Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is doing his best to cement himself as a pillar of the Seattle sports community. Monday afternoon, Wilson tweeted that he would be joining Chris Hansen and the Sonics Arena Group. His endorsement is an effort to help bring NHL and NBA teams to the city. The group would benefit greatly from a public sports figure like Wilson. His public presence and sway in the city of Seattle will be valuable to the group.
I'm excited to announce I've partnered w/ the Sonics Arena Group to help bring the @NBA & @NHL to the best fan base in the world.
Seattle.
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) November 14, 2016
Russell Wilson Endorses Seattle Stadium Bid
The Arena Group is looking to build an entertainment center in the Sodo area of Seattle. Seattle Arena, as it’s being called, would encompass a hockey rink and basketball court. It also has the potential for year-round events to bring tourism to Seattle. The Arena Group has faced opposition from the City of Seattle in regards to Key Arena. The Seattle City Council argues that a renovation of Key Arena would be sufficient and increase revenue to the city directly. Hansen argues that since his group is willing to privately fund the complex it would cost the city nothing. Safeco and CenturyLink Fields are located within a mile of the purposed complex site.
Wilson has been a staunch supporter of Seattle sports since he was drafted by the Seahawks. Since coming to Seattle, he has thrown a pitch to Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez and fostered a relationship with Clint Dempsey of the Seattle Sounders. The Seahawks quarterback has been vocal about his support to bring back the Sonics. This includes a recent Seahawks media post in which he thanked Kevin Durant for leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder (formerly Seattle Supersonics). As far back as 2014, Wilson was looking for a way to get an NBA team to Seattle. In May of 2016, he recommended a petition to bring back the team after Seattle City Council blocked a measure the would help get a team to Seattle.
Regardless of the politics surrounding the issue it appears Russell Wilson is as invested in Seattle as the Seahawks are in him. Wilson’s endorsement comes on the heels of a strong win over the New England Patriots.
