Stadiums Rumors...

[swedcrip34]

Actually I think all of them required a vote. It's all those stinking votes that is giving Metrostars such grief. Bridgeview definitely voted on it.

As for public funding/financing, yes, MLS teams really think they can command some money. Bridgeview, for example, was originally going to fund the stadium with free land plus $15 million cash (I think) and $15 million in bonds, with AEG kicking in $15 million in cash (I'm over somewhere because the original price tag was $55 or $60 million I think). Bridgeview is now picking up the whole thing.

Whoo. Gotta go. I'll finish later.

I mean a public vote. Not politicians voting.

[scaryice]

Bridgeview decided to own the whole stadium themselves instead of splitting it with AEG.

I think what's interesting about this is that it's getting a lot of publicity, unlike the other cities, which may actually hurt it's chances. But the mayor of SLC is behind it, and I'm confident it will be a reality. Hopefully RSL draws well in the first few games to boost the deal's chances.

[dabes2]

Any locals know if Earl Holding is part of Checkett's ownership group?

[jasoncox]

Any locals know if Earl Holding is part of Checkett's ownership group?

I don't think he is though they are friends.

[prk166]

Are MLS teams really asking for public funding or financing? I figured there may some tax breaks involved, but otherwise that stadium revenues would eventually be responsible for covering much of the bonds. I think that's something lost to many who debate this.

I'm not sure the specifics of the deals some of these MLS teams have received.

Am I correct in understanding both the Murray and SLC sites involve their respective cities giving the team the land for stadium development?

[nyrmetros]

http://www.fieldofschemes.com/news/archives/001024.html

Out in Salt Lake City, meanwhile, the less-renowned columnist John Yewell has done something nearly unheard of in local newspaper reporting: He's studied the experience of other cities (http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/ci_2545212), noting how Minnesota Twins owner Carl Pohlad was rebuffed in his attempts to extort his home state for as much stadium dough as possible. Yewell's suggestion to owners of the Real Salt Lake soccer franchise: Ask for what you need, not what you think you can get away with; be creative with seeking private funds before you look to tap the public purse; stop trying to sell us a bill of goods about economic benefits from a stadium, when "studies have repeatedly shown that sports stadiums don't contribute to economic revitalization. [Salt Lake Mayor] Rocky Anderson says a stadium can anchor housing and commercial projects. If such projects are worth doing, then do them, but a stadium will not enhance their viability." Yowsah. If this Yewell guy can write novels, too, Hiaasen had better watch his back.

[bsucio9]

Did anyone go to the meeting last night? I couldn't make it, and only got the liitle bit that was on the news. They made it sound fairly negative.

And on a totally unrelated note, someone needs to tell the broadcast media that it's not "The Salt Lake Real", like The Real was some sort of mascot. They said it about 5-6 times on two different channels last night.

[SoccerPrime]

Check this thread out:
http://realsaltlake.org/forums/showthread.php?t=326

[Lizzie Bee]

And on a totally unrelated note, someone needs to tell the broadcast media that it's not "The Salt Lake Real", like The Real was some sort of mascot. They said it about 5-6 times on two different channels last night.
That's hilarious. They're trying to Americanize a european name! Classic! I am definitely going to start calling the team "The Salt Lake Real" from now on!

[the cup]

They're trying to Americanize a european name! Classic!!

I heard it too. On KSL durring the Noon news Kerry Barrett called it "the Real" once or twice.

There you have it folks, thanks to people with no clue we are now the Reals.

[marsz-marsz]

I heard it too. On KSL durring the Noon news Kerry Barrett called it "the Real" once or twice.

There you have it folks, thanks to people with no clue we are now the Reals.

As embarassing as that is, is it really a surprise? It's kind of like everybody refering to the band called 'Talking Heads' as 'The Talking Heads.' Every DJ in America and I'd guess most people on this board say it incorrectly. When everybody else fits one pattern, and you depart, expect this kind of thing. It's a burden we Talking Heads and now Real Salt Lake fans have to bear.

Go REAL!!

[BulaJacket]

And on a totally unrelated note, someone needs to tell the broadcast media that it's not "The Salt Lake Real", like The Real was some sort of mascot. They said it about 5-6 times on two different channels last night.
Whaddya expect with the name RSL?
Everyone on BS said things like this would happen when voting on polls for a name.
You're gonna have to live with this for a while.

[mouseboy33]

I think it was far too early to release any sort of rendering. They havent even secured a site or financing. Whilst I hope the stadium in the rendering is what gets built, I think that they might experience what happened in Dallas when they actually saw what is getting built apart from what they thought they were going to receive.

So far the Chicago side played it cards right by waiting until site and financing was secured before releasing anything official. That way the supporters arent disappointed when a "wok" is built, like what Dallas is getting.

Having said that I think the stadium renders looks ace. The name is appropriate. Thought the team still needs to be modified to Royal Salt Lake.
My prediction proved true. No location no financing. I said it was too early and it proved to be too early. How can you release pics of some location that is not even secured. Now go and join the Metrostars on the bench.

[jasoncox]

My prediction proved true. No location no financing. I said it was too early and it proved to be too early. How can you release pics of some location that is not even secured. Now go and join the Metrostars on the bench.

What pics? Are you talking about the artistic renderings of the proposed stadium designs? If so, what's wrong with that?

I agree that they have been very agressive and overly optimistic with their time estimates but it could be worse. It took the Fire 10 years before they started construction. We might have to wait 3 or 4 years but we'll get one way sooner than you did.

[SoccerPrime]

LOL I think getting a SSS built in Utah is a lot different than NY/NJ area. I mean Newark has more people than all of Utah...
Last time I checked the "deadline" for RSL to build a SSS was self-imposed. Also RSL was planning on being in Rice-Eccles Stadium til after the 2006 season anyway. So whats the rush? Uncle Checketts will get it done, no worries. Mayor Rocky is just over-reacting.

[Fuegofan]

It took the Fire 10 years before they started construction.

Not quite. Fire began play in 1998 and broke ground in 2004 = 6 years. The club was actually founded in 1997 and had 9 months to get everything together. Since RSL hasn't played a game yet, that's a better comparison, so 7 years.

I would say that with the current priorities of the league and the experience of Steve Pastorino in getting the Fire's stadium started, RSL is in a good position to build a stadium in less than 7 years from the date of founding.