Stadia Part 2

Didn't we just do a stadium post yesterday? That one was to complain about a potential NASCAR track in the area. We approached it from the public monies angle, but, as a commentor pointed out, traffic is also a concern. Today there are some rumblings in regards to a potential Key Arena replacement. Tomorrow, who knows. Maybe we'll be posting on the new 40,000 seat Ultimate Frisbee stadium in Shoreline.

So, let's run through some of the charges levied against Key Arena. It's small. Some say half the size of the average NBA venue. There aren't enough luxury boxes, of course. When are there ever enough luxury boxes? By 2020 we'll be tearing down Key Arena 2.0, Quest Field, Safeco, and the NASCARatorium in lieu of new 90% luxury affairs with tiny nosebleed steerage sections where the common man can buy $60 tickets and spend $15 on a Bud Light. Which brings us to concessions. One of the big drawbacks to the current Key Arena that came up last year was the lack of adequate concessions areas. The counter argument there was that the slack is picked up by neighborhood bars and eateries, but screw them. Who cares about Queen Anne restaurants when we're talking about a new stadium? Sure, we'll just bring them inside and let them sell their edible wares inside the new stadium, less a percentage to the house, of course.

Eminently quotable councilmembers courtesy of the P-I:

Council members also want to make sure any plan makes the arena financially solvent.

"What are the returns to the people who are making the investment in this facility?" asked Councilman Richard Conlin.

They also worried that excessive improvements might put ticket prices out of range for the average fan.

"I don't want something so bedecked with jewels that it will be significantly more expensive to citizens and will require increased fees and ticket prices," said Councilman Peter Steinbrueck.