((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 relocation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label relocation. Show all posts
Monday, January 5, 2015
Thursday, December 18, 2014
OKC Barons Stopping After This Season... One Step Closer To AHL Western Division...???
((HT: KFOR-TV))
In the American Hockey League, anyway...
The AHL, which the HQ has been saying for a few months, is looking at some location swapping with franchises in the ECHL to create a truer representation for affiliate agreements announced the Oklahoma City Barons are not going to be a part of the league plans next season.
Here are the prepared statements:
Statement from Prodigal
"The decision to cease operations of the OKC Barons at the end of the current season was business-driven. This was a very difficult decision to make because we love the team, love the city and love our fans," said Bob Funk Jr., CEO of Prodigal, the OKC Barons' management company. "Without a more equitable financial agreement with economic terms to provide the best opportunity for sustained success, we can no longer justify additional investments in the operations without higher returns. We have the highest regard for the Edmonton Oilers organization and it has been a privilege serving as its primary development club. Even though we were not successful at completing an agreement, we have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with the Edmonton Oilers' management and coaching staff over the past five years. We are also grateful for the committed partner we have had in the City of Oklahoma City. They shared our passion for bringing hockey to Oklahoma City. Most of all, we want to thank our fans in Oklahoma City for five years of unconditional enthusiastic support. We appreciate your dedication to the OKC Barons and the sport of the hockey. The management team at the OKC Barons is unequaled. They are simply the best. We will never say never to bringing professional hockey back to Oklahoma City in the future. We will always leave the door open."
Statement from Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett
"I love hockey and I've been a fan since the time of the Oklahoma City Blazers. I am appreciative to Prodigal for bringing professional hockey back to Oklahoma City five years ago with the Barons. Throughout their tenure in Oklahoma City, Prodigal, through the Barons, Energy and other events, has enhanced the quality and variety of entertainment offerings available in our growing city," Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett said. "I want to personally thank Bob Funk Jr. and his team at Prodigal for bringing the Barons to Oklahoma City and running a first class operation. The recent overwhelming success of the OKC Energy during its inaugural season points to good things ahead for the company and Oklahoma City."
Statement from Edmonton Oilers
"The players, coaches and fans of the OKC Barons have been outstanding partners to our organization as our development team affiliate. We have enjoyed a solid working relationship with the City of Oklahoma City as well as with Prodigal, the Barons' management company, throughout the team's five years," said Oilers Entertainment Group President & COO Patrick LaForge. "The decision to move on from Oklahoma City, although not easy, will open new opportunities for the Oilers organization and our AHL business. We want to thank Bob Funk Jr. and his team at Prodigal for their partnership in bringing professional hockey to Oklahoma City."
This isn't to say that the Barons, or hockey in general, couldn't return to Oklahoma City for 2015 and beyond. It will just take some work figuring out what the city thinks can proceed.
If they should even make the effort...
Here's Bob Funk discussing the decision
So, taking our previous posts into account, Anaheim or Edmonton would make their play for an expansion franchise next season (or taking the Barons assets) and what Gerry Cantlon talking about back then may be coming into play after all.
In the American Hockey League, anyway...
The AHL, which the HQ has been saying for a few months, is looking at some location swapping with franchises in the ECHL to create a truer representation for affiliate agreements announced the Oklahoma City Barons are not going to be a part of the league plans next season.
Here are the prepared statements:
Statement from Prodigal
"The decision to cease operations of the OKC Barons at the end of the current season was business-driven. This was a very difficult decision to make because we love the team, love the city and love our fans," said Bob Funk Jr., CEO of Prodigal, the OKC Barons' management company. "Without a more equitable financial agreement with economic terms to provide the best opportunity for sustained success, we can no longer justify additional investments in the operations without higher returns. We have the highest regard for the Edmonton Oilers organization and it has been a privilege serving as its primary development club. Even though we were not successful at completing an agreement, we have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with the Edmonton Oilers' management and coaching staff over the past five years. We are also grateful for the committed partner we have had in the City of Oklahoma City. They shared our passion for bringing hockey to Oklahoma City. Most of all, we want to thank our fans in Oklahoma City for five years of unconditional enthusiastic support. We appreciate your dedication to the OKC Barons and the sport of the hockey. The management team at the OKC Barons is unequaled. They are simply the best. We will never say never to bringing professional hockey back to Oklahoma City in the future. We will always leave the door open."
Statement from Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett
"I love hockey and I've been a fan since the time of the Oklahoma City Blazers. I am appreciative to Prodigal for bringing professional hockey back to Oklahoma City five years ago with the Barons. Throughout their tenure in Oklahoma City, Prodigal, through the Barons, Energy and other events, has enhanced the quality and variety of entertainment offerings available in our growing city," Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett said. "I want to personally thank Bob Funk Jr. and his team at Prodigal for bringing the Barons to Oklahoma City and running a first class operation. The recent overwhelming success of the OKC Energy during its inaugural season points to good things ahead for the company and Oklahoma City."
