KIRO NEWSRADIO: SEATTLE NEWS & ANALYSIS

Luke Burbank: Arena deal is a winner for city

Sep 11, 2012, 10:11 AM | Updated: Oct 11, 2024, 1:08 pm

...

cedargrove
Luke Burbank says Chris Hansen is a hero for his Sonics deal (AP photo)

Lifetime Sonics fan Luke Burbank praises the new agreement on a Seattle arena.

“To my mind there are so many safeguards built into this. And now the Port is getting $40 million and Key Arena is getting $7 million, it seems like everybody is getting paid off in this deal,” Burbank says.

Burbank argues the $200 million in public lending to help finance the arena is a small investment, and with investor Chris Hansen required to pay the money back, taxpayers can’t get a better deal.

“I feel like pro sports really add something to a city. I would argue they add as much to a city as parks, green space, as much as the opera, as much as all of the things we as a city and a county put money into.”

Not everyone agrees. Bruce in Lynwood writes:

Tell me…how has our city suffered from not having an NBA team or hockey team? The sports fans I know have not suffered much. Besides Burbank, anyone can go to a city park. A very small percentage of the population can go to an NBA game.

KIRO Newsradio: Seattle News & Analysis

Photo: Gee Scott roasted Velveeta cheese ahead of Super Bowl Sunday....

Frank Lenzi

‘Your food is unseasoned’: Gee Scott roasts Velveeta lovers ahead of Super Bowl Sunday

If you’re looking for a Super Bowl Party where the hosts are serving Velveeta, you won’t find it at Gee Scott's house.

2 days ago

Photo: Seattle Children's Hospital is one hospital impacted by Trump's executive order blocking fed...

Julia Dallas

‘It’s disgusting’: WA Attorney General’s Office sparks legal battle against Trump order on gender-affirming care

The AG's Office announced it is filing a lawsuit to stop an executive order from the Trump administration that halts federal funding for gender-affirming care.

2 days ago

Photo: Sweden's Martin Haarahiltunen in red is riding inside Finland's Max Koivula and Austria's Fr...

Paul Holden

Weekend festivities: Undie run, pinball, ice racing and more!

Maybe you've been stuck inside this week enjoying the snow and are ready to get out and enjoy the weekend, well you are in luck!

3 days ago

Photo: Seattle Sounders FC fans cheers for his team at the stadium during the match between Toronto...

Matt Markovich

A fart tax? State lawmaker suggests sports fans pay up for methane emissions

A Republican lawmaker made an unusual suggestion during a public hearing Thursday on a bill that could lead to a fart tax on cows.

3 days ago

Photo: A cell in the King County Jail can be seen in a recent photo....

Matt Markovich

Justice vs. safety: Washington lawmakers clash over sentencing reform bill

A bill advanced in Olympia that may lead to a floor vote on one of the most significant law and justice bills of this session. It involves sentencing reform.

3 days ago

Photo: Housing in Seattle, Washington....

Matt Markovich

Washington bill takes aim at corporate homebuyers, tries to level playing field for families

In a move to preserve homeownership opportunities and combat escalating housing prices, a new bill — Senate Bill 5496 — has been introduced in Washington.

4 days ago

Luke Burbank: Arena deal is a winner for city