History of Climate Pledge Arena in Timeline
Climate Pledge Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Seattle Center, Seattle, Washington. Originally built for the 1962 World's Fair, it underwent a $1.15 billion redevelopment from 2018 to 2021. The renovation preserved its historic exterior and roof, recognized as a Seattle Landmark and listed on national registers. The arena has a capacity of 17,151 for ice hockey and 18,300 for basketball, serving as a modern entertainment venue within a historic structure.
11 hours ago : Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena to Host March Madness Amid NBA Return Rumors.
Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena will host March Madness. The 2025 NCAA Tournament schedule is set. Many brackets were busted early in the competition.
1962: Arena Opened as Washington State Pavilion
In 1962, the arena opened as the Washington State Pavilion for the Century 21 Exposition, designed by architect Paul Thiry.
August 21, 1964: The Beatles Performed at the arena
On August 21, 1964, The Beatles performed at the arena.
1964: Facility Renamed Seattle Center Coliseum and Seattle Totems Move In
In 1964, the facility was renamed the Seattle Center Coliseum, and the Seattle Totems moved into the Coliseum.
1966: The Beatles Performed at the arena
The Beatles performed 2 concerts at the arena on August 25, 1966.
1967: KeyArena Home to SuperSonics
In 1967, KeyArena became the on-and-off home to the Seattle SuperSonics.
1967: Seattle SuperSonics Inaugural Season
In 1967, the Seattle SuperSonics began their inaugural season at the Coliseum and remained the primary tenant for most of their existence.
1967: SuperSonics Founding at the Seattle Center Coliseum
In 1967, the Seattle SuperSonics were founded and began playing at the facility, then known as the Seattle Center Coliseum.
November 12, 1970: Elvis Presley Performed at the arena
On November 12, 1970, Elvis Presley performed at the arena.
1974: Conditional NHL Franchise Grant
In 1974, Seattle was conditionally granted an expansion NHL franchise to begin play in the 1976–77 season.
1974: NBA All-Star Game Hosted
In 1974, the arena hosted the NBA All-Star Game.
April 26, 1976: Elvis Presley Performed at the arena
On April 26, 1976, Elvis Presley performed at the arena.
1976: Calls for Renovation
As early as 1976, calls were made for the renovation of the arena due to its limited expansion potential.
1976: NHL Expansion Commitment
In 1976, the NHL briefly flirted with relocating the Pittsburgh Penguins to Seattle to address a troubled market and fulfill the expansion commitment.
1976: Opening of the Kingdome
In 1976, the new Kingdome opened, initially hosting the NFL's Seahawks and the NASL's Sounders.
1977: Mariners Expansion into the Kingdome
In 1977, MLB's expansion Mariners began playing at the Kingdome.
1977: Seattle Center Improvements
In 1977, Seattle voters passed a bond measure to make improvements to Seattle Center, adding permanent ticketing areas to the arena.
1978: NBA Finals Hosted, Bullets Win
In 1978, the Coliseum hosted the NBA Finals between the Washington Bullets and the SuperSonics, with the Bullets winning in Game 7 in Seattle.
1978: SuperSonics Leave Seattle Center Coliseum
In 1978, the Seattle SuperSonics left the Seattle Center Coliseum.
1979: SuperSonics Win NBA Championship
In 1979, the SuperSonics retaliated against the Washington Bullets, winning Game 5 on the Bullets' home court and capturing the franchise's only championship.
1980: End of Seattle University Redhawks Home Games at KeyArena
In 1980, the Seattle University Redhawks men's basketball team stopped playing their home games at KeyArena, before returning in 2009.
1983: Ackerley Purchases the SuperSonics
In 1983, Barry Ackerley purchased the SuperSonics from Sam Schulman.
1983: Original Seats were Replaced
In 1983, the original seats were replaced while improvements were made to the concourses to compete for concerts after the Tacoma Dome opened.
1984: Start of Season
The 1984-85 season was the last season before the basketball club moved into the Kingdome full-time.
1985: SuperSonics Return to the Arena
In 1985, the Seattle SuperSonics returned to the arena after a seven-season stint at the Kingdome.
January 5, 1986: Rain Delayed Game
On January 5, 1986, the NBA's lone rain-delayed game occurred at the Coliseum when rainwater leaked from the roof onto the court during a Sonics game against the Phoenix Suns.
