ShoWare Center

Was here for a community college graduation. Staff was friendly, check in was easy and efficient, seats were definitely more comfortable than most stadiums I’ve been in, and best of all the restrooms were clean and do not have a foul odor. The only disappointment was how hard it was to get out after the graduation. Seems like there should have been more exits. Overall seems like a pretty good venue!

Spent the day at Showare Center for the Annual City of Kent Public Works Week. Plenty of displays and equipment on display to inform the public of all the great things the Public Works Department accomplishes for the City. Well attended event and a free lunch was served. This is an annual event the 3^rd week of May. Looking forward to next year!

Great date night I had with my hubby! GO SEATTLE THUNDERBIRDS!
Overall:
We went there for a hockey game and it was our first time ever to watch a hockey game! I fell in love with hockey just by one game… It was wonderful. Also the center is pretty modern and nice inside. There’s hockey players pictures on most of the walls out in the hallway with cool illustrations. Food are pretty nice not much special. (Well, game food is game food. No complain) Even after the game we had to go around the center and look, just really cool and we sure had fun.
Parking:
Parking is quite good. They have lots of parking lot for people to park, however it can get full really fast. Don’t expect to get there right on time and still able to find a close by parking spot. (if the game is 7: pm, be there an hour early!)
I am sure I will be back. I wish I live closer to here just so I can go to games more often! Recommended!

I am 6’1″. I cannot sit down in their seats (designed for deformed midgets). So I am not interested in attending anything at this location. Dumbass lazy Kent police block off the street and make you walk 3 extra blocks to make sure you use the crosswalk. It is a bad experience.

This place rocks. Only complaint is that the Blue Moon on tap tastes like they scooped a spoonful of butter into it. Minus one star for buttery Blue Moon. Try it, you will understand.

I’ve only been here for Thunderbirds games and I am always impressed. The staff are very friendly and helpful, and are quick to remove foul-​mouthed drunkards from the crowd. The place is very easy to navigate and the restrooms are always clean. The seating is all great, and I honestly doubt there’s a bad seat in the house!

BE WARNED! If you haven’t taken the 2+ hours to go to the DMV and get your ID changed to a horizontal one THEY WONT ACCEPT IT. No drinks for you! Bring a friend with a horizontal one or you’re screwed.

I can’t even being to count how many times I have been to the ShoWare Center to cheer on our Seattle Thunderbirds! Such a fun time! They’ve also held the circus, Disney On Ice, concerts, graduations and other events here. I have not attended any events besides hockey games.
Parking can be treacherous, so arrive early. There is a garage across the street, a few side lots and another larger lot down the street. Kent Station doesn’t allow event parking, but most people park there anyways.
The line to get in can get long, but security moves fast. There is only one entrance and it is at the front of the arena. Small place, LOTS of people; be prepared for a lot of congestion before the game and during breaks. The place is U-​shaped, you cannot walk in a full circle around. Lots of concession stands, lines get long, they serve the usual: beer, pretzels, hot dogs, popcorn, soda, etc. Pretty expensive too. Last I know of, vertical ID’s are not allowed for alcohol purchase. Many bathrooms, lines do not typically get long for those.
Few merchandise set ups around and one main «store» when you enter to the right. During Thunderbirds games they have a ⁵⁰⁄₅₀ raffle where you can win money, jerseys, «Chuck A Puck,» dance contests to ride the Zamboni, and other various raffles.
There isn’t really a bad seat in the house. It is very small, only like 25 rows in each section. There is a family section that is alcohol free as well. I’ve sat everywhere but the family section and have never had a bad time. Sitting in the front by the glass is the best though — BUT don’t put your drinks on the ledge cause um yeah hockey + players checking each other into the glass = your drink goes flying all over you. Not fun. I did not learn the hard way, but I saw someone else who did! Haaaa.
I definetly suggest checking out a few games here! The atmosphere is really fun, and the crowd really gets into the game! Plus, the T-​Birds are having a great season this year!
On select Tuesdays they offer a 2 For Tuesday, which includes 2 for the price of 1 tickets, $ 2 beer, $ 2 hotdogs, $ 2 soda, $ 2 popcorn (for Thunderbirds games).
Also…bring the NHL to Seattle. Just sayin ;)

Great venue for Disney on Ice — love the free parking! Easy in and Easy out. I dont appreciate the high prices for fairly gross concessions.

