Seattle, Washington / Landmarks
Memorial Stadium
A historic athletic landmark at Seattle Center, currently undergoing a major transformation into a state-of-the-art multi-purpose venue dedicated to the city's students and community events.
What is Memorial Stadium known for?
Memorial Stadium was built as a memorial to Seattle Public Schools pupils who were killed in World War II. It features a historic Memorial Wall, which is a City of Seattle designated landmark dedicated to these students.
Can I visit Memorial Stadium right now?
The stadium is currently undergoing a redevelopment project that involves demolition and reconstruction. Construction is underway, with completion planned for Fall 2027.
What will the new stadium be used for?
The new facility will be a state-of-the-art multi-purpose venue hosting student athletics, education, arts, culture, entertainment, and community events.
What is the capacity of the stadium?
While the stadium's final configuration previously had a capacity of 12,000, the new redevelopment is planned for a total capacity of 8,000 people, including 6,500 seats.
Where is it located?
Memorial Stadium is located in the northeast corner of the Seattle Center grounds in Seattle, Washington.
What should I check before going?
Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.
What to know
Located in the northeast corner of the Seattle Center grounds, Memorial Stadium serves as a poignant link to the city's past. The original stadium opened in 1947, replacing the former Civic Field which had been established in 1927 as part of the City’s Civic Complex. It was specifically built as a memorial to honor Seattle Public Schools pupils who lost their lives during the Second World War. In its final original configuration, the stadium featured a seating capacity of 12,000. However, the site is currently undergoing a massive redevelopment project involving demolition and reconstruction. This modern evolution is being managed through a partnership between the City of Seattle, Seattle Public Schools, and One Roof Sports & Entertainment. The new facility is designed to be a professional-quality venue for student athletics, performing arts, and community activations. According to Generator Studio, the redesigned stadium will include 6,500 seats with a total capacity of 8,000 people. This transformation aims to provide a state-of-the-art space for educational and cultural events in the shadow of the Space Needle. Despite the reconstruction, the project prioritizes the preservation of the historic Memorial Wall. This City of Seattle designated landmark, which pays tribute to the students who sacrificed their lives in World War II, is being preserved and enhanced to ensure the stadium's original purpose of remembrance remains central to the site. Construction is planned for completion in Fall 2027.
Visitor tips
- Check the Seattle Center website for the latest redevelopment previews and project updates.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as you explore the northeast corner of the Seattle Center grounds.
- Allow extra time to locate the Memorial Wall, as construction fencing may alter the usual paths.
Nearby context
Memorial Stadium is situated in the northeast corner of the Seattle Center, placing it in close proximity to other major city attractions and the iconic Space Needle.
Sources
Evidence and links
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A New Vision for Memorial Stadium at Seattle Center
Construction is currently under way for the Memorial Stadium redevelopment project, with completion planned for Fall 2027.
seattlecenter.com -
Memorial Stadium | seattle.gov
The project includes the demolition and reconstruction of the existing Memorial Stadium.
seattle.gov -
Memorial Stadium (Seattle)
The stadium opened in 1947 on the site of Seattle's former Civic Field, built as a memorial to the Seattle Public Schools pupils killed in…
en.wikipedia.org -
Memorial Stadium - Generator Studio
The 6,500-seat stadium, with a total capacity of 8,000, will host student events and be a home for community activations.
generatorstudio.com -
Memorial Stadium - Sellen Construction
Sellen is partnering with Seattle Center, Seattle Public Schools, MSR, and Generator Studios to redevelop. Memorial Stadium for a capacity…
sellen.com