The effort to build a new arena in the Seattle area to house an NBA and NHL franchise gained a new supporter on Monday afternoon, when Russell Wilson announced on Twitter that he has partnered with the "Sonics Arena Group to help bring the @NBA & @NHL to the best fan base in the world."
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Wilson has openly voiced his desire for the return of the Seattle SuperSonics in the past, but this week's announcement marks his first official involvement. The Seahawks quarterback joins an arena investment group that includes Chris Hansen, Wally Walker, and Erik and Pete Nordstrom as partners.
According to the Associated Press, Wilson also had this to say in a statement: "I'm blessed and excited to partner with Chris, Wally, Pete and Erik and the greatest fans in all of sports to bring the SODO arena to our beloved City — there is no place like the Emerald City. The positive impact sports has on our kids and many generations to come, and bringing different cultures and people together is what motivates and inspires me."
A statement from Hansen read: "We couldn't be more thrilled that Russell is joining our partnership and continued efforts to bring the NBA and NHL back to Seattle. As you are all aware, we have always kept our focus on doing this for the right reasons – Our love for our City, our love of basketball, and our belief that pro-sports has the ability to positively influence our youth and bring communities together in a way very few things in this world can. It is with this shared view that we welcome Russell, a young, smart and passionate entrepreneur, as our business partner. We know that his enthusiasm, positivity, and 'never give up' attitude will make a huge difference in our effort."
Added Walker: "In our efforts to bring a world class arena to Seattle, we are fortunate to have added a fantastic partner. Russell embodies the positive impact that sports provide a community. We can't wait to work with him in our pursuit."
At Pete Carroll's press conference held the day after Seattle's 31-24 road win over the New England Patriots that saw Wilson complete 25-of-37 passes for 348 yards and three touchdowns, the Seahawks head coach said Wilson's effort "sounds like fun."
"I think he's interested and he loves his community and I think he's interested in being a part of something that's really special here," Carroll said of Wilson's arena involvement. "We all know or are aware of how dear it is to the hearts of the people around here and Russell would love to be part of something like that."
