With the Seattle Supersonics basketball team relocated to Oklahoma City, OK, its former venue, KeyArena at Seattle Center in Seattle, WA needed new leadership. AEG Facilities has been selected to provide a range of venue support services including management of sponsorships, advertising and premium seating sales and event-day operations that were once handled by the team. Additionally, AEG Facilities will assist in maximizing live event activity for the 17,000-seat venue including sports, family shows and other special events and original programming.

Under a one-year agreement between the City of Seattle and AEG Facilities, effective November 1, Seattle Center will continue to manage general building operations and event bookings. This joint-venture partnership includes an option for a six-year extension pending approval by the Seattle City Council.

“We’re excited about the tremendous opportunity this collaboration offers KeyArena,” said Seattle Center director Robert Nellams in a statement. “Our partnership with AEG helps fulfill our vision of creating a world - class entertainment and sports destination at KeyArena.”

The venue, which was originally constructed for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair and renovated most recently in 1995, keeps the name KeyArena at Seattle Center in conjunction with a recent renewal of KeyCorp as title sponsor. The venue will continue to provide a broad range of live music, entertainment, family events, community and sports programming including: WNBA Seattle Storm and Seattle University NCAA Division I men’s basketball games.

“The goal of our partnership is to enhance KeyArena operations and help ensure that the venue continues as a vibrant center for entertainment,” added Bob Newman, COO, AEG Facilities. “Our commitment is to build on the rich history and success of KeyArena and Seattle Center regionally and on a national level. We are looking forward to working with the wonderful staff at Seattle Center, the City of Seattle and the other stake holders at this great arena.”