VN Boards Archive

[VN Boards Archive]

Welcome to the Vault Network forum archive.

This is not a complete archive, time didn't allot us the opportunity to properly backup the majority of the boards deemed "expendable". Most boards on this list have at least 20-40 pages archived (non-logged in pages, 15 topics per page).

Popular boards may have as many as 250 pages archived at 50 topics per page, while others deemed of historical signifigance may be archived in their entirety.

We may not agree with how the board shutdown was managed, but we've done what we could to preserve some of its history in lieu of that.

Please enjoy the archive.
~ Managers, Moderators, VIP's, and regular posters.

Author

Topic: NBA coming back to Seattle? (NHL too)

OG_Loki Title: Pelvic Thrust Posts: 45,588 Registered: Jan 26, '02 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 44,711 User ID: 632,990	Subject: NBA coming back to Seattle? (NHL too)
	Seattle sports-arena talks well under way, documents show Emails and documents released by the city show that there's a far more focused effort to bring an NBA team back to Seattle and build a new arena than previously known. By Steve Miletich and Lynn Thompson Seattle Times staff reporters DEAN RUTZ / THE SEATTLE TIMES Land just south of the Safeco Field parking garage has been acquired by multimillionaire Christopher Hansen, who has told city officials a sports arena could be built there with minimal impact on taxpayers. A wealthy San Francisco hedge-fund manager and officials in the Seattle mayor's office have been working behind the scenes for eight months to bring an NBA team back to the city as early as next fall and build a new arena, according to emails and documents that reveal a far more concerted effort than previously known. A Dec. 13 agenda for a meeting between the parties shows they were talking about details such as a "Review of Basic Deal Structure," "Financing Issues," including "City Debt Capacity," and "Security for Public Financing." The documents, released Friday to The Seattle Times under a public-disclosure request, also provide the first glimpse of how the largely unknown hedge-fund manager, 44-year-old Seattle native Christopher Hansen, approached the city about his desire to buy an NBA team and build an arena south of Safeco Field. In an initial email laying out his vision, Hansen told city officials an arena could be built with minimal impact on taxpayers. "Thanks for spending the time today guys," Hansen wrote in a June 16 email to Julie McCoy, chief of staff to Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, and Ethan Raup, the mayor's director of policy and operations. "I really appreciate it and look forward to making this happen in Seattle," wrote Hansen, a multimillionaire who built a fortune in the private investment world. "I genuinely mean that and am confident that with a little effort and creativity we can find a solution that meets our needs and the City's /State's desire to get a team back to Seattle without a large public outlay." Hansen offered to provide information on "recent municipal arena deals that have been put together and some of the direct and indirect contributions that the city can make that don't require incremental taxes or direct public funding." Those issues were on the table at the key Dec. 13 meeting, which was attended by McCoy and Raup and set up by Carl Hirsh, a New Jersey arena consultant hired by the city in July. It was held at the law offices of Foster Pepper, one of Seattle's prominent law firms. An attorney with the firm, Hugh Spitzer, had been hired by the city in September to provide advice on selling construction bonds. The agenda also included discussion of KeyArena, where the Seattle Sonics played before owner Clay Bennett moved the team to Oklahoma City in 2008 after failing to secure a new arena. Bennett said KeyArena lacked amenities to support an NBA franchise. No details were listed on the agenda, but KeyArena could be used as a temporary home for a new team with the permission of the NBA, which considered it an unsuitable permanent venue even before the Sonics departed. Kings up for grabs? Although the documents don't mention how Seattle would obtain a team, they show the city has been following developments in Sacramento, which is under a March 1 deadline to come up with a viable proposal to build an arena for