1987: NBA All-Star Saturday Festivities
In 1987, the arena hosted NBA All-Star Saturday festivities, including the legends game where Freddie Brown was MVP, Larry Bird won the three-point contest, and Michael Jordan won the slam-dunk competition.
July 1990: City Council Approves SoDo Arena Deal
In July 1990, the city council approved a deal for a privately-owned $100 million facility to be built on Ackerley land in SoDo, despite objections over traffic and parking.
September 15, 1990: NHL Expansion Application Deadline
On September 15, 1990, Ackerley committed to submitting an expansion application to the NHL by a deadline as part of the arena deal.
December 5, 1990: Ackerley Withdraws NHL Expansion Application
On December 5, 1990, Barry Ackerley and Bill Lear withdrew their NHL expansion application, leaving Chris Larson and Bill MacFarland stunned.
1990: Arena Proposals and Land Purchase
In 1990, the Ackerleys discussed building an arena near Bellevue Square and eventually purchased land in the SoDo district near the Kingdome, including the site that would later become T-Mobile Park.
1990: Goodwill Games Basketball Competitions
In 1990, the arena hosted the basketball competitions of the Goodwill Games.
June 1991: Ackerley Announces Project Will Not Move Forward
In June 1991, Ackerley announced that the arena project would not move forward due to increasing costs, legal disputes, and inability to secure construction financing.
May 1993: City Council Approves Revenue Sharing Plan
In May 1993, the city council voted 7-2 in favor of a revenue sharing plan with the Sonics, who signed a 15-year lease agreement.
1993: Extensive Renovation Planned
After the 1993-94 season, an extensive renovation was planned for the facility, which necessitated the relocation of SuperSonics home games.
1993: Metallica's Filming for Live Shit: Binge & Purge
In 1993, Metallica filmed the first of three live videos for their 1993 live concert box set Live Shit: Binge & Purge at the arena.
June 16, 1994: Construction Begins on Coliseum Rebuild
Construction on the Coliseum rebuild began on June 16, 1994.
1994: SuperSonics Relocate to Tacoma Dome
Due to renovations, the Seattle SuperSonics relocated to the Tacoma Dome for the 1994-95 season.
April 11, 1995: Coliseum Renamed KeyArena
On April 11, 1995, the city sold the naming rights to KeyCorp, and the Coliseum was renamed KeyArena.
October 26, 1995: Reopening of Renovated Arena
On October 26, 1995, the doors to the newly renovated arena opened. The remodel maintained the original roofline while adding 3,000 more seats by lowering the court 35 feet below street level. Recycled materials were used in the construction.
November 4, 1995: SuperSonics First Regular Season Game at KeyArena
On November 4, 1995, the SuperSonics played their first regular season game at the rechristened KeyArena against the Los Angeles Lakers.
1995: SuperSonics Play at Tacoma Dome During Renovation
During the 1994–95 season, the SuperSonics played their home games at the Tacoma Dome due to renovations.
1995: Arena Renamed KeyArena
In 1995, the arena was renamed KeyArena after KeyCorp bought the naming rights.
1995: Arena Renovation and Capacity Expansion
With the 1995 renovation, KeyArena's capacity was expanded, offering various seating configurations for basketball, ice hockey, concerts, and boxing events.
1996: America West Arena, Home to Coyotes
In 1996, America West Arena became home to the Coyotes.
1996: 1996 NBA Finals Hosted at KeyArena
In 1996, the renovated arena hosted the NBA Finals in its first season, where the SuperSonics were defeated by the Chicago Bulls in six games.
1999: NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament
In 1999, KeyArena hosted early rounds of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
2003: America West Arena, Home to Coyotes
In 2003, America West Arena became home to the Coyotes.
April 25, 2005: U2 Vertigo Tour
On April 24, and April 25, 2005 U2 performed at KeyArena as part of their Vertigo Tour. Kings of Leon was the opening act.
September 9, 2005: Destiny's Child Destiny Fulfilled... and Lovin' It Tour
On September 9, 2005, Destiny's Child performed at the arena during their Destiny Fulfilled... and Lovin' It farewell tour, marking their second-to-last performance before splitting up.
July 18, 2006: Agreement to Sell SuperSonics to Oklahoma City Ownership Group
On July 18, 2006, Howard Schultz agreed to sell the SuperSonics to an ownership group from Oklahoma City, led by Clay Bennett, after failing to find a local ownership group.
