There are days I certainly wish it, but no. Sorry to disappoint. Mr. Eales is tainted with Tottenham in his past. In fact, I hear he's here as part of his atonement as decreed from above. In all seriousness I met him on two occasions and he's a class act. When I referenced his Spurs past he quickly recounted other teams he's worked with. Then we both laughed at the fans of nuveau riche clubs like Chelsea and City! Glad to have him on board.
I recall him at the logo reveal a few years ago. He stood at the head of the merchandising line and chatted with everyone. He showed no sign of fatigue, no sign that he was over it and just playing nice. He was personable, charming and kind to every one of those several hundred people.
The good news is that presumably he approved the move before this happened, meaning he's buying into the team and the city. This can only mean good things as the club reaches out into the market for transfers in the future. Though, as always, winning helps everything.
http://blankfamilyofbusinesses.com/our-core-values/ Uncle Arthur doesn't hire people that don't share his values. Lucky for us! As much as Atlanta fans get made fun of, we are really lucky to have someone like him leading and representing our city. The amount of money that man also donates to charitable causes and the arts is insane.
This reminded me of every disparaging remark I heard domestically and abroad, claiming ATL would not/could not support an MLS team because Atlanta's a "bad sports town". I hope they're all eating crow right now . . .
As a transplant from the NJ/Philly area, I can say those soccer teams, especially the Union, have not shown the level of commitment to winning over their existence that Atlanta United has shown in 3 weeks. Buying Martinez right away proves this. Now moving to the Atlanta area, I am so happy to support a team as committed to winning. Kudos to A. Blank.
Following that unfortunate Superbowl loss, I'm looking forward to Uncle Arthur sitting in the booth with Kraft at the first Atlanta/New England match, laughing his ass off as we put six or seven through that hapless team.
Agreed. He's the type of owner fans crave and exactly what this city needed. I've no doubt that's a large part of the reason fans are responding: We don't just have a team but one that is run with class and a dedication to success on the field and in the community! I think that last part is as crucial, too, and is contributing to the level of publicity the team has generated because they didn't just slip in the door and begin playing but Blank and company had them out there engaging fans, doing charitable work, building a rapport with the Falcons and the "Atlanta" brands... Blank and his team are making the Falcons and United about Atlanta. The Hawks and especially the Braves are mere local franchises by comparison. Thank you, Uncle Arthur.
There's a reason why we call him "Uncle" Arthur with no irony implied. And the Braves, who build up so much good will during their improbable run in the 90s never followed it up by becoming part of the Atlanta identity - and they've compounded that problem by building that damned stadium out in Cobb Co. where I swear to Creeping Jesus I will never set foot
I have one question. Why have you not started a "Can we go ahead and beat Seattle at their place?" thread. You've obviously got some sort of mojo workin'. Leverage it man! Leverage it!
This. North Ga is/was a big baseball area and this could've become fully Braves territory. Alas, they couldn't turn that run into a dynasty and then lost their community goodwill once Ted sold off. Now that they're owned by Liberty Media out of Colorado they're just a division of some corporate entity with no local connection. Save for the sole possibility of taking my daughter to see Billy Joel I won't be attending that venue, either, or supporting the Bravos unless it brings commuter rail to the area. But that's just me.
I'm far more inclined to take my son to Chattanooga or Gwinnett for lower league ball than take him to a Braves Game. The Braves have great management as far as baseball operations go but, it going to waste as far as I'm concerned. Like you say, the Liberty ownership makes it all seem soulless. I really had hopes that Mr. Blank was going to buy them long ago but am glad he saved his money for United.
Since this is now a Braves thread.....I like baseball and the Braves. I'll probably be up there a couple times to check out the new digs. The fact that they moved 15 miles doesn't anger me, but then again, I live in the 'burbs. This regions archaic views on mass transit is frustrating, but again, I'll plan around their ignorance a couple times and enjoy a game. While I am a baseball fan the new ballyard is not moving my needle. I am, however, PUMPED about AUFC. I'm already working my personal calendar around the home schedule and consider matches must see events. Braves may be an entertainment option but United is a passion play
Ha, that's probably true. I can imagine the conversation with his staff. STAFF: Herr Kraft - will you be attending the Rev's match? KRAFT: What the hell are you talking about? STAFF: Ha-ha-ha . . . but seriously, mein herr - the team you own? Soccer? KRAFT: Why in the hell would I own a soccer team? STAFF: See? Right here on this legal document. You own a soccer team called the Revolution and . . . KRAFT: Revolution!? What in the HELL? Is this some kind of socialist movement? I want you to get to the bottom of this - if I do indeed own this team, I want you to choke off all funds, deprive it of top quality players, banish it to place where few people can witness it . . . STAFF: Funny you should say that . . .