The Seattle Kraken announced a 15-year, $200 million partnership with Microsoft on Thursday that will transform Climate Pledge Arena into one of the most technologically advanced sports venues in the world.
The partnership includes comprehensive upgrades to arena infrastructure, including expanded Wi-Fi capacity to handle 20,000 simultaneous device connections, augmented reality features for in-arena experiences, and AI-powered operational systems for security and fan services.
"Seattle is a technology city, and our arena should reflect that identity," said Kraken CEO Rob Dyer. "This partnership will create experiences our fans cannot get anywhere else while improving how we operate our venue."
Microsoft will establish a presence within the arena, including a technology showcase where fans can experience cutting-edge products and participate in interactive displays. The partnership also includes funding for STEM programs in Seattle schools.
The arena, which opened in 2021 as the first net-zero professional sports venue, will further enhance its sustainability features through the Microsoft partnership. Smart building systems will reduce energy consumption by an additional 15 percent.
The partnership is the largest in Kraken history and one of the most significant arena technology deals in professional sports. The announcement comes as the Kraken prepare for their fourth season with increasing on-ice success.