Rendering of proposed downtown Sacramento sports arena, March, 2013 (Rendering courtesy of Lionakis)
Rendering of proposed downtown Sacramento sports arena, March, 2013 (Rendering courtesy of Lionakis)
Rendering of proposed downtown Sacramento sports arena, March, 2013 (Rendering courtesy of Lionakis)
SACRAMENTO, CA - Despite still not having a completed arena deal, the second public meeting to discuss the project was more positive than the first.
Inside the Robertson Community Center in Del Paso Heights, City Manager John Shirey once again described as much of the plan as he could, without revealing specifics.
"I wish I could tell you that this new arena would be built without any city resources, but folks that just won't happen," Shirey explained to the crowd of about 100.
Assistant City Manager John Dangberg told residents the city will not sell its parking assets, as was the plan last year. Instead, the city will start a non-profit, place the parking assets with it and then issue bonds to help finance the arena.
Proponents of the arena far outweighed those against it Friday night, a much different scene than the first first meeting at City Hall Thursday night.
In fact, one man told John Shirey to tell the NBA how livable Sacramento is.
"We have skiing in the mountains, fishing in the rivers and we can go to the oceans," he said.
The questions that arose weren't negative; they were thoughtful.
Things like: What would happen if Seattle does get our team? Shirey said the Seattle group would own Sleep Train Arena and would most likely close it.
"To operate a facility like that costs a lot of money," Shirey said.
Another question was from a resident curious about NBA Commissioner David Stern's comments that Mark Mastrov's offer to buy the Sacramento Kings was too low.
Shirey explained that the city isn't involved in the negotiations to buy the team.
"We just don't know the inside story in terms of the amounts of the bids and so on," Shirey said. "They know they're in competition."
However, Shirey reminded the crowd a third whale is now involved: Vivek Ranadive. He's the president and CEO of Tibco, a silicon valley software company. He's also a minority owner of the Golden State Warriors.
The question that appeared to be on most minds is about the term sheet, which was due Thursday.
One woman simply asked, "What happened?"
"Nothing really happened," Shirey responded. "It's just that we couldn't resolve all the issues in time."
Before the meeting Shirey told reporters, "I actually feel good today, because I think we are making progress. I can see the investors are really enthusiastic about getting to New York."
Sacramento and Seattle will make proposals to NBA subcommittees in New York City on April 3. The full Board of Governors will vote on the Kings' fate during its meetings on April 18 and 19.
By Nick Monacelli, nick@news10.net
News10/KXTV