WaFd Bank, Amazon, Local Philanthropists and Community Foundations
Among Top Donors for Legacy Project
(SEATTLE) – One Roof Stadium Partnership (ORSP) – a consortium of the Seattle Kraken, Climate Pledge Arena, and One Roof Foundation – has successfully secured $30 million in private funding for the redevelopment of Memorial Stadium at Seattle Center.
The consortium, chosen as a private partner by Seattle Public Schools (SPS) and the City of Seattle following an RFP process in 2023, is overseeing the development, construction, and operation of the new stadium on behalf of SPS and the City, with final legal agreements expected to be approved by the SPS Board of Directors and Seattle City Council later this year. The comprehensive rebuild – 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 stadium, with a total capacity of 8,000, will ensure the critical public asset’s legacy for decades to come.
The philanthropic milestone announced today includes a lead gift of $5 million from Seattle Kraken owner Samantha Holloway and Climate Pledge Arena developer and operator Oak View Group, plus the project’s first corporate commitment from WaFd Bank, which donated $2 million.
Additional donations from local philanthropists and community foundations include Norcliffe Foundation ($7.5 million), Steve and Connie Ballmer ($5 million), the Brotman family ($2.5 million), Gates Foundation ($1 million), Schultz Family Foundation ($1 million) and Amazon ($2 million) which closed the gap and helped reach the initial $25 million target.
Grousemont Foundation, Glen and Alison Milliman, Mary Pigott, Walker Family Fund and W. Razore Family Foundation also made contributions.
The Schultz Family Foundation is also partnering with OSRP to envision an experiential space to provide young people in the Seattle region with the opportunity to explore careers of the future.
“Memorial Stadium is an incredible project at the heart of Seattle Center, our home. It reflects our commitment to our community, and we are honored to be involved,” said Samantha Holloway, Seattle Kraken owner. “We are grateful to the incredible community members who have stepped forward to ensure that this is a state-of-the-art stadium that inspires students for generations for come.”
“WaFd Bank is honored to support the mission to rebuild the iconic Memorial Stadium at Seattle Center, said Brent Beardall, President and CEO of WaFd Bank. “We’re confident this gathering place will embody community pride for all in this region.”
“Amazon’s donation to Memorial Stadium demonstrates our long-term commitment to building accessible communities in Puget Sound,” said David Zapolsky, Senior Vice President, Global Public Policy and General Counsel at Amazon. “We’re thrilled to help transform the stadium into a space for everyone in the community, where neighbors can come together and connect. This reimagined stadium will open doors for more community members and expand upon its legacy, remaining a cherished part of Seattle’s history for years to come.”
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, SPS Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones, and Seattle Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke were among the speakers at a donor event at The Spheres to celebrate the project milestone. The event also included the latest renderings for the new stadium – which will begin construction later this year and has a target completion by the end of 2027.
"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 Seattle approach in action – a public-private partnership between the City of Seattle, Seattle Public Schools, One Roof Foundation, 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,” said Mayor Harrell.
“Extraordinary projects like this are the result of collaborative resources, knowledge, and passion,” said Dr. Jones. “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.”
Memorial Stadium, with a more than 75-year history, honors the nearly 800 local high school students who lost their lives in World War II. The new stadium will provide the region’s youth with a venue to gather, play, learn, and celebrate, continuing to inspire students, the community, and the region for generations to come.
The project includes funds secured through a $66.5 million SPS capital levy, as well as nearly $4 million in state funding and $40 million from the City. Information about Memorial Stadium at Seattle Center can be found at: seattlecenter.com/memorial-stadium
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