((HT: Fox2Now))
With all the talk of St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke buying his land in Inglewood, California and wanting to build a stadium near Hollywood Park and The Forum, the city who currently hosts the Rams doesn't seem to be in a whole lot of a hurry to talk to the Rams any more.
The city claims that they have been up front and have wanted to negotiate with the Kroenkes, but the family doesn't seem to be interested.
Here's the talk from St. Louis about their confidence of having a tenant for the Edward Jones Dome- even if it isn't the Rams long-term.
This approach has been consistent with the city's approach the whole time- patience and prudence in the face of impending financial doom at the loss of of a primary tenant of their signature building. The city still feels that they may need that new building instead of continued renovation of the "Ed."
Which might be their downfall...
Showing posts with label NFL Relocation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NFL Relocation. Show all posts
Monday, January 5, 2015
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Rams Owner Buying Up Inglewood Property in a Hurry
((ht: utsandiego.com))
While those of us not in Los Angeles or in St. Louis are watching other things, the preparations for a potential relocation of the St. Louis Rams is growing by the day.
Rams owner Stan Kroenke has been quietly (no longer) gobbling up chunks of property in Inglewood, California around the old Hollywood Park Horse Track. He now owns the 60 acres around it...and according to reports, is trying to buy the 300 occupied by the former track.
Which not-so-coincidentally would be more than enough property to, say, build a football stadium.
The Rams are in still in somewhat contentious negotiations over getting either a new stadium or major renovations to their current home, the "Edward Jones Dome". But that lease expires...at the end of the season. And despite Missouri Governor Jay Nixon stepping in to help, the negotiations are not going well.
Here's a summary report from the San Diego Union-Times
Granted, this could be a leverage move by Kroenke, owners are known to do such things. And he could easily redevelop or flip the Inglewood property if he so chose. But nobody really thinks he is bluffing here.
The NFL has been adamant about getting a team back in Los Angeles despite the fact two teams have come and gone over the past 15 years. And the issue was support. Much like other mega-cities with little or no lengthy history of an NFL team and lots to do, getting people to come to games was a challenge. And it will be if a team comes too.
But the NFL is persistent and Stan Kroenke has the pockets to make it happen. And while there have been discussions that the Raiders "Might" be the team coming and the Chargers "could" come, it's likely the Rams that would be first. And they'd be back where they started.
We would not be surprised to see the Raiders follow.
Any team, including the Rams have a short window to announce their intentions right after the Super Bowl in 2015. That would allow them to potentially make the move and play in, say the Rose Bowl or the L.A Coliseum in the interim while their new park gets built.
Time is getting short, the February window will be here before you know it. Let's see if or who will be the first one's to flinch.
KSDK-TV in St. Louis has more on the Governors attempt to help keep the Rams in StL:
While those of us not in Los Angeles or in St. Louis are watching other things, the preparations for a potential relocation of the St. Louis Rams is growing by the day.
Rams owner Stan Kroenke has been quietly (no longer) gobbling up chunks of property in Inglewood, California around the old Hollywood Park Horse Track. He now owns the 60 acres around it...and according to reports, is trying to buy the 300 occupied by the former track.
Which not-so-coincidentally would be more than enough property to, say, build a football stadium.
The Rams are in still in somewhat contentious negotiations over getting either a new stadium or major renovations to their current home, the "Edward Jones Dome". But that lease expires...at the end of the season. And despite Missouri Governor Jay Nixon stepping in to help, the negotiations are not going well.
Here's a summary report from the San Diego Union-Times
Granted, this could be a leverage move by Kroenke, owners are known to do such things. And he could easily redevelop or flip the Inglewood property if he so chose. But nobody really thinks he is bluffing here.
The NFL has been adamant about getting a team back in Los Angeles despite the fact two teams have come and gone over the past 15 years. And the issue was support. Much like other mega-cities with little or no lengthy history of an NFL team and lots to do, getting people to come to games was a challenge. And it will be if a team comes too.
But the NFL is persistent and Stan Kroenke has the pockets to make it happen. And while there have been discussions that the Raiders "Might" be the team coming and the Chargers "could" come, it's likely the Rams that would be first. And they'd be back where they started.
We would not be surprised to see the Raiders follow.
Any team, including the Rams have a short window to announce their intentions right after the Super Bowl in 2015. That would allow them to potentially make the move and play in, say the Rose Bowl or the L.A Coliseum in the interim while their new park gets built.
Time is getting short, the February window will be here before you know it. Let's see if or who will be the first one's to flinch.
