sonics want to spend $530 million in renton
This afternoon, the Sonics/Storm franchise announced their intention to use a 21 acre Boeing-owned site in Renton for their new $530 million arena [times]. This, of course, depends entirely on whether $300 million in public financing is approved by the state legislature. Taking our track record for these things into account, let’s assume for a minute that it’s a done deal and the Sonics are moving to Renton. That would mean Renton goes from zero professional sports teams to three — in one year. As you recall, the Seahawks are moving their headquarters and practice facilities to a beautiful waterfront location in Renton starting next year. Both locations are just north and west of the dreaded 405 S-curves. If you drive that way now, best of luck battling game traffic in a few years.
And I suppose this means we can stop making fun of Renton. With “The Landing” [#], potentially three professional sports franchises, and Coulon Park, Renton is setting itself apart from its south Sound suburban brethren. At least we’ll always have Federal Way to disdain.
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And Tukwila. And Kent. And Burien. And Des Moines. And SeaTac.
Oh, and that $530 Million? Over half of it isn’t their money. I wish the state would throw money at me everytime I had a tantrum and made noises about leaving town.
I am sorry. I was too busy trying to stop NASCAR from using your taxes as a big fat corporate welfare check to pay attention to the Sonics.