via Seth Everett of Forbes,

Oak View Group (OVG) was named lead contractor on a new building on the site of Key Arena. Together with the Seattle Hockey Partners (SHP) investment group, they released a detailed explanation of what the new arena’s footprint will look like. KING-5 News reported that construction will involve digging an additional 15 feet down in the Key Arena site to help create a 750,000-square-foot sports and entertainment complex at Seattle Center.

The current Key Arena roof will be preserved, and the new arena can hold 17,300 fans for hockey, and 18,600 for basketball games. Before ground is broken, there needs to be a final environmental review (due in August) and a final Seattle City Council vote (due in September).

“Visitors for the sports and entertainment events are going to be treated with a venue that not only honors the history of the arena but also provides the latest in arena and fan engagement technology,” said Tod Leiweke, president & CEO of Seattle Hockey Partners to KING-5. “No matter if you’re here to see the Seattle Storm, a hockey game or a concert, the new Seattle Center Arena will deliver amazing fan experiences.”

SHP has already applied to the NHL for an expansion hockey franchise. There has already been a season ticket push and it already received over 33,000 deposits for season tickets. The proposal is to begin play in 2020.