Proposed Development Sites For New NBA Kings Arena Identified

Sacramento Mayor Receives Seven  Proposals For New NBA Kings Arena

Developers Thomas Enterprises and Kamilos Co. “have submitted competing proposals for a new Kings arena and entertainment complex in Sacramento’s downtown railyard, each saying a facility there could boost the city economy in tough times,” according to Tony Bizjak of the SACRAMENTO BEE. The railyard proposals are “among seven submitted last week by an array of development interests, in response to Mayor Kevin Johnson’s call for public plans on where and how to build a new sports and entertainment facility in Sacramento.” Thomas Enterprises’ Suheil Totah previously said that an arena “would help his company accelerate redevelopment of the 240-acre railyard as an urban community of offices, housing, stores, restaurants and entertainment.” The Kamilos plan “would place an arena on a slice of city-owned land at the front end of the railyard, next to the current downturn train depot.” Johnson Tuesday reiterated that he “leans toward building the facility downtown but said the key issue is not location.” Johnson: “How to finance it is going to be the No. 1 question.” Bizjak notes two additional plans -- one from Tripp Development and one from developer Ali Mackani -- “call for siting an arena in the heart of downtown.” Meanwhile, restaurateur Matt Haines and his partner Matt Rallens "propose an arena along the Sacramento River," and they plan to pay for the arena through a "seat mortgage" method. Also, Natomas ESC Partners is proposing a facility “on the city-owned 100 acres adjacent to the existing Arco Arena,” while local resident Doug Tatara “has submitted a proposal for an arena and theme park at Cal Expo.” Johnson said that he will meet in N.Y. in January with NBA Commissioner David Stern to “update him on Sacramento’s efforts” (SACRAMENTO BEE, 12/30).