Seattle, WA – A significant change is coming to the transit landscape of downtown Seattle as University Street Station is officially being renamed Symphony Station. Located beneath the iconic Benaroya Hall, home of the renowned Seattle Symphony, this station’s rebranding is set to improve wayfinding for commuters and visitors alike. The renaming ceremony is scheduled for Monday, September 9, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Second Avenue entrance of the station, marking a new chapter for this vital transportation hub.
The primary motivation behind this change is to eliminate passenger confusion. With both “University of Washington Station” and “U-District Station” already serving the city, the name “University Street Station” presented an ambiguity that could complicate navigation for those unfamiliar with Seattle’s transit system. Renaming the station to Symphony Station clearly links it to a prominent cultural landmark, Benaroya Hall, making it immediately identifiable and easier to locate for individuals heading to symphony performances or other events in the vicinity.
The renaming ceremony will feature prominent speakers including Seattle Symphony President & CEO Krishna Thiagarajan, King County Executive Dow Constantine, Seattle Deputy Mayor Greg Wong, and Sound Transit CEO Goran Sparrman. Following remarks from these leaders, the new Symphony Station signage will be unveiled, officially cementing the station’s new identity. To celebrate this occasion, musicians from the Seattle Symphony will perform, adding a touch of artistry to the event.
Krishna Thiagarajan, President & CEO of the Seattle Symphony, expressed enthusiasm for the renaming: “We are thrilled to partner with Sound Transit in renaming the light rail station beneath Benaroya Hall to Symphony Station, honoring our Grammy Award-winning orchestra. Benaroya Hall has been a central gathering place in downtown Seattle for over 25 years, hosting countless visitors for Seattle Symphony performances and a diverse array of cultural events. This renaming underscores the strong connection between public transit and Seattle’s vibrant cultural scene.”
Goran Sparrman, Sound Transit Interim CEO, highlighted the benefits for transit users: “The launch of Symphony Station, coinciding with the Seattle Symphony’s 2024/2025 season, not only provides greater clarity for Sound Transit riders but also celebrates the cultural richness of downtown Seattle. These attractions draw passengers from across the region and the globe, and Symphony Station will now serve as a more intuitive gateway to these destinations.”
The Seattle Symphony stands as a pillar of the city’s cultural landscape. Recognized nationally as a leading American orchestra, they are celebrated for their innovative programs, community engagement, and acclaimed recordings under the Seattle Symphony Media label. With a history spanning over 150 recordings and accolades including five Grammy Awards and being named Gramophone’s 2018 Orchestra of the Year, the Seattle Symphony enriches the lives of over 750,000 people annually through live performances at Benaroya Hall and broadcasts worldwide via Seattle Symphony+. The newly named Symphony Station will further enhance access to this cultural gem, solidifying its role as a key station in Seattle’s public transportation network and a gateway to musical excellence.
