((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:
Showing posts with label Los Angeles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Los Angeles. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Thursday, October 30, 2014
New LA MLS Team Has 22 Owners
Yay! Los Angeles still has no NFL team, but in 2017, they'll have Major League Soccer.And...if all of the owners attend a home game, they are guaranteed great attendance---ha!---just kidding.
Seriously though, the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) really does have 22 owners. They range from Magic Johnson, who owns half of L.A to Mia Hamm and her husband Nomar. Tony Robbins (the motivational guys) is an owner and so is one of the guys who founded YouTube. Oh, and Vincent Tan a guy who owns Cardiff City in the Premier League and was called by USA Today "The Worst Owner in Sports".
But the group is led by a grouping including Henry Ngueyn, Peter Guber and Tom Penn
So there is that.
The LAFC has a website...but no stadium. They have owners, but no team. But if you look at the website, hey, they are lobbying for fans and corporate sponsors. The 2017 start date will coincide with new MLS franchise in Atlanta, giving the league 22 teams and the intention of adding 2 more by 2020.
Here's a live feed of the presser. Maybe they'll keep the video up at this link too?
KNX1070's Claudia Peschiutta was there as well...
The larger hope of the HQ is that Vincent Tan gets kept as far away as possible from the day-to-day operations...
Monday, June 2, 2014
Donald Sterling Went To Church Sunday
((HT: KABC-TV))
And it was an interesting situation- it was in south Los Angeles...
And he got applauded by the pastor of the church...
Whaddya think about that move as a part of the Sterling pee-ahr machine...???
And it was an interesting situation- it was in south Los Angeles...
And he got applauded by the pastor of the church...
Whaddya think about that move as a part of the Sterling pee-ahr machine...???
Thursday, June 20, 2013
A Tribute To Deacon Jones
((HT: Hall of Fame Players Classic and Foundation))
Megan Holland gave the HQ the heads-up on this one...
Reid Slider is an intern with the Classic and wrote this tribute to Deacon Jones with Jones' memorial service set for this weekend in Los Angeles.
Figured we'd let you read it... Reid's a junior in university...
Deacon Jones stood in his three-point stance waiting for the quarterback to take the snap from under center. His mind was racing, trying to figure out the snap count, and in doing so, beat even the offensive lineman off the snap. With a flurry of motion and agility, he swiped past Minnesota’s offensive tackle and made his way towards the quarterback in the purple jersey, now as vulnerable as ever. He reached out to pull future Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton to the turf, to record what he had just recently termed a “sack.” But, and this was something so unusual to Deacon, the quarterback shook him off and Deacon Jones fell to the ground as the quarterback escaped the pocket and looked downfield. This moment of humility, so unusual for Deacon Jones, seemed to ignite a fire in Deacon, as he launched himself off the ground and chased down Tarkenton to record just one of what became an estimated 173.5 sacks.
Just two days after Deacon’s passing, Jack Youngblood told me that he believed Deacon’s sack total to be “well over 200,” but due to the league’s inability to keep sack totals until 1982, we’ll never know for sure. This play, though just a single incident in his vast career, told you everything you needed to know about the type of player, and person, Deacon Jones was. This was one play of one ball game of one season out of the astronomical number of games that Deacon Jones would appear in for the Rams, Chargers and Redskins, but that’s not what it was to him. For Deacon Jones, this was his chance to shine and showcase his incomparable talent to the fans and even to other players on the field that day. So he gave everything he had on every play. When some players would have accepted the defeat of being shaken off by a future Hall of Fame player, and just told themselves “I’ll get him next time,” Deacon couldn’t. He willed himself to that sack just like he willed himself to many things in life. He simply would not let himself give anything less than 100%. It’s truly incredible to watch, because you can see the determination and drive, but also the humility and the caring side of him. Because on this, play, just like every single play of his career, he wraps up the quarterback and makes a form tackle instead of going for the big hit.
It’s not like he couldn’t, considering he was 6’5 and 270 pounds. I’d challenge anyone who’s ever seen Jones play to find a moment where he was attempting to hurt someone. I really don’t think there’s a play out there where it even almost occurred. And that was the great thing - the most admirable thing – about Deacon. He was the fiercest of competitors but the most respectful of opponents.
