Construction can get underway on Memorial Stadium at Seattle Center this summer after approval of the project’s development and interlocal agreements.
Generator Studio said the landmark $140 million transformation – seamlessly integrated into the Seattle Center campus – will create a state-of-the-art multi-purpose stadium for student athletics, education, arts, culture, entertainment, and community events.
The new 6,500-seat Seattle public schools stadium, with a total capacity of 8,000, will ensure the critical public asset’s legacy for decades to come.
The final legal agreements for the unique public-private partnership received unanimous approval by the City Council and by the SPS Board.
The new stadium is being designed by Generator Studio – an architecture firm nationally recognized for its work on community-centered sports and entertainment venues. Seattle– based Sellen Construction will lead the two-year construction slated for completion by fall 2027.
Memorial Stadium, although owned by SPS, has always been an integral part of Seattle Center.
Seattle High School Memorial Stadium, commonly known simply as Memorial Stadium, is an outdoor athletic stadium in Seattle, Washington, located in the northeast corner of the Seattle Center grounds.
The stadium opened in 1947 on the site of Seattle’s former Civic Field, built as a memorial to the Seattle Public Schools pupils killed in the Second World War. The stadium is used mostly for American football, ultimate and soccer and has a seating capacity of 12,000
The shared vision for a new stadium supports the Seattle Center’s Century 21 Master Plan, integrating it into the Seattle Center campus, by expanding public space, removing walls, and opening views as never before.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said, “Replacing Memorial Stadium with a new state-of-the-art facility is a win for Seattle students, families, and our entire community.
“This is our One Sea approach in action – a public-private partnership between the City of Seattle, Seattle Public Schools, One Roof Stadium Partnership, and philanthropic partners working toward our shared goal: A new space that is more than just an athletic field – a place for education, engagement, and opportunity.
“We are thrilled that our philanthropic community shares this vision and is stepping up as part of this partnership.”
One Roof Stadium Partnership is a consortium of Seattle Kraken, Climate Pledge Arena, and One Roof Foundation.
SPS Chief Operations Officer Fred Podesta said, “Extraordinary projects like this are the result of collaborative resources, knowledge, and passion.
“An enhanced stadium will allow the District to provide a modern student-centered facility for cultural performances, athletic events, commencement ceremonies, and social and educational opportunities for future generations.”
Tod Leiweke, CEO of the Seattle Kraken added, “It’s an honor to partner with Seattle Public Schools and the City of Seattle, and to have meaningful impact in our community.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to secure the future of the stadium for decades to come.”
Funding for the new stadium comes from the voter-approved 2022 SPS Buildings, Technology, and Academics/Athletics Capital Levy (BTA V), which provides $66.5 million toward the total cost.
The project is also supported by significant public investment including nearly $4 million in state funding, $40 million from the City, and approximately $30 million in philanthropic support.
As the project’s private partner, One Roof Stadium Partnership will invest in, design, build, operate, and maintain the new stadium, with SPS continuing to own the stadium and maintain priority use.
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