KSDK-TV in St. Louis has more on the Governors attempt to help keep the Rams in StL:
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Bon Jovi Tries To Clear The Air About The Bills, Goodell Almost Comments
((HT: WGRZ-TV))
The three groups that are chasing the Buffalo Bills ownership are getting to the next stage.
The Terry Pegula and Donald Trump groups are ready for Round 2 vetting and the group that is causing the most concern is the group that includes Jon Bon Jovi and the two Toronto backers- Rogers Communications and Larry Tanenbaum of MLSE.
Bon Jovi took to the Buffalo News to try and dispel the notion that, if his group gets the winning bid, they will exercise the lone option year buyout in 2020 to move the franchise to the T-Dot. Part of the deal to buy includes not moving the team during the tenure of its lease agreement and the Trust not being able to negotiate with a group whose intent is to move the franchise.
The open letter to the paper included:
“My family and I are prepared to make this life-changing commitment to be part of the Bills. This is not a hobby or an acquisition. Building a winner on and off the field will be job one and I intend to spend as much time on the ground in Buffalo as needed to accomplish that goal.”
Naturally, a lot of fans are skeptical as are some of the Bills ex-players.
Here's a long live shot from Adam Benigni where the Commissioner addressed the issue, but didn't...
The local Bills fans making a push to exclude the Bob Jovi group are quick to point out that nowhere in the letter did the rocker mention his two very rich partners in his "plan" for the future.
The three groups that are chasing the Buffalo Bills ownership are getting to the next stage.
The Terry Pegula and Donald Trump groups are ready for Round 2 vetting and the group that is causing the most concern is the group that includes Jon Bon Jovi and the two Toronto backers- Rogers Communications and Larry Tanenbaum of MLSE.
Bon Jovi took to the Buffalo News to try and dispel the notion that, if his group gets the winning bid, they will exercise the lone option year buyout in 2020 to move the franchise to the T-Dot. Part of the deal to buy includes not moving the team during the tenure of its lease agreement and the Trust not being able to negotiate with a group whose intent is to move the franchise.
The open letter to the paper included:
“My family and I are prepared to make this life-changing commitment to be part of the Bills. This is not a hobby or an acquisition. Building a winner on and off the field will be job one and I intend to spend as much time on the ground in Buffalo as needed to accomplish that goal.”
Naturally, a lot of fans are skeptical as are some of the Bills ex-players.
Here's a long live shot from Adam Benigni where the Commissioner addressed the issue, but didn't...
The local Bills fans making a push to exclude the Bob Jovi group are quick to point out that nowhere in the letter did the rocker mention his two very rich partners in his "plan" for the future.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
The Raiders Are Now Teasing With San Antonio...
((HT: The Score/San Antonio Express-News, Baugh and Orsborn))
Let's face it...
The Oakland Raiders are in a crappy stadium (sometimes, literally) at present. The Oakland Coliseum is in dire need of, really, being torn down and being rebuilt as a more state-of-the-art facility. Owner Mark Davis has been trumpeting the notion of a new barn. The NFL agrees with the Raiders. Commissioner Roger Goodell even volunteered the new 49ers stadium as a home for them as a secondary tenant.
Not an idea that the Raiders like...
At...all...
From the Express-News article:
Davis met with city officials, including Henry Cisneros, then-Mayor Julián Castro, City Manager Sheryl Sculley, Mario Hernandez of the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation, and both Richard Perez and David McGee, the president and chairman of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, respectively.
Cisneros' son-in-law is in corporate sponsorship sales for the Raiders. And the thought is that the Alamodome could be ready in two seasons for any team that wants to play there.
It's not the first time a team would have inherited San Antonio. The Saints played there ten seasons ago as an alternate site for the New Orleans Saints during Hurricane Katrina recovery. The Gunslingers played at Alamo Stadium for their time in the USFL
((HT: ESPN))
There was also the Riders of the World League in the early 1990's
And the Texans from the American incursion of the CFL
The HQ posts all these flashbacks to act as the video portion of the teasing that the Raiders are doing with this dance and courting of a mid-30's television market.
Let's face it...
The Oakland Raiders are in a crappy stadium (sometimes, literally) at present. The Oakland Coliseum is in dire need of, really, being torn down and being rebuilt as a more state-of-the-art facility. Owner Mark Davis has been trumpeting the notion of a new barn. The NFL agrees with the Raiders. Commissioner Roger Goodell even volunteered the new 49ers stadium as a home for them as a secondary tenant.
Not an idea that the Raiders like...
At...all...