This is just one of the many reasons we celebrate the career and life of Deacon Jones. We celebrate him because he’s the player we’d kill to have on our favorite team and the man we strive to be.
For those who haven’t already heard the story of Deacon Jones, it begins in Eatonville, Florida, in a four-bedroom house, occupied by 10 family members. Deacon was a standout football player in high school and went on to play college football for South Carolina State, but his participation in a civil rights protest led to the revocation of his scholarship. Fortunately, an opportunity presented itself in the form of the small Mississippi Vocational College, and Deacon continued his college career on the football team there. Coincidentally, that college would become Mississippi Valley State, the program that produced Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice.
Jones went on to enter the NFL with little fanfare, as a 14th round draft choice for the Rams. Tom Mack said that Deacon was “aggressive enough to show everybody that he belonged there.” However, Deacon would impress the coaches and fans out of the gate, amassing 8 sacks in his rookie season. After earning a starting spot next to Hall of Fame defensive tackle Merlin Olsen, his fame and productivity rose greatly. Jones was selected to the All-Pro Team every year from 1964-1970. With the numbers he continually put up, he received the nickname “Secretary of Defense.
As his takedowns piled up, Jones felt the need for a more succinct word to describe taking down the quarterback, so after much though, he settled on “sack,” a term which is used by basically everyone to describe the play today. During his time with the Rams, Chargers, and Redskins, he took many rookies under his wing. Jack Youngblood said “I watched him from day one… he taught me how to play the game.” As Jones’ NFL experience grew, his talent and accomplishments rose to levels previously never experienced by any defensive player, even in today’s age.
The NFL did not begin keeping statistics on sacks until the 1982 season, but if they had, there would be a different name atop the list on single season sack leaders. The record would not belong to New York Giant great Michael Strahan, nor would he rank second on the list. Deacon Jones would have the two greatest statistical seasons ever for a defensive end. In 1967, he recorded 26 sacks and the following year he got to the quarterback 24 times. He was awarded the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award for both seasons. One of the tricks that Jones invented for getting to the quarterback was slapping the offensive tackle at the ear hole, a move he believed caused them to close their eyes, allowing him to move past. Eventually, the NFL outlawed that move but not before Deacon Jones used it in his arsenal of pass rushing moves that helped him get to the quarterback a believed 173.5 times. If recorded, that would be third all-time, behind Hall of Fame companions Bruce Smith and Reggie White.
After leaving the Rams, Jones played for the Chargers and Redskins, retiring in 1974. During his retirement, he stayed active by working with companies such as the Miller Brewing Company and Epson America, while also partnering with the NFL and Champion Products to promote their throwback designs. Later on in life, he founded the Deacon Jones Foundation to reach out to young people and their communities to assist and offer valuable skills through programs such as educational mentoring, and community service. He also traveled to Iraq with the NFL to visit American soldiers stationed overseas.
Deacon Jones was the consummate professional who played the game the right way and will always be remembered for his impact on the game today. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, son and grandson, Gregory and Noah Pinto.
Megan Holland gave the HQ the heads-up on this one...
Reid Slider is an intern with the Classic and wrote this tribute to Deacon Jones with Jones' memorial service set for this weekend in Los Angeles.
Figured we'd let you read it... Reid's a junior in university...
Deacon Jones stood in his three-point stance waiting for the quarterback to take the snap from under center. His mind was racing, trying to figure out the snap count, and in doing so, beat even the offensive lineman off the snap. With a flurry of motion and agility, he swiped past Minnesota’s offensive tackle and made his way towards the quarterback in the purple jersey, now as vulnerable as ever. He reached out to pull future Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton to the turf, to record what he had just recently termed a “sack.” But, and this was something so unusual to Deacon, the quarterback shook him off and Deacon Jones fell to the ground as the quarterback escaped the pocket and looked downfield. This moment of humility, so unusual for Deacon Jones, seemed to ignite a fire in Deacon, as he launched himself off the ground and chased down Tarkenton to record just one of what became an estimated 173.5 sacks.
