Inside the Arena: A Seattle Sports Podcast

Two big interviews this week on Inside the Arena! Simply Seattle's Jamie Munson talks with Niko about how the company quickly turns new merch after a landmark Seahawks NFC Championship victory, plus Hawks Offensive Tackle Abe Lucas tells the story about how the '22 draft class helped build the squad. Plus Niko and Chris share their thoughts on the legendary Mariners announcer Rick Rizzs. Learn mor...

Friend of the show Peter Tomozawa is back with an update on the World Cup planning for this summer. The Seattle FIFA World Cup CEO talks about the crush of volunteers, and the small business playbook that has been handed out to help people capitalize on the crush of visitors. Plus, he has an update on security plans around the games. As always, Niko and Chris also talk about the Seahawks success,...

WSU President Elizabeth Cantwell had made numerous changes on campus in a short of amount of time, including within Cougar Athletics. She talks at length about the $20 million she's seeking from donors, changes to Martin Stadium, her involvement in Kirby Moore's hire, what WSU received in the TV/Digital rights deals, and what she's thinking about future expansion. Plus Niko and Chris talk about wh...

In this edition of Inside the Arena, Niko is back from Santa Clara and sounding off on the sudden departure of UW QB Demond Williams and what it means for the future of NIL. Plus, Chris introduces us to the RailSpur development in Pioneer Square, that has been boosted by bonus Mariners and now Seahawks games in advance of the 2026 World Cup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adc...

Back in July, Seattle Supersonic and NBA Legend Spencer Haywood sat down with Chris in Las Vegas to talk about his legacy, upbringing and why Seattle is so near and dear to his heart. The never before seen or heard interview is unearthed for this episode of ITA. Plus Niko and Chris make their predictions for the biggest sports stories of 2026 in a special edition of Four Corners. Learn more about...

Seattle Sonics Legend Shawn Kemp is finally sitting down to discuss what happened in that Tacoma Mall Parking lot back in 2023 and how it weighed on his family, and his mental health. Kemp explains how it has forced him to address his physical and mental health, and why he’s now looking to help others seek stability in their lives. Plus, Niko reveals his top five sports stories of 2025! Learn more...

In a jam packed week, Niko and Chris take a breath to talk about the epic Seahawks game, and art. Specifically, the work of Keegan Hall who is taking his talents to baseball cards. Niko talks with Keegan about his inspiration and where you can find a collectible. Niko and Chris also react to the very memorable Hawks win over the Rams, and the interesting new comments from NBA Commissioner Adam Sil...

It's been a crazy few weeks for Seattle FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee Chair Peter Tomozawa who reacts to the draw, and the next steps for the 2026 event. He shares new details about the planned Celebration of Nations and which team may train full time in Seattle. Plus Peter opens up about a serious personal health scare and how it has shaped his outlook on the event. Niko and Chris also talk...

Friend of the show Beth Knox, CEO of the Seattle Sports Commission, brings us up to speed on all of the events in 2025, and looks ahead to 2026 including the bid process for future regional events. Plus, Niko and Chris cover the "Four Corners" and what's good and bad this week, including College coaches, World Cup ticket access, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoi...

The Seattle Kraken are solidifying a relationship in the State of Alaska. In this episode of "Inside the Arena", Niko and Chris venture to the Last Frontier, to talk about why the franchise has continued to pour money into youth hockey in Alaska. You'll hear from the Anchorage Hockey Association's Kirk Kullberg and Kraken Senior Director Kyle Boyd. As always, Niko and Chris talk about what's good...

In this edition of Inside the Arena, we take a serious turn with Olympian and former swimming World Record holder Margaret Hoelzer. She's become a strong advocate for preventing sexual abuse in youth sports. Plus, on the lighter side, Niko and Chris talk about the Mariners re-signing of first baseman Josh Naylor and what it means off the field. Niko talks 1-on-1 with Naylor about why he and the M'...

Niko and Chris have a jam packed episode that features Washington Senator Maria Cantwell sitting down for an exclusive discussion about her bill to reform NIL guidelines in college sports. Plus, we dedicate the Supersonic Minute to remember Seattle sports legend and philanthropist Lenny Wilkens, who passed away this week at the age of 88. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoi...

