Investor Chris Hansen says his group’s website has seen “stunning" interest from Seattleites who want to bring an NBA team to the city.
“We received requests for over 44,000 full season tickets, 268 suites and had 983 businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities,” he said, adding 32,000 of the requests for full-season tickets came within the first 24 hours after the priority ticket waitlist went live on sonicsarena.com.
"Seattle, this is one of the biggest days of my life and a seminal moment for our City," Hansen said. "I know I am carrying the hopes and dreams of so many of you with me and I again just want to thank all of you for the privilege of having the opportunity to carry the torch for our Town. It is hands down one of the most meaningful things I have ever done in my life."
Hansen, along with Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn and King County Executive Dow Constantine are scheduled to meet with NBA officials in New York on Wednesday. They'll try to demonstrate regional commitment to the NBA and convince the league to allow the Sacramento Kings to transfer to Seattle.
McGinn’s spokesman Aaron Pickus said the mayor will highlight Seattle’s fast-growing economy as a reason to bring a professional basketball team back to the Puget Sound region.
Constantine said he will outline the county’s financial contribution to Hansen’s arena plan, as well transportation improvements the city and county have pledged to make.
Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson will make his own presentation to try to keep the Kings.
NBA officials are scheduled to vote in two and a half weeks.