Statement from Edmonton Oilers
"The players, coaches and fans of the OKC Barons have been outstanding partners to our organization as our development team affiliate. We have enjoyed a solid working relationship with the City of Oklahoma City as well as with Prodigal, the Barons' management company, throughout the team's five years," said Oilers Entertainment Group President & COO Patrick LaForge. "The decision to move on from Oklahoma City, although not easy, will open new opportunities for the Oilers organization and our AHL business. We want to thank Bob Funk Jr. and his team at Prodigal for their partnership in bringing professional hockey to Oklahoma City."
This isn't to say that the Barons, or hockey in general, couldn't return to Oklahoma City for 2015 and beyond. It will just take some work figuring out what the city thinks can proceed.
If they should even make the effort...
Here's Bob Funk discussing the decision
So, taking our previous posts into account, Anaheim or Edmonton would make their play for an expansion franchise next season (or taking the Barons assets) and what Gerry Cantlon talking about back then may be coming into play after all.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Scott Boras Wants A Team In Montreal
((HT: Sportsnet))
And, at the Winter Meetings, he thought the team should be the Rays as the ones to move.
Here's his gaggle...
Makes sense to the HQ, now all the town needs is a barn in town to make it happen.
The team could not play in the Big O because it's out of date, unless the provision was for a year or two during costruction. The fans have never been an issue there, it has always been ownership and wanting to invest in a team there.
So, the HQ agrees with Boras... let's see if everyone else does...
And, at the Winter Meetings, he thought the team should be the Rays as the ones to move.
Here's his gaggle...
Makes sense to the HQ, now all the town needs is a barn in town to make it happen.
The team could not play in the Big O because it's out of date, unless the provision was for a year or two during costruction. The fans have never been an issue there, it has always been ownership and wanting to invest in a team there.
So, the HQ agrees with Boras... let's see if everyone else does...
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
NHL Doesn't Object To Looking At Vegas
((HT: Sportsnet))
MGM is building a new arena in Las Vegas, the HQ knows this...
The NHL Owners Meetings in Boca are now are kicking the tires on the the idea of going to that new Maloof Brothers arena and housing a franchise in that city- whether it's as a relocation or an expansion franchise.
Here's Strombo, Kypper, and Friedge after Evanka Osmak sets the introduction to discuss
The HQ has looked at the landscape and it appears to be going in three directions- Las Vegas, Quebec City, and Seattle.
It would make more sense to relocate ailing franchises in Phoenix and Florida to two of those cities and expand to Seattle and a 32nd city. But, with the idea of fellow owners getting over $30-million if two franchises are added, there's going to be a push in the next few years for the watering down of a product instead of strengthening what you already have.
Money in hand always trumps money down the line...
MGM is building a new arena in Las Vegas, the HQ knows this...
The NHL Owners Meetings in Boca are now are kicking the tires on the the idea of going to that new Maloof Brothers arena and housing a franchise in that city- whether it's as a relocation or an expansion franchise.
Here's Strombo, Kypper, and Friedge after Evanka Osmak sets the introduction to discuss
The HQ has looked at the landscape and it appears to be going in three directions- Las Vegas, Quebec City, and Seattle.
It would make more sense to relocate ailing franchises in Phoenix and Florida to two of those cities and expand to Seattle and a 32nd city. But, with the idea of fellow owners getting over $30-million if two franchises are added, there's going to be a push in the next few years for the watering down of a product instead of strengthening what you already have.
Money in hand always trumps money down the line...
Saturday, October 11, 2014
The Coyotes Have A New Majority Owner, Are They On The Clock In Glendale?
((HT: AZCentral))
Depending on who you talk to these days, either thePhoenix Arizona Coyotes are either half-way to their $50-million loss figure for the escape clause to kick in or everything is fine, the team is losing money, and they're staying anyway.
Either way, this seems to be the league approach to keeping a team there when the league could be served better someplace else
Coyotes president Anthony Leblanc values his team around $300-million and he is selling 51-percent to Philadelphia hedge fund guru Andrew Barroway for something in the neighborhood of $152.5-million.
The Ice Edge guys had an escape clause built into their new deal with the city of Glendale that specified if the team was hemorrhaging money they could leave. Glendale agreed last year to pay the Coyotes $15 million annually to manage the arena- and that isn't helping, either. Revenue from parking and concerts paid to the city in return has so far fallen short of projections. If Barroway's name is familiar to you, it should be. He has had interest in both the Islanders and the Devils before getting this deal.
Reason being- and the HQ has witnessed this first hand- the Glendale City Center is a mixed-use development that has fallen well short of occupancy in the business and residential aspects of the project. It takes far too long to get there from the Phoenix downtown area under normal circumstances and, Gawd forbid, you work in Phoenix and thought you would live in Glendale.
It's just not a feasible suburban location for something to work...
Ice Edge's financing issues came to the fore again just before the season started when it was disclosed that they were sending Max Domi back to juniors so they wouldn't have to pay his entry level salary instead of keeping him up with the parent club so the team could have another scoring threat.
Oh, well...
