Wayne Gretzky in Seattle to talk NHL franchise: report
Posted July 26, 2012 8:28 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Wayne Gretzky was at Safeco Field to catch the Mariners-Yankees game Wednesday afternoon, but it seems the Great One may have been in Seattle for more than a handshake with Derek Jeter.
According to a report from Dave Mahler, a host for Seattle sports radio station KJR, Wayne Gretzky was meeting with Bellevue, Washington officials to discuss the possibility of bringing a NHL team to the Evergreen state.
Chris Hansen, leader of a group of investors looking to build a new NBA arena in Seattle, is currently waiting for the Kings County Council to vote on his $490 million proposal. The proposal calls for $290 million of private investment from Hansen’s group, which includes Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, along with $200 million from Seattle and Kings County.
However, Hansen’s arena plan has been designed for Seattle’s SoDo district, 10 miles west of Bellevue, and investors haven’t approached Bellevue regarding a Seattle team until Gretzky did on Wednesday.
Seattle city and Kings County council are reviewing Hansen’s proposal and a vote is expected on Monday.