Where Was 10 Things I Hate About You Filmed? A Comprehensive Guide to the Iconic Locations

10 Things I Hate About You (1999) is a timeless teen comedy classic that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. The film, based on Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew," follows the tumultuous relationship between two opinionated teenagers, Kat Stratford (Julia Stiles) and Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger). The film's memorable characters and witty dialogue have made it a cult favorite, and its filming locations have become iconic in their own right.

Locations and Landmarks

Tacoma, Washington

• Stadium High School: The exterior shots of Padua High School, where Kat and Patrick attend school, were filmed at Stadium High School in Tacoma, Washington. The school's distinctive clock tower and brick facade are prominently featured in the film.
• Broadway Center for the Performing Arts: The school's auditorium scenes were filmed at the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts, also in Tacoma. The venue's opulent interior provided the perfect backdrop for the film's climactic prom scene.

Seattle, Washington

• Kubota Garden: The iconic scene where Kat and Patrick have a heart-to-heart conversation on a park bench was filmed at Kubota Garden in Seattle. The garden's lush greenery and serene pond create a picturesque setting for the film's pivotal moment.
• Kerry Park: The panoramic shot of Seattle's skyline at the end of the film was taken from Kerry Park, a hilltop park overlooking the city. The view from this vantage point is breathtaking, capturing the beauty of the Emerald City.

Other Locations

• Seattle Center Monorail: The scenes where Kat and Patrick ride the monorail were filmed on the Seattle Center Monorail, a historic public transportation system that connects downtown Seattle to the Seattle Center.
• Renton Memorial Stadium: The football game scenes were filmed at Renton Memorial Stadium in Renton, Washington, a suburb of Seattle. The stadium's classic design and vintage atmosphere add authenticity to the film's sports scenes.

Table of Locations

Filming Trivia

• The film's budget was estimated to be $16 million.
• The film grossed over $103 million worldwide.
• The film was critically acclaimed for its witty dialogue and relatable characters.
• The film's soundtrack features songs by Sixpence None the Richer, Save Ferris, and Letters to Cleo.
• The film has been referenced in numerous pop culture works, including the TV show "Gossip Girl."

Stories and Lessons

Story 1: Kat's transformation from an independent, outspoken individual to a vulnerable and open person shows the power of love and the importance of letting go of prejudices.

Lesson: It's okay to be different and to stand up for what you believe in, but it's also important to be open to change and to accept the love of others.

Story 2: Patrick's struggle to balance his bad boy persona with his genuine feelings for Kat highlights the complexities of teenage relationships.

Lesson: True love is not always easy or straightforward, and it requires work and compromise from both partners.

Story 3: The film's portrayal of a small-town high school and its social hierarchy shows the pressures and challenges that teenagers face in navigating adolescence.

Lesson: Popularity and social status are not everything, and it's important to find your own path and to be true to yourself.

How to Visit

Visiting the Filming Locations

• Take a guided tour of Stadium High School, the exterior of Padua High School.
• Visit Kubota Garden and find the park bench where Kat and Patrick had their heart-to-heart conversation.
• Take a ride on the Seattle Center Monorail and experience the scenic views.
• Watch a football game at Renton Memorial Stadium to soak up the atmosphere of the film's sports scenes.

Step-by-Step Approach

1. Plan your trip to Tacoma and Seattle.
2. Book a guided tour of Stadium High School.
3. Visit Kubota Garden and locate the park bench.
4. Take a ride on the Seattle Center Monorail.
5. Attend a football game at Renton Memorial Stadium.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• You can experience the iconic filming locations firsthand.
• You can learn about the film's history and production.
• You can explore the beautiful cities of Tacoma and Seattle.

Cons:

• The filming locations may have changed over time.
• Guided tours may not always be available.
• The trip can be expensive, especially if you are traveling from a distant location.

FAQs

1. Where can I find the park bench where Kat and Patrick had their heart-to-heart conversation?

Kubota Garden in Seattle

2. Is Stadium High School open to the public?

Yes, but guided tours are recommended.

3. How much did it cost to film "10 Things I Hate About You"?

Approximately $16 million

4. What was the box office gross of the film?

Over $103 million worldwide

5. What songs are featured on the film's soundtrack?

"Kiss Me" by Sixpence None the Richer, "I Want You Back" by Save Ferris, and "Cruel to Be Kind" by Letters to Cleo

6. What other films were shot at Stadium High School?

"Pretty in Pink" (1986), "Say Anything..." (1989), and "10 Things I Hate About Life" (2014)