I frequent the ShoWare Center for Thunderbirds games, and I couldn’t think of a better venue for the occasion.
I’ve sat in many different seats in many different locations, and there really isn’t a bad seat in the house for a hockey game.
They also have lots of concessions located all around the center, so no matter where you are, you aren’t far from food. Bathrooms as well, and they’re always clean (with the exception of people who miss the trash when throwing away their paper towels and don’t care).
Parking is a little tricky if you show up late, and you aren’t allowed to park at Kent Station for events — so come early.

The circus was the WORST show ever and SO boring !!! All the acts are terrible and not worth the money. The worst act… 2 guys spinning on the huge wheels. No I see the guys who work for the circus look unhappy! This is their life!
Don’t waste the money and see the ringling brothers

Great venue! Small so no seat is a bad seat. The layout is nice. Lots of concessions stands and restrooms. Parking is OK. We have been there for LFL, Mens indoors football, and Thunderbirds.

We just went to the ShoWare Center yesterday for the Hello Kitty Festival. The event itself was a five star on its own. However, the venue they chose didn’t work in my opinion. The exhibits were all too cramped and people were constantly bumping into my family and I. The stands were too narrow and getting in and out without tripping over people was an issue. The other major problem was the staff/​ushers; They were no where to be found and when I was able to talk to one of them she didn’t know where people should go. When we first got in no one directed us or told us where to go to enjoy the event. Most of the people who came in with us were wandering around confused.
I think the stadium would be nice for sports events but not ‘Festivals’ where people are wondering around. It’s a shame that it was so miss matched.

We came here for a graduation and it was very nice inside. Neat and clean walkways, and the bathrooms were clean as well. The actual seating was ok, not too tight but not an abundance of space either. It was your average local arena type setting and it was very decent.

I took my daughter to the Kent International Festival and we had a great time lots of booths with cultural experiences for my 4 year old. The non-​stop music and entertainment was first class and the price of admission and parking was right (FREE). If you get a chance to go next year do it.

Came for a concert that had multiple acts. We arrived very early since it was general admission seating. Were able to get a close parking spot in their lot. The left turn is closed at some point before the show, so get there early or plan on driving by, turning around and then getting into the parking area. Lots of other parking nearby (park and ride).
We waited outside up front for a few hours. Police did come by to keep people 3 feet from road (open sidewalk).
It is close enough to walk to nearby food options.
Inside we were able to get seating with no issues. Seats are tight. When seated my knees almost touched the person in front of me. My hair was pulled many times from the kid behind me moving her legs. Come to get cozy with strangers.
Sound was great here. Good views from almost all the seating… you don’t want to be on the floor mid way back if the event has a middle floor stage. This will be completely blocking your view the entire show. Anywhere but the middle-​back floor was good.
Bathrooms were plenty and large. Not very clean by end of the show.
Leaving wasn’t as bad as I expected. We were able to get out quickly. Enjoyed our show here, will be back!

Came here to see Disney on ice. I have seen ice shows before but never here.
Love the free parking lot. And that they have people directing you in and out. The wait to get out was actually fairly quick, they have two exits. Finding the place is super easy!
The inside area is kinda small. Or if could of just looked small because it was packed with Disney items.
They have normal event concessions and a coffee cart. The prices seemed pretty normal for what you would expect at events.
There was staff everywhere to help you find your seats. All that we encountered were very friendly and helpful.
The venue area is not huge, but good size. Didn’t seem to be any nose bleed seats. Looks like anywhere you sit you would have a good view of the ice/​floor.
Would totally come back for another event here!

