ManOfVision
Active member
Please, please let this happen! I can't wait to see renderings of what the new PGE would look like.
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MLS to Portland Thread
- Thread starter Pounder
- Start date
This seems far less risky than the UO basketball venue deal with the state backed bonds and outrageous revenue predictions.
On the flip side, didn't the City already spend 38 million of non-payback funds on renovating PGE Park?
I'd be curious to be a fly on the wall when Merritt Paulson and the PSU Athletic Department talk in private. Paulson needs numbers to back up a remodeled PGE Park making money, and PSU would need to help provide that. Providing that would mean a) bringing in big FCS teams for non-conference games, or b) a jump up. PSU would not be able to provide a big chunk of revenue to the table playing home games versus the likes of Idaho State and Northern Colorado.
On the flip side, didn't the City already spend 38 million of non-payback funds on renovating PGE Park?
I'd be curious to be a fly on the wall when Merritt Paulson and the PSU Athletic Department talk in private. Paulson needs numbers to back up a remodeled PGE Park making money, and PSU would need to help provide that. Providing that would mean a) bringing in big FCS teams for non-conference games, or b) a jump up. PSU would not be able to provide a big chunk of revenue to the table playing home games versus the likes of Idaho State and Northern Colorado.
CaseyOrourke
Active member
We need to bring in another big name opponents like Grambling or some other well known University instead of these rinky dink cupcake teams ala a Montana style schedule and really sell the game as a must see event.
ManOfVision
Active member
I don't know anyone who'd disagree with you. The question is, how many FCS opponents who have name recognition would actually come play at PGE? For that matter, how many FCS opponents even have name recognition? Maybe Montana, who we already play, App. State, and... This is part of the problem with FCS. The casual sports fan, who PSU needs to attract, doesn't understand that Cal Poly, Delaware, NDSU, James Madison, and the like are big time opponents.
MLS to Portland: A done deal?
Paulson says no, but e-mail says yes, as application deadline approaches and Timbers seek public money
http://www.portlandtribune.com/sports/story.php?story_id=122392514363612500
Paulson says no, but e-mail says yes, as application deadline approaches and Timbers seek public money
http://www.portlandtribune.com/sports/story.php?story_id=122392514363612500
The possibility of seeing PSU football on real grass just got more real.
Sam Adams seems to be headed for a change to the ballpark portion of the stadium solution.
http://wweek.com/columns/murmurs/#34.52
Given that the city seems to believe they're throwing maintenance money down a hole at Memorial Coliseum, I can see the thinking here... especially if new Winter Hawks ownership gets a good deal at the Garden with Paul Allen, something that's been in the rumor mill during the ownership change.
I don't know if the footprint on that plot of land can hold a ballpark. I don't know if this would jack up the overall cost of the project. I don't know if Randy Leonard stays on board. I don't know if this takes time and energy away from the current effort at Lents, and if that would effect the ability of the city to get this done. I don't know if the Paulson name is a drag to the effort wherever it happens.
If the land fits, there's merit to the idea.
http://wweek.com/columns/murmurs/#34.52
Given that the city seems to believe they're throwing maintenance money down a hole at Memorial Coliseum, I can see the thinking here... especially if new Winter Hawks ownership gets a good deal at the Garden with Paul Allen, something that's been in the rumor mill during the ownership change.
I don't know if the footprint on that plot of land can hold a ballpark. I don't know if this would jack up the overall cost of the project. I don't know if Randy Leonard stays on board. I don't know if this takes time and energy away from the current effort at Lents, and if that would effect the ability of the city to get this done. I don't know if the Paulson name is a drag to the effort wherever it happens.
If the land fits, there's merit to the idea.
ManOfVision
Active member
I'm nervous that individual interests are going to sink this golden opportunity for the city and PSU. Just pick a place and get it done!
Nick Fish has sent out mail stating he will not support Lents. There's greater inference that he won't support expenditure at all, citing the economy.
At this point, I think the Lents plan is comatose. Merritt Paulson would have to make a substantial contribution to the effort to revive it.
The MC idea may have more traction at this point.
At this point, I think the Lents plan is comatose. Merritt Paulson would have to make a substantial contribution to the effort to revive it.
The MC idea may have more traction at this point.
PortlandStater
Active member
The following article on MLS in Portland appeared in the NYT yesterday: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/07/sports/soccer/07franchise.html
The "soccer-only" is nothing to worry about, right? They probably just don't know about the Vikings' existence...
Pounder said:
Tearing down the MC is easier said than done. There is a memorial there, and that is one of the big reasons why it still stands.
The actual memorial is kind of buried at the convention level of the complex. If anything, a ballpark (if it fits) would highlight the memorial.
However, there are some people who tend to regard (even if they know better) the glass palace structure as "the" memorial.