From the Express-News article:
Davis met with city officials, including Henry Cisneros, then-Mayor Julián Castro, City Manager Sheryl Sculley, Mario Hernandez of the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation, and both Richard Perez and David McGee, the president and chairman of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, respectively.
Cisneros' son-in-law is in corporate sponsorship sales for the Raiders. And the thought is that the Alamodome could be ready in two seasons for any team that wants to play there.
It's not the first time a team would have inherited San Antonio. The Saints played there ten seasons ago as an alternate site for the New Orleans Saints during Hurricane Katrina recovery. The Gunslingers played at Alamo Stadium for their time in the USFL
((HT: ESPN))
There was also the Riders of the World League in the early 1990's
And the Texans from the American incursion of the CFL
The HQ posts all these flashbacks to act as the video portion of the teasing that the Raiders are doing with this dance and courting of a mid-30's television market.
Friday, April 11, 2014
Bills Looking At Niagara Falls, Bon Jovi Group May Bid
((HT: WIVB-TV))
There seem to be, now, two sites that may be trying to attract the Buffalo Bills outside of Orchard Park...
The idea of a waterfront stadium is out there gaining steam and, now, we can add Niagara Falls to the mix. Niagara Falls mayor Paul Dyster admitted that his town is in the mix as the task force that gets to think about a new home for the NFL Franchise that might be nearer the fans on Ontario province.
You can also add the notion of going to the University of Buffalo campus for a new practice facility to help the MAC-based football program as well.
Here's the look on the Falls
Now, the Wilson family is trying to figure out what to do as owners of the franchise. The team can't leave western New York until after the 2019 season without a huge penalty. Toronto, Los Angeles, and everyone else who wants a franchise are looking at this situation. And the group tied to Jon Bon Jovi may be putting in their bid soon. There is talk that any deal could be locked in by October of this year.
John Kryk, over at The Toronto Sun newspaper, is trying to connect dots between Bon Jovi and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment:
Tim Leiweke, CEO of MLSE, told the Toronto Star last November — after an initial report from CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora — that Bon Jovi was part of a Toronto bid group seeking an NFL team, with MLSE’s backing.
“Jon and I are very good friends,” Leiweke told the Star. “We talk weekly about his NFL ambitions. And so we’re actively engaged, but I think it’s still a work in progress.”
And the race is on...
There seem to be, now, two sites that may be trying to attract the Buffalo Bills outside of Orchard Park...
The idea of a waterfront stadium is out there gaining steam and, now, we can add Niagara Falls to the mix. Niagara Falls mayor Paul Dyster admitted that his town is in the mix as the task force that gets to think about a new home for the NFL Franchise that might be nearer the fans on Ontario province.
You can also add the notion of going to the University of Buffalo campus for a new practice facility to help the MAC-based football program as well.
Here's the look on the Falls
Now, the Wilson family is trying to figure out what to do as owners of the franchise. The team can't leave western New York until after the 2019 season without a huge penalty. Toronto, Los Angeles, and everyone else who wants a franchise are looking at this situation. And the group tied to Jon Bon Jovi may be putting in their bid soon. There is talk that any deal could be locked in by October of this year.
John Kryk, over at The Toronto Sun newspaper, is trying to connect dots between Bon Jovi and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment:
Tim Leiweke, CEO of MLSE, told the Toronto Star last November — after an initial report from CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora — that Bon Jovi was part of a Toronto bid group seeking an NFL team, with MLSE’s backing.
“Jon and I are very good friends,” Leiweke told the Star. “We talk weekly about his NFL ambitions. And so we’re actively engaged, but I think it’s still a work in progress.”
And the race is on...
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
The Portland (Oregon) Raiders? Nah....
((ht: cbssports.com))
Wouldn't this be interesting....
What if the Oakland Raiders left Oakland Alameda County Stadium and moved to Portland, Oregon?
A group of NFL fans in Portland have drawn a petition looking for just that. The fans have put together a change.org petition asking the Governor of Oregon to bring an NFL to the state's biggest city.
It should be noted Portland is the largest Metro area in the U.S with only on of the Big 3 Major League Sports organizations.
According to CBSSports.com, the Raiders and owner Mark Davis are prepared to move if they don't get a new stadium. And as we all know, the one they currently play in is a relic to a bygone era.
Read the CBSSports.com story RIGHT HERE
The petition, which apparently has over 1,600 signatures, is available to be signed, you can add your support RIGHT HERE
This is kind of amusing.
While we think the idea of NFL Football in Portland, an area that is ardent in its support of the Trail Blazers of the NBA and the Timbers in soccer, would be quite the change in culture, it ain't happening.
