Angel of the Winds Arena | Everett

Angel of the Winds Arena is a prominent multi-purpose sports and entertainment complex located in downtown Everett, Washington. Since opening in September 2003, it has played a central role in Snohomish County’s cultural, sports, and event life, hosting everything from hockey and indoor football to concerts, conventions, graduations, and public ice skating programs.

1. History and Background

Construction began: April 2002

Opened: September 27, 2003

Construction cost: $71.5 million (equivalent to around $120+ million today)

Architects: LMN Architects with PBK Architects

Structural Engineering: Magnusson Klemencic Associates

Construction Company: PCL Construction

Originally named the Everett Events Center, the arena was developed to serve as the city’s central entertainment venue and a catalyst for downtown redevelopment. In 2017, it was renamed Angel of the Winds Arena after a naming rights agreement with the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, who operate the nearby Angel of the Winds Casino Resort.

2. Ownership and Management

Owned by: Everett Public Facilities District

Operated by: OVG360 (formerly Spectra), a division of the Oak View Group

The city retained ownership, while professional venue managers were brought in to ensure a high standard of event programming, guest services, and financial sustainability.

3. Arena Features and Layout

Main Arena

Seating Capacity:

~8,150 for ice hockey

Up to 10,000 for concerts with a center stage

~9,000 for end-stage concert configurations

Floor size: 200 feet by 85 feet (standard NHL dimensions)

The arena is designed for rapid reconfiguration between sports events, concerts, and trade shows. It features luxury suites, club seating, VIP lounge areas, and full broadcast capabilities.

Everett Community Ice Rink

Public ice rink adjacent to the main arena

Open year-round for public skating, hockey leagues, figure skating, and learn-to-skate programs

Often used by the Everett Silvertips for practice and by youth/amateur hockey teams

Edward D. Hansen Conference Center

Three-story conference annex, directly connected to the arena

Features include:

Three meeting rooms, each approximately 900 square feet

A large ballroom of 11,000 square feet, seating up to 800 guests

Equipped for banquets, corporate meetings, weddings, conventions, and exhibitions

Hosts over 200 events annually

4. Primary Tenants and Sports Use

Everett Silvertips (WHL)

The arena’s flagship tenant since 2003

Competes in the Western Hockey League (WHL), a major junior hockey league

Draws large crowds and has fostered a loyal local fan base

Hosts themed games like “Pink the Rink,” “Military Appreciation Night,” and “Teddy Bear Toss”

Washington Wolfpack (Arena Football)

Joined the Arena Football League in 2024

Brings fast-paced indoor football to Everett with home games in the arena

Appeals to families and casual sports fans with accessible ticket pricing and entertainment

Other Tenants and Events

Formerly used by:

Seattle Storm (WNBA) during KeyArena renovations (2019–2021)

Tilted Thunder Rail Birds roller derby league

Hosts figure skating championships, including Skate America (2008 & 2018)

Regularly features:

Youth and amateur hockey tournaments

Cheer and dance competitions

Wrestling, MMA, and boxing events

5. Concerts and Entertainment

The arena is equipped with a modern audio-visual system and modular rigging for large-scale touring acts. Over the years, it has hosted top-tier entertainment, including:

Major touring concerts

Disney on Ice

Sesame Street Live

Harlem Globetrotters

Cirque du Soleil-style performances

Comedy tours, including major national acts

Cultural festivals, including GeekFest West and seasonal holiday markets

6. Community Role and Accessibility

Angel of the Winds Arena serves as a key community asset:

Hosts high school and college graduations for the region

Organizes public skating sessions and low-cost learn-to-skate programs

Offers nonprofit fundraising events, charity drives, and local expos

Frequently used for civic functions, career fairs, and education seminars

All facilities are ADA-accessible, with elevators, handrails, and visual signage

Each year, it welcomes over 300,000 visitors, contributing substantially to downtown Everett’s economy through hotel stays, restaurant visits, and transportation services.

7. Visitor Amenities and Enhancements

Dining and Premium Seating

Arena Grill: A full-service restaurant open before and during events

Octane Lounge: An exclusive club-level bar area for suite and club seat ticket holders

Concessions: Local vendors and national chains with expanded menu options

Premium Seating: Luxury suites and hospitality boxes offer private viewing areas, catering, and concierge service

Parking and Access

Centrally located with access from I-5, US-2, and multiple transit routes

Nearby parking garages and surface lots accommodate several thousand vehicles

Rideshare drop-off zones and nearby hotels for out-of-town visitors

8. Recent and Upcoming Developments

Hosting GeekFest West (pop culture convention) and additional esports tournaments

Expanded use for e-sports, robotics competitions, and high school tech expos

Focus on sustainability initiatives, with LED lighting retrofits and waste reduction programs

Strengthening partnerships with local schools and nonprofits for expanded public outreach

Summary

Angel of the Winds Arena is a cornerstone of the Puget Sound region’s entertainment and sports landscape. Its ability to adapt to various events-ranging from major concerts to youth hockey and business conventions-makes it one of the most versatile venues in the Pacific Northwest. The arena combines community service with high-end event hosting, contributing to Everett’s identity as a vibrant, growing city that values accessibility, culture, and recreation.