Why the Explosion move to Monroe is the best thing for Snohomish County

October 23, 2007 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Snohomish County Explosion News Release


From CEO Nathan Mumm

Many people have asked questions on why move the Explosion out of the Everett Events Center, why was Monroe chosen and what about playing this year in the Monroe Sports Arena. With many items that have happened in the last three months one thing is still the same the best basketball that Snohomish County has ever seen can still be seen in Snohomish County.

Why leave the Everett Events Center?

This was a simple the EEC was not able to give us priority two for scheduling priority (this was saved for the Everett Hawks that are no longer at the EEC either) and was unable to give us guaranteed weekend games. (this translates that the EEC could bump our game on a weekend up to three weeks before game time) This just does not work for IBL scheduling as the league can not have games changed due to venues.

Although the rent is inexpensive at the EEC the remaining cost of security to facility usage is very expensive and to break even teams need to have 3500 fans a night at the price of $10.00 a ticket to break even. Without weekend games we would not be able to make break even in season two and would continue to loose money.

What happened to the Arena football team was something that could have happened and will happen to any team that does not reach certain attendance numbers. After I personal approached Everett Councilmen M. Olsen to help with our issue at the EEC he told me that the city of Everett did not want or need a professional basketball team and that we should look to go someplace else other then the EEC.

Very simple the EEC cost to much and without getting any revenue from concession sales and large ticket fees the EEC will struggle to get any team in the EEC other then the Silvertips (whom did a lease agreement before the current management company took over) because the cost is to high for minor league teams.

Why was Monroe Chosen for the move?

Monroe is the fastest growing city in Snohomish County and we were looking for four key items during our move.

The first item was that we were looking for a city in Snohomish County. We did not want to move our team outside of the county. Marysville and Monroe were two options that we looked at and both were active. Monroe was the best option in that we wanted to have an arena that was able to accommodate our team and expansion of other teams to come. With the location that we have for the new arena this made a perfect fit.

The second item was that we need city support. Mayor Walser was very supportive and the city council has been very responsive and has engaged with the team on how to make the Explosion an active part of the community.

The third key was support from the business community. The Monroe Chamber of Commerce has been very supportive and so has the local business.

The fourth key was a location that was very convenient to get to and was in close proximity to the ECC. Monroe Sports Arena is just 15 minutes during Saturdays (all of our home game this year will be on Saturdays starting at 7:15pm) evenings from the EEC to the Monroe Sports Arena. Being a very short commute was also a key factor.

What can I expect in the Monroe Sports Arena?

The Monroe Sports Arena has already been home to the Explosion last year. That's correct our last Exhibition game was played at Monroe and the layout was very good. Each seat is individually numbers that is correct this is not open bleacher seating but individually numbered. With a reduced price for tickets and weekend games to bring friends and family the MSA is home for the best team in the IBL.

A big screen is being installed and will show the game and highlights just as you got at the EEC. A full sound experience with the traditional sound effects at a pro game is being installed and with courtside seats and individual sections this should be a great fun environment. The arena only seats just over 2000 people so we expect near sell-outs at all games.

The best part is the fun and entertaining team that everyone fell in love with will be back to defend the West Division Title. I strongly encourage anyone that fell in love with season one to follow the team 15 minutes east and join us in Monroe.



International Basketball League Stories from October 23, 2007


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