[pietasterp]

Quote: Originally Posted by DrJones

This brings up a question few are asking. If the Sonics return in the next 5 years or so, will Seattle still be a "thriving hockey market"?

No way to know, but I think the population is large enough and the sports culture significant enough that it won't be an issue. Also, the hockey team will have a 5 year head-start (minimum) to build a fanbase, and provided they don't totally stink for the entire time, they should have some entrenched fans by that point that won't necessarily abandon the team because the shiny new hoops squad comes back to town.

Of course, who knows if/when the NBA ever comes back to Seattle?

Quote: Originally Posted by Majingir

I think they'll be considered a "major sports market", having a team in all the big leagues. Like a Minnesota, Washington, Detroit and so on(wouldn't put them on the level of a NY,Boston,LA). So getting Sonics back I don't think will hurt the hockey team at all. If anything, you will then have 2 pro sports teams playing in a brand new arena.

Ahem....as far as sports towns go, I'd put Detroit on par with NY, Boston, and definitely LA.