Commentary: For now at least, RIP SODO Arena

We start tonight by waving a white flag. Because as much as it pains me to say, the opponents of the SODO Arena have won. For the foreseeable future, we can forget an arena in the stadium district south of Safeco Field.

Ever since the city and county councils approved the Memorandum of Understanding three years ago, we’ve held out hope that there would be a reason to break ground on arena. The fantastic results of the Environmental Impact Survey that came out in May, fueled that hope. Still, the NBA continues to balk at expansion plans, even with a new commissioner.

But my flag waving tonight comes from two reports this week: First, that Milwaukee’s funding bill for a new arena passed the Wisconsin State Senate, meaning the Bucks are staying put.

And second, barring an 11th hour miracle, that businessman Victor Coleman won’t file an application for an NHL franchise by tomorrow’s deadline, because Coleman and investor Chris Hansen were unable to reach an “NHL first” financing deal for a SODO Arena.

Now, don’t get me wrong – I’m excited for the potential of an NHL team coming to the region. The Tukwila plan seems to be the only hope, and if that’s the case, I’m in full support of Ray Bartoszek and his partners for finding the financing to make it work. This area deserves professional hockey as much as it deserves pro basketball, and if the Tukwila plan is the only official application, then get it done – and get it done soon!

But I’m shaking my head because, for all intents and purposes, it looks like every opponent of the SODO Arena can sleep soundly tonight – that they’ve seemingly won their fight.

The Port of Seattle will get their wish. And the Mariners have secured their biggest win in the last 15 years.

I want to thank Hansen for everything he has done – and continues to do - in the attempt to bring the NBA back to Seattle: For all the time, the effort, and the money he’s invested in the SODO area in anticipation of a possible return. But the NBA continues to turn its back on a city that supported it for more than 40 years – and expansion won’t be happening anytime soon. And without an NHL-first plan, the SODO arena will become an afterthought with no teams.

First, it was the Sacramento Kings. Then the Arizona Coyotes. Then the Milwaukee Bucks. And now a possible NHL expansion team. None of them will be calling SODO their home.

So, while I keep hope alive, I wave this flag tonight, because the “Occupy SODO Arena” movement has come to a complete halt. And all of its opponents, for now at least, can breathe a big sigh of relief.