because if they don't do it, someone else will. i agree with you in theory. but in practice, it's just the way it's done now.
Truth. In reality, most major cities will continue to build arenas and stadiums with at least some public money. The argument I used during the arena campaign that was most effective was the Oilers vs. the Texans. In the case of the Oilers, Bud wanted to spend around $200 million on a new retractable-roof stadium downtown that everyone laughed at and called the Bud Dome. He wanted the city to pitch in a little less than half that amount. Reliant Stadium cost the city/county over $400 million with McNair contributing a scant amount and the rodeo pitching in just as little. In all, we probably spent $400 million just to have an NFL team here when it would have cost us about $100 million or less to keep the old one. And, just to add, you said "it's just the way it's done now." In actuality, entertainment facilities, up until really on the 90's, had ALWAYS been publically funded. Almost every major sports or entertainment venue that is more than 20 years old was funded by 100 percent taxpayer dollars. It is now more common to see private participation than it ever was before.
The BudDome was going to be a basketball arena, too... I still wish we'd kept the Oilers. That was the pro team I rooted for first and loudest as a kid. The columbia blue and white unis, the derrick on the helmet, the run-and-shoot, luv ya blue, Bum Phillips kicking the door down, that was our history. I root for the Texans now, and the ownership is better, but it's not the same thing.
it's better! the BudDome was only going to be a basketball arena if the Rockets wanted a part of it, too. they didn't. they wanted NOOOOO part of that. remember, when Bud presented it to the public he made some statements like the Rockets were onboard...and Les was like, "uhhhh...no thanks." Reliant Stadium will be a basketball arena when we host the Final Four.
Las Vegas's mayor Oscar Goodman is doing everything possible to get this team come to Vegas. The only snag would be convincing the public to help foot the bill. In November there was an item on the local ballot for raising the sales tax to help pay for more cops. It passed but barely. If he convinces the casino industry to help there is a good chance a stadium will be built. Las Vegans really love their sports, the bad thing is you have to put up with raider,lakers bias in the media and with a large section of the public due to our proximity to California. The Maloofs have several casino properties in town and wagering on basketball is not allowed. This has more to due with NBA policy than Nevada gaming. I believe the company that owns Caeser's also has interest in the Knicks. Nevada gaming allowed wagering on Nevada college athletics 2 years ago.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2250133 Marlins prez visits San Antonio in search of home SAN ANTONIO -- The head of the Florida Marlins visited San Antonio on Tuesday as part of a preliminary search for a possible new home for the National League team. Marlins president David Samson said San Antonio was the first stop on a tour that will last three to five months. "We're not a free-agent pitcher. We're a team looking for a right fit," said Samson. The Marlins have struggled to attract large crowds at Dolphins Stadium, home of Miami's NFL team, since their inception in 1993. They can leave after their lease expires in 2007. After previous owner Wayne Huizenga boosted payroll, the Marlins won the 1997 World Series. But poor attendance that season led to a roster purge, and the depleted Marlins finished last in 1998. The Marlins, two years removed from another World Series title, are getting rid of high-priced players again this offseason. They recently abandoned plans to build a stadium in downtown Miami. Major League Baseball has given the Marlins permission to explore relocation. Samson was escorted by Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff and San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger. "We don't know where it all might lead, but it's a start," said Wolff. San Antonio is the interim home for the Hurricane Katrina-displaced Saints. The NFL team faces questions about returning to New Orleans, but commissioner Paul Tagliabue said Monday he thinks the Saints will play some games in New Orleans next season. "It's only one indication of how San Antonio is moving forward on all fronts, that the Marlins are even here talking to us," Hardberger said. Samson also is expected to visit Las Vegas, Portland, Oregon and other cities he didn't disclose. San Antonio is home to the Double-A Missions of the Texas League. The Missions, affiliated with the Seattle Mariners, play at Wolff Stadium, which is named for the county judge and ex-mayor.
San Antonio is not going to happen. Too many other viable markets..... Sounds like a courtosey visit.
If not Vegas, then what? Portland? East Rutherford, New Jersey? Brooklyn? Nashville? Indy? probably the betting on sports has to do with it. ouch.
I hope they stay in the East. I like the way teams are aligned now, geographically fit. I always hated when they weren't like when Atlanta was in the NL West, what was that. There are several cities in the east that I believe could hold them; Charlotte, Nashville, Indianapolis, Memphis and so on.
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5337066 Marlins discuss possibly moving to Oklahoma OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin has talked to the Florida Marlins about the possibility of having the team move to Oklahoma City. "It's all very preliminary, but I have received some good feedback from the Marlins," Fallin said in a statement Thursday. Marlins owner Jeff Loria once owned the old Oklahoma City 89ers Triple-A team. Fallin said she wrote to Marlins president David Samson last November after seeing reports that the team was considering leaving the Miami area. The Marlins have not been able to strike a deal for a new ballpark in the Miami area. She said she has spoken by telephone several times to with Marlins vice chairman Joel Mael and sent Marlins' officials a packet of economic development and demographic information about central Oklahoma. "The Marlins have asked for some more detailed information, and we are working to put that together for them," she said. "I will bringing Chamber of Commerce and local and state government leaders together very soon to begin that process. "Obviously, one strong sales point has been the tremendous success of the NBA Hornets in Oklahoma City this season. We are suddenly on the map for big league sports."
Someone mentioned Nashville... They FINALLY look like they are going to get a downtown minor league baseball stadium built.... Seems like if they were seriously wanting a major league team they'd hold off on that.... has been hard enough to get that approved and its only minor league... So I'm not sure what cities really have a chance at the Marlins.. Vegas.. Portland.. I guess maybe..
If the Marilns move to Vegas, then they should move to the Nationall League West Division. The Pirates should them move to fill the Marlins vacant slot in the Eastern division. That would make the West the six team division and the Central and East would be five team divisions. Is Portland an option for the Marlins?
The Marlins organization is full of absolute assholes and idiots. They have quite possibly the worst marketing department in the history of sports. The average South Florida-bandwaggon fan sucks, but in their time in the area, the Marlins have done little to increase interest in baseball. Honestly, when the team is that close to baseball-crazed Cuba and some of those people are coming to this country...how do you not court them??? South Florida doesn't deserve the Marlins, but the organization is evil. I hope they fail in finding a home elsewhere.
Portland seems to make the most sense in terms of market viability, etc. if they can't find a way to stay in the Miami area.
well, somebody sparked up the wayback machine. A heypartner sighting last night....and now the long lost mr.paige! Welcome back, man. What's new?
