Former Sonics G Leads Search For Money For New Seattle Arena
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Investors Sought For Proposed
Multipurpose Seattle Arena |
Former Sonics G Fred Brown and Wongdoody Communications Senior Dir of PR Dave Bean are "still pushing to find private investors for an ambitious" $1B Seattle arena, likely south of Qwest and Safeco fields, "that could house professional basketball and hockey," according to Greg Johns of the SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER as part of the paper's "Seattle Sports In A Foul Economy" series. Bean, who along with Brown is a partner in consulting firm B2, said that "things are quietly progressing and insisted a potential investor group is in town this week to discuss financing and prospective sites." Bean acknowledged that the "struggling economy hasn't helped the search for private money but said interested investors can still be found." Bean said that it would be "pointless for him and Brown to even contact the NBA or NHL about possibilities unless they line up firm financing for an arena," but Bean "believes the dream still has legs" (SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER, 1/14).
NOT A PRIORITY: The POST-INTELLIGENCER's Johns notes officials from the city of Seattle and the Univ. of Washington are "seeking money for KeyArena and Husky Stadium upgrades" from the state of Washington. But Washington House Speaker Frank Chopp "has long opposed public financing for Sonics arena projects." Chopp, when asked recently about the "chances of the state allowing local tax streams to be designated this year for sports stadiums," indicated that the money "might instead be needed to keep basic government services in operation." Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire also acknowledged that the stadium upgrades are "not a popular topic in her neighborhood." Gregoire: "I can only tell you what I've heard when I've broached the subject with legislators, which is not a lot of interest" (SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER, 1/14).
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