October 24, 2006: NBA Owners Approve Sale of SuperSonics
On October 24, 2006, NBA owners approved the sale of the SuperSonics to the Professional Basketball Club LLC (PBC), led by Clay Bennett, for $350 million. The new owners were required to use "good faith best efforts" to secure a new arena lease in Seattle within 12 months.
2006: Initiative 91 Passed in Seattle
In 2006, 74% of Seattle voters passed Initiative 91, restricting the use of tax dollars for arena projects unless the city could profit from the investment.
February 12, 2007: Proposal for New Arena in Renton
On February 12, 2007, Clay Bennett proposed using tax money for a new $500 million arena in Renton, a suburb of Seattle.
April 2007: Bennett Abandons Arena Plan
In April 2007, Clay Bennett gave up his attempt to reach a deal for a new arena by the end of the legislative session.
August 13, 2007: Aubrey McClendon's Controversial Statement
On August 13, 2007, Aubrey McClendon, a minor partner in Bennett's ownership group, stated that the team was purchased to relocate it to Oklahoma City, leading to a $250,000 fine by the NBA.
September 23, 2007: City of Seattle Files Lawsuit to Keep SuperSonics
On September 23, 2007, the City of Seattle filed a lawsuit in an attempt to prevent the SuperSonics from leaving before the end of their lease in 2010.
October 31, 2007: Bennett Informs NBA of Intent to Move SuperSonics
On October 31, 2007, Clay Bennett informed NBA commissioner David Stern of the ownership group's intention to move the SuperSonics to Oklahoma City as soon as legally possible.
November 2, 2007: SuperSonics Announce Move to Oklahoma City
On November 2, 2007, the SuperSonics announced they would move to Oklahoma City as soon as they could get out of their KeyArena lease.
April 13, 2008: Last SuperSonics Game at KeyArena
On April 13, 2008, the last SuperSonics game was played at KeyArena, resulting in a 99–95 win over the Dallas Mavericks.
April 18, 2008: NBA Approves Relocation of SuperSonics
On April 18, 2008, the NBA Board of Governors approved the relocation of the SuperSonics.
June 16, 2008: "Save Our Sonics" Rally
On June 16, 2008, a rally organized by "Save Our Sonics" drew over 3,000 participants to protest the proposed relocation of the team.
July 2, 2008: Settlement Reached in SuperSonics Lawsuit
On July 2, 2008, a settlement was reached between the city and the team, with PBC paying Seattle $45 million to break the lease and an additional $30 million if Seattle did not get a replacement team in five years. The Sonics' name and colors could be used by a future Seattle team. The team moved to Oklahoma City and became the Oklahoma City Thunder.
2008: Settlement with SuperSonics bolsters arena finances
In 2008, Arena finances were bolstered for several years by a payment following the settlement with the SuperSonics.
2008: Thunderbirds Move
In 2008, the Thunderbirds moved to nearby Kent, after KeyArena lost the SuperSonics.
February 2009: WNBA's Storm Lease Approved
In February 2009, the Seattle City Council approved a new 10-year lease that would keep the WNBA's Storm at KeyArena.
March 2009: New Naming Rights Deal
In March 2009, the city and KeyCorp signed a new naming rights deal for a two-year term, ending December 31, 2010, at an annual fee of $300,000.
2009: WWE No Way Out at KeyArena
In 2009, KeyArena hosted the WWE No Way Out pay-per-view event.
2009: Seattle University Redhawks Home Games at KeyArena
In 2009, the Seattle University Redhawks men's basketball team began playing their home games at KeyArena for the first time since 1980.
March 9, 2010: WWE Taping at KeyArena
On March 9, 2010, the WWE taped an episode of NXT at KeyArena.
2010: KeyCorp Naming Rights Deal Concluded
At the end of 2010, the naming rights deal with KeyCorp concluded, but the building maintained the KeyArena name.
2010: SuperSonics Lease Expiration
In 2010, the SuperSonics' lease was expected to expire.
2010: End of SuperSonics Lease
In 2010, the SuperSonics' lease with KeyArena ended.
December 31, 2010: End of Naming Rights Deal
On December 31, 2010, the naming rights deal between the city and KeyCorp ended.
January 21, 2011: KeyCorp Naming Rights Agreement Ends
On January 21, 2011, Seattle Center announced that KeyCorp would not renew its agreement for the naming rights of KeyArena, after 15 years of sponsorship. The venue retained the KeyArena name until its redevelopment.
March 26, 2011: UFC Fight Night: Nogueira vs. Davis
On March 26, 2011, Climate Pledge Arena hosted UFC Fight Night: Nogueira vs. Davis, marking the beginning of several UFC events held at the arena.
