A group looking to overhaul KeyArena for NBA and NHL use has hired a major global arena development firm and longtime local sports executive to oversee the project.
The Oak View Group, headed by Tim Leiweke, has added former Seahawks and University of Washington executive Lance Lopes to oversee the KeyArena bid effort while ICON Venue Group will head the redesign proposal. ICON was instrumental in the recent two-year, $120 million overhaul of BMO Field in Toronto — the site of Saturday’s MLS Cup final between the Sounders and Toronto FC — and has overseen more arena designs worldwide than any other company.