Video: Sonics fans crash the capitol

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OLYMPIA, Wash. - Sonic fans have left the basketball arena for the political arena.

A couple hundred of them showed up at the state legislature Saturday in hopes of saving their beloved team.

They hope state lawmakers can cut a deal before the end of the session next week.

"We have 100 percent hope, if the state does their end of the job in the next seven days I firmly believe the Seattle SuperSonics will remain in our city," said Steven Pyeatt, of Save Our Sonics.

A few days ago a group of private investors offered to pay half -- $150 million -- for a KeyArena expansion and renovation. The rest of the money would come from King County taxes that need legislative approval.

Fans wearing the green and gold Sonic colors swarmed into the legislative building Saturday. They watched silently as lawmakers worked on bills already on the agenda.

But outside, fans were waiting to get their message heard.

"They could have gotten this done last year for $350 million, now they can get it done for $75 million, to me it's a no-brainer, that's all we're asking them to do is push through what is an obvious win-win for everybody," said Dave Mahler, KJR sports radio host.

But legislators so far are not saying much -- and are making no promises.

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Roughly 200 fans showed up in Olympia to make sure their message was heard.

"I don't know if anything is going to happen," said Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle. "The time is growing short and we've got a lot to do here."

Seattle SuperSonic fans have stuck with their team for 41 years. And they promise they are not about to give up now.

The state legislature is officially over Thursday at midnight.