Originally published June 28, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified June 28, 2007 at 4:27 PM
Muckleshoot Tribe to study prospect of arena for Sonics
The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe has hired a firm to study whether a new arena west of Emerald Downs racetrack could support the Sonics. Ralph Morton, executive director...
Seattle Times staff reporter
The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe has hired a firm to study whether a new arena west of Emerald Downs racetrack could support the Sonics.
Ralph Morton, executive director of the Seattle Sports Commission, met with tribal representatives earlier this month to discuss the possibility of the Sonics playing in a potential new arena near the Auburn horse-racing track, which sits on tribe-owned land.
"Our organization is looking to make sure we're exhausting all our options out there," he said, adding that officials were "connecting dots to see all the ways we might keep the Sonics in town."
The SCC attracts and promotes regional sports and recreation events.
Rollin Fatland, a Muckleshoot tribal spokesman, said the facility-planning and program-management firm Brailsford and Dunlavey, based in Washington, D.C., has been on the project only a few days. He would not discuss the study's cost or expected completion date.
Fatland explained that the Muckleshoots want to exercise "due diligence and thoughtful consideration before deciding what to do next."
He said he has not spoken with Sonics owner Clay Bennett about the study.
"We're happy they're taking a serious look," Morton said.
Bennett, an Oklahoma City businessman, bought the Sonics last year and said he will keep the team in the Puget Sound area only if a new arena is built.
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
UPDATE - 12:32 PM
DNA, ballistics tie man to cop killing, police say
UPDATE - 12:56 PM
Reward in Greenwood arsons raised to $25,000
Greenwood merchants nervous after 3 more arsons
UPDATE - 02:41 PM
Police say 2 die in Oregon office park shooting
UW to honor war heroes with Medal of Honor memorial

Ken Auletta talks about "Googled"
Ken Auletta talks about Google with Brier Dudley at the Seattle Central Library.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Police: DNA from officer's slaying matches suspect
- Lt. governor's son shot by co-worker in Kent; gunman then shot self
- DNA, ballistics tie man to cop killing, police say
- McGinn next Seattle mayor; Mallahan concedes as vote gap widens
- Prosecutors consider charges against suspect in police shooting
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- Trucker dies as big-rig plummets off SF bridge
- Steve Kelley | Hasselbeck gives Seahawks' sagging season a stay of execution
- Huskies are finding talent in Tacoma
- Prosecutors prepare charges against suspect in police shooting
263 - Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
209 - King County OKs 'don't ask' law on immigration
206 - McGinn more than doubles his lead over Mallahan
191 - Resolute Fort Hood soldiers ready for return
130 - Time to bring Ken Griffey Jr. back in 2010
98 - 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
94 - Obama pressed into role as national healer
90 - Josh Smith picks UCLA
85 - DNA, ballistics tie man to cop killing, police say
82
- For 80-year-old Maple Valley man, hoops aren't just a dream
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- Silver Lake restaurant destroyed by fire
- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
- Pakistani-American cafe, bar owner on verge of being Granite Falls mayor
- All You Can Eat | Fruit flies: thrill to the kill
- McGinn next Seattle mayor; Mallahan concedes as vote gap widens
- Rainier Pacific Financial calls rescue 'unlikely'