Now, the idea the Raiders relocate isn't out of the question. And, we are of those who believe the team will eventually return to L.A. The city of Oakland is hardly in a position to help fund a new stadium and we are guessing neither is the Davis family.
That makes L.A the leader in the clubhouse should the Raiders move.
And while it may not happen this year...or possibly even next. We think it will happen. It's only a matter of time.
To get a team...they might need to work on their tailgating--
Wouldn't this be interesting....
What if the Oakland Raiders left Oakland Alameda County Stadium and moved to Portland, Oregon?
A group of NFL fans in Portland have drawn a petition looking for just that. The fans have put together a change.org petition asking the Governor of Oregon to bring an NFL to the state's biggest city.
It should be noted Portland is the largest Metro area in the U.S with only on of the Big 3 Major League Sports organizations.
According to CBSSports.com, the Raiders and owner Mark Davis are prepared to move if they don't get a new stadium. And as we all know, the one they currently play in is a relic to a bygone era.
Read the CBSSports.com story RIGHT HERE
The petition, which apparently has over 1,600 signatures, is available to be signed, you can add your support RIGHT HERE
This is kind of amusing.
While we think the idea of NFL Football in Portland, an area that is ardent in its support of the Trail Blazers of the NBA and the Timbers in soccer, would be quite the change in culture, it ain't happening.
Now, the idea the Raiders relocate isn't out of the question. And, we are of those who believe the team will eventually return to L.A. The city of Oakland is hardly in a position to help fund a new stadium and we are guessing neither is the Davis family.
That makes L.A the leader in the clubhouse should the Raiders move.
And while it may not happen this year...or possibly even next. We think it will happen. It's only a matter of time.
To get a team...they might need to work on their tailgating--
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Is This The First Step Back For The LA Rams...???
((HT: LA Times/Farmer))
Sam Farmer has come across the news that current St. Louis Rams-everything Colorado short of the Broncos-Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has bought a 60-acre parking lot in between The Forum and Hollywood Park. Wal-Mart originally owned the parcel, and Madison Square Garden Corp. was interested but they were too late in their purchase notion.
The Rams won an arbitration case against the city of St. Louis almost a year ago over the price each side thinks that was needed to renovate the Edward Jones Dome. The city thought it would take a little over $130-million while the Kroenke family said it would be more in the neighborhood of $700-million.
Here was an interview Charles Jaco had with the head of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Kitty Ratcliffe, after the judgment talking about her concerns about NOT hearing from the Rams about their thoughts- on any level-after the decision...
((HT: Fox2 St Louis))
There is an adjacent 238-acre site, according to Farmer, that is the old Hollywood Park site that is set to be a mixed-use development right now...
Right...now...
Kroenke is too smart and too private to do this without telling some Shield folks in New York City. If he wants to relocate the Rams back to LA, he's not going to do anything and step on league toes at the same time...
Here's a sample of people who were asked about the idea...like Al Michaels...
((HT: Eric Geller))
Eric Dickerson...
((HT: Eric Geller))
And the debate goes on...
Sam Farmer has come across the news that current St. Louis Rams-everything Colorado short of the Broncos-Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has bought a 60-acre parking lot in between The Forum and Hollywood Park. Wal-Mart originally owned the parcel, and Madison Square Garden Corp. was interested but they were too late in their purchase notion.
The Rams won an arbitration case against the city of St. Louis almost a year ago over the price each side thinks that was needed to renovate the Edward Jones Dome. The city thought it would take a little over $130-million while the Kroenke family said it would be more in the neighborhood of $700-million.
Here was an interview Charles Jaco had with the head of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Kitty Ratcliffe, after the judgment talking about her concerns about NOT hearing from the Rams about their thoughts- on any level-after the decision...
((HT: Fox2 St Louis))
There is an adjacent 238-acre site, according to Farmer, that is the old Hollywood Park site that is set to be a mixed-use development right now...
Right...now...
Kroenke is too smart and too private to do this without telling some Shield folks in New York City. If he wants to relocate the Rams back to LA, he's not going to do anything and step on league toes at the same time...
Here's a sample of people who were asked about the idea...like Al Michaels...
((HT: Eric Geller))
Eric Dickerson...
((HT: Eric Geller))
And the debate goes on...
Friday, July 5, 2013
St. Lous Rejects Rams Proposal for Renovation Gives Team Out Opportunity
((ht: stltoday.com))
Yes, there already is lots of buzz about this in Los Angeles. While the Lakers may have lost Dwight Howard, the city may have the opportunity to regain their Rams.
That's because of the renewed impasse between the St. Louis Rams and the organization operating the Edward Jones Dome.
