That's why I'm SHOCKED by the results of this poll. Seriously, Tampa has had a team since 1992. 17 years of NHL hockey in Tampa Bay, Florida. But Houston, Texas couldn't do that? I find that completely unbelievable. Given the right arena/ownership situation, it would do just fine here.
Way back when, what other competition did te Tampa area have in terms of sports? Just the crappy Bucs. That team is not a resounding success. And the Panthers...they used to play at Miami Arena before they moved out to the Everglades about 8-10 years ago. That was a miserable decision. That team is definitely NOT a success. They did move closer to their core fan base in Broward but that core fan base is so small. I had never seen so many corporate sponsors in an arena in my life. I made it to probably around 8 games at that arena and NEVER paid for a ticket. They literally gave out passes that allowed you to admit up to 4 people. This was done fairly regularly. I know it was a promotion, but when you de-value the product to the point where it is worthless, it's time to go. I could see that happening to an NHL team in Houston. At least the location is more centrally located in Houston, though. I'll suggest this: I remember the excitement of the Aeros IHL championship run in the late 90s. 15,000 fans packed the Compaq Center for those playoff games. If the NHL were to come to Houston, the franchise should be the Aeros. Certainly that would help with an established, successful foundation in place. Watson wouldn't allow that though unless the price is right, right?
Of course not...he's not gonna give up the brand he helped create for decades now. And he shouldn't. As for your argument about Tampa and competition....but it's Tampa!!! We're talking about nowhere near the scope and size of Houston...and particularly nowhere near that in terms of corporate base. The fact that there is currently a team in Tampa with the Bucs and Rays playing alongside betrays that argument anyway....and it's been that way for many years now. As for promotions...I used to go to Rockets games where the seats were buy one/get one before the first championship...but during the 93/94 season. They'd have cut out coupons in the Chronicle you'd bring to games. Today's games are so corporate it's silly. Particularly the arena sports. The luxury boxes are the tell-tale. They can fail to sell out the upper deck, but they're just fine as long as those luxury boxes are full...and as long as the arena dollars are making their way into the pocket of the franchise owner. Because of that, there is only one person in the city capable of owning an NHL franchise, barring a new arena being built....and that's Les Alexander. He doesn't seem all that interested, from what I can see....so I highly doubt we'll get NHL hockey here, for that reason alone. But when cities like Tampa have NHL hockey rolling for 17 years, I simply can't believe that Houston couldn't meet or exceed that.
what? when? back in the 60's/70's when a team moved out you mean? i'm thinking Houston is a bit different than the city it was back in the 60's and 70's. comparing the NHL to the IHL is worthless...one is a big money ticket...the other is a family entertainment option. the NHL is a corporate game...the IHL is not.
I don't think you reeeaalllly want to push the Tampa example. That's setting the bar extremely low. Lower than is probably acceptable to the NHL. San Jose, LA, and even (shudder) Dallas, might be better comparisons. Though it will be interesting to see how Dallas does if they have an extended period with a poor team. It's all moot without the support of the ones who control the arena. Hockey relies on the gate more then other sports. Versus, OLN,or whatever other fringe station gets awarded the games just don't pay so good. And if the local media refer to the game as 'ice hockey' the franchise should be immediately revoked.
Only pointed out to illustrate that if it can survive there for 17 years, it can likely survive as long or longer in Houston.
Flippant answer warning: If my brother moves there. He loves this game. Seriously, I'd be happy if Houston got a hockey team. Another reason for my brother and I to battle...he's a Stars/Cowboy/Mavs fan (in that order) up here in Dallas. So that would be cool. I couldn't support them by attending games but I'll buy the merchandise.
See, THIS is the problem. You cannot compare the IHL to the NHL. Thats like comparing NFL Euorpe to the NFL. Or the NBDL to the NBA. Or the MLS to EPL. Completely different levels of talent. If any of you Houstonians were to watch an actual NHL game in person, you'd be addicted. The speed at whcih the game is played in is break-neck. And the violent hits + fights.....it would succeed in Texas without a doubt. Les is the key. And since he is a "transplant" like myself, its only a matter of the right team at the right time....
agree with everything you said except the last part. i see nothing to suggest he's even remotely interested in that. there have been opportunities to explore in the recent past and he's avoided them. he's not a young man...i can't imagine him taking that on at this point. i hope i'm wrong.
