Kraken

Photo by Rodrigo DeMedeiros

The Seattle Kraken, One Roof Foundation, and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health are pulling back the curtain on a brand-new multisport court at Verlo Playfield in Tacoma on May 17 as a part of an initiative to expand free and accessible ball hockey playing spaces across the region.  

Verlo Playfield will host a ribbon cutting and youth artwork unveiling from noon-2 p.m., with representatives from the NHL — such as Kraken TV analyst JT Brown, NHL alum Andrew Ference, and Kraken mascot Buoy — making appearances. The celebration will feature a ceremonial puck drop and a free hockey stick and ball to take home for participating children. 

The new court took an existing space and resurfaced and upgraded it with fresh concrete, new basketball hoops, and built-in hockey goals, according to a release. The space is two of five new Kraken- and One Roof Foundation-supported playing areas and is expected to be open year-round.