Been to plenty of Seattle Thunderbirds games here, and it’s odd as the seats are different depending on where you sit, we had bought my brother tickets once for a game, and after words he was complaining his seat was very tight (and he is skinny as you can get)
One thing I like, is the U shape of the Arena, where they have the scoreboard and no seats under it– so if you like walking around a arena you wont like it as you will have to turn around lol, they do have a nice VIP area above the seats, never been to a suite here so cant comment on that.
The Parking here is free, (at least every time i have been here it was free) and easy access, short walking distance is the Kent State, which has some good eating and drinking options.
If you go on a Tuesday night for a game they do have 2 for 1 tickets, and Thursday night they have deals on drinks and food inside the Arena. It is also a glass Arena so outside loks nice

«As we go on. we remember. all the times we. had togetherrrr»
. Yeah, and I still feel nostalgic hearing that song even if it’s been awhile since my high school graduation! But on the day of my little brother’s grad ceremony (yesterday), I couldn’t help but reminisce of when I was actually in those seats. I remember being galvanized by my student body president’s speech about becoming eminent individuals going to live a prosperous future, and to overlook the rambunctious trajectories that we all experienced in our senior year.
It was because graduating was quite an anomaly since everyone believed that my class was the worst ever in my high school’s history! I remembered one of my teachers quitting due to our deplorable behavior, also recalling more than half of the students in my graduating class failing a course or two our freshman year, and at least 60 were suspended in one day to due watching/​instigating a fight. However, in the other hand, my brother’s class seemed like my principle’s prized possession. Best HSPE scores in the district, more hours of community service in the state, and a Valedictorian having a perfect score on her AP Calculus exam which is achieved only by 1 out of 8 of students in the world.
Nothing could have been a better place to exhibit a graduation other than the Showare center! The crowd went bananas after introducing their graduate, and even brought noisemakers even if they weren’t allowed. Speakers were clear enough to hear; sooo cleaarrr that I didn’t have to clean out my earwax this time! The colossal screens attached from the center of the ceiling captured every pivotal moment; and made sure that they caught my brother smiling from ear to ear after receiving his diploma.
Walking out to use the restroom was a challenge however, not only because I either have to give them the butt or the crotch when I walk through, but squeezing myself in a crowded area of less than 2 feet of space. But overall the entire venue was easy to maneuver through, and you’d be like another Forest Gump if you didn’t know how to get back to the arena from the restrooms!
But you shouldn’t expect the Showare Center to be the most relaxing place to watch a show because it isnt the most sanitary and spacious environment to be around. Yet if there is an event, show or game that is worth sacrificing your own comfort, then this for sure could be your cup of tea.
My brother’s graduation was an enjoyable event, and the center accommodated accordingly to our excitement. Friends, families, and other guests who came had shown tremendous support to their graduates, and their cheery countenance portrayed it perfectly. But I also witnessed seniors break down as this was going to be the last day of seeing each other. But then again .
. «As their lives change. for whatever. they will still be. friends foreverrr!»

My initial impression of ShoWare Center was very good. As a new mid-​sized arena, it certainly has a lot of curb appeal. In particular, there was easy access to the venue from the surrounding communities (we were staying in Tacoma) and free parking across the street at the Park-​n-​Ride lot.
We waited in line a few minutes prior to them opening the doors (one hour before the puck drop) and the staff was efficient about getting us through the doors (four lines). Security was a little stricter than I’m used to in Portland (bag check and you have to unbutton and open your coat), but no big deal. I checked the venue rules in advance and found a few quirks (no spiked jewelry or noise making devices) and the code of conduct at venues always induces a few chuckles.
We had excellent seats and were surrounded by a mix of Thunderbirds and Winterhawks fans. It is an intense rivalry and we were attending a particularly important game, but the fans I observed on both sides let the boys settle it on the ice.
A few things of interest…
1) During the hockey game there are a number of times they lower the lights, so this is the perfect place to bring glow sticks or lights in your team’s colors.
2) As other fans noted, the acoustics weren’t great and at times it was hard to understand the announcer. Also wish the big screen was a little better for the replays.
3) The food options were on the better side for stadium food, but at stadium prices.
4) Perfect sized venue for a hockey game and all of the seats seemed to be good seats. We sat in a section that had particularly good separation from the fans around us.
It is a place I look forward to visiting again to cheer on my team. I’m trying not to let my personal bias affect me, but I think ShoWare is better than watching hockey in the VMC, but not quite as good as the Moda Center (fmr. Rose Garden).