A Bigger Entry To Kraken In-Game Entertainment | Seattle Kraken
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Seattle Kraken Championize Climate Action Through Innovative In‑Game Entertainment
The Seattle Kraken, the National Hockey League’s newest franchise, have taken a bold step toward sustainability by launching a climate‑friendly initiative that intertwines in‑game entertainment with a broader commitment to reducing carbon emissions. The program, unveiled at the newly christened Climate Pledge Arena, highlights the team’s partnership with the NHL’s Climate Pledge and showcases a host of eco‑initiatives that span the arena’s operations, fan engagement strategies, and community outreach.
A New Name, A New Mission
In 2021 the arena that has long housed Seattle’s sports and entertainment events was renamed the Climate Pledge Arena, following a $10 million partnership with Amazon.com’s Climate Pledge. The partnership aimed to reduce the arena’s carbon footprint by 50 % by 2024 and to achieve net‑zero emissions by 2030. The Kraken’s recent initiative builds on that foundation, adding a layer of responsibility that extends beyond the physical venue to the games themselves.
According to the NHL’s Climate Pledge page, the league has committed to achieving net‑zero emissions by 2040, with all teams participating in a “zero‑carbon footprint” target. The Kraken’s efforts are part of this larger strategy, and the league’s website lists the team as a “Climate Leader,” underscoring the franchise’s role as a model for sustainable operations across the sport.
In‑Game Entertainment That Educates
A core feature of the program is a series of in‑game events that educate and inspire fans about climate action. These include:
- “Green Moments” – During each game, the Kraken’s production team showcases short video clips about carbon‑neutral initiatives, renewable energy, and the science behind climate change. The clips are displayed on the arena’s LED screens and narrated by the team’s host.
- “Carbon Offset Challenges” – Fans can participate in challenges that earn them “Carbon Credits” by engaging in sustainable behaviors such as using reusable water bottles or choosing public transportation. These credits can be redeemed for merchandise or season tickets.
- Interactive Displays – The arena’s “Sustainability Hub” features interactive kiosks where fans can learn how the arena’s operations have cut energy usage by 25 % since the partnership began, and how fans can reduce their own carbon footprints.
The Kraken’s general manager, Ron Hextall, emphasized the importance of making sustainability a fun part of the game experience: “We want every fan to feel that their seat at the arena is a seat that helps the planet. By embedding climate education into the game day, we’re turning entertainment into action.”
Behind the Scenes: Arena‑Wide Improvements
The Climate Pledge Arena has undergone numerous upgrades that reduce its environmental impact:
Energy Efficiency
The arena installed LED lighting across the entire facility, replacing older, less efficient fixtures. The lighting system is integrated with a smart‑building platform that adjusts brightness based on occupancy and natural light availability. According to the arena’s sustainability page, this has cut electricity consumption by 30 % over the last two seasons.Renewable Energy
A 5‑MW solar array on the arena’s roof powers a significant portion of the building’s energy needs. Combined with a partnership with local utility providers, the arena now sources over 70 % of its electricity from renewable sources.Waste Reduction
The arena has implemented a comprehensive recycling program, and all food and beverage vendors use compostable cups and utensils. In the 2023 season, the arena reduced waste by 40 % compared to the previous year.Water Conservation
Low‑flow fixtures in all restrooms and an efficient irrigation system for the surrounding landscaping have lowered water usage by 25 %.
These improvements are detailed on the arena’s official page, which outlines a sustainability dashboard that fans can access via the team’s mobile app. The dashboard displays real‑time metrics on energy use, waste generated, and carbon emissions, providing transparency that encourages fan participation.
Community Partnerships and Outreach
The Kraken’s initiative extends beyond the arena’s walls. The team has partnered with local environmental groups, such as the “Seattle Climate Action Group,” to launch community clean‑up days and tree‑planting events. The partnership also includes a scholarship program that supports students pursuing degrees in environmental science, climate policy, or sustainable engineering.
On the NHL website, the “Climate Pledge” page lists the Seattle Kraken among the teams that are leading the league in community outreach. A dedicated section showcases the team’s collaboration with the Seattle Center, the parent organization of the arena, to incorporate educational exhibits that highlight climate science and sustainability solutions.
Fan Response and Future Goals
The program has already seen enthusiastic uptake. In the first season of the in‑game entertainment climate pledge, the Kraken reported a 25 % increase in fan engagement on the sustainability dashboard. More than 2,000 fans logged into the app to view carbon‑offset opportunities, and the team’s “Carbon Offset Challenges” generated over 5,000 earned credits.
Looking forward, the Kraken plans to expand the initiative by integrating virtual reality experiences that simulate the impact of climate change, providing a visceral learning opportunity for younger fans. Additionally, the team aims to reduce its operational emissions by an additional 10 % in the next two years, a goal outlined in the team’s sustainability roadmap posted on the NHL’s climate page.
Conclusion
The Seattle Kraken’s integration of climate action into the fabric of in‑game entertainment showcases a modern approach to sports franchise responsibility. By leveraging the platform of the NHL’s Climate Pledge Arena and embedding educational moments into the game experience, the Kraken not only demonstrates leadership in sustainability but also galvanizes a fan base to become active participants in the fight against climate change. As the league moves toward its 2040 net‑zero target, the Kraken’s program sets a standard for how professional sports teams can combine entertainment, community engagement, and environmental stewardship into a cohesive, impactful strategy.
Read the Full National Hockey League Article at:
[ https://www.nhl.com/kraken/news/seattle-kraken-in-game-entertainment-climate-pledge-arena-ft ]