Construction kicking off on Kraken Iceplex Kirkland

Image: Seattle Kraken and NHL

The National Hockey League’s (NHL) Seattle Kraken have announced plans to kick off construction on the two-rink Kraken Iceplex Kirkland along with a community center.

Seattle Kraken said the $60 million Kraken Iceplex, will break ground in May and will open its doors in the fall of 2027.

The new venue at the former Houghton Park & Ride site will include two NHL-regulation ice rinks, a city-operated community center, a public restaurant, Kraken Team Store, and space for community programs, events and activities.

The Kraken Iceplex Kirkland will operate year-round as a welcome hub for recreation and community life, including youth programs, local events, potential classes and seasonal/holiday gatherings.

The project will deliver a new, year-round community destination that combines recreation, economic development, and public amenities — with no new taxes. The agreements between the City and Seattle Kraken ensure public protections for the duration of the partnership and ultimate City ownership at the end of the 34-year lease.

The Seattle Kraken is a professional ice hockey team based in Seattle (US). The Kraken competes in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division in the Western Conference and began play during the league’s 2021-2022 seasons. They play their home games at the Climate Pledge Arena.

Kraken owner Samantha Holloway said, “Six years ago, when the Kraken built our headquarters in Seattle, we made a conscious decision to invest in the community by building three rinks, when many thought we should just build one.

“This has made the Kraken Community Iceplex a hub of activity and gathering for the community … the investment we made in Northgate was a bet on our fans and the game of hockey.

“We’ve exceeded our expectations to the point where we are oversubscribed for many of our programs. That has led us here today in Kirkland, a place many of our players call home and love, a place with an amazing community and similar values.”

Kirkland Mayor Kelli Curtis said, “Kirkland is a place where everyone belongs. I’m proud this new Iceplex will embody those values. Beyond that, the new Kirkland Community Center will be a year-round place for youth programs, community events, fitness, recreation and gathering.

“It will give residents a new place to connect, move, celebrate, learn and spend time together. Kirkland is busting at the seams for our program registrations. This new facility will help us meet our recreation needs for our community.”

Martin Hlinka, the Kraken’s youth hockey director said, “The growth we’ve seen since the arrival of the Kraken has been incredible.

“We need more ice to keep up with that demand. What will make this facility special is that it won’t be just two sheets of ice. It’s a community place with NHL rinks, programming space and year-round access for families, kids, and adult players.”
 
What the Kraken can offer at the Iceplex in Kirkland is a range of programming for youth and adults with the core values of teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship and fun:

• Learn-to-skate and learn-to-play-hockey classes, adult co-ed, men’s, and women’s recreational leagues from beginners to more experienced.
• Youth recreational, select and tier 1 hockey teams and leagues for girls and boys, drop-in sessions for hockey year-round.
• Hockey and skating camps, youth and adult tournaments.
• Figure skating training and competitions, skating.
• Regular public skates, including special themes, sensory-friendly, and tot play hour.
• Youth engagement to show opportunities for jobs and career paths; field trips for local schools with skating sessions and STEM activities; financial support for lower-income families to be part of ongoing programs.
• Private rental of the ice for organization/company outings, birthday parties.

 
The Iceplex is also expected to boost Kirkland’s economy, with an estimated $7 million in annual economic activity for Kirkland and the Eastside.

It will support local jobs, bring new visitors and support the bottom lines of nearby businesses.

The project can potentially catalyze future growth in the NE 85^th Street Station Area, in line with the City’s long-term vision for a vibrant, walkable, transit-friendly district.

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