Climate Pledge Arena doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. But Seattle Kraken fans we spoke with on Saturday seemed indifferent or in some cases excited that the name of their new hockey arena is all about combating the climate crisis.
GeekWire was on the ground this weekend in Seattle for the Kraken’s inaugural NHL home game at Climate Pledge Arena, a new redeveloped $1 billion sports and entertainment venue.
Seattle-based Amazon last year bought the naming rights and used the deal to promote its Climate Pledge initiative announced in 2019 that sets ambitious greenhouse gas emission goals for the tech giant and urges other companies to do the same.
The arena itself is expected to be the first net zero carbon certified arena in the world, generate zero waste from operations and events, and be powered with 100% renewable electricity. It will also create the “greenest ice in the NHL” by using reclaimed rainwater for its ice system stored in a giant tank next to the arena.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman was in attendance on Saturday and we asked him about the arena’s name. He noted the awareness aspect of naming the arena for the Climate Pledge.
.@NHL commissioner Gary Bettman on Amazon naming #SeaKraken arena @climatearena for @climatepledge: "At some moment, every time somebody comes in this building, they will think about the environment. From a consciousness-raising standpoint, that is spectacular." pic.twitter.com/jnnxRrzxjG
— GeekWire (@geekwire) October 24, 2021
The arena name is also on the Kraken helmets.
Sneaked a peek at the @SeattleKraken helmets yet? ????
On the road, each player will rep @climatepledge on their helmet. On home ice, their midnight blue headgear will feature @amazon's signature smile.
Which is your fav? ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/LgONt8mGcg
— Climate Pledge Arena (@ClimateArena) September 14, 2021
Lynn Lashbrook, a sports business expert and president of Sports Management Worldwide, said he loves the name.
“It will send a message around the world,” he said.
“It’s perfect for Seattle,” added Kraken fan Kelly Ginn.
Check out what others had to say about Climate Pledge Arena and Amazon itself in the video above.
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