the Sacramento Kings. In September, Hirsh emailed a copy of an Associated Press story to Raup that outlined the Sacramento situation. If Sacramento fails, the Kings could be playing in Seattle next fall if the city and Hansen reach an agreement, according to a Seattle City Hall source who has been briefed on the matter. In addition, National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman has expressed a strong interest in placing a team in Seattle, leading to widespread speculation that the financially struggling Phoenix Coyotes could be moved here. Bettman, speaking after a board of governors meeting in Ottawa last week, said the league hopes to find a buyer before the end of the season to keep the Coyotes in the Phoenix area, according to news reports. "I don't see any reason to discuss a Plan B at this point," he said. But, according to ESPN.com, Bettman said, "There are a lot of people who think Seattle would be a great place to have a team. The Pacific Northwest, the natural rivalry with Vancouver, another team in the Pacific time zone ... but there's no building." Seattle has been mentioned as an NHL destination along with Kansas City and Quebec City. While many observers consider an NHL team, as well as concerts and entertainment events, to be a crucial component for the financial success of a new arena, the documents obtained by The Times focus on basketball. The last item listed on the Dec. 13 agenda was, "Terms for Consideration from Development Team." No final offer from Hansen's group has been presented to the city. Hansen heads Valiant Capital Management LLC, but his effort is said to be a personal endeavor. McGinn said Saturday he is taking the proposal "very seriously," but doesn't want the city to be left "holding the bag." He said he couldn't predict the timing for the next step. "It's a pretty substantial commitment that would have to be made by the investors," McGinn said, emphasizing that the city budget can't be tapped to fund an arena. Voters have spoken McGinn said the offer also must honor the will of Seattle's voters, who in 2006 overwhelmingly approved an initiative that says the city must make a profit on any investment it makes in a sports arena. McGinn noted that he voted for the initiative. Hansen, a 1986 graduate of Roosevelt High School with deep roots in the city, has not publicly spoken about his plans. But in his June 16 email, Hansen referred Seattle officials to an aide who would be willing to talk about arena deals in other cities, identifying the representative as Dave Perez. On June 18, Perez wrote to McCoy and Raup that he was "eager to spend some time with you guys discussing recent PPP solutions that have been used to deliver sports facilities," an apparent reference to public-private partnerships. The documents don't provide a breakdown of how the partnership would work, but the public end could include admission taxes and increased tax collections tied to a boost in Sodo property values. Some fiscal-analysis materials were withheld from The Times by the city as confidential. McGinn said no new tax source would be used to fund an arena, while acknowledging the city already collects admissions and property taxes. Hansen has acquired property south of Safeco Field's parking garage, between South Massachusetts and South Holgate streets east of First Avenue South, records show. While sources have previously said at least one business owner has declined to sell, the issue of the city using its power of eminent domain to acquire the land is no longer a concern of Hansen's group, Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes said during a recent interview with The Times editorial board. Holmes did not elaborate, but his comments suggest Hansen's representatives have reached some sort of agreements. Hirsh, managing partner of Stafford Sports LLC, who has extensive experience with arena deals, has estimated the cost of building a state-of-the art facility at about $400 million. City Councilmember Richard Conlin said intense public scrutiny would be given to any arena proposal and that the investment group must be willing to vet its plans with the public. "They're going to have to expect a lot of publicity in the final stages," Conlin said. Councilmember Nick Licata, a vocal critic of previous stadium deals that involved public financing, said he'd support a plan to build a new