NHL Expansion Draft to Be Held at Gas Works

For those not entirely in the know as regards the doings of the National Hockey League during the height of the summer, the league will be holding an “expansion draft” this Wednesday. This is to allow the league’s newest team, our Seattle Kraken, to acquire a roster of players for the upcoming season. The Kraken will be allowed to select one player from each existing team within the limits of various and sundry league rules.

The event will be held onstage at Gas Works Park from about 3 to 8 pm this Wednesday, July 21, and roughly 4,000 fans are expected to attend. (For reference, the once-upon-a-time annual Independence Day celebration would draw roughly ten times that number.) The event is being produced by Hotopp Creative Studio from whom we obtained this news release describing their plans.

Tickets are required, and while season ticket holders will be given preference, just plain folks can enter here to win a pair. Those admitted will have access to food trucks, a beer garden and other amenities. The Seattle Times has the full scoop, but here are some important details:

• The park will be closed to all those without tickets
• There will be no parking at the park, but shuttles will be running from the UW
• If you have a ticket, expect the usual screening as you enter (no alcohol, umbrellas, chairs, or – need we say it – weapons, etc.)
• Even if you don’t get a ticket, you may consider launching your boat, kayak or paddleboard in Lake Union as the Kraken will be setting up a large video screen on a barge for floating spectators

Lastly, we received an email here at the blog concerning this event from Alex Pedersen of the City Council (representing southern Wallingford and most of the U District). Says he:

I did not propose the event or location and, while I’m hopeful it will be positive with so many sports fans excited about it, I reached out the Durkan Administration to make sure they are doing their best to mitigate the potential impacts to the neighborhoods. Specifically, I asked them about the outreach to the surrounding neighborhood and what measures will be put in place to ensure public safety (in the park, near the park, in Lake Union), mobility (including traffic flow), parking nearby. According to the City’s Office of Economic Development (OED), “Shuttle service will be provided from and back to UW parking lots for all ticket holders to minimize neighborhood traffic and parking impacts.” I also confirmed that the NHL has obtained the appropriate permits from the City and is responsible for the additional costs likely to be incurred by our Seattle Police Department.

One of my main goals is making sure the Durkan Administration has put in place measures so that District 4 constituents are not negatively impacted by the momentous event. Please provide any feedback to her Office of Economic Development (OED):

[email protected] (deputy director)

[email protected] (office of film & music)

[email protected] (special events committee)