Nick and Zoffinger? Talk about an odd-couple. Will they be able to work together to organize 6 international matches? Now we'll be working on that in conjunction with the MetroStars," said Zoffinger, who will be in Europe next week trying to attract top club teams to his stadium. "We'll agree to have a certain number of [international] games, and the MetroStars will help us in that effort." "We're excited about this agreement in principle, and we'll be even more excited when all of this is finalized," said Sakiewicz, whose team's attorney in June had suggested that a loss of all potential revenues from international soccer games might drive the team out of business. "This deal is great for us and great for fans." http://www.bergen.com/page.php?level_3_id=137&page=5423798
optimistically speaking, the new stadium is portrayed as if it has a good chance of happening. i'll resubmit my thoughts in 30-60 days
There's a hell of a lot more to that story than the international matches -- Zoffinger says that he supports the Harrison bill, and it's on the agenda for mid-November. I'll believe it when I see it on the committee docket, but having the NJSEA not oppose Harrison the way that they opposed the Newark arena is a major plus. Things look good, for now.
Jeez, I cant take it anymore! What's going on? There are too many good things happening with the Metros over the last few weeks. First, Oz is fired. Then Mathis says he f-ed up and promises to do better next year. Then Bradley is hired. New logo, great new uniform. Now this. Next thing we'll hear that we've signed a World class defender and a well known striker. Whats left to complain about? (then again there's always Klinger and Alvarez)
You could still complain about all the money that was spent on lawyers this summer by Metro in the lawsuit. I guess it's worth it if Zoffinger's support helps push the stadium bill through. But sad it had to be done like that.
Actually, I have some questions: If the senate passes the bill this fall, can't we break ground in early 2003 and be ready in 2004? Seems like LA's stadium is going up that quick. Maybe even midseason 2004. Why wait till 2005? Really? Probably just a threat, but I'd be interested to know how much our previous internationals contributed to the bottom line. Also, obviously the team is not a business unto itself, the league is. Given the importance of NY in terms of media and prestige, we'd never be a serious contraction candidate. If we go, then the league goes, no?
Weird. No information on what the deal really is. How does NJSEA end up with more money? Sounds to me like Metro said that if you support your new stadium in public and help us out with necessary campaign work, we'll give you whatever you want until it's done.
It might be because the stadium has to be built in concert with the rest of the development plan -- the roads, the PATH stop, the parking garage, etc.
If the Metros do leave, its better to be on good terms so if the Metros want to schedule double headers of a larger scale where 30K won't do it, NJSEA can step in to host.
Prior to this agreement the Metro held the sole right to promote international games at Giants Stadium. This right came into doubt this summer when NJSEA claimed the Metro violated their contract by playing less than 20 games at the stadium the previous couple of seasons. NJSEA co-promoted the Real/Roma match when a judge would not allow the Metro's appeal to block the game and the USSF sanctioned it as a one time deal because it was, in name, a charity match. As the article stated, NJSEA and Metro were headed to court prior to this settlement. This new agreement will give NJSEA more money because the rights in question previously belonged solely to the Metro, now they have an agreement to share them. I agree this is a quid pro quo since one of the major stumbling blocks to the Harrison project is some people trying to tie it to a plan for future development of the Meadowlands. With NJSEA backing the Harrison project this no no longer seems to be an issue and they now get part of the revenue from international matches.
Isn't $80 million for more of the development than just the stadium? I don't know your area politics, but perhaps the Metrostars agreed to 'host' major international matches in concert with NJSEA and to hold it at the Meadowlands (?) And, perhaps NJSEA markets the Metrostars
All I care about is that the Meadowlands better keep that field in tip top shape next season for the Metro. I'm getting tired of this political tag game. Fix the field or else.
Or maybe there is some environmental cleanup that needs to be done on the site before construction starts.
Hey man, they asked, I answered. It's fucking Harrison, isn't it obvious what might delay a stadium's construction vis-a-vis Carson, CA? Don't jump all up in my shit!
Or maybe it means that NJSEA will somehow have a role in "managing" the Harrison complex. Wouldn't surprise me.
As long as they cannot set the scheduling dates, charge outrageous rents, and ruin the field. If they just do routine stuff like clean the place, provide ushers, security, groundskeepers, parking attendants, all under the Metros oversight, it is conceivable that they can keep some of their patronage jobs.
This would be great. The security, groundskeepers and parking attendants that work for the NJSEA do a fantastic job at Giants Stadium. NOT!!!!!!!!!! Metro needs to have hire and fire power over these employees, if they don't it will be same s==t different place.
PLEASE don't let NJSEA hire any security, I would like to walk into a stadium with a sandwich. PLEASE don't let NJSEA hire any parking attendants, I shouldn't have to pay an extra 10 bucks on top of the price of the ticket. ...and PLEASE don't let NJSEA hire any groundskeepers, the only grass I like that's brown is that cheap shwag I get from Harlem.