The public is invited to check out Seattle’s brand new Kraken Community Iceplex during grand-opening weekend events Friday through Sunday, Sept. 10-12, 2001.
The new facility at Northgate (10601 Fifth Ave. N.E., Seattle) will be the practice rink for the Seattle Kraken, which begin NHL play Oct. 5. Their home rink (once it is finished!) will be Climate Pledge Arena at Seattle Center.
The Kraken Community Iceplex, in addition to hosting Kraken practices, will be available for public skating, figure skating and youth and adult hockey programs. It also has a team store, a Starbucks community store, meeting rooms and a restaurant.
The mood was festive at a preview event on Thursday, and everyone speaking emphasized the team’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
The facility’s home on Coast Salish lands was acknowledged, and is represented by mural art inside.
There was also much talk of youth programs.
“A figure skater you see here someday will be in the Olympics,” said Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke. He also said he saw the new facility as “giving kids a chance to dream” and noted that it will be easily reachable by public transit when Link light rail reaches Northgate next month.
Mari Horita, who heads the One Roof Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Kraken and Climate Pledge Arena, said of kids and hockey: “It’s good for their minds, bodies, hearts and souls. Everyone can come skate here. They belong here.”
Kraken Community Iceplex opening: schedule highlights
For the weekend community event, people can try their hand (or rather, feet) at skating, watch figure skating demos, try hockey, shop for Kraken merch or play in the off-ice Family Fun Zone, which will include games, prizes, ball hockey and photo opportunities.
Public skate sessions are $15 (but kids 4 and under skate for free), plus $5 to rent skates. Capacity is limited, so online registration is suggested.
Please note that masks are required.
FRIDAY, Sept. 10
3:30 – 8:30pm: Off-ice Family Fun Zone (Free)
3 – 4:30pm: Stick N Puck
3:30 – 5:00pm: Public Skate
5:15 – 6:45pm: Public Skate
7:00 – 8:30pm: Public Skate
SATURDAY, Sept. 11
12:35 – 2:05pm: Public Skate
2-9 p.m. : Off-ice Family Fun Zone (Free)
2:30 – 5:45pm: Figure Skating Exhibition (Free)
5:45 – 7:15pm: public Skate
7:30 – 9:00pm: public Skate
SUNDAY, Sept. 12
8:15 – 9:45am: Stick n Puck
noon-3:30pm: Off-ice Family Fun Zone (Free)
12:20 – 1:20: Kids Try Hockey Session (Free)
12:15 – 1:30pm: Public Skate
1:45 – 3:15pm: Public Skate
Also coming soon:
Pacific Science Center launches “renewal” with special hockey exhibit
