Statement from Paul Allen on possible new NBA/NHL arena

With the idea of a new arena in SoDo apparently gaining momentum, one consideration is how the existing teams in that neighborhood would react to a new team in the area.

While nothing has been said yet by the Mariners, the Seahawks sent out a statement today from owner Paul Allen, as well as Seahawks president Peter McLoughlin and Sounders GM/part owner Adrian Hanauer.

From Allen: "It was a sad day when the Sonics left Seattle, a move I opposed. It's exciting to think about the NBA coming back to Seattle and renewing the rivalry with the Portland Trail Blazers. However, it is too early for me to comment any further without a specific plan or proposal to review."

And from McLoughlin and Hanauer: "We support anything that is good for the Seattle community and downtown development. Both the Seahawks and Sounders believe that the economic and cultural benefits of professional sports are a central and important contributor to any community's growth."