The long history of Key Arena goes all the way back to 1881, when a saloon owner named James Osborne bequeathed his estate to the city of Seattle. Osborne gave $900,000, requesting that it be used to build a “civic hall.” But it wasn’t until 8 years later, when David and Louisa Denny donated their land to the city, that an actual location existed. The site of their log cabin is where Seattle Center now flourishes.Year Opened: 1995
Capacity: 17,072
Architect: NBBJ
Web Site: seattlecenter.com
Phone: 206/684-7200
Anchor Tenant: Seattle Storm (WNBA)
Parking: There are several lots surrounding the Seattle Center.
Directions: 305 Harrison St., Seattle, WA 98109. From I-5: Take the Mercer Street/Seattle Center exit (exit 167). At the first traffic light, turn right onto Fairview. At the next light, turn left onto Broad Street. Turn right onto 5th Ave. Turn left on to Roy Street (one way street). Roy street is one block away from Mercer Street. The main entrance to the theatre is located on Mercer Street and 2nd Ave North. There are a number of parking lots available within walking distance of the theatre.
History
The long history of Key Arena goes all the way back to 1881, when a saloon owner named James Osborne bequeathed his estate to the city of Seattle. Osborne gave $900,000, requesting that it be used to build a “civic hall.” But it wasn’t until 8 years later, when David and Louisa Denny donated their land to the city, that an actual location existed. The site of their log cabin is where Seattle Center now flourishes.
Since those early pioneer days, there have been three significant phases of redevelopment, which have transformed the prairie into Seattle Center.
Since its final renovation in 1995, Key Arena has housed the NBA’s Seattle Supersonics, the WNBA’s Seattle Storm, and the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds. The award-winning facility opened October 26, 1995, serving as Seattle’s premier destination for sports, concerts and family entertainment. The venue is one of the safest, most advanced and comfortable arenas in the world. Its unique design provides sports and concert fans an intimate entertainment experience with spectacular sightlines and acoustics, uncommon in arenas of similar size.
