VenuesNow 2026 All-Star Honoree: Steve Mattson

Steve Mattson
EVP & General Manager
Oak View Group & Climate Pledge Arena

AI: SOCIETAL SCOURGE, SAVIOR OR JUST MEH?
“Savior (then again, my wife works for Google)!”

Climate Pledge Arena has an interesting distinction: it’s the only American arena that hosts two women’s professional sports teams — the WNBA’s Seattle Storm and the PWHL’s Seattle Torrent. That’s in addition to the NHL’s Seattle Kraken. General Manager Steve Mattson says women’s sports are a winner for a building and a critical part of the content mix, particularly when it comes to reaching younger audiences.

“Women’s professional sports are surging, particularly with a younger fanbase,” he says. “More artists and performers are building loyal audiences online and reaching arena tours faster than ever before. We work closely with promoters to bring that broad mix of content to Climate Pledge Arena so there’s truly something for everyone.”

The venue had record attendance (2.7M in 2025) just ahead of its fifth anniversary, coming in October, all while navigating three major capital projects and physical renovations. Recent concerts included two nights with Tame Impala, and blowouts with artists including Benson Boone, Lionel Richie, Megan Moroney and many others. Since reopening after a three-year  $1 billion redevelopment in 2021, Climate Pledge has been renowned for its commitment to a green profile and broader work in to improve the community. It’s what Mattson is proudest of.

“Community impact is core to who we are as part of One Roof Sports & Entertainment,” Mattson says. “Through One Roof Foundation, the charitable arm of the Seattle Kraken and Climate Pledge Arena, we focus our efforts on three priorities: expanding youth access to play, advancing environmental justice, and addressing youth homelessness,

“Environmental justice is a particular passion because it creates tangible, lasting impact in our own community. One project that stands out was funding and installing water bottle filling stations at a local Title I elementary school that had gone without functioning drinking fountains. Beyond our foundation’s work, our employees regularly volunteer their time through food bank partnerships and neighborhood and park cleanups, reinforcing our belief that being a community leader extends well beyond the events we host.”