Muckleshoot Tribe enters into casino partnership with hockey team

Monday, November 4, 2019

The Muckleshoot Tribe led a land-blessing ceremony at the New Arena at Seattle Center in Seattle, Washington, on October 30, 2019. Photo: NHL Seattle

The Muckleshoot Tribe has entered into a partnership with the National Hockey League team based in Seattle, Washington.

The Muckleshoot Casino will serve as an official sponsor for NHL Seattle, a new team in the league, and for New Arena at Seattle Center, the team's forthcoming home. As part of the arrangement, tribe led a land-blessing ceremony at the facility last Wednesday.

"It is a good day to come here with a good heart to represent not only my people but all indigenous people of our region," Vice Chairman Donny Stevenson said in a press release. "To be able to partner and work with NHL Seattle on the ultimate goal to bring an NHL franchise to Seattle is truly exciting."

We’re excited to begin our official partnership with @Muckleshoot_C today with a blessing of the land at New Arena at Seattle Center.

Read more → https://t.co/LKpUs7Fakw pic.twitter.com/fkob0X45aY
— NHL Seattle (@NHLSeattle_) October 30, 2019

The casino is about 30 miles from the arena. It's undergoing an expansion that is due to be complete in mid-2021, which is around the same time the NHL facility will be finished.

“This day is truly empowering,” said general manager Conrad Granito. “Muckleshoot gaming is the economic engine that has created economic independence and self-sufficiency for the Tribe over the last 25 years. It provides resources needed to improve the tribal community’s quality of life, preserve its culture and lays the groundwork for a bright future.”

The partnership isn't just about the casino though. NHL Seattle, whose name could be announced soon, will work to introduce and promote hockey among Native youth in the region, according to The Auburn Reporter.

The Muckleshoots are also working closely with another professional sports team. On Friday, the Seattle Seahawks came to the reservation to announce a 10-year partnership with the tribe.

As part of the deal, an area at the CenturyLink Field in Seattle will be known as Muckleshoot Plaza. National Football League fans will be able to experience tribal culture at the stadium.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Muckleshoot Tribe to the Seahawks family,” Amy Sprangers, a senior vice president with the team, said in a press release. “We were honored to take part in today’s celebration event where we saw the Tribe’s amazing culture and traditions first-hand. We are excited about what we plan to accomplish together to inspire and enrich our collective communities for years to come.”