Just two days after Deacon’s passing, Jack Youngblood told me that he believed Deacon’s sack total to be “well over 200,” but due to the league’s inability to keep sack totals until 1982, we’ll never know for sure. This play, though just a single incident in his vast career, told you everything you needed to know about the type of player, and person, Deacon Jones was. This was one play of one ball game of one season out of the astronomical number of games that Deacon Jones would appear in for the Rams, Chargers and Redskins, but that’s not what it was to him. For Deacon Jones, this was his chance to shine and showcase his incomparable talent to the fans and even to other players on the field that day. So he gave everything he had on every play. When some players would have accepted the defeat of being shaken off by a future Hall of Fame player, and just told themselves “I’ll get him next time,” Deacon couldn’t. He willed himself to that sack just like he willed himself to many things in life. He simply would not let himself give anything less than 100%. It’s truly incredible to watch, because you can see the determination and drive, but also the humility and the caring side of him. Because on this, play, just like every single play of his career, he wraps up the quarterback and makes a form tackle instead of going for the big hit.
It’s not like he couldn’t, considering he was 6’5 and 270 pounds. I’d challenge anyone who’s ever seen Jones play to find a moment where he was attempting to hurt someone. I really don’t think there’s a play out there where it even almost occurred. And that was the great thing - the most admirable thing – about Deacon. He was the fiercest of competitors but the most respectful of opponents.
This is just one of the many reasons we celebrate the career and life of Deacon Jones. We celebrate him because he’s the player we’d kill to have on our favorite team and the man we strive to be.
For those who haven’t already heard the story of Deacon Jones, it begins in Eatonville, Florida, in a four-bedroom house, occupied by 10 family members. Deacon was a standout football player in high school and went on to play college football for South Carolina State, but his participation in a civil rights protest led to the revocation of his scholarship. Fortunately, an opportunity presented itself in the form of the small Mississippi Vocational College, and Deacon continued his college career on the football team there. Coincidentally, that college would become Mississippi Valley State, the program that produced Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice.
Jones went on to enter the NFL with little fanfare, as a 14th round draft choice for the Rams. Tom Mack said that Deacon was “aggressive enough to show everybody that he belonged there.” However, Deacon would impress the coaches and fans out of the gate, amassing 8 sacks in his rookie season. After earning a starting spot next to Hall of Fame defensive tackle Merlin Olsen, his fame and productivity rose greatly. Jones was selected to the All-Pro Team every year from 1964-1970. With the numbers he continually put up, he received the nickname “Secretary of Defense.
As his takedowns piled up, Jones felt the need for a more succinct word to describe taking down the quarterback, so after much though, he settled on “sack,” a term which is used by basically everyone to describe the play today. During his time with the Rams, Chargers, and Redskins, he took many rookies under his wing. Jack Youngblood said “I watched him from day one… he taught me how to play the game.” As Jones’ NFL experience grew, his talent and accomplishments rose to levels previously never experienced by any defensive player, even in today’s age.
The NFL did not begin keeping statistics on sacks until the 1982 season, but if they had, there would be a different name atop the list on single season sack leaders. The record would not belong to New York Giant great Michael Strahan, nor would he rank second on the list. Deacon Jones would have the two greatest statistical seasons ever for a defensive end. In 1967, he recorded 26 sacks and the following year he got to the quarterback 24 times. He was awarded the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award for both seasons. One of the tricks that Jones invented for getting to the quarterback was slapping the offensive tackle at the ear hole, a move he believed caused them to close their eyes, allowing him to move past. Eventually, the NFL outlawed that move but not before Deacon Jones used it in his arsenal of pass rushing moves that helped him get to the quarterback a believed 173.5 times. If recorded, that would be third all-time, behind Hall of Fame companions Bruce Smith and Reggie White.
After leaving the Rams, Jones played for the Chargers and Redskins, retiring in 1974. During his retirement, he stayed active by working with companies such as the Miller Brewing Company and Epson America, while also partnering with the NFL and Champion Products to promote their throwback designs. Later on in life, he founded the Deacon Jones Foundation to reach out to young people and their communities to assist and offer valuable skills through programs such as educational mentoring, and community service. He also traveled to Iraq with the NFL to visit American soldiers stationed overseas.
