‘Climate Pledge Arena’: Amazon secures naming rights to new arena powered with 100% renewable energy

SEATTLE — Amazon announced Thursday that it has secured the naming rights to the new home of Seattle’s NHL team and the WNBA’s Seattle Storm.

Previously named Key Arena, the New Arena at Seattle Center will be known as ‘Climate Pledge Arena.’

Officials said the site expected to be the first net zero carbon-certified arena in the world, developed in partnership with Amazon, Oak View Group and NHL Seattle.

“We’ve secured naming rights to the historic arena previously known as KeyArena. Instead of naming it after Amazon, we’re calling it Climate Pledge Arena as a regular reminder of the importance of fighting climate change,” said Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and CEO. “We look forward to working together with Oak View Group, a new Climate Pledge signatory, and NHL Seattle to inspire global climate action.”

Officials said Climate Pledge Arena will have all-electric operations and will be powered with 100% renewable electricity.

Here are some more details from Amazon on the arena:

• First arena in the world targeting net zero carbon certification by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing sustainable building practices.
• Arena will have all-electric operations and be powered with 100% renewable electricity, both from on-site solar panels and off-site renewable energy. Events at the arena will be made fully net zero carbon through investments in forestry projects with organizations such as The Nature Conservancy that will sequester any remaining carbon emissions from arena operations.
• Carbon emissions and sustainability performance of the arena and all events will be measured and publicly disclosed.
• All operations and events at the arena will be ‘zero waste’ with durable and compostable containers. A minimum of 95% of all arena waste will be diverted from landfills on a weight basis.
• Arena will use reclaimed rainwater in the ice system to create the greenest ice in the NHL.
• Original 44 million-pound roof from the arena will be reused in construction to significantly reduce the embodied carbon of the building.
• At least 75% of the arena’s food program will be sourced locally on a seasonal basis to support regional farmers and producers, and all viable unused food from events will be donated to local community food programs.
• NHL Seattle and WNBA Storm tickets will double as free public transit passes to promote use of public transportation for attendees, including on the refurbished Seattle Monorail.
• Amazon and OVG will form the Climate Pledge Arena Sustainability Advisory Council in partnership with community groups to support local environmental initiatives.

“There is no question that the state of our planet is a critical issue for all of us,” said Tim Leiweke, CEO, Oak View Group. “We have a responsibility to future generations to try to leave them with a better world. We love that Amazon is using its naming rights for a cause we care deeply about—this partnership is a visionary step for the facilities business and sport and music industries. Our goal is to be the most progressive, responsible, and sustainable venue in the world. It is not just about one arena—it’s a platform for us to step up and heal our planet.”

The 18,000-seat arena is expected to host 200 events each year.

Cox Media Group