NBA seekers might pony up to redo Freedom Hall – The Courier-Journal

An audience at Freedom Hall enjoys the action during the 2017 AMSOIL Arenacross Tour. 2/4/17(Photo: Marty Pearl/Special to The C-J)Buy Photo

Investors are expressing a willingness to help pay to bring Freedom Hall up to pro basketballstandards, according toJ. Bruce Miller, a lawyer who has tried for years to bring the NBA to Louisville.

But he isn't disclosing any names.

The odds of Louisville's landing an NBA franchise through either league expansionor the relocation of an existing franchise appear long. And the cost to securean NBA team might approach $1 billion.

On top of that, the cost to renovate Freedom Hall may bearound $150 million, said Jason Rittenberry, president and CEO of Kentucky Venues, the newly rebranded Kentucky State Fair Board.Itoversees the state-owned, 60-year-old Freedom Hall situated in the center of the Kentucky Exposition Center.

The NBA office saysexpansion is not in sight. And no existing clubappears inclined to move.In addition, questions have been raised about the ability of the local demographics to support or sustain an NBA team.

Nonetheless, Miller, who served three terms as the elected Jefferson County attorney, continues his relentless pursuit of a Louisville-based NBA club a passion that has persisted for nigh on a generation.

He maintains that if the NBA does expand, Louisville and Seattle are the two primary candidates. And he said the market here would be all of Kentucky, not just Louisville.

In a recent interview, Miller said he is working with no fewerthan three separate investment groups interested in backing Louisville's effort to secureapro basketball team. Miller said each of the three groups is aware that two other groups share the Louisville NBA ambition but they don't know who the potentially competing investors are.

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Rittenberry said that to bring Freedom Hall up to NBA standards, the arena's interior would essentially have to be gutted and rebuilt. In addition,a third level would need to be added, all the seats would need to be replaced, and walls knocked out to widen the concourses.

Rittenberry said, "Many, many things would have to be done. I'm not even sure you could do it."

Reporter Sheldon S. Shafer can be reached at 502-582-7089, or via email at sshafer@courier-journal.com.

A quick look at whether or not an NBA team could be making its way to Louisville. Wochit

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NBA seekers might pony up to redo Freedom Hall - The Courier-Journal