Deacon Jones was the consummate professional who played the game the right way and will always be remembered for his impact on the game today. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, son and grandson, Gregory and Noah Pinto.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Report: Atlanta Falcons to LA? The Fine Art of Stadium Negotiations
((ht: myfoxatlanta.com))
Local Atlanta breaking news: The Falcons may move to Los Angeles.
Really, you believe that?
Yes, that's right, Atlanta FOX-TV station, fronted by friend of the OSG Gil Tyree, reports that Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed is telling city council members that they need to be more aggressive in funding a "New" Falcons stadium or the team "Might" leave for Los Angeles.
This comes on the heels of a report, the team has settled on finalists to design the new palace:
Read the story from WXIA-TV RIGHT HERE
Seriously. Does anyone REALLY believe the Falcons "Might" leave Atlanta?
Check out the report from Thursday night:
Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5
No, sorry, a lot of things may happen before the Falcons get a new stadium, but the Los Angeles Falcons, well, that is just throwing stuff out there. Or what is commonly referred to as being asked to "Stir the Pot".
Do we believe that Mayor Reed is floating this? Yes.
But this is called a "Scare Tactic".... designed to make the public think they might lose their team.
Nobody, is moving the team.
Here's why this is even being discussed:
The Falcons are trying to get a new stadium in Atlanta. The team is lagging behind other NFL Teams in generating revenue. And they feel strongly that the 20-year old Georgia Dome they currently play in is not going to be enough to help change that.
So they are in the process of trying to negotiate for a new stadium. And they've made what they believe to be a fair offer.
A $1 Billion stadium, funded primarily by owner Arthur Blank's $700 million. The team is asking the state to contribute the rest from an Atlanta area "Hotel/Motel" tax.
Here's the problem. The ultra-conservative people in Georgia are panicked over this. They believe, thanks in large part to the local media, that they will be on the hook for the $300 million. The common refrain is, "They have the Dome, why do we need to buy them a new place?" "Use the money for something better".
They aren't as "On the Hook" for this as they are being led to believe.
The $300 million would come from the Georgia World Congress Center, who manages the property they want to build on. That "Hotel/Motel" tax money, is money designated strictly for use by the GWCC. The money comes from visitors who come stay in Metro Atlanta, not the people who live there. And Blank is apparently willing to cover the inevitable cost overruns.
The Atlanta Business Chronicle briefly mentions it RIGHT HERE
But that isn't for the most part how it has been presented in Atlanta.
Read a story by WSB-TV RIGHT HERE
Mind you, we are not big fans of the public having to buy any gazillionaire a new place. You can look up our track record on the subject. But out of the deals we've read up on so far, this one has the least impact on the public we've ever seen short of the team paying the full ticket. We believe Blank has made a pretty strong offer.
What we don't like is the premise of potential "Seat Licenses" and higher prices. There's a reason the NFL, despite being the most popular televised event in all the land, is suffering a bit at the gate.
They've priced themselves out of reach for a lot of fans, for reasons like new stadiums to increase revenues.
But, what bothers us is the local Atlanta media has, for the most part, portrayed it as "You the taxpayer are paying to buy the Falcons a new stadium", leaving out the part about visitors from out of town who pay the "Hotel/Motel" tax will actually be footing the bill. And the Falcons have been thus far, losing the PR war. Surveys say that public is almost 70-30 against any tax money being involved. Not surprising
So....we're at a bit of a standoff.
The MyFoxAtlanta story goes on to mention that the state is leery of doing the deal, though Blank is pondering contributing more money. That's why Reed, and the city of Atlanta are looking to get in the game.
The whole thing quite honestly is a bit funny. With OSG World HQ based in Atlanta, we get to see the fine art of "Stadium Negotiation" take place in person. And like we said, we believe Reed said the "Falcons Might Move". But we don't believe it.
For a second.
The Falcons will get a new stadium in a couple of years, they'll win, the NFL always does. And the stadium will be financed primarily by Blank, though some government entity is going to end up ponying up money for a portion of it. Would the people of Atlanta rather tourists pay that part, or would they rather pay for it themselves?
Local Atlanta breaking news: The Falcons may move to Los Angeles.
