Twenty-three days.

That’s all that stands between the Supersonics and relocation. As Canadians, we’ve experienced the Grizzlies moving away down south to Memphis, the Expos moving away from Montreal to become the Washington Nationals and a handful of NHL teams leaving to go south in the ’90s. In the wake of each move, the local fans were left wondering “Why?” and the taste for the sport that once was a part of their community still lingered long after their team left.

As another deadline approaches and the Supersonics fans rally more and more support for their cause, no one can question their passion for their team, their city, their history and their pride. To be able to bring attention to their cause and bring government officials to their side, the only one important question remains:

Is it enough?

By flying another banner in the sky, fans in the Seattle area are showing that they’re in it for the long haul and that while some may want the issue to die, the fans will not allow those involved in the decision-making process to do things quietly. Calling attention as loud as they can, for as long as they can, the group, Save our Sonics flew a banner over the Key Arena, with the phrase “Sonics Belong In Seattle!” posted on it.

Perhaps more importantly though, is that voter decisions on an expansion/remodeling deal seems to have shifted.

Reported in the Seattle Times, Jayda Evans wrote that “In the four days following Steve Ballmer’s announcement that he will contribute $150 million to a Key Arena/Seattle Center remodel, voters’ calls to Governor Christine Gregoire’s office ran 97% in favour of this arena plan.”

If this is true, a dynamic change has occurred and it seems as though the Sonics may yet have a chance.

It seems as though the culmination of a grassroots network of fans, a government that believes in the historical and economic value of a local major sports franchise and a local owner willing to pony up the cash to renovate an arena are finally coming together in the final seconds of the shot clock. David Stern said that the situation in Seattle would require a “miracle”.

Well, maybe in Seattle miracles do happen.