"The key to a great fan experience in sports starts with the music, and with KEXP providing the soundtrack I have no doubt that our team is going to have the best home ice advantage in the NHL," said Tod Leiweke, CEO and President, NHL Seattle. "As we build this franchise from the ground up, we know that we have a unique opportunity to build a music program in a way that no other teams have had a chance to. This won't be an out-of-the-box experience. With KEXP at the helm, our in-arena music experience will be one that, when you close your eyes, you'll know that you could only be in Seattle."
"We hold a deep belief in the power of music to connect and inspire," said KEXP Chief Content Officer and Afternoon Show host Kevin Cole. "This partnership with NHL Seattle is a remarkable opportunity to create new traditions, connect fans with our incredible local music, and bring a new sound to professional sports in Seattle."
"KEXP is dedicated to bringing great music into every part of your life," said KEXP Director of Programming, On-Air and Morning Show host John Richards. "Seattle is a town and a community with a powerful passion for both music and sports - often at the same time! We can't wait to work with NHL Seattle, hockey fans, and music fans, to create an elevated and inspired music experience that takes arena-goers on an emotional journey, builds on the tensions and thrills involved in the game, and gets fans excited to help their team win."
NHL Seattle and KEXP will collaborate moving forward, in partnership with fans of both KEXP and NHL Seattle, to develop the in-game audio experience. The partnership will also be centered around serving as an incubator for local music that embraces new and emerging artists whenever and wherever possible. The goal - create an atmosphere that celebrates the Pacific Northwest's great music tradition and our return to hockey.
