John, excellent article as always. I would love to believe that MLB would grant Portland an expansion franchise, but given what has become of our city, what makes you think that the city “officials” such as they are, could ever convince MLB to expand in Portland. When you talk about “entertainment districts” I can’t help but envisioning them with homeless encampments strewn all about. Our city officials might try to negotiate with the team owners to allow our neighbors experiencing homelessness to pitch tents in the outfield when the team is on the road. I can hear the rally cries of the left-leaning citizens “What do you value more, human lives or sports”? I truly appreciate your optimism, but am I wrong?
You're not wrong. I'm looking at city hall and wondering where the vision will come from. There are a couple of solid commissioners but leadership in general is at a deficit.
I wonder if a major issue with the Blazers lease with the city will be around the ticket tax. As I understand it, the revenue from the ticket tax at the Moda Center goes to pay off Providence Park bonds. That can't sit well with the Blazers. I figure any renovation of the Moda Center would be paid for in part with that ticket tax. Problem is that there's a lot left to pay off at Providence Park. Who's gonna pay that off?
How does Kaval keep his job? The A's are looking more and more like the Indians in Major League. Cue Charlie Sheen and Corben Bernsen.
As for Portland, the city and it's prospects for ANY additional Big Four league placing a team there: Population, check. Appetite for sports, check. Adequate corporate sponsorship, maybe not. City Hall leadership, Zip. I love my hometown and will forever believe things can change for the better. Bring it on.
Well Portland has maybe 3 shots. Two relocations and 1 expansion as I heard last week Nashville has been told they were an expansion team with all of the heritage of the old Negro league. Good for them figuring out a way to get that.
Portlanders could approach the $100M minimum philanthropists' organization to find a a few sports fan investors who would want to buy the Blazers ... and maybe even build a baseball stadium for a new team. Part of the profits would build tiny apartment complexes with low rents that people on SSI could afford. Then the sports teams would have ready part-time employees to work security, concessions, and cleanup.
Anyone thought of the Palm Springs area for baseball expansion? Obviously a stadium would be needed. But there is an abundance of undeveloped desert land and lots of resort money. Also, Riverside County has a population over 1/2 that of the population of the whole state of Oregon.
John, excellent article as always. I would love to believe that MLB would grant Portland an expansion franchise, but given what has become of our city, what makes you think that the city “officials” such as they are, could ever convince MLB to expand in Portland. When you talk about “entertainment districts” I can’t help but envisioning them with homeless encampments strewn all about. Our city officials might try to negotiate with the team owners to allow our neighbors experiencing homelessness to pitch tents in the outfield when the team is on the road. I can hear the rally cries of the left-leaning citizens “What do you value more, human lives or sports”? I truly appreciate your optimism, but am I wrong?
You're not wrong. I'm looking at city hall and wondering where the vision will come from. There are a couple of solid commissioners but leadership in general is at a deficit.
I wonder if a major issue with the Blazers lease with the city will be around the ticket tax. As I understand it, the revenue from the ticket tax at the Moda Center goes to pay off Providence Park bonds. That can't sit well with the Blazers. I figure any renovation of the Moda Center would be paid for in part with that ticket tax. Problem is that there's a lot left to pay off at Providence Park. Who's gonna pay that off?
I am looking deeper at the lease.
How does Kaval keep his job? The A's are looking more and more like the Indians in Major League. Cue Charlie Sheen and Corben Bernsen.
As for Portland, the city and it's prospects for ANY additional Big Four league placing a team there: Population, check. Appetite for sports, check. Adequate corporate sponsorship, maybe not. City Hall leadership, Zip. I love my hometown and will forever believe things can change for the better. Bring it on.
Need leadership...
Well Portland has maybe 3 shots. Two relocations and 1 expansion as I heard last week Nashville has been told they were an expansion team with all of the heritage of the old Negro league. Good for them figuring out a way to get that.
The A's are messy, but I think the Diamond Project would take what they can get.
"Portland would love and support an MLB team." I think that's true, John, but could we also throw attracting an WNBA team into the mix. Just sayin'.
Definitely on my radar. Good point.
Portlanders could approach the $100M minimum philanthropists' organization to find a a few sports fan investors who would want to buy the Blazers ... and maybe even build a baseball stadium for a new team. Part of the profits would build tiny apartment complexes with low rents that people on SSI could afford. Then the sports teams would have ready part-time employees to work security, concessions, and cleanup.
Anyone thought of the Palm Springs area for baseball expansion? Obviously a stadium would be needed. But there is an abundance of undeveloped desert land and lots of resort money. Also, Riverside County has a population over 1/2 that of the population of the whole state of Oregon.