The team and the Convention and Visitors Commission have been haggling for two years now over renovations to the dome. A clause in the contract between the two parties stipulates the stadium needs to be a top facility among NFL stadiums.
It apparently isn't.
The Rams submitted a proposal, that would've cost the city some $700 million that they don't have, the city countered with a $200 million proposal that was a bit more doable.
The case went to arbitration, and the Rams won.
The new part of this ongoing battle is the CVC telling the Rams this week we're willing to negotiate but won't and can't do a $700 million renovation.
Read more from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch RIGHT HERE
The Hollywood Reporter has a Los Angeles perspective RIGHT HERE
Here's what this means to you:
If you live in St. Louis, there's a really good chance your team could leave. The impasse gives the Rams an out. The lease on the stadium becomes a year-to-year deal beginning in 2014. And the Rams can decided whether or not they want to stay.
And it makes sense. Why should the people of cash strapped St. Louis pony up all the money for this? Why can't gazillionaire Stan Kroenke at least pay for a good portion of the $700 million? It's not like he couldn't afford it if he wanted to.
But, if you live in LA, this means you could have a new/old team. With all the talk over the past couple of seasons about a stadium being built in town to accommodate the NFL, this makes that a possibility.
Don't get too excited.
The league, as much as they want a team in Los Angeles, hasn't been overly excited about relocation. That's not to say it won't happen, it could, but we think something will get worked out.
Either way, it's something to watch, it could be a west-coasters dream come true, a real, golden opportunity for the NFL to return to the country's #2 TV market.
Here's the look from Fox2 in the current home of the team
((HT: Fox2Now.com))
Yes, there already is lots of buzz about this in Los Angeles. While the Lakers may have lost Dwight Howard, the city may have the opportunity to regain their Rams.
That's because of the renewed impasse between the St. Louis Rams and the organization operating the Edward Jones Dome.The team and the Convention and Visitors Commission have been haggling for two years now over renovations to the dome. A clause in the contract between the two parties stipulates the stadium needs to be a top facility among NFL stadiums.
It apparently isn't.
The Rams submitted a proposal, that would've cost the city some $700 million that they don't have, the city countered with a $200 million proposal that was a bit more doable.
The case went to arbitration, and the Rams won.
The new part of this ongoing battle is the CVC telling the Rams this week we're willing to negotiate but won't and can't do a $700 million renovation.
Read more from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch RIGHT HERE
The Hollywood Reporter has a Los Angeles perspective RIGHT HERE
Here's what this means to you:
If you live in St. Louis, there's a really good chance your team could leave. The impasse gives the Rams an out. The lease on the stadium becomes a year-to-year deal beginning in 2014. And the Rams can decided whether or not they want to stay.
And it makes sense. Why should the people of cash strapped St. Louis pony up all the money for this? Why can't gazillionaire Stan Kroenke at least pay for a good portion of the $700 million? It's not like he couldn't afford it if he wanted to.
But, if you live in LA, this means you could have a new/old team. With all the talk over the past couple of seasons about a stadium being built in town to accommodate the NFL, this makes that a possibility.
Don't get too excited.
The league, as much as they want a team in Los Angeles, hasn't been overly excited about relocation. That's not to say it won't happen, it could, but we think something will get worked out.
Either way, it's something to watch, it could be a west-coasters dream come true, a real, golden opportunity for the NFL to return to the country's #2 TV market.
Here's the look from Fox2 in the current home of the team
((HT: Fox2Now.com))
Friday, December 21, 2012
Buffalo Bills to stay in Buffalo for awhile
((ht: buffalonews.com))Scratch one more team from the potential "Move to L.A" theory in the NFL.
State lawmakers and the Buffalo Bills announced Friday morning they've come to an agreement that will keep the football team playing in Buffalo, for more than likely at least the next 10-years.
The deal all but locks the team in, by stipulating any relocation would trigger a $400 million relocation penalty. Except---in year 7 of the deal. (odd-but not explained)
In return, the state will spend a good chunk of money to renovate the somewhat antiquated Ralph Wilson stadium, which will add to what the team and the city/county will add.
Read the entire story from the Buffalo News RIGHT HERE
This is a pretty strong statement for a team considered high up on the potential relocation list. There was a lot of concern that when team owner Ralph Wilson passes away, his heirs would move the team to a more profitable location.
That won't happen.
It leaves some interesting speculation as to whether anyone will actually leave and move to L.A. Certainly teams like The Jaguars and The Rams will be candidates. The Jaguars have attendance and quality issues, the Rams are trying to get a major renovation in St. Louis.
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