KeyArena is a large arena located in Seattle Center. It’s used as a venue for concerts, some sports events such as ice skating and wrestling shows, and circuses. One of the best aspects of catching an event at KeyArena is that it’s so central to so many other attractions and restaurants—come a little early and enjoy dinner nearby or check out the other things to do in Seattle Center.
Location
KeyArena
401 1st Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: (206) 684-7200
Events and Concerts
Events at KeyArena range greatly due to the fact that the arena has a flexible floor plan. Depending on the event, the seating can accommodate smaller or larger events. KeyArena is one of the top venues in the Puget Sound area to host concerts due to its large size, much like the Tacoma Dome to the south or Comcast Arena in Everett.
KeyArena also hosts a number of sporting events, including college basketball, roller derby competitions, and even ice skating events like the Stars on Ice!
Tickets and Seating
As of 2011, tickets for KeyArena events are sold through Ticketmaster.
KeyArena has a flexible layout and several seating charts designed to accommodate a range of events. Sports events typically feature a seating capacity of 17,000 attendees, while for concerts, there are usually about 15,000 seats available (seats behind the stage are usually closed down so all views from the audience are great to decent). Many events feature seats in three areas—the floor, the first tier of seats, and a higher-up second tier. The seats toward the top of the arena are far away from the stage, but the views of the stage can still be quite good, if not up close.
Parking and Directions
To get to KeyArena from the north or south, take the Mercer Street exit from I-5. Go right at the first light. Take a left at the light after that onto Valley Street and follow this onto Broad Street. Take a right onto Denny Way and another right onto 1st Avenue.
If you don’t want to drive, you can also get to KeyArena via public transportation. The monorail goes between downtown Seattle and Seattle Center. Metro buses also go to Seattle Center from just about every part of town.
There are three parking garages very close to the arena: Mercer Garage at 3rd and Roy Street; 1st Avenue North Garage between John and Thomas Street; and 5th Avenue North Garage at 5th Avenue N and Republican Street. There is also ample paid lot parking and some metered street parking in the area. Just make sure to read posted signs about how much to pay carefully as some can be trickily worded.
Things to do Nearby
One of the best things about attending an event at KeyArena is that it is located in the Seattle Center and close to many things to do. A stroll around the Seattle Center is always a nice pre-show activity. Even if you have been here before, there is usually something new to see. The Olympic Sculpture Park is also within a 10 to 15 minute walk.
Restaurant options around KeyArena are particularly plentiful. If you have an out-of-town guest, the best (but not cheapest) option may be to take in dinner at the top of the Space Needle before or after a KeyArena event. Even if you are from Seattle but haven’t done this before, the views are great on nice days. At ground level, there are plenty of restaurants in all price ranges. For a nice evening out, there is a Melting Pot on Mercer, as well as several bars and lounges. SeaStar on Denny Way and Terry Avenue is also a very nice restaurant for dinner.
McMenamin’s Queen Anne on Mercer is a good place to grab a beer and a bite for a decent price, as are Floyd’s Place and The Signature Restaurant and Lounge, both on 1st Avenue N, and Buckley’s at 1st Avenue W and Thomas.
If you’re in the mood for Asian or Indian food, both 1st Avenue N, Mercer, and Roy are peppered with a wide variety. Look to Chutneys Queen Anne for Indian or the Bamboo Garden for Chinese.
Or if you want to go very affordable, Dick’s Drive-In is just a few blocks away at 500 Queen Anne Avenue. There’s even a Taco Bell at 2nd Avenue W and Mercer.
Other Restaurant Resources: Top Italian Restaurants | Best Seattle Pizza | Irish Pubs
History
KeyArena began its existence in 1962 as a part of the Seattle World’s Fair as a fixture of the Century 21 Exposition. After the fair ended, the structure was converted into part of the Seattle Center, but was then called the Washington State Coliseum. Over the years, the Washington State Coliseum hosted all kinds of events, including Elvis and The Beatles, and was also home to Seattle SuperSonics from 1967 until 2008. In 1994-95, the Coliseum was remodeled and then in 1995 was renamed KeyArena.
