NBA's Stern: Sonics need taxpayer help (Seattle PI)

Seattle PI story from 2005 on Stern helping Schultz on a remodel of Key Arena.

Read it here!

Have a great day,
Mr Baker

Sent from my iPhone

Nothin' But Profit: Seattle PI story a reminder

Here is a dated, but comprehensive look at the arena issue from 2006.

Seattle PI story here!

The Key Arena remodel would make it a little larger than the Pepsi Center in Denver.
What happens to the Kings if they can not get a new arena built?

Have a great day,
Mr Baker

Sent from my iPhone

AdAge Article, Rename/Rebranding

It is very likely to happen, if/when Oklahoma City takes an NBA team, that they will name them something else. I like the "Rustlers" as that fits in with the Oklahoma State Cowboys. So, Clay Bennett offering to leave something behind that he does not want to pack up and move with him is an empty gesture. I dare Bennett to keep the name and all that, and live with the constant reminder of the past year and the next two years of getting horrible press in an entertainment industry. He is burning a bridge and then offering to leave behind the smoldering ashes.
That is just dumb.
The name "Sonics" is so soiled by Clay Bennett that Steve Ballmer might to go back 15, or so, years and rebrand the Sonics back to the "SuperSonics".
For that matter, the reason for naming something is to reflect the image you want the team to project, or of the community. Well, why keep calling them the Sonics? The Bullets are the Wizards.

AdAge story here!


Have a great day,
Mr Baker

Sent from my iPhone

Dino Rossi supports the Key Arena Fwd: Tell Dino Comment

Strange bedfellows.

Have a great day,

Mr Baker

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Dino Rossi" <telldino@dinorossi.com>
Date: March 10, 2008 7:02:07 PM PDT
To: <>
Subject: RE: Tell Dino Comment

Thank you for your email.  Please take a look at the below statement we released in favor of the proposal earlier today.

 

Sincerely,

Dino

 

<image001.jpg>

 

For Immediate Release                                                                                        Contact: Jill Strait

March 10, 2008                                                                                                          425-498-2008

 

 

Rossi Supports New Proposal to Save the Sonics

 

Redmond, WA – Gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi today endorsed the new public-private Key Arena proposal after a briefing this morning by potential investors in the project.

 

"No one, including myself, wants to see the Sonics leave Seattle. We all have been waiting for a viable public-private plan to renovate Key Arena and keep the team here. Last Thursday, we got that plan," said Rossi.  "I have been skeptical about stadium plans in the past, but this is the best proposal I've ever seen in this area.  No new state or county tax would be levied, and public money would only be spent on the public areas of the arena."

 

The plan would allow the King County Council to vote to continue collecting a tax on rental cars through 2016 and bars & restaurants through 2013 for Key Arena renovations.  The taxes are already authorized through 2016 to pay for Safeco Field and would only be levied in King County.

 

"It is important for residents statewide to understand that the state will not be paying a dime for the new arena, but will be gaining millions in revenue," said Rossi.

 

The county's share of the cost would be $75 million. Much of that money would be recouped by the state:

·         Over $20 million would be collected in state sales tax from the $300 million renovation of the Key Arena.

·         Approximately $25 million over 10 years through sales and B&O taxes on Sonics-related operations.

 

Christine Gregoire has indicated that she has no intention to act during this legislative session to help keep the Sonics in Seattle. Sunday's headline in the Oklahoman newspaper reads: "Washington governor gives up: Official says there is no saving Sonics."

 

"Oklahoma City is ready to embrace the team with open arms," continued Rossi. "The NBA Board of Governors will be voting in April on whether or not to approve the transfer. Gregoire has already conceded defeat and is waving the white flag. I believe we must at least pass a plan that will give the NBA a reason to keep the team here. Gregoire's inaction is costing us our last, best hope to save the Sonics. She must act, and she must act now. It is possible to still do something during this legislative session."

 

"I commend the local investors for their leadership and commitment to save the Sonics. It's time for our state leaders demonstrate courage and show that same commitment."

 

# # #

 

 

From:
Sent: Friday, March 07, 2008 1:55 PM
To: telldino@dinorossi.com
Subject: Tell Dino Comment

 

Mr Baker at () has submitted the following comments;

Dino, I am hoping that you will support the latest effort to remodel Key Arena and keep the Sonics in Seattle. Slade Gordon said that the time is now, so, I hope that you support this with a public statement now. Thanks for your time, Mr. Baker Seattle, Wa