Originally published Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 12:00 AM
Comments (0)
E-mail article
Print
Share
Seattle's KeyArena to host Blazers-Suns exhibition Oct. 14
The Sonics are gone, but KeyArena will be the site of an exhibition Oct. 14 at KeyArena between their former Northwest rivals, the Portland Trail Blazers, and the Phoenix Suns.
Seattle Times staff reporter
Vote
It turns out the NBA is returning to Seattle next season after all. There's twist to this basketball story, however.
The Sonics, the city's former team, will remain in Oklahoma City as the Thunder and the league will stage an exhibition Oct. 14 at KeyArena between the Sonics' former Northwest rivals, the Portland Trail Blazers, and the Phoenix Suns.
A Blazers spokeswoman and a Seattle Center spokeswoman declined to comment. Blazers play-by-play announcer Brian Wheeler broke the news Tuesday on his KXL-AM radio show in Portland during an interview with KJR-AM radio host Mike Gastineau.
An NBA official confirmed a Blazers-Suns game in Seattle is set, but spoke on the condition of anonymity because the league officially releases schedules in late July or early August.
"It didn't surprise me that he said that. It surprises me that a game is coming here," Gastineau said. "I'm a little surprised that there's a move to play a game up here because it seems awfully raw still. It seems pretty quick to try to come back."
The Sonics negotiated a $45 million settlement with Mayor Greg Nickels last July that allowed owner Clay Bennett to break the remaining year of his KeyArena lease and relocate the team.
The Blazers considered hosting an exhibition in Seattle last year, but team executives said there wasn't enough time to organize a game. The team has a cable TV deal with Comcast that televises Portland games in the Seattle area, and the Blazers plan to extend a marketing campaign into Seattle to entice former Sonics fans.
Percy Allen: 206-464-2278 or pallen@seattletimes.com
Copyright © 2009 The Seattle Times Company
UPDATE - 9:40 PM
Portland stops Orlando, which plays without suspended Dwight Howard
Chicago Bulls hand Miami Heat fourth straight loss | NBA
Local NBA connections: Catching up with Martell Webster
New Jersey earns 137-136 victory over Toronto in 3 OT in London
Ex-Washington Husky Nate Robinson has knee surgery | NBA
Open Houses
|
Find all open houses.
|
(Mercedes-Benz) Mercedes-Benz Concept GLA The compact SUV shown at the Shanghai auto show in April strives for a sporty, coupe-like look. Its four-cyl...
Post a comment
- Mayor: Kings deal about 'not letting somebody take something that isn't theirs'
- Sex-with-animals advocate told to stay off Internet
- Pot rules taking shape; public gets a taste of what’s ahead
- Man survives bear attack after wife cracks it on head
- Seahawks' Bruce Irvin suspended for four games
- Boston bombing suspect’s note explains motive, officials say
- Mariners beat Yankees again, near .500
- David Stern's Seattle sucker punch shows we must stop being a pawn in NBA's game | Jerry Brewer
- North Bend intruder had job, was father of five
- Review: Despite sleek design, HTC One disappoints
- Kings moving closer to sale to Sacramento group 364
- House committee to grill ousted IRS chief 316
- Game thread: Can 'Safeco Joe' expand his Mariners contribution? 285
- Another new Husky? Blakley gives commitment to UW 141
- Mariners run gamut of emotions in this latest walkoff loss 67
- Background checks are a reasonable way to curb gun violence 62
- Seattle’s NBA hopes still high as league warms to expansion 40
- Editorial: Wake up the IRS watchdogs 35
- Sacramento Kings sale celebrated by city 30
- China’s wealthy paying cash for Eastside luxury homes 20
- Pot rules taking shape; public gets a taste of what’s ahead
- LGBT students get $600,000 in scholarships from 2 groups
- Marine, dog partner reunited in surprise ceremony
- Sex-with-animals advocate told to stay off Internet
- China’s wealthy paying cash for Eastside luxury homes
- Columbia Hills State Park is a Gorge wonder
- 5 favorite day trips
- Why is any political group exempt from taxes?
- Helping high-school students navigate the next step | Lynne K. Varner / Times editorial columnist
- Contractor at Wade’s gun range cited for lead exposure
