The Seattle expansion franchise is on track to start play at the beginning of the 2021-22 season, and work has already begun to create a new state-of-the-art arena. The Oak View Group who were awarded the expansion club will demolish the old standing KeyArena and build a new rink while maintaining the old roof. All these plans are laid out in a new video released today that gives fans a first look at the early demolition work. At the very end, it also shows a rendering of what the arena might look like when completed—notably swathed in red.
Originally scheduled to enter the league in 2020-21, the Seattle timeline was pushed back to make sure the arena was fully functional and ready for the start of the season. It was approved as a $660MM renovation, but at the press conference announcing the team OVG officials suggested it may run up to $800MM when all is done. That kind of investment will set up the Seattle team for success, and provide fans with an excellent experience.
Still there are obviously hurdles to clear in order to get things done on time. While the construction continues, Seattle will need to fill out a management group and coaching staff while preparing for the expansion draft in the spring of 2021. The team could very well name a GM this summer, giving them plenty of time to get things ready for an explosive inaugural season.
Very exciting for Seattle curious as to what they will be called.
Seattle Socialists?
lol
Kraken! Better than the others I’ve heard. And the release the Kraken powerplays have a great ring to them.
Ha!
They’ll probably charge $10.00 per ticket for the homeless tent city at far end of parking lot.
Curious if there has been any real talk about divisional or conference realignment with Vegas and Seattle coming on board.
There’s an article out about the potential names. The Rain. Shield. Totems. Sasquatch. Breakers. Thunder but that’s just mean. The Metropolitans, their old name but that’s too close to the Mets. I personally like the Emeralds or bring back the Super Sonics.
Arizona is expected to move to the Central, while Seattle will join the Pacific.
NHL wouldn’t let them use Metropolitans because of the Metropolitan Division name. They could get away with Metros. I think they should reach back to 1969 and call themselves the Pilots. It fits both the aviation and sea themes that fit with Seattle. The Pilots name also lends itself to an alternate jersey or even a home-specific and road-specific logo.
Why have two different logos for Pilots? Couldn’t you do that for any team?
Your sens have 2 JD with that stupid O!!
Huh?