I might end up backtracking a bit. This might simply be Adams sticking a foot into a puddle to see where the ripples end up. Judging from the discussion I was in over the weekend (which unfortunately will end up on a podcast), the way I see this playing out is a sort of math equation:
Ballpark and infrastructure costs at Lents, minus effect on current bonds at PGE Park based on bonding the Lents stadium (since the city will seek to renegotiate the PGE bonds at a lesser interest rate)...
vs
...ballpark and destruction costs at MC, minus effect on current bonds... possibly compared to the cost of a rumored hockey arena on the MC site.
Not to mention the article, where you might pick up on Paulson's "not up for negotiation" and Adams' "that's the start of the negotiation" as coming with mutual understanding. I think Paulson's going to contribute more to the effort, and MAYBE downsize the restaurant portion of the PGE plan. The state might kick in a bit... though they would have to act fast to amend current law regarding the MLB ballpark funding plan.
However, there are some people who tend to regard (even if they know better) the glass palace structure as "the" memorial.
I might end up backtracking a bit. This might simply be Adams sticking a foot into a puddle to see where the ripples end up. Judging from the discussion I was in over the weekend (which unfortunately will end up on a podcast), the way I see this playing out is a sort of math equation:
Ballpark and infrastructure costs at Lents, minus effect on current bonds at PGE Park based on bonding the Lents stadium (since the city will seek to renegotiate the PGE bonds at a lesser interest rate)...
vs
...ballpark and destruction costs at MC, minus effect on current bonds... possibly compared to the cost of a rumored hockey arena on the MC site.
Not to mention the article, where you might pick up on Paulson's "not up for negotiation" and Adams' "that's the start of the negotiation" as coming with mutual understanding. I think Paulson's going to contribute more to the effort, and MAYBE downsize the restaurant portion of the PGE plan. The state might kick in a bit... though they would have to act fast to amend current law regarding the MLB ballpark funding plan.
Portland task force will evaluate plan to expand PGE Park for MLS team
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/11/portland_task_force_will_evalu.html
PGE Park plans for soccer, baseball go 'through the wringer'
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/11/pge_park_plans_for_soccer_base.html
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/11/portland_task_force_will_evalu.html
PGE Park plans for soccer, baseball go 'through the wringer'
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/11/pge_park_plans_for_soccer_base.html
ManOfVision
Active member
I despise the inefficiency of Portland politics. Glad to hear that Montreal is out of it, though.
MLS commissioner likes Merritt Paulson's pitch
http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2008/12/mls_commissioner_likes_paulson.html
http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2008/12/mls_commissioner_likes_paulson.html
The first task force meeting was exciting for Don Garber's appearance... and while Merritt Paulson was there, he wasn't there. 30 hours of labor from the wife will do that to the husband.
Mostly a "get-to-know-you-and-make-sure-the-schedule-fits" session. I'm not sure the meetings will be more than dog-and-pony-show stuff, but it does set up things behind the scenes. It's only designed to flesh things out for the city council.
Next meeting, December 23, 4 pm in the city council chambers, and every two weeks after that (on Tuesdays) through February. Timbers Army were well represented, and I recommend you guys drop in and show support as well.
Mostly a "get-to-know-you-and-make-sure-the-schedule-fits" session. I'm not sure the meetings will be more than dog-and-pony-show stuff, but it does set up things behind the scenes. It's only designed to flesh things out for the city council.
Next meeting, December 23, 4 pm in the city council chambers, and every two weeks after that (on Tuesdays) through February. Timbers Army were well represented, and I recommend you guys drop in and show support as well.
ManOfVision
Active member
So Montreal and Atlanta are officially out for this round, leaving Portland, Vancouver, Miami, St. Louis, and Ottawa as the five cities competing for two spots.
...and Don Garber is advising St. Louis that they need to find a big money guy in order to continue with their bid.
Garber isn't going to toss St. Louis because suburban Collinsville IL has a funded stadium plan. However, no better owner and it may not happen for them.
If that remains the case, it's really Portland, Miami, and Vancouver for two slots.
THAT BEING SAID... please mark Tuesday on your calendars. The next task force meeting is at 4 pm. Your attendance is encouraged, and please wear green for the good folks.
Garber isn't going to toss St. Louis because suburban Collinsville IL has a funded stadium plan. However, no better owner and it may not happen for them.
If that remains the case, it's really Portland, Miami, and Vancouver for two slots.
THAT BEING SAID... please mark Tuesday on your calendars. The next task force meeting is at 4 pm. Your attendance is encouraged, and please wear green for the good folks.
VikThunder1
Active member
Pounder said:
I can't see the MLS adding Miami. They've already tried Miami and failed. That leaves Portland and Vancouver. That is a dream come true! We'll have the Cascadia Cup intact.
And for PSU, this works out well. The stadium will be reconfigured and be much better for football.
