The Seattle City Council has approved an agreement with the City of Seattle for a long-awaited redevelopment of the KeyArena, the sports facility that was once home to former NBA team the Seattle Supersonics. The redevelopment is also said to be part of more than a $1.4 billion private investment in an effort to create a home for a new National Hockey League (NHL) team. The Seattle Times reports that necessary demolition can start after a NHL franchise is secured.
The $700 million renovation plans to dig under the surface to increase the stadium’s capacity while decreasing its environmental footprint. The plan will leave the exterior appearance of the facility untouched and will keep its iconic roof.
Arena Co., the team renovating Key Arena, is led by Oak View Group.
The completed renovation is scheduled for 2020.