Here's The Bettman discussing everything Arizona
Apparently, having Barroway involved gives the Coyotes a better interest rate with the NHL credit lines and gets them to wipe out a debt with a previous investment group and, also, may give the team an extra $9-million- which might bring Domi back to the parent club sooner rather than later.
But the HQ still believes that the Coyotes would be better served in the pacific northwest and the Florida Panthers would be better served in Quebec City.
But, that's just us thinking about relocation instead of the poo-pooed expansion talk from the Commissioner earlier this week.
Depending on who you talk to these days, either the
Either way, this seems to be the league approach to keeping a team there when the league could be served better someplace else
Coyotes president Anthony Leblanc values his team around $300-million and he is selling 51-percent to Philadelphia hedge fund guru Andrew Barroway for something in the neighborhood of $152.5-million.
The Ice Edge guys had an escape clause built into their new deal with the city of Glendale that specified if the team was hemorrhaging money they could leave. Glendale agreed last year to pay the Coyotes $15 million annually to manage the arena- and that isn't helping, either. Revenue from parking and concerts paid to the city in return has so far fallen short of projections. If Barroway's name is familiar to you, it should be. He has had interest in both the Islanders and the Devils before getting this deal.
Reason being- and the HQ has witnessed this first hand- the Glendale City Center is a mixed-use development that has fallen well short of occupancy in the business and residential aspects of the project. It takes far too long to get there from the Phoenix downtown area under normal circumstances and, Gawd forbid, you work in Phoenix and thought you would live in Glendale.
It's just not a feasible suburban location for something to work...
Ice Edge's financing issues came to the fore again just before the season started when it was disclosed that they were sending Max Domi back to juniors so they wouldn't have to pay his entry level salary instead of keeping him up with the parent club so the team could have another scoring threat.
Oh, well...
Here's The Bettman discussing everything Arizona
Apparently, having Barroway involved gives the Coyotes a better interest rate with the NHL credit lines and gets them to wipe out a debt with a previous investment group and, also, may give the team an extra $9-million- which might bring Domi back to the parent club sooner rather than later.
But the HQ still believes that the Coyotes would be better served in the pacific northwest and the Florida Panthers would be better served in Quebec City.
But, that's just us thinking about relocation instead of the poo-pooed expansion talk from the Commissioner earlier this week.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Report: NHL To Las Vegas A "Done Deal..."
((HT: The Score))
After word of Victor Coleman wanting to be a part of the idea of Seattle getting an NHL franchise, there's now word trickling out of Vancouver that Vegas is already there.
In an article in the Vancouver Province newspaper, columnist Tony Gallagher has it pegged that some arena in town will be hosting a team sooner rather than later:
A new team close to the newly renamed Arizona squad and California’s big three is all but assured, the only question being when and with which other city. Or should that be plural?
With all the activity going on in the Seattle area in the last little bit it would be quite a stretch to imagine that much time and effort being spent by so many wealthy men being frittered away for nothing.
Adding two teams in the west to get to an even 32 makes sense- especially if the ECHL reorganization would lead to a 31-team league and the AHL would finally have it's true western division in the 2015-16 season. Also, moving the Florida Panthers to Quebec City to placate the Canadian fan base from all the American movement would also be a solid part of the equation with a teram hemorrhaging money and not getting their way when it comes to the new arena the owners are looking for at present.
The ECHL Wranglers have their niche, and there is a history of NHL games in Las Vegas dating back to 1991.
((HT: NHL Network))
There's simply too much money in place in Quebec with Quebecor Media and the pieces are there for all of this...
And another cash-in day for the National Hockey League...
After word of Victor Coleman wanting to be a part of the idea of Seattle getting an NHL franchise, there's now word trickling out of Vancouver that Vegas is already there.
In an article in the Vancouver Province newspaper, columnist Tony Gallagher has it pegged that some arena in town will be hosting a team sooner rather than later:
A new team close to the newly renamed Arizona squad and California’s big three is all but assured, the only question being when and with which other city. Or should that be plural?
With all the activity going on in the Seattle area in the last little bit it would be quite a stretch to imagine that much time and effort being spent by so many wealthy men being frittered away for nothing.
Adding two teams in the west to get to an even 32 makes sense- especially if the ECHL reorganization would lead to a 31-team league and the AHL would finally have it's true western division in the 2015-16 season. Also, moving the Florida Panthers to Quebec City to placate the Canadian fan base from all the American movement would also be a solid part of the equation with a teram hemorrhaging money and not getting their way when it comes to the new arena the owners are looking for at present.
The ECHL Wranglers have their niche, and there is a history of NHL games in Las Vegas dating back to 1991.
((HT: NHL Network))
There's simply too much money in place in Quebec with Quebecor Media and the pieces are there for all of this...
And another cash-in day for the National Hockey League...
Sunday, August 24, 2014
The New Round Of Minor League Hockey Relo Ideas Involving 3 Leagues
((HT: Howlings.net/Cantlon))
Gerry Cantlon says that the formulation of a Pacific Division in the AHL could go down by the 2015-16 season...
