Walk into Hec Ed and you immediately feel the ghosts of 1927. It's tight. It’s loud. Honestly, it’s one of the most intimate places to watch a Big Ten—yeah, that still feels weird to say—basketball game in the country. But because it’s a historic building that’s been chopped up and renovated, looking at a basic alaska airlines arena at hec edmundson pavilion seating chart can be a little deceiving if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
You've got a capacity of about 9,268 people. That’s the official number, but the vibe makes it feel like twenty thousand when the Dawg Pack is screaming. If you're heading there for a Washington Huskies game, gymnastics meet, or a volleyball match, picking the right section is the difference between having a clear view of a game-winning layup or staring at the back of a coach's head for two hours.
The Layout Breakdown: Where You're Sitting
The arena is basically a giant rectangle with two main levels. You’ve got the lower bowl, which is mostly reserved for the high-rollers and the loudest students, and the upper level, which offers a broader perspective of the court.
The Courtside and Lower Level Experience
If you want to feel the sweat, you’re looking at sections 1 through 14. This is the lower bowl.
- Courtside Rows 1 and 2: These are the "Tyee Club" seats. They are expensive. Like, "don't ask the price if you have to ask" expensive. But you're literally on the floor.
- The Sidelines (Sections 1, 7, 8, and 14): These are the prime spots. Section 14 is right behind the Huskies bench, while Section 1 sits behind the visitors.
- The End Zones: Sections 4, 5, 11, and 12. If you sit here, you're watching the game develop from a baseline perspective. It’s great for seeing plays open up, but you might lose depth perception on the far end of the court.
The Dawg Pack (Student Section)
You sort of can’t talk about the seating chart without mentioning the students. They occupy a huge chunk of the lower level, specifically behind the baskets and sections of the sidelines (usually parts of 1, 2, 3, and 12, 13, 14). If you’re a visiting fan, maybe don’t buy a ticket right next to them unless you have very thick skin. They are relentless.
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Understanding the Seat Types
This is where people get tripped up. Not all seats in Hec Ed are created equal.
Chairbacks vs. Bleachers
Most of the lower rows (1-20) in the sideline sections feature actual stadium seats with backs. They’re comfortable enough. However, once you hit Row 21 through 26 in many sections, you transition to "Bleacher Backs." These are exactly what they sound like: bleacher benches that have a metal back attached. They aren't plush, but they’re better than nothing.
Then you have the "General Admission" or upper bleachers. These are just rows of wood or metal. If you’re sitting up here, you’re basically leaning on your own willpower.
Best Sections for the Money
Look, everyone wants center court. But sections 1, 7, 8, and 14 are usually the first to go or the most pricey on the secondary market.
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If you want a "pro tip," try looking for seats in the corners (Sections 3, 5, 10, or 12). Because the arena is so compact, the "corner" view isn't actually that far away. You still feel like you're part of the action, but the ticket prices often drop significantly compared to the mid-court spots.
Another thing: the 2000 renovation removed the old support pillars. This was a massive win. In the old days, you could buy a ticket and spend the whole night leaning left to see around a giant concrete post. Now, the sightlines are pretty much unobstructed across the board.
Accessibility and ADA Seating
Hec Ed is old, but they’ve done a decent job with accessibility. ADA seating is primarily located on the concourse level. This is actually a great spot because you’re elevated enough to see over the crowd, but you don't have to navigate any of the steep stairs.
- Elevators: There is an elevator that connects the concourse/entry level to the arena floor, but it’s mostly for court access.
- Entrances: All main entrances are at street level, so no ramps are needed to get into the building itself.
- Parking: Lot E1 is the go-to for ADA parking, but you need the placard, and it fills up fast on game days.
The Volleyball and Gymnastics Configuration
When the nets come out for volleyball or the mats for gymnastics, the alaska airlines arena at hec edmundson pavilion seating chart shifts slightly in terms of "best" value.
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For volleyball, the action is much more vertical. Sitting on the sidelines (Sections 7-9) is almost always better than the baselines because you want to see the ball crossing the net. In gymnastics, the "best" seat depends on which apparatus you care about most, but generally, the mid-level sideline seats give you the best view of the floor exercise, which is usually the crowd favorite anyway.
Surprising Details You Should Know
The arena's floor was originally dirt. Back in the day, the football team would actually practice inside during rainstorms. They’d lay a basketball court over a bed of 2x4s. It made the ball bounce weirdly in certain spots—a true home-court advantage if you knew where the "dead" spots were.
Also, the west end of the arena has these massive windows. During day games, the light can be stunning, but it can also be a bit of a glare nightmare for certain seating angles. Usually, they have shades, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to light.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
- Check the Row Number: If you’re in Row 27 or higher, expect a bench. Bring a cushion if you have sensitive hips.
- Arrive Early for GA: If you bought General Admission tickets, the "seating chart" doesn't matter as much as your arrival time. The best GA spots are usually the lowest rows of the upper deck, right at mid-court.
- Avoid the "Student Buffer": If you’re bringing kids, try to stay at least five rows up from the Dawg Pack. It gets loud and the language can be... colorful.
- Use the West Entrance: It’s usually less crowded than the main Montlake Boulevard entrance, especially if you’re coming from the light rail station.
Before you buy your tickets, pull up a digital version of the alaska airlines arena at hec edmundson pavilion seating chart and cross-reference it with the row numbers. A "Section 1" ticket sounds great until you realize you're in Row 30 on a wooden plank. Be smart, check the row, and enjoy the game in one of the most historic hoops cathedrals in the West.
To get the most out of your experience, you should download the Huskies Gameday app which often has live updates on gate openings and concessions. You can also look into the Founders Club if you're looking for a more premium hospitality experience before tip-off. Regardless of where you sit, the energy of a packed Hec Ed is something every sports fan needs to feel at least once.