Nobody is going to build a billion dollar stadium in San Marcos, so putting a pro team "between" Austin and San Antonio would never happen. And before anyone brings up Arlington as a comp (because it's located between D & FW) they are not comparable situations. The distance between San Marcus and Austin/San Antonio is one issue... but the more pertinent issue is that Arlington has a population of almost 400,000 (SM = 63,000). (Obviously, San Marcus, Kyle, Buda... jeez, the 9th circle of hell > Arlington. I'm speaking only in terms of viability)
Austin has its issues, with homelessness being one that is increasingly getting worse. That said, it's an absolutely lovely city both geographically and in terms of being a growing economic powerhouse. Remember that luxury suites are a big revenue generator for team owners and there are enough large, wealthy corporations in the city (and more are on the way!) that selling those suites won't be a problem.
Building a baseball stadium would cause more homelessness. More rich people flooding the city raising property values and pricing people out forcing them on the streets
Too bad they can’t play SF every game… they drew 40,000 plus for all those. Can you imagine the stadium workers who are used to the low attendance and then have to work during a series like this past weekend? I bet there were quite long lines for some mediocre hot dogs.
I’ve always admired the A’s organization. I live in the Nashville area now and hope they move there. I also hope they are re-aligned to the NL, because I would like to rout for them, but can’t as long as the Astros exist.
https://deadspin.com/another-oakland-a-s-window-is-closing-without-much-to-s-1847729607 It may even be that A’s fans have given up. Only 4,000 of them showed up for the game last night, and that’s been about the number this whole series. There are many factors mentioned in that Mercury News article — pandemic, perks for season ticket holders, rising prices, insane parking rates — but the malaise from the stadium debate and the overhanging threats of the team moving probably have an effect, too. The sad part is the next reinvention of the A’s might not even come in Oakland. It feels like a whole lot is coming to an end on the east side of the Bay this week. Which is just the Athletics’ way.
They supported two of the three right till the very end, even knowing full/well they'd be leaving town. Oakland just doesn't have the financial infrastructure to support three major sports teams that SF or the surrounding communities do have. The Bay Area is massive... so certainly there'd be no problem with continuing to have teams there, but when it comes to that city (and not the entire area) having to devote funds and resources, its simply just not something they can do.
Exactly. We also have decades of data that shows that public-funding for stadiums is not a good financial choice so the city of Oakland should not be criticized for declining to build taxpayer-funded stadiums for the Raiders or A's. It seems like the Warriors were always intent on chasing the Silicon Valley money in San Francisco, so much so that they privately financed the Chase Center in Mission Bay. There's nothing Oakland could've done if that's the audience the Warriors wanted. It's a shame that the Oakland will lose all three teams, but they shouldn't be faulted for not making a financial decision that harms the city. Aren't they still paying off the "Mt. Davis" renovations to the Coliseum?
I was in Oakland recently and it’s a mess. It’s a shame because you can tell it was probably awesome not even that long ago. The homeless thing is out of control, and it’s like they have no idea what to do about it so it just gets ignored. You’ve got guys claiming land and building little homeless camps in the courtyard of government buildings. I mean, with the issues that the city is dealing with, baseball should be an afterthought, and I guess it is now. If I were the A’s, I’d be looking for any excuse I could to get out of Oakland.
Too Short and E-40 can’t keep it real for the whole city If the fans don’t show up they don’t show up
I'm in my 50s and have never been to OAK, been to a lot of other cities in CA but I suppose there is no reason to go see it now......
Give me the 5th ward any day At least it’s clean Even Gunspoint and Sharpstown or hobby airport Way cleaner
