Crowds Expected at Final Hearing on Proposed Seattle Arena - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

Crowds Expected at Final Hearing on Proposed Seattle Arena

Chris Hansen, the investor trying to lure an NBA team back to Seattle is hoping a little public pressure will get both the city and King County to see things his way.

Hansen, in an open letter, encouraged supporters to show up at Thursday's public hearing to voice their support for his project in the SoDo district. He added, "I also want to express to you that it is important for us to handle ourselves with class."

Hansen told KOMO radio Thursday morning he, himself, would not be in attendance at the meeting – the final public hearing on the project.

KING5 TV in Seattle has reported that city council members have expressed concern about how much public money would be used for the $490 million arena. Hansen's plan calls for about $200 million in bonds, and King County would have to chip in about $80 million. That money would be eventually paid back through taxes generated by users and rents.