Tukwila shows interest in arena
Facility could host future NHL team
TUKWILA, Wash. – The city of Tukwila has received a letter seeking zoning information for a potential multi-purpose arena from a company run by potential NHL owner Ray Bartoszek.
The city released a statement about the conversations with RLB Holdings Sports & Entertainment LLC on Monday after the release of an ESPN.com story about the discussions. The city says it was approached in January 2014 by developers looking at sites for a potential arena.
Bartoszek has had interest in the Seattle market for a potential NHL team for years. Bartoszek showed interest in possibly purchasing the Arizona Coyotes with an eye on moving them to Seattle in 2013 before agreements were made to keep the team in the Phoenix area.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman told reporters last week that Seattle remains of interest as a market for the league but the lack of a viable arena or plan remains a major hurdle.