Really, you believe that?
Yes, that's right, Atlanta FOX-TV station, fronted by friend of the OSG Gil Tyree, reports that Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed is telling city council members that they need to be more aggressive in funding a "New" Falcons stadium or the team "Might" leave for Los Angeles.
This comes on the heels of a report, the team has settled on finalists to design the new palace:
Read the story from WXIA-TV RIGHT HERE
Seriously. Does anyone REALLY believe the Falcons "Might" leave Atlanta?
Check out the report from Thursday night:
Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5
No, sorry, a lot of things may happen before the Falcons get a new stadium, but the Los Angeles Falcons, well, that is just throwing stuff out there. Or what is commonly referred to as being asked to "Stir the Pot".
Do we believe that Mayor Reed is floating this? Yes.
But this is called a "Scare Tactic".... designed to make the public think they might lose their team.
Nobody, is moving the team.
Here's why this is even being discussed:
The Falcons are trying to get a new stadium in Atlanta. The team is lagging behind other NFL Teams in generating revenue. And they feel strongly that the 20-year old Georgia Dome they currently play in is not going to be enough to help change that.
So they are in the process of trying to negotiate for a new stadium. And they've made what they believe to be a fair offer.
A $1 Billion stadium, funded primarily by owner Arthur Blank's $700 million. The team is asking the state to contribute the rest from an Atlanta area "Hotel/Motel" tax.
Here's the problem. The ultra-conservative people in Georgia are panicked over this. They believe, thanks in large part to the local media, that they will be on the hook for the $300 million. The common refrain is, "They have the Dome, why do we need to buy them a new place?" "Use the money for something better".
They aren't as "On the Hook" for this as they are being led to believe.
The $300 million would come from the Georgia World Congress Center, who manages the property they want to build on. That "Hotel/Motel" tax money, is money designated strictly for use by the GWCC. The money comes from visitors who come stay in Metro Atlanta, not the people who live there. And Blank is apparently willing to cover the inevitable cost overruns.
The Atlanta Business Chronicle briefly mentions it RIGHT HERE
But that isn't for the most part how it has been presented in Atlanta.
Read a story by WSB-TV RIGHT HERE
Mind you, we are not big fans of the public having to buy any gazillionaire a new place. You can look up our track record on the subject. But out of the deals we've read up on so far, this one has the least impact on the public we've ever seen short of the team paying the full ticket. We believe Blank has made a pretty strong offer.
What we don't like is the premise of potential "Seat Licenses" and higher prices. There's a reason the NFL, despite being the most popular televised event in all the land, is suffering a bit at the gate.
They've priced themselves out of reach for a lot of fans, for reasons like new stadiums to increase revenues.
But, what bothers us is the local Atlanta media has, for the most part, portrayed it as "You the taxpayer are paying to buy the Falcons a new stadium", leaving out the part about visitors from out of town who pay the "Hotel/Motel" tax will actually be footing the bill. And the Falcons have been thus far, losing the PR war. Surveys say that public is almost 70-30 against any tax money being involved. Not surprising
So....we're at a bit of a standoff.
The MyFoxAtlanta story goes on to mention that the state is leery of doing the deal, though Blank is pondering contributing more money. That's why Reed, and the city of Atlanta are looking to get in the game.
The whole thing quite honestly is a bit funny. With OSG World HQ based in Atlanta, we get to see the fine art of "Stadium Negotiation" take place in person. And like we said, we believe Reed said the "Falcons Might Move". But we don't believe it.
For a second.
The Falcons will get a new stadium in a couple of years, they'll win, the NFL always does. And the stadium will be financed primarily by Blank, though some government entity is going to end up ponying up money for a portion of it. Would the people of Atlanta rather tourists pay that part, or would they rather pay for it themselves?
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.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
LA Approves New Stadium Deal
((HT: KABC-TV))
Surprising no one, really, the Los Angeles City Council approved the US$1.2-billion deal to build the downtown football stadium as part of the LA Live Project.
It came a little less than a week after AEG decided that they were up for sale- which caused the normal amount of concern around the planet about all the arenas and stadia that they run at present.
