Kirkland, Kraken Team Up to Continue Growing the Game

Key Points:

• The City of Kirkland and the Seattle Kraken have officially announced the groundbreaking of the two-rink Kraken Iceplex and Community Center, set to begin in May 2024 with an opening planned for fall 2027, aiming to expand ice sports participation and provide a state-of-the-art community hub without new taxes.
• The facility will feature two NHL-regulation ice rinks, a city-operated community center, a public restaurant, a Kraken Team Store, and flexible spaces for community programs, offering year-round access to youth and adult recreational activities, including skating lessons, hockey leagues, and public skate sessions.
• The project reflects a public-private partnership praised by officials, including Governor Bob Ferguson, highlighting its potential to enhance community engagement, support local schools, and provide economic benefits estimated at $7 million annually for Kirkland and the Eastside.
• The Kraken Iceplex will build on the success of the team's Northgate facility by meeting growing demand for ice time and expanding programming, particularly for youth and girls' hockey, while promoting values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.
• Located near multiple Eastside schools and integrated with the Kraken's community initiatives, the new center is expected to strengthen ties between the team and the region, support local jobs, and stimulate future development aligned with Kirkland’s vision for a vibrant, transit-friendly district.