Reaction to the possibility of the NHL coming to Seattle
Published 12:53 pm Saturday, December 16, 2017
Last week events happened that brought the possibility of the NHL coming to Seattle one step closer. The City of Seattle approved a $650-million plan to renovate KeyArena for the purpose of luring NHL and NBA teams to the city, and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced the league will consider an expansion application from Seattle.
This week the Herald solicited reaction to the news from readers, particularly those who are fans of the WHL’s Everett Silvertips. First, here’s the results of the poll posted online:
POLL: If the NHL comes to Seattle, who gets your primary hockey support? Full context here: https://t.co/mDFXwLlb1R
— Nick Patterson (@NickHPatterson) December 11, 2017
Readers were also invited to elaborate on their thoughts. Here’s some email reactions to the NHL developments:
John Sainz:
“Still doesn’t make sense. Only those with big bucks will be able to afford good seats. Forget us po’ folk. Bringing a family would still cost a fortune for nosebleed seats. And based on prices in CenturyLink Field and at the Mariners’ house, who could afford anything but overpriced water? Everett’s Xfinity is already big enough for either an AHL or ECHL team. Because those players make far less than NHLers those ticket prices are affordable. There’s the potential to see graduated Tips play again. Calgary’s AHL team, the Stockton Heat, would mean the team would be a lot closer to the parent club up here. Not to mention Stockton’s crime rate. Edmonton’s Bakersfield Condors would be substantially closer, again not to mention Bakersfield’s crime rate. There are new hotels, more convenient and far cheaper parking, and the hockey talent at the AHL level is nearly as good as the big guys. They’re like the Tips, still trying for the big bucks themselves. That’s my two cents.”
Aaron Wilson (former Silvertips employee):
“I’ve been waiting for over 30 years for an NHL team in Seattle, so I’ll be going there the most. Obviously with my history with the Silvertips, I’ll still be a supporter of hockey at that level, but I personally prefer NHL hockey whenever possible.”
And here’s some responses that came in via Twitter:
Worried. Declining attendance has been an issue and I feel an NHL team would negatively affect the attendance for not only Everett but also Seattle.
— Jonathan Mitchell (@Kam072013) December 8, 2017
NHL is expensive. More than once or twice a year will be big impact on any family outings.
— Lisa Elias (@LrElias3) December 11, 2017
@EverettHerald not going to the Key unless major traffic and parking upgrades are made soooooooo that means never. Go Tips!
— Nothing Burger (@jackson00799) December 11, 2017
I will sign up for Season Tickets. I'll probably only go to 4-5 games a year the Key, though. It's too hard to get in/out of & park for a Northender. I will use StubHub or similar to sell off tickets. Given SJ and Van markets, I don't see that being an issue.
— Nick Paredes (@npthree) December 12, 2017
I should add: I will keep my Silvertips tickets and that would be where I watch the most hockey.
— Nick Paredes (@npthree) December 12, 2017
In all fairness, I'm sure a lot of current Pacific Northwest hockey fan's have fave teams all ready so while the full NHL support from them won't be there, when their favorite team is in town it will be supported on a team by team basis. GoKingsGo. But I see huge NHL support here
— SportsPhanatic (@MacR8rsKings73) December 14, 2017
Thunderbirds and as many NHL games I can afford
— Marc S (@rohkeus) December 13, 2017
