Hundreds turn out for marathon hearing over plan to build NBA/NHL arena in Sodo



SEATTLE -- Dozens of people poured out their emotions at a City Council hearing over the controversial topic regarding Chris Hansen's plan to build a new NBA/NHL arena in the Sodo district.

Sonics fan Todd Cohn said, "As all of my green and gold collects dust at home it is simply too painful for me to be reminded anymore than I already am of the awesome memories of supporting the Sonics with my family."

Chris Hansen needs a portion of Occidental Avenue South to be vacated in order to build his $490 million arena.

Those who support Hansen's plan see this as the best opportunity to get an NBA team back in Seattle. The Sonics left the Emerald City for Oklahoma City eight years ago.

The well-known 'Sonics Guy'  said, "People were mad the way the team left. People would yell at me all the time, 'You know they’re never coming back'. But with Chris Hansen and his plan, we are just an NBA approval away from the team coming back."

Officials with the Port of Seattle argue this arena plan isn't the best option. A spokesperson argues a new arena would kill hundreds of jobs in the port and surrounding area.

An attorney representing stakeholders says they will take this matter to a different kind of court if the City Council moves forward.

said, "If the council approves this street vacation at this time, it will give opponents no option but to challenge it in court."