When the CHL's Denver Cuthroats and Arizona Sundogs pulled out of their upcoming season, it set off a new set of alarm bells. Two sources to Cantlon have those two teams bought by the Avalanche and (another team). They go immediately into the American.
Here's the rest of the West as of now from Cantlon:
The original five would be LA (from Manchester to Ontario, CA), San Jose (Worcester to Fresno, CA), Winnipeg (St. John’s to Thunder Bay), Phoenix and Anaheim.
Anaheim who will go to San Diego and play out of the Valley View Casino Center (12.920) is said to be the last team that needs to buy an AHL franchise and then apply to relocate as per AHL standard franchise rules.
Expect the merger talks of what's left of the CHL and the ECHL to pick up speed now- Allen, Brampton, Quad City, Rapid City, St. Charles, Tulsa, and Wichita could feasibly slide- if they all are alive. But, the Central would have to live on its own for the 14-15 season since the ECHL schedule is already locked in place.
Here's what Allen did to get into the CHL history books at the end of last season...
((HT: CHL/Todd Carr))
Remember, in our initial report of the ECHL/CHL merger, faithful readers pointed out St. Charles might be out of commission and that would put the CHL at the 6-team minimum for official league designation.
As a bit of a trade, Cantlon continues, the eastern franchises in the AHL would drop to the ECHL for 15-16: Utica, Glens Falls, Worcester, Springfield, Portland and Manchester.
So, then, the ECHL in 2015-16 would go like this under the Cantlon variant... a 31-team monster of a league that would have a one-team affiliation with NHL franchises across the board with one team left over...
Northeast
Utica
Glens Falls
Worcester
Springfield
Portland
Manchester
Brampton
Midwest Division
Reading Royals
Wheeling Nailers
Elmira Jackals
Kalamazoo Wings
Cincinnati Cyclones
Toledo Walleye
Southeast Division
Fort Wayne Komets
Evansville IceMen
South Carolina Stingrays
Orlando Solar Bears
Greenville Road Warriors
Florida Everblades
Gwinnett Gladiators
Indianapolis (expansion)
Central Division (All CHL)
Allen, Texas
Missouri
Rapid City
Quad City
Tulsa
Wichita
Western Division
Alaska Aces
Utah Grizzlies
Idaho Steelheads
Colorado Eagles
Gerry Cantlon says that the formulation of a Pacific Division in the AHL could go down by the 2015-16 season...
When the CHL's Denver Cuthroats and Arizona Sundogs pulled out of their upcoming season, it set off a new set of alarm bells. Two sources to Cantlon have those two teams bought by the Avalanche and (another team). They go immediately into the American.
Here's the rest of the West as of now from Cantlon:
The original five would be LA (from Manchester to Ontario, CA), San Jose (Worcester to Fresno, CA), Winnipeg (St. John’s to Thunder Bay), Phoenix and Anaheim.
Anaheim who will go to San Diego and play out of the Valley View Casino Center (12.920) is said to be the last team that needs to buy an AHL franchise and then apply to relocate as per AHL standard franchise rules.
Expect the merger talks of what's left of the CHL and the ECHL to pick up speed now- Allen, Brampton, Quad City, Rapid City, St. Charles, Tulsa, and Wichita could feasibly slide- if they all are alive. But, the Central would have to live on its own for the 14-15 season since the ECHL schedule is already locked in place.
Here's what Allen did to get into the CHL history books at the end of last season...
((HT: CHL/Todd Carr))
Remember, in our initial report of the ECHL/CHL merger, faithful readers pointed out St. Charles might be out of commission and that would put the CHL at the 6-team minimum for official league designation.
As a bit of a trade, Cantlon continues, the eastern franchises in the AHL would drop to the ECHL for 15-16: Utica, Glens Falls, Worcester, Springfield, Portland and Manchester.
So, then, the ECHL in 2015-16 would go like this under the Cantlon variant... a 31-team monster of a league that would have a one-team affiliation with NHL franchises across the board with one team left over...
Northeast
Utica
Glens Falls
Worcester
Springfield
Portland
Manchester
Brampton
Midwest Division
Reading Royals
Wheeling Nailers
Elmira Jackals
Kalamazoo Wings
Cincinnati Cyclones
Toledo Walleye
Southeast Division
Fort Wayne Komets
Evansville IceMen
South Carolina Stingrays
Orlando Solar Bears
Greenville Road Warriors
Florida Everblades
Gwinnett Gladiators
Indianapolis (expansion)
Central Division (All CHL)
Allen, Texas
Missouri
Rapid City
Quad City
Tulsa
Wichita
Western Division
Alaska Aces
Utah Grizzlies
Idaho Steelheads
Colorado Eagles
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Victor Coleman Now Paired With Chris Hansen For Seattle NHL Idea
((HT: KING-TV))
Chris Daniels has an update on the development of possible partners for Chris Hansen, his new arena in Seattle, and the idea of bringing a new hockey franchise to the city of Seattle.
Vancouver-based real estate magnate Victor Coleman has apparently signed a "non-binding" (translation: no cash changing hands publicly) agreement on the South Downtown area that Hansen wants to put an arena in for his NBA franchise that he wants to bring to town-that he doesn't have yet.