arena that provided the city with a return on its investment as required by the 2006 initiative. McGinn has said that once the city receives a firm proposal, it will open discussions with the City Council. Eyes on Sacramento What happens in Sacramento could drive the process. Sacramento is attempting to secure the financing to build a new downtown arena for the Kings, who have played since 1988 in what is now known as Power Balance Pavilion, formerly Arco Arena. At 17,317 capacity, it is the smallest arena in the NBA and is also one of the oldest, and lacks many of the revenue-generating amenities of new arenas. The Kings are owned by Joe and Gavin Maloof, who have run into some well-documented financial issues in recent years, specifically concerning their investment in the Palms Casino in Las Vegas, and they are pressing for a new arena to be built immediately or to relocate the team somewhere it will make more money. The Kings almost moved to Anaheim last season before NBA Commissioner David Stern stepped in and said the city should be allowed more time to try to keep the team. Given that the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers already play in the Southern California market, the owners of those teams might balk at a competitor. The Kings are an original member of the NBA, which dates to 1949, and are one of the most well-traveled, having played in Rochester, N.Y.; Cincinnati; and Kansas City-Omaha before Sacramento. Under the NBA's March 1 deadline for Sacramento to present a viable financing plan, a new arena would be located at the downtown rail yards at a cost of roughly $400 million. The city has proposed to raise about $200 million by leasing the rights to the city's parking spaces for 50 years. On Friday, the city announced the names of 13 companies that have submitted proposals to win those rights. The city is expected on Feb. 14 to present to the City Council the proposals it considers the most viable. It also has been expected that a proposed arena builder would donate roughly $50 million to the project. The Kings are struggling on the court, with a losing record, and attendance has suffered, with its average of 14,267 per game through Feb. 3 ranking 26th among 30 teams. -----signature----- http://unfatmyass.blogspot.com/
	Link to this post
Jezza_Belle Title: =^.^= Posts: 62,779 Registered: Feb 24, '01 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 61,759 User ID: 70,100	Subject: NBA coming back to Seattle? (NHL too)
	how about no impact on taxpayers, and they make back the money in ticket prices? -----signature----- ( - Y - ) These ones are not real, just FYI. Follow my progress... http://tweetlbug.deviantart.com/
	Link to this post
Caledric Title: Pew! Pew! Pew! Posts: 22,743 Registered: Dec 22, '01 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 21,691 User ID: 570,169	Subject: NBA coming back to Seattle? (NHL too)
	lol basketball -----signature----- Planetside 2 -- Outcasters "As One" Marmot BR 0 (waiting for beta!)
	Link to this post
Rhodoman Posts: 81,876 Registered: Jun 14, '01 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 80,454 User ID: 154,069	Subject: NBA coming back to Seattle? (NHL too)
	Had no idea the Sonics were gone. Rho -----signature----- Rho is correct. - Varece Venit hiems quidquid Latine dictum sit altum viditur Referring to illegal aliens as 'immigrants' is the same as referring to shoplifters as 'shoppers' - Dorvinion
	Link to this post
Jezza_Belle Title: =^.^= Posts: 62,779 Registered: Feb 24, '01 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 61,759 User ID: 70,100	Subject: NBA coming back to Seattle? (NHL too)
	Rhodoman posted: Had no idea the Sonics were gone. Rho I don't think anyone has really missed them all that much. -----signature----- ( - Y - ) These ones are not real, just FYI. Follow my progress... http://tweetlbug.deviantart.com/
	Link to this post
Unarmed-Yarr Title: Pirate of Harrrvestgain Posts: 22,020 Registered: Feb 23, '00 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 20,021 User ID: 12,032	Subject: NBA coming back to Seattle? (NHL too)
	Jezza_Belle posted: Rhodoman posted: Had no idea the Sonics were gone. Rho I don't think anyone has really missed them all that much. -----signature----- Old Fogie (4,297 days old), East Sider, Pirate Unarmed Yarr, Dissilspilg, HOH 4 life (12-15-00) Passersby were amazed by the unusually large amounts of blood.
