force in the league.

Coaching Turmoil and Recent Regression

Following their historic playoff appearance, the Kraken experienced significant volatility in subsequent seasons. The 2023–24 campaign saw a sharp decline, with the team missing the playoffs after scoring only 81 points and 217 goals. This performance triggered a major leadership change: head coach Dave Hakstol was dismissed and replaced by Dan Bylsma. Unfortunately, stability remained elusive as the team regressed further in the 2024–25 season, managing just 76 points. The front office responded with another sweeping overhaul, parting ways with Bylsma to hire Lane Lambert as head coach while simultaneously replacing general manager Ron Francis with Jason Botterill, moving Francis to president of hockey operations. Despite these adjustments, the 2025–26 season yielded only 79 points, resulting in a second consecutive missed playoff appearance. This period highlights the ongoing challenges the franchise faces in maintaining consistency and translating early promise into sustained success.

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