Coleman was part of the gaggle of city leaders that met with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Bill Daly secretly to talk about the Seattle destination for any hockey franchise that wants to relocate.
Are you listening Phoenix...???
Coleman has even put ideas about revenue streams on paper for Hansen to look at...
Here's the latest from Daniels on Coleman
The team that is playing at Jobing.com/Gila River Casinos Arena is on a very short leash with its owners at present with no end of money hemorrhaging- at present.
The folks down on Glendale need to pay serious attention to all that's going on up there as they get closer to solutions for bringing a team to Seattle and creating a natural rivalry with Vancouver- Coleman's home base...
Chris Daniels has an update on the development of possible partners for Chris Hansen, his new arena in Seattle, and the idea of bringing a new hockey franchise to the city of Seattle.
Vancouver-based real estate magnate Victor Coleman has apparently signed a "non-binding" (translation: no cash changing hands publicly) agreement on the South Downtown area that Hansen wants to put an arena in for his NBA franchise that he wants to bring to town-that he doesn't have yet.
Coleman was part of the gaggle of city leaders that met with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Bill Daly secretly to talk about the Seattle destination for any hockey franchise that wants to relocate.
Are you listening Phoenix...???
Coleman has even put ideas about revenue streams on paper for Hansen to look at...
Here's the latest from Daniels on Coleman
The team that is playing at Jobing.com/Gila River Casinos Arena is on a very short leash with its owners at present with no end of money hemorrhaging- at present.
The folks down on Glendale need to pay serious attention to all that's going on up there as they get closer to solutions for bringing a team to Seattle and creating a natural rivalry with Vancouver- Coleman's home base...
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.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Could The Athletics Finally Move...???
((HT: KPIX-TV))
When MLB Commissioner Bud Selig jumps in and actually tells the Oakland Athletics that they can get up and move if there's no new deal put together with the Oakland Coliseum board- that's huge news...
And, of course, it's put in the headlines at the same time as the A's made a great deal for starting pitching and are off to one of the best starts in the season for all of Major League Baseball.
If a new 10-year deal isn't put on the table and agreed to, could the A's go to San Antonio or Montreal...???
That's the question posed by SFGate's Matier and Ross quoting City Council President Larry Reid as saying the A's "have options."
Here's the analysis for now as everyone wonders if the City Council are ready to play chicken with a major tenant...
If Oakland moved to Montreal, it would cause upheaval in the American League Division structure. It would make more sense, for preservation sake, if Tampa was the team to go after years of failing (and flailing) support.
Warren Cromartie and the Montreal Baseball Project have been shouting from the rooftops about a downtown, retractable roof stadium that would give the city a more tenable place to watch a sport and team the city could wrap themselves around- as they did with the Expos.
San Antonio is mentioned, but the Alamodome is only 280-feet down the right field line. Optimistically, the right field foul pole at Fenway is listed at one distance, but may be really 297 feet.
Vegas...??? Too hot... and the gambling influence may be too much.
Sacramento and Portland are both top-25 markets, but the stadium sizes may not meet MLB spec.
So, all that does is drop you out of top-35 market sizes for a new barn that is ready for play immediately.
And a 16-14 split if the A's were to move to the National League...
This is an official headache...
When MLB Commissioner Bud Selig jumps in and actually tells the Oakland Athletics that they can get up and move if there's no new deal put together with the Oakland Coliseum board- that's huge news...
And, of course, it's put in the headlines at the same time as the A's made a great deal for starting pitching and are off to one of the best starts in the season for all of Major League Baseball.
If a new 10-year deal isn't put on the table and agreed to, could the A's go to San Antonio or Montreal...???
That's the question posed by SFGate's Matier and Ross quoting City Council President Larry Reid as saying the A's "have options."
Here's the analysis for now as everyone wonders if the City Council are ready to play chicken with a major tenant...
If Oakland moved to Montreal, it would cause upheaval in the American League Division structure. It would make more sense, for preservation sake, if Tampa was the team to go after years of failing (and flailing) support.
Warren Cromartie and the Montreal Baseball Project have been shouting from the rooftops about a downtown, retractable roof stadium that would give the city a more tenable place to watch a sport and team the city could wrap themselves around- as they did with the Expos.
San Antonio is mentioned, but the Alamodome is only 280-feet down the right field line. Optimistically, the right field foul pole at Fenway is listed at one distance, but may be really 297 feet.
Vegas...??? Too hot... and the gambling influence may be too much.
Sacramento and Portland are both top-25 markets, but the stadium sizes may not meet MLB spec.
So, all that does is drop you out of top-35 market sizes for a new barn that is ready for play immediately.
And a 16-14 split if the A's were to move to the National League...
This is an official headache...
Friday, July 4, 2014
Gretzky Trying To Bring Hockey To Seattle...???
According to the New York Post, he is...
In an article by Larry Brooks and Josh Kosman, they say that he is a party in one of three groups trying to get a team into town.
