NHL or NBA?
The big question for Seattle Washington is: NHL or NBA? Seattle is thinking of getting their own professional sports team. So far the choice is either hockey or basketball. What do you think? First issue, arena Space:
There are two big spaces not being used right now near the city. One space is 66 acres just south of the Boeing Field. This piece of real estate is owned by the real estate magnate David Sabey. (Mr. Sabey’s idea is to bring the Phoenix Coyotes to Seattle). This part of town is called Tukwila, who knew?
Second piece of real estate is somewhat owned by a company called IntraVest Development, another part of the land is city-owned — this area is called Bellevue. Both venues need around $500 million from private funding to update the land.
Will the floor be covered with the ice of the NHL or the floor boards of the NBA? Will the location be in Bellevue or Tukwila? So many questions need to be addressed before any league steps into any arena. As of today, the NHL has the better chance of having a team in Seattle than the NBA.
But is Seattle Washington ready for their own hockey team? Could this be the new home of the ‘Phoenix Coyotes’? Would this sit well in Seattle? The NHL would let the Coyotes play 3 seasons at a key arena if they relocate to Seattle. But, the NHL won’t sign anything official until a group announces itself as owners of a team.
There is money in Seattle and it looks like there is space for a professional rink around town. It also seems to be a strong market. To me it seems like Seattle is ready for a professional hockey team of their own. Could Seattle take a team like the Coyotes and spin them around, turn them up-side-down and make them shine? Only time will tell. But, I am rooting for a new and bold team in the West. A team that will make the Eastern teams shake in their skates!