April 2011: Professional Bull Riders at KeyArena
In April 2011, the Professional Bull Riders brought the Built Ford Tough Series to KeyArena for the first time.
May 22, 2011: WWE Over the Limit at KeyArena
On May 22, 2011, KeyArena hosted the WWE Over the Limit pay-per-view event.
2011: Seattle Auditions for The X Factor
Between June 28 and 30, 2011, KeyArena hosted the Seattle audition stages for the first season of the Fox singer search program, The X Factor.
January 2012: KeyArena as Temporary NHL Venue
In January 2012, ESPN.com reporter Scott Burnside suggested KeyArena could be an acceptable temporary venue for an NHL franchise, depending on a future arena plan.
February 2012: NBA Team Could Temporarily Use KeyArena
In February 2012, KING 5 reporter Chris Daniels suggested that an NBA team could also use KeyArena as a temporary home.
February 2012: KeyArena Unsuitable for NHL
In February 2012, SB Nation columnist Travis Hughes argued that KeyArena was unsuitable for NHL hockey, even as a temporary facility, due to sightline issues.
July 2012: Re-Exploration of KeyArena for NBA/NHL
In July 2012, at a public town hall meeting, anti-arena proponents wanted to "re-explore" using KeyArena instead of a proposed downtown site for a new NBA/NHL arena.
December 8, 2012: UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Diaz
On December 8, 2012, Climate Pledge Arena hosted UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Diaz, continuing its history of hosting UFC events.
2012: Madonna's MDNA Tour Concerts
In 2012, Madonna performed two sold-out concerts at the venue as part of The MDNA Tour, drawing 23,651 attendees and grossing $3.7 million.
July 27, 2013: UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Moraga
On July 27, 2013, Climate Pledge Arena hosted UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Moraga, adding to its record of UFC events.
December 2013: Macklemore and Ryan Lewis's 2013 World Tour
In December 2013, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis concluded their 2013 World Tour in support of their album The Heist at KeyArena, becoming the first Seattle-based act to play three consecutive shows there.
2014: The International Comes to KeyArena
From 2014 to 2017, American video game developer Valve hosted The International, the world championship for Dota 2 eSports, at KeyArena.
2014: Contingency Plan for Coyotes
In 2014, speculation arose regarding contingency plan of Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena
2015: NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament
In 2015, KeyArena hosted early rounds of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
March 24, 2016: Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band Concert
On March 24, 2016, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band performed a nearly four-hour concert during The River Tour 2016, including a guest appearance by Eddie Vedder.
September 16, 2016: Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions
On September 16, 2016, KeyArena hosted the Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions.
October 2016: City to Seek Proposals for KeyArena Redevelopment
In October 2016, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray announced the city would seek proposals to redevelop KeyArena into an NBA and NHL-ready venue, following the rejection of a new arena proposal in SoDo.
2016: The International
In 2016, the prize pool for Valve's The International reached over $20 million.
April 2017: Proposals Submitted to the city to redevelop the arena
In April 2017, Seattle Partners (led by AEG and Hudson Pacific Properties) and the Oak View Group submitted proposals to the city to redevelop KeyArena, securing partnerships and NHL support.
April 29, 2017: Match for Africa 4
On April 29, 2017, Roger Federer organized a tennis exhibition match at KeyArena called Match for Africa 4, raising over $2 million for the Roger Federer Foundation.
June 7, 2017: OVG Selected as Preferred Bidder
On June 7, 2017, the Oak View Group (OVG) was selected by the city as the preferred bidder for the redevelopment of KeyArena.
August 2, 2017: Landmark Status Approved
On August 2, 2017, the landmark status of KeyArena's exterior, including its roof, was approved by a city-appointed landmarks preservation board.
December 4, 2017: City Council Approves MOU with OVG
On December 4, 2017, the Seattle City Council approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Oak View Group (OVG) to rebuild KeyArena by 2020.
2017: The International Comes to KeyArena
From 2014 to 2017, American video game developer Valve hosted The International, the world championship for Dota 2 eSports, at KeyArena.
2017: Original Exterior and Roof Declared a Seattle Landmark
In 2017, the original exterior and roof of the arena were declared a Seattle Landmark.
February 2018: Interested Parties Approached OVG Regarding Naming Rights
In February 2018, it was reported that six interested parties had approached OVG regarding naming rights for the new arena.