	Link to this post
Nestor_II Title: I Would Walk 500 Miles Posts: 10,308 Registered: Jan 31, '02 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 10,081 User ID: 638,871	Subject: NBA coming back to Seattle? (NHL too)
	If approved I hope the taxpayers like paying more than $250 million tax dollars to build some stadiums and stuff. -----signature----- " That which does not kill us makes us pull our feathers out......." Final words of Alex the Parrot "You be good, see you tomorrow. I love you." Unseen they Suffer, Unheard they Cry, in Agony they Linger, in Loneliness they die.
	Link to this post
ikkoikki Posts: 13,961 Registered: Feb 8, '09 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 13,960 User ID: 1,347,614	Subject: NBA coming back to Seattle? (NHL too)
	The last thing the NBA needs is more teams. League talent is already distributed so unevenly that there can only be a small handful of serious contenders at any one time. Jezza_Belle posted: Rhodoman posted: Had no idea the Sonics were gone. Rho I don't think anyone has really missed them all that much. You should ask actual NBA fans and actual Seattle sports fans. You'll find the exact opposite is true. -----signature----- Chicago Bulls: 43-13 post game gem from Joakim Noah: "We cannot play with our heads down and have a poo poo face. Sometimes we have a poo poo face."
	Link to this post
OG_Loki Title: Pelvic Thrust Posts: 45,588 Registered: Jan 26, '02 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 44,711 User ID: 632,990	Subject: NBA coming back to Seattle? (NHL too)
	ikkoikki posted: The last thing the NBA needs is more teams. League talent is already distributed so unevenly that there can only be a small handful of serious contenders at any one time. Jezza_Belle posted: Rhodoman posted: Had no idea the Sonics were gone. Rho I don't think anyone has really missed them all that much. You should ask actual NBA fans and actual Seattle sports fans. You'll find the exact opposite is true. -----signature----- http://unfatmyass.blogspot.com/
	Link to this post
Jezza_Belle Title: =^.^= Posts: 62,779 Registered: Feb 24, '01 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 61,759 User ID: 70,100	Subject: NBA coming back to Seattle? (NHL too)
	OG_Loki posted: ikkoikki posted: The last thing the NBA needs is more teams. League talent is already distributed so unevenly that there can only be a small handful of serious contenders at any one time. Jezza_Belle posted: [quote=Rhodoman]Had no idea the Sonics were gone. Rho I don't think anyone has really missed them all that much. You should ask actual NBA fans and actual Seattle sports fans. You'll find the exact opposite is true. [/quote] Then they can pay for their own entertainment, like the rest of us. -----signature----- ( - Y - ) These ones are not real, just FYI. Follow my progress... http://tweetlbug.deviantart.com/
	Link to this post
NSMachin Title: Mighty Fruit Husk Posts: 60,062 Registered: Aug 29, '02 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 57,043 User ID: 710,008	Subject: NBA coming back to Seattle? (NHL too)
	Would love a NHL team in Seattle! Regional rival for Vancouver, finally, would be nice. -----signature----- (none)
	Link to this post
_BlackAdder_ Posts: 5,011 Registered: Nov 14, '00 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 4,777 User ID: 54,612	Subject: NBA coming back to Seattle? (NHL too)
	Sports fans are the biggest suckers in the world. Sure, let's pony up a half billion dollars for a new venue and forget about fixing the roads. -----signature----- (none)
	Link to this post
Tai-Daishar_MT Title: Moderator Troll Eradicator Posts: 18,124 Registered: Mar 9, '00 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 16,150 User ID: 14,326	Subject: NBA coming back to Seattle? (NHL too)
	They do not deserve another shot at an NBA team, they had one and blew it. The way they treated the Sonics was shameful. Now, it certainly seems a good place for an NHL team. Much better than, say, Phoenix. -----signature----- Fare thee well VN, Vini, Vidi, Vici!
	Link to this post
OG_Loki Title: Pelvic Thrust Posts: 45,588 Registered: Jan 26, '02 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 44,711 User ID: 632,990	Subject: NBA coming back to Seattle? (NHL too)
