Image courtesy of the VB Economic Development
Mayor Will Sessoms of Virginia Beach has issued a deadline for Tuesday 1/8/2013 for Comcast-Spectacor to finalize a signed lease agreement with the NBA team (rumoured to be the Sacremento Kings). According to Pilotonline, Mayor Sessoms stated “If we don’t have a deal or a good indication we have a deal, we’re not moving forward,” he said. If they don’t lease with a pro sports team, it won’t work. Comcast-Spectacor has offered to pay $35 million of the more than $300 million budget required to build the 18,000+ seat arena on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
Many Hampton Roads residents are excited about the opportunity to lure an NBA team. Virginia Beach is known as a seasonal tourist location. The summer season is the only positive for most beach businesses and hotel owners. During the fall and winter seasons Virginia Beach resembles a ghost town. Many businesses and hotel owners are forced to lay-off employees due to lack of incoming business but many owners and business welcome an NBA team as a boost for business and opportunity for the Hampton Roads region. If Comcast can reach a lease agreement with the proposed NBA team, the city of Virginia Beach would also have to request more than $150 million from the state. Earlier this year Mayor Will Sessoms stated if the state does issue the money requested, the arena deal will not be met.
In my unbiased opinion I believe the Hampton Roads area is ready for an NBA team and the benefits will be unmeasurable. The Arena will bring to the region more than 1500 jobs while the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and business district should be able to sustain more than 2000+ employees in contrast to seasonal work.
About the Author: J.R. Williams
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois; I joined the military at 17 and traveled the world. I have over 10 years of blog writing experience ranging from computer technology and sports to music compositions. The NBA is my preferred cup of tea, however I am known to spark random sports related topics ranging from sports video games to the best sports movies of all-time.
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I agree BG, I am on pins and needles as well. Hec, I even attended the VA Beach Arena public meeting. The city of Norfolk has been down this road before but I think VA Beach is more attractive for a sports team, population and location wise.
I have been following these rumors for a long time. I hope it goes through. What a boost Hampton Roads in the slow time of year. It is perfect. I might even root for them…lol
As a Norfolk/Virginia Beach resident, I’m cautiously optimistic. We’ve been down this road before with several other potential teams. If it goes through, I’ll be ecstatic, but like I said, I’ve seen this happen too many times before…