Community Impact

Seattle Center is not just a place; it's the cultural heart of the PNW, a hub of culture, community, commerce, and connection. Our impact resonates far beyond the boundaries of our campus, shaping the economic, social, and cultural fabric of the entire region. In 2023 we established a strong return to pre-pandemic visitation numbers reaching 10 million visits to campus making us the #1 most visited arts & cultural attraction in the Pacific Northwest.

2023 Highlights

• Record-Breaking Attendance: Preliminary data shows a 25% year-over-year increase with nearly 10 million visits, approaching the levels estimated in our 2016 economic impact study of 12 million visits (our last full economic impact study).
• Resounding Return of Major Programming: Over 315 commercial and cultural events, plus 35 festivals attracted over 2 million visitors. Festál, our cultural series, and iconic festivals like Bumbershoot, Bite of Seattle, and Seattle Christmas Market were all part of this vibrant revival.
• Climate Pledge Arena’s Record Year: Since opening on Oct. 21, 2021, the arena has hosted 2.8 million visitors in 2023, totaling 4 million visitors.
• Monorail Triumph: A record-breaking 2,134,970 riders, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers from 2019, highlighting its iconic status at Seattle Center.
• PR & Media Results: Seattle Center and our events garnered 17,895 total media mentions and reached 31.87 billion viewers, translating to $60.41 million in media value.
• Financial Milestones: A notable increase in revenues across Armory, Parking, and Sponsorship sectors, reflecting economic recovery and robust community support.