	Tai-Daishar_MT posted: They do not deserve another shot at an NBA team, they had one and blew it. The way they treated the Sonics was shameful. Now, it certainly seems a good place for an NHL team. Much better than, say, Phoenix. Are you joking? sonicgate, look it up or remain an ignorant artard. -----signature----- http://unfatmyass.blogspot.com/
	Link to this post
Tai-Daishar_MT Title: Moderator Troll Eradicator Posts: 18,124 Registered: Mar 9, '00 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 16,150 User ID: 14,326	Subject: NBA coming back to Seattle? (NHL too)
	That was at the very end after years of running the team into the ground, when it was far too late. I lived up there long enough to watch them run Gary Peyton out of town and run the franchise into the ground. Yes, someone here is ignorant but I don't think it was who you thought it was. -----signature----- Fare thee well VN, Vini, Vidi, Vici!
	Link to this post
-Abysmal- Posts: 21,891 Registered: Dec 20, '00 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 21,218 User ID: 59,638	Subject: NBA coming back to Seattle? (NHL too)
	it would be nice for seattle to get the Sonics back...too bad Kemp wont be there though. -----signature----- Now i LIVESTRONG GO PATRIOTS Yankees SUCK! I wish AC looked better, I miss it I love you forever Jamie
	Link to this post
Sith_Mauler Posts: 24,642 Registered: Dec 21, '02 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 24,438 User ID: 750,977	Subject: NBA coming back to Seattle? (NHL too)
	with the current state of the economy pro sports can forget about getting new taxpayer funded stadiums etc... for the near future. -----signature----- Well I ain't first class But I ain't white trash I'm wild and a little crazy too I have seen a lot of things in my life time. That is why I walk the line I walk.
	Link to this post
Dark_EternalFF Title: Official ACF Turd Posts: 85,900 Registered: Nov 8, '02 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 84,100 User ID: 736,311	Subject: NBA coming back to Seattle? (NHL too)
	_BlackAdder_ posted: Sports fans are the biggest suckers in the world. Sure, let's pony up a half billion dollars for a new venue and forget about fixing the roads. Mayor McCheese wouldn't fix the roads if that was the only thing he had to spend money on. Everyone should just ride bikes! -----signature----- Max Fox (AC), Zygran (WoW, SWTOR) "We poison our air and water to weed out the weak! We set off fission bombs in our only biosphere! We nailed our God to a stick! Don't fk with the human race!" DE/Mr Pants 2012
	Link to this post
-Abysmal- Posts: 21,891 Registered: Dec 20, '00 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 21,218 User ID: 59,638	Subject: NBA coming back to Seattle? (NHL too)
	_BlackAdder_ posted: Sports fans are the biggest suckers in the world. Sure, let's pony up a half billion dollars for a new venue and forget about fixing the roads. because the fans make the decisions? -----signature----- Now i LIVESTRONG GO PATRIOTS Yankees SUCK! I wish AC looked better, I miss it I love you forever Jamie
	Link to this post
OG_Loki Title: Pelvic Thrust Posts: 45,588 Registered: Jan 26, '02 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 44,711 User ID: 632,990	Subject: NBA coming back to Seattle? (NHL too)
	-Abysmal- posted: it would be nice for seattle to get the Sonics back...too bad Kemp wont be there though. Why won't he be? He has a restaurant in Seattle and his son plays hoops for the Huskies :P -----signature----- http://unfatmyass.blogspot.com/
	Link to this post
-Abysmal- Posts: 21,891 Registered: Dec 20, '00 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 21,218 User ID: 59,638	Subject: NBA coming back to Seattle? (NHL too)
	OG_Loki posted: -Abysmal- posted: it would be nice for seattle to get the Sonics back...too bad Kemp wont be there though. Why won't he be? He has a restaurant in Seattle and his son plays hoops for the Huskies :P well is the son the father? god that would be great if he was more of a clone! -----signature----- Now i LIVESTRONG GO PATRIOTS Yankees SUCK! I wish AC looked better, I miss it I love you forever Jamie
	Link to this post
OG_Loki Title: Pelvic Thrust Posts: 45,588 Registered: Jan 26, '02 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 44,711 User ID: 632,990	Subject: NBA coming back to Seattle? (NHL too)
	Sometimes! He is a bench player for the Dawgs. -----signature----- http://unfatmyass.blogspot.com/
	Link to this post