Seattle Thunderbirds road trip guide
Everything you need to catch the Seattle Thunderbirds at accesso ShoWare Center in Kent — arena guide, tickets, getting there and where to watch.
🎟️ Seattle Thunderbirds tickets
Compare box office and resale for upcoming Thunderbirds games. Prices vary by opponent and date — check a specific game on the Thunderbirds schedule.
✈️🚗 Getting to accesso ShoWare Center
Nearest major airport is Seattle–Tacoma (SEA) — about 8 mi / 11 min from the arena.
🧭 Planning your trip — quick answers
Where do the Seattle Thunderbirds play?
The Seattle Thunderbirds play home games at accesso ShoWare Center in Kent.
What airport do you fly into for a Seattle Thunderbirds game?
Seattle–Tacoma (SEA) is the closest major airport, about 8 miles (13 km) from accesso ShoWare Center — roughly 11 min by car depending on traffic.
How much is parking at accesso ShoWare Center?
General game-day parking is free. All general parking is free (1,500+ spots); the lot west across the train tracks is a flat 5-minute walk.
How do you get to accesso ShoWare Center without a car?
Kent Station (Sounder South Line at peak times and ST Express route 566 from Auburn, Renton and Bellevue) is a 5-minute walk away.
Prices and logistics are approximate and change — details in the arena-prices table and the arena guide below.
🏟️ accesso ShoWare Center fan guide
Best seats
An intimate arena of about 5,900 for hockey. Sections 101–110 and 110–119 split off the main entrance, and ADA seating is in Sections 101, 102 and 117–119, reached by the southwest elevator.
Parking
More than 1,500 free spaces within walking distance, all first-come first-served. Save-a-Spot reserved parking is in the Doxon Toyota Lot on the west side, which opens an hour before doors. (Free (paid reserved option))
Getting there
625 W James Street in Kent, under 18 miles from Seattle, Bellevue and Tacoma. Take I-5 Exit 149 (Kent/Des Moines Rd) or SR 167 to Willis St, then 4th Ave to James St. For big events, use the James Street Park & Ride via Smith St.
Bar scene
Kent Station, a shopping and dining district about a 5-minute walk away, is where most fans eat and drink before games; downtown Kent's brewpubs are close by too.
Pre-game bars
- Airways Brewing — Downtown Kent brewery recommended by Visit Kent for a pre- or post-game pint
- The Ram — Brewpub at Kent Station, about a 5-minute walk
Insider tips
- Clear bag policy: 12" x 12" x 6" clear bags, gallon Ziplocs, or clutches up to 4.5" x 6.5"
- The arena is cashless; Zippin checkout-free markets let you tap in, grab and go
- Empty plastic water bottles are allowed
- No re-entry, even to smoke
- Half Price Tuesdays with no fees on select dates
📺 Where to watch the Thunderbirds
National (US): FloHockey. Full TV guide →
🧭 Combine it into a road trip
Also in Kent: Seattle Kraken · Seattle Seahawks · Seattle Mariners · Seattle Storm · Seattle Torrent
Nearest big-league teams (great to pair up)
Also nearby: pro, minor & junior
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