Alaska Airlines Arena

On the picturesque campus of the University of Washington in Seattle sits a legendary sports arena—the Hec Edmundson Pavilion. This building, designed in a majestic Romanesque Revival style with characteristic brick arches, is home to the famous Washington Huskies teams. Built back in 1927, the pavilion has become a true symbol of sports traditions in the USA.

Today, the facility is known by its commercial name, Alaska Airlines Arena. It is a multi-purpose complex that seats up to 10,000 spectators. Inside, it hosts exciting men's and women's basketball games, volleyball tournaments, and gymnastics meets, turning every event into a vibrant show.

The arena's unique architecture adds special significance: the gabled roof on powerful steel trusses and the historic facade blend harmoniously with modern equipment. This venue is famous for its incredible energy and is considered one of the "noisiest" and most intimidating venues for opponents on the entire West Coast.

To plan your visit to the arena or purchase tickets for games, it is helpful to have the current contact information on hand. Below is the essential information to help you find your way and get in touch with the venue representatives.

Please note that additional details regarding schedules and special events are best checked directly on the official University of Washington resources.

The main reason to visit the pavilion is the live excitement of sporting events. Visitors can watch the Washington Huskies teams in action. The fierce support from local fans creates a unique "home-court advantage" that every sports enthusiast should experience.

Besides watching the game, be sure to take note of the arena's interior. After a major renovation, massive golden super-trusses were installed, which not only support the roof but also ensure an unobstructed view from any seat in the stands. The complex also houses the University Hall of Fame, where you can learn about the achievements of outstanding athletes from the past.

If you're lucky, you might catch a cultural event or concert occasionally held within the pavilion. Even a simple stroll around the building will allow you to appreciate the expert masonry and the elegance of the circular arches that make this structure a true architectural gem of the campus.

The arena is located in the northern part of the University of Washington campus at 3870 Montlake Blvd NE. Getting here from downtown Seattle is easy thanks to the city's well-developed transportation network. The simplest way is to use public transit: bus routes No. 25, 65, and 75 stop right next to the pavilion on Montlake Boulevard.

If you prefer rail transport, you can take the Link Light Rail to the University of Washington station, which is just a few minutes' walk from the sports complex. A taxi or rideshare from downtown will take approximately 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic.

For those traveling by car, the primary route is via I-5 (Exit 169 to Montlake Blvd). However, keep in mind that on major game days, campus parking fills up very quickly, so it is recommended to arrive early or use park-and-ride lots.

The history of this sports venue began in 1927, when it opened under the modest name "University of Washington Pavilion." The project, costing approximately $600,000, was designed by architect Carl F. Gould, who chose an elegant Romanesque Revival style. The facility received its current name in 1948 in honor of the legendary coach Clarence "Hec" Edmundson, who mentored a whole generation of talented athletes and Olympians.

At the turn of the millennium, in 1999–2000, the pavilion underwent a massive $40 million renovation. The primary task for engineers was to improve sightlines: massive columns were removed from the hall and replaced with giant yellow-gold super-trusses. This increased the seating capacity to 10,000 and made the arena one of the most modern in the collegiate league at that time.

Interestingly, despite all the modernizations and the sponsored name Alaska Airlines Arena, the building's western facade carefully preserves its historical appearance. Today, it is the third most compact arena in the Big Ten conference (formerly Pac-12), creating a unique, intimate, yet incredibly energetic atmosphere during competitions.

The time needed to visit the pavilion largely depends on the purpose of your visit. If you plan to attend a basketball game or a volleyball match, expect to spend about 2–3 hours. This allows enough time to go through security, find your seats, enjoy the game, and soak up the college sports atmosphere.

For those who just want to admire the building's exterior architecture and peek into the University Hall of Fame, 45–60 minutes will suffice. The visit can easily be combined with a walk around the University of Washington campus, which altogether can take about half a day.

The operating hours of the Hec Edmundson Pavilion depend directly on the calendar of sports and cultural events. Typically, the arena doors open to visitors 1–2 hours before the start of a game or event. On non-event days, indoor access for tourists may be limited.

Since there is no fixed schedule for general public visits, we strongly recommend checking the current schedule on the official website gohuskies.com before your trip. This will help you avoid closed doors and plan your visit for an interesting game in advance.

The arena's location on the university campus makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the picturesque surroundings. Exploring this part of the city allows you to see not only modern sports facilities but also cozy park areas where locals and students love to relax.

Nearby, you will find both quiet spots for nature contemplation and active areas for family recreation. Below is a list of interesting locations situated near the pavilion: