Seattlest: Sonics Fans Are Hating Life Right Now

Dave

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 19:30:54 -0800

The Sonics aren't making money at Key Arena because their lease agreement is the worst in the league, not because they're not winning. They could win 70 games and they'd still struggle to make ends meet. And for all the people who think of a new arena as "corporate welfare," I hope you're as vocally opposed the next time the city or the state gives a big corporation tax cuts or other incentives so that their business comes to or stays in Seattle. After the Sonics go to Oklahoma City and become good again, everyone who bitched about the new arena will be lamenting their departure.

Matthew

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 19:05:06 -0800

@3--that's exactly what they want you to think. There's all of about zero chance for an NHL team. One of the major sticking points of this deal has been the Sonics' stubborn insistence on keeping ALL of the revenues from ALL events, basketball and otherwise, held in a new building. So what NHL team would want to come into that situation? Especially when there are places like Phoenix that are perfectly willing to give NHL teams their own arenas where they can keep all non-hockey revenues? Nobody. No owner other than Bennett's group, at the very least. And have you heard the man mention the possibiility that he would be buying said NHL team, even once? Even hinted? No. It's just more deception to justify this joke. I wish we had NHL too, but it's just not happening. Not this time. Not this building. Not these owners. Keep dreaming. Go Canucks.

Farrell

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 15:52:44 -0800

If the Sonics can’t make money in the Key they should try a new approach. Hmmm Like winning? We have way to many real problems in this city that are going to burden the tax payer in the next several years. If the Sonics are such a great money maker than they should not have a problem finding privet investors. Do they need a hand packing?

MHD

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 14:41:02 -0800

The Sonics did get their arena, when we remodeled the Key for them. Because ownership bungled that isn't the fault of the taxpayers. Teams aren't entitled to one new arena per decade!

Jake of 8bitjoystick.com

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 14:22:25 -0800

I was only one year old in 1978. Quite simply the Sonics have sucked for most of my entire life and I am sure that loosing 14 games in a row didn't help their chances of getting a corporate welfare check from the State.

Seth

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 14:10:25 -0800

Good point, K. Although that's not my poor friend's fault, is it?

SM

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 14:08:16 -0800

The Mariners and Seahawks have won something approaching a championship? What is something approaching a championship--is that like what the Sonics did in 1978-79? I don't think so, they gave Seattle its only professional sports championship. Several years of bad owners--not to mention a poorly conceived Key Arena remodel created this result, but I will still mourn the loss of our only true champions.

Roachie

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 11:56:52 -0800

See, I'm not a basketball fan at all, but this new owner seems to be Seattle's best chance at an NHL team. So I really want a new stadium in Renton. Once we have a pro hockey team, the Supersonics can go wherever they like.

K

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 11:37:40 -0800

You forgot to mention that both the Mariners and Seahawks have won something approaching a championship in the past decade.

Jake of 8bitjoystick.com

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 10:04:59 -0800

I am just happy that NASCAR in Kitsap is still dead as a doornail.