But AEG maintains that nothing will change. And in LA, specifically, they say that since they have already invested $50-million there is no turning back.
Here's Carlos Granda et al.
There has been no pro football in Los Angeles since 1994, but the real ideas are:
1) Who would end up moving from "wherever" to LA to play there these days...? And,
2) The Shield gets ratings for the league double-headers in the Number Two market in the country every week. it would be interesting to see the ratings comparisons from one situation to the other (having a team versus not) to see how the league sells their ad space using the idea as a leverage point...
And would it be worth it financially to leave the city alone...???
Surprising no one, really, the Los Angeles City Council approved the US$1.2-billion deal to build the downtown football stadium as part of the LA Live Project.
It came a little less than a week after AEG decided that they were up for sale- which caused the normal amount of concern around the planet about all the arenas and stadia that they run at present.
But AEG maintains that nothing will change. And in LA, specifically, they say that since they have already invested $50-million there is no turning back.
Here's Carlos Granda et al.
There has been no pro football in Los Angeles since 1994, but the real ideas are:
1) Who would end up moving from "wherever" to LA to play there these days...? And,
2) The Shield gets ratings for the league double-headers in the Number Two market in the country every week. it would be interesting to see the ratings comparisons from one situation to the other (having a team versus not) to see how the league sells their ad space using the idea as a leverage point...
And would it be worth it financially to leave the city alone...???
Friday, August 31, 2012
Group Springs up to Protest L.A stadium plan
((ht: kabc.com))
You knew this was inevitable. And to be perfectly honest, they aren't wrong for raising the question.
An activist group called "Play Fair at Farmer's Field" coalition has announced their intention to file a lawsuit against the state of California. Their beef: The state rubber stamped the plan and process which limits the time frame anybody can file suit challenging the project.
Oh...the group hasn't actually FILED the suit yet.
Senate Bill 292 says that any group who wants to file suit, has to go straight to the 2nd District Court of Appeals, not the city of Los Angeles.
Hmmmm....
ABC 7 in Los Angeles tries to explain RIGHT HERE
While it is certainly with the law for the state to do what they did, it just kind of looks bad. The impression is the rules are different for a gazillionaire such as Philip Anschutz if he's willing to spend half a gazillion to build a stadium and try to get an NFL team to play there.
Notice the keyword "Try"...
And while AEG is financing the majority of the project, it still comes at a price to taxpayers. One that some aren't totally enamored with.
But that is how it works with big boy sports. If you live in a city with an "Older" stadium or a city trying to "Draw" a team, you will be on the hook for a chunk of it. And remember these deals are being made by people who have enough money to pay for it themselves. But remember the old addage "Why spend my money if I can spend yours?" Well, that is how it works with Pro Sports and with Politicians these days.
Just something to remember this by.
Here's the TV story from KABC-TV:
You knew this was inevitable. And to be perfectly honest, they aren't wrong for raising the question.
An activist group called "Play Fair at Farmer's Field" coalition has announced their intention to file a lawsuit against the state of California. Their beef: The state rubber stamped the plan and process which limits the time frame anybody can file suit challenging the project.
Oh...the group hasn't actually FILED the suit yet.
Senate Bill 292 says that any group who wants to file suit, has to go straight to the 2nd District Court of Appeals, not the city of Los Angeles.
Hmmmm....
ABC 7 in Los Angeles tries to explain RIGHT HERE
While it is certainly with the law for the state to do what they did, it just kind of looks bad. The impression is the rules are different for a gazillionaire such as Philip Anschutz if he's willing to spend half a gazillion to build a stadium and try to get an NFL team to play there.
Notice the keyword "Try"...
And while AEG is financing the majority of the project, it still comes at a price to taxpayers. One that some aren't totally enamored with.
But that is how it works with big boy sports. If you live in a city with an "Older" stadium or a city trying to "Draw" a team, you will be on the hook for a chunk of it. And remember these deals are being made by people who have enough money to pay for it themselves. But remember the old addage "Why spend my money if I can spend yours?" Well, that is how it works with Pro Sports and with Politicians these days.
Just something to remember this by.
