The KeyArena multi-purpose arena in Seattle, Washington, could be transformed into a venue capable of hosting NBA basketball or NHL ice hockey matches.
The city of Seattle has filed a Request for Proposals (RFP) to renovate the facility and make it adaptable for sports and live entertainment events. The venue is operated by Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), the largest owner of sports teams and events in the world.
Potential plans could include tearing down the facility and build an entirely new venue, although the city has recognised the current arena meets the criteria for landmark status, and will consider this moving forward.
The city added that all construction would need to be privately funded, with the developer required to sign a lease agreement, under which Seattle would maintain ownership of the venue.
AEG president Bob Newman told the Seattle Times newspaper that work could begin ahead of schedule, should any teams be made available by the NBA or NHL. The NBA is expected to open an expansion process in the near future.
“Any construction project can be driven by a deadline,” Newman said. “If all of a sudden there was a deadline given by a league to get a team by a certain date, then you adjust your construction mindset to achieve that.”
However, Newman added that AEG intends to push forward with plans to build a new arena, regardless of whether it would be able to secure a sports tenant prior to doing so.
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