It's a new day for the WNBA's Seattle Storm who have hired Sonia Raman as the new head coach. Niko talks 1-on-1 with Raman about taking the role, and her history making move to the Storm. Plus, Niko and Chris break down what the Sounders might be thinking around a new soccer-specific stadium in Renton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Episode of "Inside the Arena," Niko shares his firsthand account of the effort the Mariners took to almost get to the World Series. Niko shares the full beside the scenes comments from Mariners President Jerry DiPoto. Also, Chris shares some WSU Cougar News and talks with Niko about whether he's dry cleaned his suits after all the champagne showers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

The Professional Women's Hockey League is starting season one in Seattle. The PWHL's Amy Scheer talks about why the league put a team in the city, and when we can expect a franchise name. Plus Niko and Chris talk about the end of the Mariners season, and a new bill from Washington Senator Maria Cantwell that is taking aim at college sports. And they both discuss the late breaking NBA gambling scan...

In a jam-packed "Inside the Arena", Niko sits down with Kraken first year head coach Lane Lambert to talk about the NHL squad's season and what is different this year. Plus, Niko also gets the behind-the-scenes story on the big win by "Humpy" that propelled the Mariners to victory in Game Five of the ALDS. And Seattle Sports Commission President Beth Knox drops by to discuss the big event just aro...

Seattle University has been working for years to return the athletic programs to Division 1 and finally, the West Coast Conference. VP for Athletics Shaney Fink hops "Inside the Arena" to discuss the move and what it means for the Redhawks. Plus, Niko fresh from a trip to Detroit highlights how it went and Chris shows us the new 2026 World Cup Ball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon...

As the Mariners make headlines, the NHL's Seattle Kraken are launching season number Five! Senior VP of Finance and Business Intelligence Kendall Tyson stops "Inside the Arena" to discuss the data-driven changes at games, and with ticketing and concessions. Plus, she offers a sneak peak into how those new glow-in-the-dark uniforms will be used this season. Niko and Chris also talk at length about...

Niko has freshened up after two champagne celebrations inside the Mariners locker room, and talking about what it was like behind the scenes after the M's clinchers. Plus, Chris and Niko talk about an upcoming event with Sue Bird and the exciting expansion of the "Rough and Tumble" sports bar, that shows every WNBA game, thanks to the ever increasing interest in women's sports. Learn more about yo...

The Seattle Sports Commission's Beth Knox stepped back "Inside the Arena" to give an update on the Savannah Bananas, future bids, and a big boat. Plus, as always, Niko and Chris talk about what's good and bad off-the-field, off-the-court, and off-the-ice as we enter Apple Cup week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Longtime Seattle Seahawks beat write Michael-Shawn Dugar has written a book "The Franchise: Seattle Seahawks: A Curated History of the Legion of Boom Era". He steps Inside the Arena to discuss with Niko why he wrote it and told a few anecdotes about that era in Seattle Seahawks history. There is also an update from the NBA on expansion and an investigation into Clippers owner and Seattle-native St...

Seattle Supersonic Legend Spencer Haywood steps "Inside the Arena" to talk about his legendary story that took him from the Mississippi fields to the US Supreme Court. Haywood talks about how it paved the way for LeBron, Kevin Durant, and others, plus reflects on his time in Seattle. Niko and Chris also talk about the Sounders momentous victory and the fallout from the post-game spitting incident....

Mariners General Manager Justin Hollander talks with Niko Tamurian about the inner workings of the trade deadline and what it is like from a front office perspective. Plus, Chris shares some insight from the sentencing of former Seattle Supersonic Shawn Kemp and why a Washington Senator and Congressman are teaming up to help UW and WSU. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoice...

In this edition of "Inside the Arena", the GOAT Sue Bird talks at length with KOMO Sports Director Niko Tamurian about returning to Seattle, and her new statue at Climate Pledge Arena. Plus, she talks about her post-WNBA life, new podcasts, and her love of Seattle. As always, Niko and Chris talk about what's good and bad off-the-ice, off-the-court, and off-the field, plus talk about the announced...

Niko and Chris look back and "Inside the Arena" with a few highlights from the first season. It includes Niko's chat with WWE Superstar and former college athlete Tiffany Stratton, former ESPN star and local personality Kenny Mayne talking about his movie "Wiffleball", plus a conversation with One Roof Foundation President Mari Horita about building the organization alongside the NHL's Kraken. Lea...