Amazon is making its way into the naming rights game, starting with Seattle’s new arena. But the future home of the NHL expansion team and the WNBA’s Seattle Storm will not have Amazon on its building – instead, the company has opted to name the venue Climate Pledge Arena. It’s a nod to the campaign started by the company in 2019 to push to be net zero carbon certified by 2040.
“Instead of naming it after Amazon, we’re calling it Climate Pledge Arena as a regular reminder of the importance of fighting climate change,” said Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos in a release. The deal is projected to be worth between $300 million and $400 million over its lifetime.
The arena, a more than $1 billion redevelopment of the old KeyArena site, will be built with a heavy focus and investment in sustainability efforts, including:
— Reclaimed rainwater used in the ice system.
— All-electric operations powered with 100% renewable resources.
— 75% of the arena food program will be locally sourced.
The announcement comes on the heels of Amazon starting a $2 billion fund to invest in companies with technology and products helping Earth. The fund was created as Amazon’s carbon footprint rose 15% last year.
