Kraken and Starbucks Partner on Newly Named Kraken Community Iceplex

SEATTLE - June 30, 2021 - The Seattle Kraken today announced a multi-year partnership with Starbucks Coffee Company as its Community Impact Partner to strengthen the community and advance inclusion and equity in Seattle. The newly named Kraken Community Iceplex will serve as a space to support the Northgate community. The partnership will focus on addressing the related, critical needs of access to resources and opportunity for young people.
As part of this partnership, Starbucks will open its 21st Starbucks Community Store within Kraken Community Iceplex.
Starbucks Community Stores
are committed to economic development and opportunity in underserved communities with a focus on hiring from the community, partnering with local nonprofits and working with local artists, and serve as a space for community events and programs. Unique to the Northgate Community Store at Kraken Community Iceplex, a percentage of profits will support the Kraken and Climate Pledge Arena's One Roof Foundation and other local nonprofit organizations.

"Since inception, the Seattle Kraken have been committed to the greater Seattle community, and there is no better partner to amplify this commitment than Starbucks," said Tod Leiweke, CEO of the Seattle Kraken. "We are proud to join forces with such a likeminded change agent, and we both agree that collectively we will make a lasting impact on our region."

"Starbucks has tremendous pride in our hometown, and we are honored to work with an organization like the Seattle Kraken which shares our values," said Kevin Johnson, CEO at Starbucks. "The people in our city represent the very best of us, and working together, we're committed to strengthening the Seattle community, celebrating our neighbors, and building a lasting partnership that uplifts the lives of people and families across the Puget Sound."
Highlights of the partnership include:
"The launch of Kraken Community Iceplex is a sea change in making hockey accessible for youth growing up in the Seattle Area," said Kyle Boyd, director of youth and community development at the Kraken. "This is the largest NHL practice facility within a major city and will offer unparalleled access to the game for youth growing up in the greater Seattle area. While hockey is a large part of who we are, community impact is really at the core of our organization. Together, we will break down barriers for all youth interested in ice sports regardless of their background. Ultimately, we will ensure that everyone feels welcome at Kraken Community Iceplex."
"Today is a proud moment for us, as Starbucks and the Seattle Kraken partner together to build community and advance equity in our hometown," said Camille Hymes, vice president of community impact at Starbucks. "Our Community Store and this partnership allow us to further invest in and amplify our impact here in the Seattle community through our shared, ongoing efforts to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the communities in which we serve. Joining the Kraken team in community service and engagement opportunities, we look forward to working together to help bring access to resources and opportunity right here at home."

This partnership is a demonstration of Starbucks commitment to strengthening its hometown, building upon the company's efforts to
advance diversity, equity and inclusion
and provide economic opportunity by investing in traditionally underserved, diverse communities across the country. Over the years, Starbucks has focused its community efforts on pressing issues in the Seattle area, including supporting
unsheltered families
and
youth programming
, addressing
food insecurity
including investing $360,000 to fight hunger in partnership with Northwest Harvest, and most recently, supporting
COVID-19 response
and
equitable vaccine distribution
across Washington state.
From day one, the Seattle Kraken made a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, starting with its own front office. This past spring the team and Climate Pledge Arena launched the One Roof Foundation, their equity-centered charitable arm that will partner with some of our most underserved communities to end youth homelessness, increase access to hockey and sports for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) youth, and advance environmental justice work.
Slated to open this September, Kraken Community Iceplex will have programs to support youth and adult skating and hockey lessons, youth and adult hockey leagues, figure skating, public skate sessions and more, with the goal of introducing hockey to more members of the Seattle community. Kraken fans will also be able to watch the NHL team practice and attend game viewing events. Program registration and more information is available at
www.krakencommunityiceplex.com
.

#

About Starbucks

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with nearly 33,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at
http://news.starbucks.com
or
www.starbucks.com
.

#

About Seattle Kraken

The Seattle Kraken are the National Hockey League's newest franchise, set to play their inaugural season in 2021-2022 at
Climate Pledge Arena
at Seattle Center, developed by
Oak View Group
. Visit
www.nhl.com/kraken
for the latest news and information including press releases, multimedia content and the latest hires.

#

About Kraken Community Iceplex

Kraken Community Iceplex is set to open fall 2021 and will serve as the hockey hub of the Pacific Northwest. Not only will it house the team's official practice rink, but it will also be a community-oriented facility for adult and youth hockey, figure skating, leagues, events and more. The facility is located just five miles north of downtown Seattle at Northgate Station, and will have three ice rinks, an official team store, restaurant and bar, and Kraken staff offices. A full schedule of activities and registration will launch summer 2021. More information at
www.krakencommunityiceplex.com
.

#

Media Contacts

Seattle Kraken:
Delaney Berreth
Marketing Manager, Kraken Community Iceplex
[email protected]
Starbucks:
Jessica Conradson
Starbucks Media Relations
[email protected]