Press Releases

Update on work ahead for arena review process and permitting

SEATTLE - As a result of the announced sale of the Sacramento Kings to Chris Hansen and his investment group, the Mayor's Office has received questions on the next steps for the arena process. There is more work ahead to make sure that Seattle is a long-term home for the Sonics. In addition to entering an agreement on the temporary use of the Key Arena for the Sonics, the City also needs to continue its formal review process and permitting work for a new arena in Seattle.

The work ahead through June 2013

January 22 - Early Design Guidance Meeting for a new arena

February 22 - Cross motions for summary judgment on SEPA process

March - Anticipated completion of negotiations on Key Arena use agreements to allow new team to play in the facility.

March - Anticipated completion of negotiations on key transaction documents. These documents, which cover issues such as the City purchasing the arena land and leasing it back to ArenaCo and the City and the County purchasing the completed Arena, will be submitted to Council after the permitting process is complete in early 2014. Some details will await the completion of the SEPA process.

April - NBA Board of Governors meeting, where the NBA will make a decision on relocation

Late April - Publish Economic Impact Study on new arena

May - City Council reviews Economic Impact Study

May/June - ArenaCo applies for Master Use Permit and Draft Environmental Impact Study is published.

Specific questions on the NBA process should be directed to the NBA.

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Office of the Mayor