The design features some non-traditional elements that are inspired by the unique sports culture of the Seattle market.
The upper seating bowl is reduced while the top rows are replaced with three stacked balconies that slant inward toward centre court as they stack. The design offers several key advantages as opposed to traditional upper bowl seating, including improved viewing angles, reduced stratification between seating levels, significant flex capacity, and increased intimacy, energy and noise.
The lower levels suites have been placed less than ten rows off the floor and even closer to the ice. They are designed as pocket suites that give direct suite access to the suite holders without creating an unsightly gap in the camera view of the lower seating level.
The upper suite level also represents both an evolution in arena design and a recognition of the unique attributes of the Seattle business community. Instead of creating a level of hermetically sealed suites with a dedicated corridor, flexible Loge Suite design was selected to allow arena to offer varying suite layouts to groups and businesses of all sizes. These suite layouts provide more social, inclusive and fun atmosphere around shared bars and amenities with a balcony that overlooks the main club. In addition, the seating bowl design will maximise the intensity of the game experience and minimise the stratification of the different tiers of tickets.
The arena also features an unconventional seating bowl which is suited for music as well. The uniqueness of the seating bowl and flex capacity of the Sonic Rings create an intimate venue for concerts of varying sizes. The Sonic Rings will also have sound treatment directly behind their seats, adding to the natural sound absorption of the rings themselves.
