Multiple NBA and NHL execs are "backing the renovation of KeyArena at Seattle Center," according to documents cited by Chris Daniels of Seattle-based KING-NBC. That is just "one of the takeaways from the voluminous bids submitted to the city" by AEG and Oak View Group to "rebuild the complex." Lakers President Jeanie Buss "expressed her support for AEG." The presidents of the T'Wolves, Bucks and Spurs also "wrote letters to Seattle in support of AEG." Daniels noted it is "clear that both groups spent significant time soliciting the letters of support, in a strategic effort to show the local backing of such a major renovation." OVG's nearly 110-page proposal also "includes a letter of recommendation" from the Ackerley Family, who used to own the Sonics. AEG "submitted dozens of endorsements, and took up nearly 100 pages of their RFP bid." AEG also listed NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman as "references in the proposal." Both organizations "lay out different visions for a remodeled KeyArena, and how they would pay for it, as well as potential transportation solutions" (KING5.com, 5/1). In Seattle, Geoff Baker noted both bids are "heavy on technology to assist patrons in navigating the drive and finding available parking spaces." AEG and OVG said that there is "ample parking" within a mile of KeyArena -- which they would "help patrons locate while also improving alternative means of getting them to and from games." The basic premise of AEG and OVG's bids are similar, but their "investment strategies differ." Traffic and parking are "hot topics in the arena debate and something KeyArena groups were required to address in proposals."
MONEY MATTERS: Baker noted OVG has its $564M renovation proposal financed with $414M down and an additional $150M in "loan money from Goldman Sachs." Meanwhile, a $521M renovation plan from AEG calls for $271M in "private funds down" and $250M in public-bond funding (SEATTLE TIMES, 5/2).
