The persuasive skills of Mr. Chris Hansen, with support from his generous investors, will make Seattle history, when and if, they reach official approval to build a new professional teams basketball arena in the Sodo District. There’s little doubt he’ll sail right through it, although in negotiation changes happen."
Actual construction is further away. It will likely take a year to just go through paperwork requirements. Hansen deserves credit for his teamwork with Seattle’s decision makers and businesses.
As of Sept. 13, apparently few, if any issues, remain on the approval of this new $490 million project for approval. The city of Seattle and King County plan to add signatures now.
Some fans say, “Let ‘er Rip,” while other folks are scratching their heads and mumbling “Why?”
Rather basketball is your cup of tea (or beer choice) folks should give credit to Hansen’s teamwork for pulling this basketball stadium deal together.
People of all ages who enjoy athletic competition, professional and non- professional, have supported sports events for many years. Bringing ball games into our living rooms via T.V. was a huge change. When a neighbor on our block had a TV we all gathered there to watch the games. Sometimes I think camaraderie like that could add to quality of life even more so now.
For those who work on a tight budget watching the game at home is a winner too. Admission to a ballgame for a family can be a budget breaker even before sky-high prices for refreshments.
In the early 1930s kids watched ballgames through a fence and refreshments were a water fountain and cracker from home.
Before you believe we “seasoned citizens” have no appetite for commercial sports-- forget it. We’ve watched, known and appreciated some of the greatest athletes of all times. There’s only one Babe Ruth, the champion of home runs.
A recent softball team of mid-level age players was at a Des Moines park and I was there. Next thing you know I’m cheering for home runs and just as inspired when the ball went flying over the fence as I was years ago playing ball.
Later, an outfielder handled a fantastic catch like a pro, until the ball suddenly bounced right out of his mitt to the ground. Still, the team shouted, “We can do this” as the opposing player rounded the corner for home base.
As a taxpayer, I wondered if $490 dollars, by comparison, has ever been invested for furthering education. Sports seem well supported, is education? If money like that ever came to deserving students for educational support, just think of the terrific boost for tomorrow’s leaders.
Progress starts with a vision, of purpose and sincere dedication of high integrity for everyday. Today’s children must be prepared for tomorrow’s world. Sports is a great teacher of teamwork and inspires hope for our children in their lifetime to help build an even better city, town, county, nation, and ultimately, world.
Has groundwork been laid to inspire, inform, involve, and advance children’s skills and young adult’s opportunities for tomorrow? Can we focus on education for high priority? Can we give local graduates hope for an even higher schooling goal that for now seems out of reach?
Life is like a ballgame of cause and consequences: Foul ball -- try again, Over the fence -OOPS, Three strikes -- you’re out!
Meantime, if you Seattle folks run out of nice things to do please come to the still growing city of Des Moines located near the airport with a city treasury that always welcomes new revenue-generating opportunity.
You’ll see savvy seniors, salty boaters, healthy walkers, young parents, growing kids, a great marina, the finest of business folks, fine restaurants, delightful beauty salons, a community college, fantastic sunsets and possibly a whole bunch of ballgame fans humming, “Take me out to the ball game.”
For some folks, the dream of ever having a seat at the game is just that –- a dream.
Maybe a generous donor with an equally generous bank account would consider naming at least one day a year “Family with Children’s Day” offering lower &/or no admission. Food vendors would likely love you– and we seasoned citizens would cheer your generosity to younger than us fans.
Education and fair play are life’s ever-present buddies and ballgames are for today’s smiles and fun. When we’re applauding both ballgames and education – that really is a great day.
Today’s Thought: If you wouldn’t write it and sign it - don’t say it!