Here's the TV story from KABC-TV:
Friday, June 29, 2012
NFL Lays Down the Law for Potential L.A moves
((ht: latimes))
So...the talk about some random team in the NFL just walking in one day and saying "The heck with it, we're leaving and going to Los Angeles, yeah, that ain't happening so fast.
The Jolly Roger (NFL Commish Roger Goodell) has laid down the law when it comes to potential franchise relocation.
And while the Jolly one didn't make it impossible to happen, he did lay out some specific guidelines that any potential team (Jax, San Diego, Minnesota, St. Louis or Oakland) looking to move to Los Angeles will have to get his papal seal of approval.
What does that mean?
According to a memo unearthed by Sam Farmer of the LA Times, the biggie is the "League" not the team will decide whether the move will happen.
Other biggies include: Negotiating a deal with an alternate site until a stadium can be put in place, apply in the first 45 days of 2013 an application to move, evaluate and work with the league to explore opportunities to stay where you are and show a stadium plan for LA that works for the league.
Really?
Read the whole story from the LA Times RIGHT HERE
This is interesting. Particularly if you live in any of the cities listed above. It doesn't rule out the potential for moving, but it also makes it much more difficult to use as a bargaining chip.
It still smacks of potential extortion however. You might ask "Why?" Simply put, it still puts a gun to a city currently hosting a team to give said team what they want or lose them. In any other part of life or business, you could argue that it is a form of blackmail (our opinion).
And spare me the whole "Well the team brings in money to the city in the form of tourists and visitors" line. Just stop using that.
While we get that people travel to town for things like Green Bay Packers games and stay the weekend and hotels and eat at restaurants, that is the exception rather than the rule. The vast majority of people at a given game live within 100 miles of the place.
Really, they do.
Back to the LA Story.
Yes, it opens up the opportunity for groups such as AEG and the "City of Opportunity" group...to an extent.
It sounds an awful lot like they are going to have to actually build their stadium without a team to initially fill it. Or at least not start until they have a tenant. Which according to this law/rule means: You'll get a team, but only if WE say you'll get a team.
 |
| Proposed AEG Facility |
So...the talk about some random team in the NFL just walking in one day and saying "The heck with it, we're leaving and going to Los Angeles, yeah, that ain't happening so fast.
The Jolly Roger (NFL Commish Roger Goodell) has laid down the law when it comes to potential franchise relocation.
And while the Jolly one didn't make it impossible to happen, he did lay out some specific guidelines that any potential team (Jax, San Diego, Minnesota, St. Louis or Oakland) looking to move to Los Angeles will have to get his papal seal of approval.
What does that mean?
According to a memo unearthed by Sam Farmer of the LA Times, the biggie is the "League" not the team will decide whether the move will happen.
Other biggies include: Negotiating a deal with an alternate site until a stadium can be put in place, apply in the first 45 days of 2013 an application to move, evaluate and work with the league to explore opportunities to stay where you are and show a stadium plan for LA that works for the league.
Really?
Read the whole story from the LA Times RIGHT HERE
This is interesting. Particularly if you live in any of the cities listed above. It doesn't rule out the potential for moving, but it also makes it much more difficult to use as a bargaining chip.
It still smacks of potential extortion however. You might ask "Why?" Simply put, it still puts a gun to a city currently hosting a team to give said team what they want or lose them. In any other part of life or business, you could argue that it is a form of blackmail (our opinion).
And spare me the whole "Well the team brings in money to the city in the form of tourists and visitors" line. Just stop using that.
While we get that people travel to town for things like Green Bay Packers games and stay the weekend and hotels and eat at restaurants, that is the exception rather than the rule. The vast majority of people at a given game live within 100 miles of the place.
Really, they do.
Back to the LA Story.
Yes, it opens up the opportunity for groups such as AEG and the "City of Opportunity" group...to an extent.
It sounds an awful lot like they are going to have to actually build their stadium without a team to initially fill it. Or at least not start until they have a tenant. Which according to this law/rule means: You'll get a team, but only if WE say you'll get a team.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Report: LA Football stadium losing steam
((ht: yahoo.com))
Well...it was a nice thought, albeit somewhat pie-in-the-sky.