March 8, 2018: Exterior Listed on Washington Heritage Register
On March 8, 2018, the exterior of KeyArena was listed on the Washington Heritage Register, recognizing its historical significance.
September 25, 2018: KeyArena Renovation Approved
On September 25, 2018, the proposed $700 million renovation of KeyArena was unanimously approved by the Seattle City Council.
October 5, 2018: Golden State Warriors vs. Sacramento Kings Preseason Game
On October 5, 2018, the Golden State Warriors played against the Sacramento Kings in a preseason game at KeyArena. This game celebrated moments with the NBA and was the final event at KeyArena before its closure for redevelopment.
October 2018: KeyArena Name Retired
In October 2018, with the closing of KeyArena for redevelopment, the City of Seattle, Seattle Center, and Oak View Group retired the KeyArena name, adopting Seattle Center Arena as the project name.
December 4, 2018: NHL Approves Seattle Expansion Team
On December 4, 2018, the NHL Board of Governors voted to approve an expansion team for Seattle, coinciding with the KeyArena redevelopment plans.
December 2018: Project Costs Increased
In mid-December 2018, OVG announced that the overall project costs for the KeyArena renovation had increased to between $825 and $850 million.
2018: Ackerley's Son Comments on Team's Commitment to Seattle
In 2018, Chris Ackerley stated that the family was always committed to keeping the team in Seattle.
2018: Seattle Storm at KeyArena
In 2018, the Seattle Storm played their usual summer schedule at KeyArena, winning the 2018 WNBA Finals before moving to other venues during the arena's renovation.
2018: Arena Redevelopment and Landmark Listing
In 2018, the arena closed for a $1.15 billion redevelopment and was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and Washington Heritage Register.
2018: Closure for Redevelopment
In 2018, the building closed for redevelopment.
January 2020: Alaska Airlines Announced as Naming Sponsor of South Atrium
In January 2020, Alaska Airlines was announced as the naming sponsor of the south atrium in the redeveloped arena.
June 2020: Amazon Buys Naming Rights
In June 2020, Amazon bought the naming rights to the arena, dedicating the arena name to bringing attention to climate change.
June 25, 2020: Amazon Purchases Naming Rights: Climate Pledge Arena
On June 25, 2020, Amazon purchased the naming rights for the arena, branding it as Climate Pledge Arena to promote their environmental partnership and the Climate Pledge.
July 8, 2020: KeyArena Signage Removed
On July 8, 2020, a helicopter removed the rooftop signage for KeyArena as part of the redevelopment process.
December 5, 2020: Replacement Signage Installed
On December 5, 2020, the replacement signage was installed on the redeveloping arena.
2020: Arena Rebuild by 2020
On December 4, 2017, the city council approved a memorandum of understanding with OVG to rebuild the arena by 2020.
October 19, 2021: Climate Pledge Arena Public Opening
On October 19, 2021, Climate Pledge Arena opened to the public with a Foo Fighters and Death Cab for Cutie concert to benefit local charities.
2021: Arena Redevelopment Completion
In 2021, the arena completed a $1.15 billion redevelopment project.
2022: Stray Kids Maniac World Tour
In 2022, Korean boy group Stray Kids performed on July 14 & 15 as part of their North American arena tour for Maniac World Tour.
February 27, 2023: Bruce Springsteen's 2023 Tour
On February 27, 2023, Bruce Springsteen returned to the newly renovated Climate Pledge Arena for a single performance as part of his 2023 Tour.
2023: TI returned to KeyArena
In 2023, The International returned to the venue.
May 22, 2024: Record Attendance for Basketball
On May 22, 2024, the redeveloped arena's record attendance for basketball was set with 18,343 spectators at the Seattle Storm versus Indiana Fever game.
February 22, 2025: UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Song
On February 22, 2025, the UFC returned to Climate Pledge Arena after twelve years with UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Song.
2035: Link Light Rail Service Planned
Link light rail service to Seattle Center and Climate Pledge Arena is planned to begin in 2035, as part of the Ballard–Downtown extension.
2040: Target Date for Net Zero Carbon Emissions
Amazon dedicated the arena name to bringing attention to climate change, specifically the pledge promoted by the advocacy group Global Optimism for businesses to reach net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2040.
2040: Climate Pledge
On June 25, 2020, Amazon purchased the naming rights for the arena, branding it as Climate Pledge Arena to promote their environmental partnership and the Climate Pledge, under which companies sign up to make their operations carbon neutral by 2040.
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