Seattle musicians band together to back arena deal

Seattle’s music community has always had a close knit tie to the city’s sports scene, from Pearl Jam’s undying support of the Sonics to Macklemore’s moving tribute to longtime Mariners broadcaster Dave Neihaus. So it should come as little surprise many of the biggest names in music have banded together in support of a new arena in SoDo.

“We are writing as members of Seattle’s music community to voice our support for the efforts by Chris Hansen’s investor group to build a new arena in Sodo,” said a number of musicians including members of Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, The Presidents of the United States of America, and Death Cab for Cutie, in a letter to Mayor Mike McGinn and the Seattle City Council.

“Hansen’s proposed development, along with its positive impact on Seattle Center, represents a
great opportunity for performers and fans alike, and aligns nicely with KEXP’s move to a
new home at Seattle Center in 2014,” the letter continues.

Among those signing the letter are Eddie Vedder, Mike McCready and Stone Gossard of Pearl Jam, Matt Cameron of Soundgarden, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie, Sub Pop Vice President Megan Jasper and Sasquatch! Music Festival producer Adam Zachs.

The letter touts the economic and cultural benefits of investor Chris Hansen’s project in the SoDo neighborhood, along with Seattle Center.

“We believe one of the great benefits of the Hansen project is that it devotes resources to invigorating Key Arena at Seattle Center, which will be the temporary home of a new basketball team while the new venue is completed.”

While the letter doesn’t call for any specific action or offer any direct assistance, it does say the group stands in support of the project and is lending its collective voice to the effort.