Video: Merchants struggle as KeyArena crowds wane

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SEATTLE - Basketball returned to KeyArena this week as the Seattle University Redhawks played their first Division I home game in nearly 30 years. 

But crowds at the Key are small compared to the days of the Sonics and nearby merchants are not pleased with an often empty KeyArena.

The coming Key lineup includes Thomas and Friends and Lil’ Wayne - hardly the draw to match the Sonics.

The Seattle Thunderbirds hockey team also split this year. They'll now play at the ShoWare Center, which opens today in Kent, Wash.

At Ozzies, a sports watering hole near the Key, server Luke Snyder says business is down.

"We need something going on there," he said. "It’s hurting the city."

Enter the Rat City Rollergirls, who have five events scheduled at KeyArena this spring.

The Storm signed on for a 10-year lease. And Seattle University’s Redhawks will play a few games at KeyArena this year.

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KeyArena

When it comes to the Key, the mayor paints a rosy picture.

"We are actively out looking for concerts and other shows to present in there so we're really pleased about the Redbirds," Mayor Greg Nickels said.

But at nearby Jalisco’s Cantina, business is off – big time.

"Twenty, 25 percent," restaurant owner Chon Garcia said.

The KeyArena business people say it won't be easy, but they will make up for the loss of the Sonics.

 They plan on being profitable in the coming year.