In Seattle, the Kingdome Renovation Task Force
recommended replacing the Kingdome with a $386M open-air
stadium, according to Elliott Almond of the SEATTLE TIMES.
Although the task force, composed of 32 business and
community leaders, "emphasized the importance" of an NFL
franchise in Seattle, its recommendation "could be academic"
if the King County Council doesn't approve a short-term
lease for Allen (SEATTLE TIMES, 12/14).
POLL RESULTS: A poll conducted by Elway Research
showed that although most King County residents claim it is
important to have pro football in Seattle, a majority oppose
using public money to construct a new stadium for the
Seahawks. The survey revealed no majority support for any
of the options currently under discussion for the Seahawks,
or for keeping the Kingdome. Of 400 King County residents
surveyed, 37% in favor of using public money to build a new
stadium, while 58% opposed doing so. Pollster Stuart Elway
claimed the poll reveals public officials "have no clear
path through the complex issue, for although 74 percent of
survey participants supported at least one of the four
options mentioned for a new or renovated stadium, no option
drew the support of a majority." Almost three-quarters of
poll participants believe the Seahawks will leave town if
they do not get a new or better place to play. The poll has
a +/- of 5% (Broom & Almond, SEATTLE TIMES, 12/15).