But, remember, Commissioner Gary Bettman is in no mood to expand.
So, that means that a franchise like San Jose (looking for a new barn) or Arizona (in need of any kind of financial stability still) are under the looking glass from this moment forward.
That way, the geographic balance won't be upset- until the National Hockey League ultimately decides to expand...
Chris Hansen has said he won't put any kind of weight behind building his new arena that he is accumulating property for in South Downtown Seattle unless an NBA franchise is ready to be brought to town.
Chris Daniels had the story back in May about one of the groups that might be chasing an NHL franchise- led by Victor Coleman- that met with the mayor of Seattle.
Sportsnet's John Shannon had contact with those aligned with any Gretzky effort- from his Twitter: Gretzky source tells Sportsnet: "Potential ownership groups have reached out, but we certainly haven't aligned with anyone"
The HQ recalls just how involved Gretzky was with the Coyotes franchise, and it makes sense that his name would be attached to activities out west again.
In an article by Larry Brooks and Josh Kosman, they say that he is a party in one of three groups trying to get a team into town.
But, remember, Commissioner Gary Bettman is in no mood to expand.
So, that means that a franchise like San Jose (looking for a new barn) or Arizona (in need of any kind of financial stability still) are under the looking glass from this moment forward.
That way, the geographic balance won't be upset- until the National Hockey League ultimately decides to expand...
Chris Hansen has said he won't put any kind of weight behind building his new arena that he is accumulating property for in South Downtown Seattle unless an NBA franchise is ready to be brought to town.
Chris Daniels had the story back in May about one of the groups that might be chasing an NHL franchise- led by Victor Coleman- that met with the mayor of Seattle.
Sportsnet's John Shannon had contact with those aligned with any Gretzky effort- from his Twitter: Gretzky source tells Sportsnet: "Potential ownership groups have reached out, but we certainly haven't aligned with anyone"
The HQ recalls just how involved Gretzky was with the Coyotes franchise, and it makes sense that his name would be attached to activities out west again.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Chris Hansen Unchanged In Seattle Arena Plans, Bettman Acknowledges Shortcomings
((HT: KING5-TV))
Chris Daniels has been at the forefront of the Seattle Arena-bringing a team to Seattle whether it's at Key Arena for a while, then moving to a new arena-Clippers teaser when Steve Ballmer bought the team and kept them in LA, anyway- stories over the last month or so.
The larger questions go to Seattle Arena project developer-hopeful pro team owner Chris Hansen from now on...
Are you stopping...?
Where is the environmental survey standing right now...?
Are you looking to buy like Ballmer has and hold on to a property...?
Daniels caught up with Hansen
Then, as the Rangers and Kings get ready for the Stanley Cup Final, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman caught up with Bob McCown on "Prime Time Sports" to discuss everything hockey going into the last series of the year. ((HT: Sportsnet))
Chris Daniels has been at the forefront of the Seattle Arena-bringing a team to Seattle whether it's at Key Arena for a while, then moving to a new arena-Clippers teaser when Steve Ballmer bought the team and kept them in LA, anyway- stories over the last month or so.
The larger questions go to Seattle Arena project developer-hopeful pro team owner Chris Hansen from now on...
Are you stopping...?
Where is the environmental survey standing right now...?
Are you looking to buy like Ballmer has and hold on to a property...?
Daniels caught up with Hansen
Then, as the Rangers and Kings get ready for the Stanley Cup Final, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman caught up with Bob McCown on "Prime Time Sports" to discuss everything hockey going into the last series of the year. ((HT: Sportsnet))
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Shelly Sterling Met With Steve Ballmer Over Clippers, But Don't Bet On A Move
((HT: Ramona Shelburne/The Score))
Shelburne's Tweet credited TMZ Sports with the news here- which would reinforce a few things from KING5-TV's Chris Daniels conversations in the last month or so...
TMZ reports, however, a concern over a move of the Clippers to Ballmer's home turf of Seattle.
But, Shira Ovide's interview with Ballmer in the Wall Street Journal before his commencement address to students at Southern Cal's Marshall School of Business, pooh-poohs any such idea:
The HQ reversed the two questions Ovide asked Ballmer for the sake of not blowing continuity of copy...
WSJ: So you wouldn’t move the Clippers to Seattle?
Ballmer: If I get interested in the Clippers, it would be for Los Angeles. I don’t work anymore, so I have more geographic flexibility than I did a year, year-and-a half ago. Moving them anywhere else would be value destructive.
WSJ: You’ve tried a couple times to buy an NBA franchise to return a basketball team to Seattle. Are you interested in the Los Angeles Clippers, if the team goes up for sale?
Ballmer: I have nothing definitive to say. Am I right on top of what’s going on there? Absolutely I am. I love basketball, and I’d love to participate at some point in the NBA. If the opportunity is outside of Seattle, so be it. I will learn about any team that comes up for sale at this point.
