How to save money at a Seattle Storm game (2024)

The Seattle Storm boast four WNBA titles, they play in the newly remodeled Climate Pledge Arena, and they’re celebrating their 25th anniversary. So, how much does it cost to go to a game?

We’re investigating the “all-in” cost for games around town, factoring in ticket cost and transportation as well as the best cheap eats and drinks at Seattle arenas and stadiums. The goal: figure out how much the penny-pinching fan can expect to spend at a major sporting event in Seattle — at a bare minimum.

Over the past year, we’ve checked out a Seahawks game at Lumen Field; a Kraken game at Climate Pledge; a Reign match and a Sounders match, too, at Lumen; a Mariners game at T-Mobile Park; and a University of Washington football game. Up next: the Storm.

The game

Seattle Storm vs. Connecticut Sun (72-61, Storm)

The all-in price

With the cheapest ticket at $40.82 after taxes and fees, plus a Hempler’s all-beef hot dog ($9.92 with tax) and a 16-ounce can of Coors Light ($14.68 after tax), the game cost $65.42. It would’ve been more had I not used the free public transit voucher included with all public events at Climate Pledge Arena.

Tickets

Last-minute tickets on Ticketmaster sold for about $41 after taxes and fees (the base price was $25). Just like any sporting event, ticket prices fluctuate depending on the opponent, demand and other factors. For instance, the June 27 game against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever was already sold out as of this writing, with resale tickets selling for north of $100.

Looking at the rest of the season, tickets bottom out at $25 (before taxes and fees) for most games. Note that there are no WNBA games from July 21 to Aug. 14 as athletes compete at the Paris Olympics.

Transportation

With pricey parking lots (and street parking) around Seattle Center at game time, public transportation is a no-brainer. Take the Link light rail to Westlake Station and walk — or transfer to the Metro bus or Seattle Center Monorail. Coming from Greenwood, I rode the Rapid Ride bus down Aurora Avenue North, then took a 10-minute walk over to the arena.

Even better: Each Storm ticket comes with a free transit pass, courtesy of Climate Pledge Arena. Find details at climatepledgearena.com.

Food

The Storm open a selection of the marketplaces at Climate Pledge Arena based on projected attendance. Since Sunday’s game was projected to be under 10,000 people, just 10 of 19 marketplaces were available. Those 10 can be found at every game, according to sous chef Delvonte Young. Be sure to use the arena’s official website when searching for food options or locations.

On my visit, the loaded nachos basket from 1st Ave. Nacho ($13.99 before tax) in Section 5 took the cake. Atop a heaping foundation of tortilla chips sit pickled jalapeños, a roasted jalapeño queso blanco (which hits an excellent middle ground between plastic cheese and the real thing), pico de gallo and a cilantro crema.

Want protein? Add chili lime carnitas, Impossible-brand beef or ancho chicken for an additional $2.50, which arguably makes this a well-rounded meal.

In second place, and perhaps the lowest-cost item that could reasonably be considered a meal, is the Hempler’s all-beef hot dog from Molly D Burgers in Section 8. The boiled weenies are juicy and, for just $8.99, palatable for the stomach and wallet. If you want the true budget option, this is it.

Also at Molly D’s: smash burgers. While pickles add a nice touch of acidity, the puny portion of sauce and thick patty make for a dry burger that could have used more of a smash.

Willing to spend more? Consider the Impossible Korean beef bowl ($15.99) from IMPOSSIBLE: Test Kitchen in Section 108. Plant-based beef smothered in tangy sauce, pickled cucumber rounds and shredded carrots, and black sesame seeds adorn a heaping mound of rice. While the sauce’s salt level could be toned down a notch or two, it’s the most well-rounded item this (carnivorous) writer sampled.

Disappointments include the Uncle Jerome ($16.49), a not-so-crispy-nor-spicy Nashville hot chicken sandwich from Big Chicken in sections 103 and 22; the oversteamed and undersauced pork buns from Din Tai Fung ($8.99) in Section 5; and cheese pie from Sound Pizza ($14.49) in Section 19, which has little flavor and an undercooked, gummy crust.

Drinks

The 16-ounce Coors Light and Coors Banquet ($11.99 before tax) were the arena’s cheapest alcoholic beverages. Premium beers ($12.99) and craft cans from local breweries including Fremont Brewing and Reuben’s Brews ($14.99) can also be found across Climate Pledge Arena.

Prices only go up from there: $17.49 will buy a 24-ounce Topo Chico Ranch Water or a Simply spiked limeade. Rotating batched co*cktails ($17.99) and a rotating draft beer ($14.99) are offered on tap at Mt. Baker Beverage in sections 4, 12 and 17.

Wine connoisseurs can buy from Chateau Ste. Michelle’s outpost at Section 4 or 14 Hands in Section 104. To avoid going into debt over a glass of vino, consider snagging a 250-milliliter can of Kraken-label red or white, found at multiple locations for $15.99.

Bottled water ($6.49), soda ($4.99) and canned Starbucks beverages ($9.99) are also available.