Andell owns Fire

Actually, what isn't disclosed in that article (and sort of is in the Trib piece here, and likely more as the day moves on) is that Andell has taken control of the stadium as well, including all concert/event rights. BV still owns the stadium. AEG has precisely zip to do with the management of the Chicago Fire club from today forward.

Indications, so far, from those who ought to know are that this should turn out to be a very good thing.

 

"We invest to win and this is going to be no different," Hauptman said. "We want to bring a renewed focus and passion and resources to the organization."
Above is promising news.


http://chicagosports.chicagotribune...05fire,1,7404532.story?coll=cs-fire-headlines

Adell takes over TP management

 

Luis- In today's Trib-

"Andell Holdings takes over as new Fire owner Thursday. "I've been to three Fire games and plan on being at most of the rest" said Andrew Hauptman, chairman/ CEO of the Los Angeles based private investment firm. "We're not planning on being absentee landlords." What interested him in the Fire? "It's a global game and a good investment," he said. "We're interested in seeing it grow further." As part of the agreement, Andell also acquired the Toyota Park management contract."

 

I like Hauptman's level approach to this statement.

http://www.mlsnet.com/news/team_new...ent_id=115581&vkey=pr_chf&fext=.jsp&team=t100

Maybe Section 8 leadership will see even more positive changes in their future dealings with the FO. I recall Guppy mentioning on the recent Fire radio show that he'd like to see a whole stadium full of Section 8 support.

If I was told before the season began we were going to get a new onwer, new coach with EPL and South American experience and that we were going to sign Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Wanchope . . . I would simply not have beleived it. All we need now is good run to make the playoffs.

 

I just want to welcome our new overlords and make it clear, for the record, that I am willing to help organize work teams for their sugar caves.

 

Hey, I would be willing to bet you guys get Mario Triccoci as the shirt sponsor. They own that brand name too, I believe.

 

In his statements it seems as if he's saying to Guppy, "I'll take it from here big guy."

 

Cogratulations to the Chicago Fire and their fans for getting away from AEG. I hope the new ownership group works out well for you!

 

I too welcome our new owners. Already I feel much more of a personal touch then our previous masters.

To AEG: Thanks for bringing soccer to Chicago. Up yours for dismissing Peter. Oh and don't let the door hit you in the arse on the way out.

 

We don't know how much of a priority concert management is to Andell, but it is quite possible that the management of Toyota Park will now put the Fire as the primary tenant and all other events will be planned around them (it doesn't seem like this has always been the case). I'm happy to see them share the field with women's soccer, lacrosse, and even the occasional high school football game, and while I understand the revenue concerts bring in they are hell on the field.

If the situation can evolve into where the Fire are the undisputed tenant who literally share "their" field, then things are looking up.

 

What about Guppy? Does he stay or does he go?

 

I don't know, but personally, I think if he goes there will be trouble. If he stays it will be double.

This indecision's buggin' me

 

Maybe they'll bring in the "2 Bobs" to determine who they'll be keeping.

 

Meet the new boss - same as the old boss...I'm curious to see the owners approach to ticket prices, parking fees, marketing, etc. From what I understand, they have no experience in owning a professional sports team let alone an MLS team who is in a critical stage in it's development. They do however have vast experience in selling whiskey, cognac and champagne. First 5000 adults get a free shot of Chivas when we play the Chivas next!

 

I dont think they just brought soccer to Chicago I think they kept the league afloat, and they helped bring you a stadium.

a bit ungrateful arent ya? I am sure "what have you done for me lately!"

runs your life. AEG is a great company by my book. They make mistakes like everyone and every company does and I wouldnt expect Andell to really treat the team any better or worse. They will just treat it like a business.

 

Well, Hauptman's in-laws have experience in selling booze . . . but I like the direction you're going.

 

Only if we can then bring in Michael Bolton to take Guppy's job!

 

One of the Bronfmans is involved in Andell's management. Crown Royal and VO at the concession stands?

 

They sold majority ownership of the booze companies years ago. More likely organic Soy Milk and healthy breakfast cereal in the concessions (Soy, Hain Celest.) As well as a hair cut stand a la the shower in Comiskey (Cell).

 

Now that my mind goes that route, maybe Blanco can get a new doo. And Carr can get hair modeling jobs.

 

I'd take it. I'd take just about any food over what they have there now. Hebrew National has a plant on the South Side and no kosher dogs in the stadium? Are you kidding me? Plus, my vegetarian friends would love some non-meat offerings beyond nachos and pizza. I know this isn't Old Trafford (where I understand they have prawn sandwiches), but can we at least be a bit more Torontoish.

 

How about we stick with the Connies stuffed pizza and Oscar Meyer and Vienna beef which taste so much better Too bad they dont own Kettle One