Re-running Hansen's piece from last month about a possible move, here's the thoughts and they're not all that optimistic for the pacific northwest- and this was last month:
((HT: KING5))
But, remember, any Hansen-Ballmer sniff of the Clippers better go through proper channels with commissioner Adam Silver and the NBA office or the duo could be shut out entirely. Just because Ballmer may meet with Shelly Sterling doesn't mean much for putting them at the front of the line for prospective owners of the team.
For Hansen-Ballmer, their first phone call after securing the meeting with Sterling and her lawyer, Pierce O'Donnell, better have been to New York City if they want to play in the reindeer games down the line.
Shelburne's Tweet credited TMZ Sports with the news here- which would reinforce a few things from KING5-TV's Chris Daniels conversations in the last month or so...
TMZ reports, however, a concern over a move of the Clippers to Ballmer's home turf of Seattle.
But, Shira Ovide's interview with Ballmer in the Wall Street Journal before his commencement address to students at Southern Cal's Marshall School of Business, pooh-poohs any such idea:
The HQ reversed the two questions Ovide asked Ballmer for the sake of not blowing continuity of copy...
WSJ: So you wouldn’t move the Clippers to Seattle?
Ballmer: If I get interested in the Clippers, it would be for Los Angeles. I don’t work anymore, so I have more geographic flexibility than I did a year, year-and-a half ago. Moving them anywhere else would be value destructive.
WSJ: You’ve tried a couple times to buy an NBA franchise to return a basketball team to Seattle. Are you interested in the Los Angeles Clippers, if the team goes up for sale?
Ballmer: I have nothing definitive to say. Am I right on top of what’s going on there? Absolutely I am. I love basketball, and I’d love to participate at some point in the NBA. If the opportunity is outside of Seattle, so be it. I will learn about any team that comes up for sale at this point.
Re-running Hansen's piece from last month about a possible move, here's the thoughts and they're not all that optimistic for the pacific northwest- and this was last month:
((HT: KING5))
But, remember, any Hansen-Ballmer sniff of the Clippers better go through proper channels with commissioner Adam Silver and the NBA office or the duo could be shut out entirely. Just because Ballmer may meet with Shelly Sterling doesn't mean much for putting them at the front of the line for prospective owners of the team.
For Hansen-Ballmer, their first phone call after securing the meeting with Sterling and her lawyer, Pierce O'Donnell, better have been to New York City if they want to play in the reindeer games down the line.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Here's One For You, Seattle... Think 2017...
((HT: Fox6now.com/Milwaukee Business Journal-Kirchen))
The clock is ticking on Milwaukee and the Bucks- whether they know it or not...
According to Fox 6 in Milwaukee, if Senator Herb Kohl and the two hedge fund guys buying the franchise from Kohl can't pony up another $200-million for a new arena, the NBA can buy the team back from whoever the owner is in 2017 for $575-million.
And the HQ is sure the team won't be on the market for long...
Just ask Chris Hansen and the folks in Seattle how interested they'd be in snapping them up if it all falls apart...
Wes Edens and Marc Lasry are supposedly picking up the franchise for $550 million, but the Bradley Center is thought of as "too small" since it was opened in 1988. NBA commissioner Adam Silver confirmed in September 2013 that the league had given Kohl the 2017 deadline...
From Kirchen:
Kohl pledged $100 million and the prospective owners another $100 million toward arena construction. A new arena would cost an estimated $400 million to $500 to build.
Leading arena supporter Tim Sheehy, president of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, said after the sale announcement he believes public funding will be necessary for a new arena. MMAC also is working to attract additional contributions from private individuals and foundations to minimize public funding.
Brewers owner Mark Attanasio has even said he would contribute to the process...
Here's the first time of (probably) many the question will be addressed for the next few years...
((HT: WTMJ-TV))
The clock is ticking on Milwaukee and the Bucks- whether they know it or not...
According to Fox 6 in Milwaukee, if Senator Herb Kohl and the two hedge fund guys buying the franchise from Kohl can't pony up another $200-million for a new arena, the NBA can buy the team back from whoever the owner is in 2017 for $575-million.
And the HQ is sure the team won't be on the market for long...
Just ask Chris Hansen and the folks in Seattle how interested they'd be in snapping them up if it all falls apart...
Wes Edens and Marc Lasry are supposedly picking up the franchise for $550 million, but the Bradley Center is thought of as "too small" since it was opened in 1988. NBA commissioner Adam Silver confirmed in September 2013 that the league had given Kohl the 2017 deadline...
From Kirchen:
Kohl pledged $100 million and the prospective owners another $100 million toward arena construction. A new arena would cost an estimated $400 million to $500 to build.
Leading arena supporter Tim Sheehy, president of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, said after the sale announcement he believes public funding will be necessary for a new arena. MMAC also is working to attract additional contributions from private individuals and foundations to minimize public funding.
Brewers owner Mark Attanasio has even said he would contribute to the process...
Here's the first time of (probably) many the question will be addressed for the next few years...
((HT: WTMJ-TV))
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
So Much For The Abbottsford Heat
((HT: Sportsnet))
It was a relationship that wasn't working...
