Seattle’s music scene is about to get a little louder. Live Nation and First Avenue Entertainment have announced plans for SODO Ballroom: a new 5,500-capacity indoor concert venue in SODO, with doors expected to open in 2029.
The venue will be built at The Boxyard, right across from T-Mobile Park and just steps from Lumen Field. The project expands the existing Boxyard space, home to popular hangouts like Hatback Bar & Grill and Steelheads Alley, both of which already pull in big crowds on game days.
Developers say the new venue is designed specifically for artists who have outgrown theaters but aren’t quite filling arenas yet. Plans include flexible staging, upgraded production tech, and artist-focused backstage spaces aimed at drawing bigger national and international tours to Seattle.
“Seattle has helped shape the sound of modern music, launching artists who have influenced culture worldwide,” said Jeff Trisler, Regional President, Pacific Northwest, Live Nation. “This new purpose-built venue is an investment in continuing that legacy. We are enhancing the city’s ability to attract even more major tours to the Pacific Northwest while supporting the next generation of performers as they grow.”
The venue will also connect to Victory Hall, a multi-use lobby and event space expected to host special events, activations, and game-day programming throughout the year.
The project is being designed by Blueprint Studio, Live Nation’s in-house team, alongside Seattle-based LMN Architects.
Beyond concerts, supporters say the project could bring a major economic boost to the neighborhood. An independent analysis from Oxford Economics estimates the venue could generate about $129 million annually for the region, including roughly $70 million in spending at local restaurants, hotels, and shops. The project is also expected to create more than 700 jobs.
“It’s exciting to see new energy and investment in Seattle’s live music and entertainment scene,” said Joe Nguyen, President and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. “This venue creates another important space for artists and audiences while bringing more people, more economic activity, and more support for nearby businesses.”
For more info about SODO Ballroom, you can visit the venue website.
