I just talked to the city (the Sonics rent KeyArena from the City), and they confirmed the detalis of the Hutcherson event. The deal is standard practice for the Sonics—private groups like Hutcherson’s church buy a big block of tickets and in exchange, they get to do a post or pre-game event. That’s the case tonight.

The Sonics are helping pay for the event. KeyArena employees (city employees) have to work extra for events like these. The Sonics cover those costs.

Update: Sonics V.P. of Sales & Marketing Brian Byrnes confirmed all of the above, adding that the Sonics don’t pre-screen or judge the groups that want to do events. “We do not approve or disapprove the content of any events,” he said.