Seattle announces plans for new sports arena...

[Upton]

A San Francisco businessman has unveiled a proposal to pay for a new sports arena in Seattle, plus the cost of acquiring an NBA franchise to be the anchor tenant for the facility.

Christopher Hansen's proposal, which includes $290 million in private investments, was unveiled Thursday afternoon at Seattle City Hall.

According to a letter submitted by the Seattle native to the city, the remaining construction and development costs would be financed by the city and King County. That money would come from taxes and revenues generated by the new facility and rent charged to the teams playing in the arena. City officials are adamant that there will be no new public taxes needed for the building.

Hansen's letter also says he will find a partner to bring in an NHL franchise.

Read more here: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/02/16/2028982/seattle-expected-to-announce-new.html?storylink=rss#storylink=cpy

They were all over this on Seattle sports talk today, mostly from the perspective of getting another NBA team..like maybe the Sacramento Kings. I'm more interested in the possibility of an NHL franchise myself..

[HuckleB]

1. I don't see it anytime soon.

Seattle is actually fairly saturated (the Sounders took on the Sonics STHs, and a good portion of Mariners fans, as well). This is the northwest, where people have lots of other things to do.

[Yavin4]

2. I Love Seattle

Went there for the first time last May. What a gorgeous city.

[Upton]

3. I agree..I still think it's a longshot..

but McGinn and the Seattle City Council are behind this, and I heard Hansen being interviewed on the radio and he is nothing but dedicated and gung ho. He's already putting up almost 300 million of his own money...

This gets done, it's only a matter of time before Seattle gets another NBA team. Plus, the NHL has shown interest too..

Imagine how it would be if the OKC Thunder were still in Seattle as they should be. They'd be packing them in..just like in the Sonics glory days..