If you’ve ever driven through downtown Everett, Washington, you can’t really miss it. That massive, slightly curved glass facade sitting right at the corner of Hewitt and Oakes. It’s the Angel of the Winds Arena. Locals still sometimes call it "the Comcast Arena" or just "the Events Center," but regardless of the name on the door, this place basically carries the entire social life of Snohomish County on its shoulders.
It’s big. Not "Seattle-big," but that’s exactly why people love it.
You get this weirdly intimate feeling even when there are 8,000 people screaming for a hockey goal. Most people think of it as just a sports venue, but if you look at the schedule, it’s a chaotic, wonderful mix of Disney on Ice, high school graduations, and monster trucks. It opened back in 2003, and honestly, downtown Everett would look a lot different—and probably a lot quieter—if it hadn't been built.
More Than Just the Silvertips Home Ice
Let's talk about the Everett Silvertips. They are the primary tenant and, for many, the soul of the building. The Western Hockey League (WHL) fan base in Everett is intense. Like, "cowbell-ringing, face-painting, stay-until-the-final-buzzer" intense. Because the Angel of the Winds Arena was designed with a steep seating pitch, there isn’t really a bad seat in the house. You’re right on top of the action. You can hear the skates carving into the ice and the puck hitting the boards with that specific thwack that you just don't get in a massive NHL stadium.
But the ice isn't always there.
The logistics of this place are kind of insane when you think about it. One night, the floor is a glistening sheet of ice for hockey. Twelve hours later? It might be covered in dirt for a rodeo or a motocross event. Or maybe it’s a flat concrete floor for a trade show. The transition team there works graveyard shifts to flip the "house" from one configuration to another. It’s a thankless job that keeps the city’s economy moving.
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The Community Ice Rink and Edward D. Hansen Conference Center
A lot of people don't realize that the Angel of the Winds Arena is actually a multi-purpose complex. It’s not just the big bowl where the concerts happen. There’s an attached community ice rink. This is where the actual work happens—local kids learning to skate, adult league hockey at 11:00 PM on a Tuesday, and figure skating practice. It’s one of the few places in the North Sound where you can get consistent ice time.
Then you’ve got the Edward D. Hansen Conference Center.
It’s tucked in there, offering ballroom space and meeting rooms. It’s why you’ll see people in business suits walking into the same building where, three hours later, someone will be wearing a neon-green hockey jersey. This mix of business and play is what keeps the venue profitable. It’s not just waiting for the next big pop star to roll through town; it’s hosting a local chamber of commerce lunch or a wedding.
That Name Change and the Casino Connection
The naming rights for the venue have an interesting history. Originally the Everett Events Center, it became Comcast Arena at Everett, and then Xfinity Arena. In 2017, the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians stepped in. They branded it the Angel of the Winds Arena after their casino in Arlington.
It was a big deal for the community.
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It marked a significant investment by a local tribal nation into the civic infrastructure of Everett. Some people were confused at first—they thought the arena was moving to the casino—but nope, it’s still right there in the city. The partnership has been pretty seamless, and it’s actually helped fund some of the modernizations the building needed as it started to hit its two-decade milestone.
What to Know Before You Go (The Non-Corporate Advice)
Parking. Everyone complains about parking. Look, there isn’t a giant, dedicated parking lot attached to the front door. You’re in a downtown core. You’ve basically got two choices: pay for one of the private lots nearby (which can get pricey during a sell-out concert) or hunt for street parking. If you’re willing to walk four or five blocks, you can usually find a spot for free, especially in the residential areas to the east or south. Just watch the signs.
- Security: Like most venues now, they have a clear bag policy. Don't show up with a giant backpack; they’ll just make you walk it back to your car.
- Food: It’s arena food. You know the drill. It’s expensive, but the "Silvertip Dogs" are a staple. Honestly? Eat at one of the bars or restaurants on Hewitt Avenue before the show. Support the local Everett businesses like Scuttlebutt Brewing or the independent spots within walking distance.
- Acoustics: For a hockey arena, the sound is surprisingly decent for concerts. They use heavy acoustic dampening curtains to kill the echo. It’s not a symphony hall, but for a rock show or a comedian, it holds up.
Impact on Downtown Everett
Everett used to have this reputation as just a "mill town." When the Angel of the Winds Arena opened, it was part of a conscious effort to change that narrative. It brought foot traffic. It brought life to Hewitt Avenue after 5:00 PM. You see the ripple effect every game night—bars are packed, people are walking the streets, and there’s a sense of energy that the city really needs.
Of course, there are challenges.
Maintaining a massive building like this is expensive. Taxpayers often keep an eye on the subsidies and management contracts. Currently managed by OVG360 (formerly Spectra), the arena has to compete with the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle and the Tacoma Dome. It carves out its niche by being the "accessible" alternative. It’s easier to get to for people in Marysville, Lake Stevens, and Snohomish who don't want to fight I-5 traffic into Seattle.
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The Future of the Venue
As we move further into the 2020s, the arena is looking at upgrades. We’re talking better Wi-Fi (because everyone wants to stream the game while they’re watching it), more efficient lighting, and premium seating options. The "suite life" is a big part of how these venues stay afloat, and the suites at Angel of the Winds Arena are often booked out by local companies for networking.
It’s a weirdly resilient building. It survived the 2008 recession, a global pandemic that shut down live events for over a year, and the constant shifting of the retail landscape around it. It remains the anchor of the city.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning to head to the Angel of the Winds Arena soon, do it right. Check the official website for the most current bag policy, as these things change frequently. If you’re going for a Silvertips game, buy your tickets in advance—the lower bowl sells out faster than you’d think.
Download the arena app if you want to skip some of the lines for concessions, though nothing beats the old-school vibe of just standing in line with a crowd of fans. Finally, if you're coming from out of town, consider taking the bus or checking the Sounder train schedule if there’s a special event; it can save you a massive headache with downtown traffic.
Everett isn't just a suburb of Seattle. It’s a destination in its own right, and this arena is the reason why a lot of people discover that for the first time. Whether you're there for a graduation, a high-octane hockey game, or a touring country star, the building serves its purpose: it brings people together in a way that a screen just can't.