NHL on the Eastside? New hockey arena discussed by Seattle Kraken and Kirkland

The Seattle Kraken are courting Kirkland city leaders for a proposed multimillion-dollar community hockey facility on the Eastside that meets NHL standards.

"Kirkland recently received a proposal from the Seattle Kraken NHL team to build two regulation NHL ice rinks and ancillary support facilities ... at the former Houghton Park and Ride site that is now owned by the City," Kirkland City Councilmember Jon Pascal wrote in a recent Facebook post.

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If such a proposal is embraced by Kirkland, the team's home games would still be played at Climate Pledge Arena, and the Kraken would still maintain its offices and facility in Seattle's Northgate neighborhood (at Starbucks Rink, which can accommodate up to 600 fans to watch practices).

"To meet the rising demand and to connect with fans across the region, the Seattle Kraken is exploring the construction of additional ice facilities," a Kraken spokesperson said in a statement. "We have submitted a proposal for the development of two community-centered ice rinks at the existing Houghton Park and Ride location."

The spokesperson also noted that the potential Kirkland facility is "a direct response" to the region's growing interest in hockey. It could be used for youth and adult skating and hockey, figure skating, and other events.

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Currently, it's just a proposal as Kirkland leaders discuss how to use the public space that was once a park-and-ride. City documents state that any potential public-private partnership with Seattle's NHL team would be for long-term use.

The old Houghton Park and Ride site is located at 7024 116th Avenue NE, sandwiched between residences to the east, and I-405 to the west.

Kraken proposal for NHL rink in Kirkland

The proposal for a "Kraken Community Iceplex and Community Center" includes building two regulation NHL ice rinks. Also, support facilities, an ice plant, locker rooms, skate shop, concession stand, lobby, fitness areas, and offices. Also, a space for city recreation services on a third floor.

The Kraken aim to start construction by 2026.

"It should be noted that this is a concept only and no discussions have yet occurred about how the City might use this potential space," Council documents state.

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Other aspects of the Kraken's Kirkland proposal include:

• The first floor would be 75,000 square feet; 15,000 square feet on the second floor; and 15,000 square feet on the third floor.
• Kirkland would pay for its portion of the building, a fixed cost of about $7.5 million. City documents state that this cost could be offset by the taxes the Kraken facility brings in.
• The Kraken would get a 35-year lease with the city. Kirkland would maintain ownership of the land, and the city would own the facility at the end of the lease.
• The city also notes that the local business community and residents could benefit from increased foot traffic and tax dollars.
• A total of 210 parking spaces would be reserved at a parcel at the north end of the site. The Kraken would get 160 parking spaces for its own use.
• The team would have the ability to sell naming rights for the building.

Kirkland's city manager is now looking into the potential for this idea. Groups of two or three Kirkland Council members are expected to get a tour of the Kraken's facility in Northgate.

The Kraken's proposal was briefly discussed at the Kirkland City Council's March 5 meeting. City Manager Kurt Triplett briefly mentioned the idea, which was originally sent to the city in December. At the time, city leaders were considering placing a public pool at the site.