According to a report produced by Yahoo Sports reporter Jason Cole, the chances of an NFL stadium being built in downtown Los Angeles are shrinking by the day.
Cole reports that the sticking point in negotiations are primarily AEG's Phil Anschutz's requirement that he be allowed to purchase a minority stake in any team that would relocate to LA. Oh, that stake would come at a pre-set discount too. Anschutz also wants a rental agreement on the stadium.
The NFL...well, they aren't so enamored with that idea, but Anschutz is sticking to that plan.
The full report from Yahoo.com RIGHT HERE
While we see Anschutz's point in asking for something in return for fronting $1 billion for the stadium, we still think the whole idea is a bad one. Sure, we understand the NFL desperately wants to return to LA, but we just don't see that happening.
For those of you who say "Plenty of teams will relocate", we say Bull*%#!. Every team that is thinking about it will use Los Angeles as a negotiating tactic to get what they want. It already will be getting the Vikings a new stadium. The Jaguars, while they "Could" leave, we don't believe the new ownership will do that any time in the near future. Sure, we know they have attendance issues, but knowing the Jacksonville market as we do, its a statement on the economy and the incredibly bizarre and poor personnel decisions by management.
Oh...we might add this story from today's LA Times:
There are rumblings in LA LA land that the Magic Johnson consortium that just bought the Dodgers have contemplated putting a football stadium next to Dodger stadium. And while that might be a more plausible idea than the AEG plan, we wonder if they have the capital after dishing out $2 billion for the baseball team.
Read the LA Times story RIGHT HERE
We really, REALLY, think the NFL is trying to force a square peg in a round hole here. Sure, a team in LA will give them potentially a ton more eyeballs and better access to the nations 2nd largest city. But really, is hurting them by not being there?
Its not like the NFL isn't the most popular Sports league in all the land. And it isn't like they are hurting for revenue or are being held back in their TV deal by not being in the City of Angels.
No, we say forcing a team to move to LA would alienate a good part of their audience. And we don't think they are quite ready to jump into the expansion game....yet.
This is only fitting:
|
| Proposed stadium complex |
Well...it was a nice thought, albeit somewhat pie-in-the-sky.
According to a report produced by Yahoo Sports reporter Jason Cole, the chances of an NFL stadium being built in downtown Los Angeles are shrinking by the day.
Cole reports that the sticking point in negotiations are primarily AEG's Phil Anschutz's requirement that he be allowed to purchase a minority stake in any team that would relocate to LA. Oh, that stake would come at a pre-set discount too. Anschutz also wants a rental agreement on the stadium.
The NFL...well, they aren't so enamored with that idea, but Anschutz is sticking to that plan.
The full report from Yahoo.com RIGHT HERE
While we see Anschutz's point in asking for something in return for fronting $1 billion for the stadium, we still think the whole idea is a bad one. Sure, we understand the NFL desperately wants to return to LA, but we just don't see that happening.
For those of you who say "Plenty of teams will relocate", we say Bull*%#!. Every team that is thinking about it will use Los Angeles as a negotiating tactic to get what they want. It already will be getting the Vikings a new stadium. The Jaguars, while they "Could" leave, we don't believe the new ownership will do that any time in the near future. Sure, we know they have attendance issues, but knowing the Jacksonville market as we do, its a statement on the economy and the incredibly bizarre and poor personnel decisions by management.
Oh...we might add this story from today's LA Times:
There are rumblings in LA LA land that the Magic Johnson consortium that just bought the Dodgers have contemplated putting a football stadium next to Dodger stadium. And while that might be a more plausible idea than the AEG plan, we wonder if they have the capital after dishing out $2 billion for the baseball team.
Read the LA Times story RIGHT HERE
We really, REALLY, think the NFL is trying to force a square peg in a round hole here. Sure, a team in LA will give them potentially a ton more eyeballs and better access to the nations 2nd largest city. But really, is hurting them by not being there?
Its not like the NFL isn't the most popular Sports league in all the land. And it isn't like they are hurting for revenue or are being held back in their TV deal by not being in the City of Angels.
No, we say forcing a team to move to LA would alienate a good part of their audience. And we don't think they are quite ready to jump into the expansion game....yet.
This is only fitting:
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