As the Kraken look to tell a story about the history and heritage of their sport in Seattle—which includes a Stanley Cup championship for the Seattle Metropolitans in 1917—they view the Mariners not as a franchise rediscovering its fortunes, but one that set the example for how the city could play on its sport’s biggest stages.

“For us to be hosting at the Mariners’ [ballpark], there’s something that feels special about that,” Townsend said. “When I think about the right kind of venue, which feels like it has the history and allows you to see through to the city, and the kind of nautical sea brand, there’s so many connections there that just feel right.”