An unconfirmed rumor out of Auburn, WA says that the Muckleshoots Tribe has struck a deal with Clay Bennett's ownership team to build an arena south of Seattle.</p> We need to take it in stride. This guy is a history teacher with some political contacts. At the very least it may indicate some forward progress. Brian Robinson at SonicsCentral has been unable to confirm the rumour, but he has been uncovering a rapid sea of conflicting informantion since late last night. I will try to keep information posted in this thread as I am able to dig things up.</p> </p>
Is it true that Bennett initially ignored the offerings from the tribe until Stern pretty much put his foot down and told him to consider it?
Not surprisingly, Stern isn't saying anything to the public. Bennett did ignore thetribefor several months claiming that they did not have enough of a plan and that a stadium that far south from downtowndid not sound like it would work. I drove it this weekend on the way back from the Puyallup Fair...it is a hike from downtown...but reasonable for the avidseason ticket holder and the occasionalfan. I would likely switch to a game pack from season tickets...too far for 41 games against the commute. </p> Brian is still digging, but right now the Muckleshoot PR team is "vehemently" denying the claims on the blog cited above. Team sources are also denying it, though no one will go on the record. </p> Something happened this weekend, but clearly it wasn't a full fledged deal. The best anyone has gotten out of this is that Bennett is being pressured from multiple angles including from his co-owners to get something done. I take this a purely a positive step forward, but we are still a long way from a solution.</p>
I'd find it hard to believe the two sides would finance an arena on their own. If anything, they'd agree on a plan to present to the state.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'></p> SEATTLE (AP) -- The Muckleshoot Indian tribe is making a move to help keep the Seattle SuperSonics and Seattle Storm in the Puget Sound region.</p> A feasibility study paid for by the tribe and released on Monday showed promise for a possible multipurpose arena built on land owned by the tribe in Auburn, about 25 miles southeast of downtown Seattle.</p> The study, by consultants Brailsford & Dunlavey, said the proposed site -- next to the Emerald Downs racetrack -- could accommodate an 18,500-seat arena along with parking. It would cost about $450 million.</p> And, as an added carrot, the tribe has offered to donate the 26.5-acre site to whoever wants to develop the project.</p> "The tribe wants to do this as a contribution to the region. That is it," tribal spokesman Rollin Fatland said. "It's an altruistic move on the part of the tribe."</p> The study and offer from the Muckleshoots is the first bit of major news in almost two months on the NBA franchise's search for a new place to play.</div></p> Source: Sports Illustrated</p>