The city of Abbottsford, British Columbia was in a deal with the Calgary Flames to have their American Hockey League team be in the arena as the primary tenant. There was a ten-year deal that had been signed and, without the attendance figures matching what the city thought they would be and what the Flames wanted- the deal is over five years early.
The Heat are in the AHL playoffs, and when they're eliminated the moving sign is up...
"The economics did not turn out the way any of us intended, despite the tremendous efforts of many men and women who made it their mission to convert the allegiances of local hockey fans, at least at the American Hockey League level, to the Heat.
"Notwithstanding economics, our experiences in the Fraser Valley have been good," King said in a press release.
The team had moved from the Quad Cities and, with all the looks of it, they'll be headed to either Glens Falls or Utica, New York. They were the only team in the AHL that played in the western time zone.
The mayor at the time, George Peary, guaranteed the Heat owners almost C$6-million a year to play in the city's new 7,000-seat arena. So, taxpayers have been paying a little over C$7-million in subsidies to the team to make up for team losses.
So, for the record... here's the last regular season game in Abbottsford Heat history...
((HT: The Heat their own selves))
It was a relationship that wasn't working...
The city of Abbottsford, British Columbia was in a deal with the Calgary Flames to have their American Hockey League team be in the arena as the primary tenant. There was a ten-year deal that had been signed and, without the attendance figures matching what the city thought they would be and what the Flames wanted- the deal is over five years early.
The Heat are in the AHL playoffs, and when they're eliminated the moving sign is up...
"The economics did not turn out the way any of us intended, despite the tremendous efforts of many men and women who made it their mission to convert the allegiances of local hockey fans, at least at the American Hockey League level, to the Heat.
"Notwithstanding economics, our experiences in the Fraser Valley have been good," King said in a press release.
The team had moved from the Quad Cities and, with all the looks of it, they'll be headed to either Glens Falls or Utica, New York. They were the only team in the AHL that played in the western time zone.
The mayor at the time, George Peary, guaranteed the Heat owners almost C$6-million a year to play in the city's new 7,000-seat arena. So, taxpayers have been paying a little over C$7-million in subsidies to the team to make up for team losses.
So, for the record... here's the last regular season game in Abbottsford Heat history...
((HT: The Heat their own selves))
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...
Monday, March 3, 2014
DEVELOPING: Here The NHL Goes Again With Seattle...
((HT: Sportsnet))
Chris Hansen was ready to bring an NHL franchise to a new barn in Seattle that he would fund on his own...
In an interview during the Stadium Series in Vancouver, NHL Commish made a point to mention the Pacific Northwest and its viability as an "intuitive" place for a franchise...
It's around the half-way point...
Chris Daniels... pursue...
Notice he didn't mention anything about a relocation...???
Just expansion...
Chris Hansen was ready to bring an NHL franchise to a new barn in Seattle that he would fund on his own...
In an interview during the Stadium Series in Vancouver, NHL Commish made a point to mention the Pacific Northwest and its viability as an "intuitive" place for a franchise...
It's around the half-way point...
Chris Daniels... pursue...
Notice he didn't mention anything about a relocation...???
Just expansion...
Monday, February 24, 2014
Wranglers Moving Up In The World, Literally...
((HT: KLAS-TV))
The ECHL's Las Vegas Wranglers used to play in the Orleans Hotel Arena, but they couldn't agree on a new lease...
So, they were this/close to leaving town until the leadership of the franchise came up with a unique idea to keep them around...
Like... renovating the top of a parking structure...
Here's the live shot from downtown to talk about it...
8 News NOW
It is interesting to see a double-a hockey franchise investing seven figures to keep themselves in town...
It will be just as interesting to see how well the franchise adapts to being a property owner as the project goes forward...
The ECHL's Las Vegas Wranglers used to play in the Orleans Hotel Arena, but they couldn't agree on a new lease...
So, they were this/close to leaving town until the leadership of the franchise came up with a unique idea to keep them around...
Like... renovating the top of a parking structure...
Here's the live shot from downtown to talk about it...
8 News NOW
It is interesting to see a double-a hockey franchise investing seven figures to keep themselves in town...
It will be just as interesting to see how well the franchise adapts to being a property owner as the project goes forward...
Thursday, February 20, 2014
OSG Minors: Will Sand Gnats Stay In Savannah...???
((HT: The Coastal Source))
The short answer... and stop the HQ if you've heard this before...
If the city builds a new downtown stadium to replace the aging Grayson Stadium...
Jason Freier and Hardball Capital are looking for a new stadium to take over for the historic facility. But the big beef that the folks in Savannaha have is that Freier made the same overtures to the city of Columbia, South Carolina and has met with the Savannah City Council twice to reinforce his point...
And the folks in Savannah are less than pleased at the end run...
The short answer... and stop the HQ if you've heard this before...
If the city builds a new downtown stadium to replace the aging Grayson Stadium...
Jason Freier and Hardball Capital are looking for a new stadium to take over for the historic facility. But the big beef that the folks in Savannaha have is that Freier made the same overtures to the city of Columbia, South Carolina and has met with the Savannah City Council twice to reinforce his point...
And the folks in Savannah are less than pleased at the end run...
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