The Parks, Public Utilities, and Technology Committee on May 25 recommended passage of Council Bill 120982, authorizing the mayor to execute interlocal and development agreements with Seattle Public Schools and a private partner for redevelopment and long-term operations of Memorial Stadium at Seattle Center.

The vote sends the measure to the full City Council for final consideration. The committee voted 5 in favor, 0 opposed.

Why it matters: Memorial Stadium sits on land conveyed to Seattle Public Schools in 1946 and has been used for scholastic athletics and community events for decades. Proponents said the redevelopment will replace an aging, unsafe facility, increase usable public space on the Seattle Center campus and create a not-for-profit-operated stadium intended to serve students and community organizations.

Seattle Center Director Marshall Foster said the presentation updated the committee on permitting and design milestones and introduced partners. Seattle Public Schools Chief Operations Officer Fred Podesta reminded the committee that “the land that the stadium resides on was conveyed to the district for $1 in 1946” and said the district intends to keep the facility for student athletics under the deed proviso while expanding community access.

Representing private philanthropic partners, Mari Harida said the Kraken and associated philanthropic partners have committed significant support for the project; the presentation noted a $5,000,000 lead gift and an additional $25,000,000 raised from companies, individuals and foundations. Deputy Mayor Tim Burgess summarized the capital plan and funding split, saying the district is contributing about $66.5 million, the city about $40 million and the OneRoof Stadium Partnership and philanthropies about $30 million.

The presenters told the committee that the project has advanced in permitting: the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections issued a Determination of Non-Significance (DNS) on May 5 and that decision had not been appealed. The memorial wall design received a unanimous certificate of approval from the Landmarks Preservation Board, presenters said.

Next steps and timeline: Committee members were told the school board was expected to finalize deliberations by June 4. The presenters said a ceremonial groundbreaking is planned for June 26, with a notice to proceed anticipated July 1 and demolition starting in mid-2025. Construction completion was targeted for mid-2027.

Committee debate and public comment: Committee members thanked Seattle Public Schools, Seattle Center, the mayor’s office and private partners for the decades-long effort. Will Ludlam, who identified himself as a member of the Seattle Center Advisory Commission, expressed the commission’s support, calling the project “transformational” for Seattle Center’s connectivity and programming. Several public commenters raised unrelated concerns during the public-comment period; Chair Joy Hollingsworth intervened when a speaker used language she characterized as hate speech and reminded speakers of time limits.

Formal action: Committee Chair Joy Hollingsworth moved and the committee seconded a recommendation to pass Council Bill 120982. The clerk called the roll; Council Members Kettle, Rivera, Strauss, Council President Nelson and Chair Hollingsworth voted in favor. The committee recommendation will be transmitted to the City Council meeting on 06/03/2025 for final action.

The committee record shows continued executive and community briefings are planned as the project moves into construction. Presenters said public events will be scheduled to allow the community to visit Memorial Stadium before construction begins.