Ticket waiting list launched in order to show demand for NBA in Seattle.
Prospective Seattle Sonics owner Chris Hansen has called on the fans in the city to sign up for a “priority ticket waitlist” in order to show the NBA how much interest there is in bringing pro basketball back to the area.
It was Hansen’s first statement since an announcement was made back on January 21 regarding the sale of the Sacramento Kings from the Maloof family to Hansen and Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer.
The pair have signed an agreement to acquire a 65% stake in the Kings, for $341m from the Maloofs but are awaiting league approval to complete the deal.
Speaking on sonicsarena.com, Hansen said: “In addition to helping us understand and prioritize the demand for tickets, registering your interest will be a critical step in demonstrating to the NBA and basketball fans around the country the unbelievable passion that exists in the Emerald City to BRING BACK OUR SONICS!”
Hansen revealed that he is in the midst of working through the approval and relocation process with the NBA, and will likely find out whether the move will happen next month at the Board of Governors meeting.
NBA Commissioner David Stern has scheduled a meeting for 3 April in New York to give both parties an opportunity to present their respective cases as to where the team should be located.
The Governors meeting will then take place on 18 April when a vote is expected to take place on the sale and relocation of the franchise.
Hansen was also keen to stress that no link should be made between the start of the ticketing list with the efforts in closing the purchase of the Kings and relocating to Seattle ahead of the 2013-2014 season.
He revealed that former season ticket holders would be contacted in order to persuade them to re-purchase their old seats at KeyArena, while he moves forward with plans to construct a new stadium within three years.
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