Seattle Arena Plans Open Thread

[The Q]

We were watching King 5 in Seattle tonight when they reported Seattle will announce at 2pm PST tomorrow a deal to build a new sports arena complex south of Safeco and CenturyLink Field’s on Occidental Avenue.

Chris Hansen has been in negotiations with the city for at least a week over the possibility. The arena is expected to exceed $1 billion in cost.

The arena is the first step in bringing an NBA franchise back to Seattle after Clay Bennett took the Sonics to OKC.

Could an NHL team also be moving into the 206?

Seattle has never had a team in the NHL, but what a built-in rivalry we'd surely have with the Canucks just 2 hours to the north.

The I-5 battle would be awesome.

Tomorrow could be a momentus day and a big step back toward the NBA and a first step toward the NHL.

[The Q]

Some tweets we're monitoring tonight...

2pm tomorrow can't come soon enough!

[The Q]

From Softy KJR

Only negative I can C: Lost property tax revenue genrated by the buildings on Arena site NOW. But cant imagine that $ being enuf 2 kill deal

[The Q]

From BringBackOurSonics

Knicks announcers just gave major love to the city of Seattle & its basketball fans #BringBackOurSonics

[The Q]

From The Glove - Gary Payton

#NBAinSEATTLE That's all I have to say!

[The Q]

Here's an image of the proposed site.



http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABP...2017469836.pdf

[The Q]

Is Seattle close to getting NBA team? Proposed arena plan to be unveiled

Press conference schedule for Thursday to unveil new arena plans - KCPQ

[The Q]

From Chris Daniels - King TV Reporter

Full text and video of our story on the #Seattle arena announcement, possible deal: Source: New Seattle arena press conference set for Thursday | KING5.com Seattle #nhl #nba

[The Q]

Seahawks owner Paul Allen released the following statement regarding the announcement:

It was a sad day when the Sonics left Seattle, a move I opposed. It’s exciting to think about the NBA coming back to Seattle and renewing the rivalry with the Portland Trail Blazers. However, it is too early for me to comment any further without a specific plan or proposal to review.

[richardhodges]

Great news for Seattle. They deserve better after that Sonics shitshow.
I know Hansen doesn't care about the NHL, but I'd be shocked if someone doesn't come forward with a plan now that an arena is in place.
Just a great day for the northwest.