Privately-funded arena proposed for Tukwila
Apr 27, 2015, 12:09 PM | Updated: 12:41 pm
Chris Hansen’s plans for a Seattle arena may have new competition in Tukwila.
RLB Holdings Sports and Entertainment filed code interpretation paperwork with the city last week, stating its intention to build a multipurpose arena, according to ESPN’s Craig Custance. The group will take another step on May 1 when it files a SEPA application.
If everything goes as planned, the privately-funded arena would open in Tukwila in the fall of 2017, according to ESPN.
The investment group, led by CEO Ray Bartoszek, Hall of Famer Bill Russell, former Seattle SuperSonics captain Fred Brown, and former MulvannyG2 CEO Jerry Lee, has reportedly been working on the plan for months and thinks the location near light rail is a winner.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has said that Seattle is a strong market for hockey, but the lack of an arena is a major road block. He also said the league has no formal plans for expanding.
However, that could change in June when the Board of Governors meets in Las Vegas, according to ESPN. Bettman is expected to update the board on Bartoszek’s group in Seattle.
