Anaheim Mayor Confident Southern California Can Support Another Team

The Anaheim City Council voted unanimously on a measure to issue $75 million in bonds to lure the Kings to Orange County.  Those bonds would be privately funded by Anaheim Ducks’ owner Henry Samueli of the NHL.  Following the vote, Mayor Tom Tait made the following remarks on whether the Southern California region could support another NBA franchise: “I’m confident that a team in Orange County will do very well.  In terms of the potential fan-base, we have more than 3 million people in Orange County alone.  Out of the Inland Empire and San Diego, you even have millions more.  We are all part of the Southern California region, but Los Angeles and Orange County are far apart.  Anyone who lives here knows that.  We will fill the stands of the Honda Center when the NBA comes to town, believe me.  I know that the people of Anaheim and throughout Orange County share my excitement about this.  Although I’m sure that there few others as much of a basketball fan as I am.  In fact, as I watched the Final Four Playoffs this weekend, I know I’ll be wondering if some of those athletes will be playing professionally right here in Anaheim in the next few years.  I hope so.  And I’m looking forward to being there to cheer them on.”