Seattle SuperSonics
From Hoopedia
Contents |
Franchise Name History
Seattle's NBA franchise selected its team name through a public contest that generated more than 25,000 ideas. The winning entry was a sign of the times with more than 200 submittals with the name "SuperSonics." During the 1960s, The Boeing Company had announced its proposal to build a Concorde-style jet known as the SuperSonic Transport. Though the plan to roll out the conceptualized aircraft never happened, the name had a lasting effect on the public.
In the end, local school teacher Howard E. Schmidt and his son Brent were credited with originating "SuperSonics" as the club's name. They won the competition by submitting the first entry suggesting "SuperSonics" -- the organization's final choice for its moniker.
Franchise History
Seattle was awarded an NBA franchise on December 20, 1966, and the club began play in 1967-68 under coach Al Bianchi. The have been to the NBA Finals three times and the team won one NBA championship in 1978-79. Notable players have included Jack Sikma, Gary Payton, and Shawn Kemp. Read More
Franchise Arenas
| Arena | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| KeyArena | 1967–1978, 1985–1994, 1995-present | Formerly Seattle Center Coliseum |
| Kingdome | 1978–1985 | |
| Tacoma Dome | 1994–1995 | During the remodeling of KeyArena |
Retired Numbers
| Number | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gus Williams |
| 10 | Nate McMillan |
| 19 | Lenny Wilkens |
| 24 | Spencer Haywood |
| 32 | Fred Brown |
| 43 | Jack Sikma |
| Microphone | Bob Blackburn |
