Subscribe Feed (RSS). . . and it always will be.
Don’t talk to me about all those kids out there playing it. They’ve been playing it now for three decades and nothing much has changed in the world of spectator sports.
Look, I’d love it for Portland to get an MLS franchise. I really would. Just don’t ask me to invest in it. Man, $40 million for a franchise in that league? In this economy? The Arena Football League just suspended operations and that league had an NBC contract and was pretty well funded.
That fee is just to buy in — before you start spending money on players, coaches and promotion. I think it’s going to be a real tough go here — or anywhere else.
Tags: Dwight Jaynes, MLS, Portland, Soccer
What I worry about is if they succeed in this scheme to change PGE Park into a soccer/football-only facility, is what happens if (or when) the soccer league folds (you know, just like every pro soccer league has in this country)?
Dwight, the 40 million is the expansion fee the Paulson’s are paying for out of their own pockets. The balance is 80 million in Portland city backed bonds, as I understand it, and as I also understand it, they are not asking you to invest in it per se.
Why would anyone oppose a brand-new AAA baseball park and a remodeled PGE.
FYI- MLB Baseball is the most reckless financial sport in the world with the outrageous contracts they give players. 160 million for CC Sabathia. Really? Here in Portland we could have 2 awesome facilities all for the price of 1 fat NY Yankees pitcher.
I used to love Baseball, the SF Giants, but what they charge at a game and what they pay their players like Barry Zito, it makes me sick…especially in this economy. For the amount of work they do, those guys are stealing money ala’ Raef Lafrentz, Darius Miles and Steve Francis.
Oh, I totally understand the expansion fee thing. All I’m saying is that whoever owns a franchise that costs $40 million is going to have a devil of a time making any money. Even IF the city builds the ballpark.
I just think it’s a real rough time for that kind of buy-in for a league.
And FYI — baseball is still just about the cheapest form of pro sports entertainment. The Portland Beavers will be cheaper to watch than soccer — and Triple-A baseball is probably a higher level than MLS. Even big-league tickets may cost you less than a Timbers ticket.
Portland and the people who are involved in the area sports scene has to quit thinking small time. Whether the economy is sour or golden our mind frame in this wonderful city remains incredibly small
and that is exactly why we have only one major franchise in town…
We have a golden opportunity to add one. No it is not the NFL, and our chances of getting one are bleak at best.
Major League Baseball? No we couldn;t support it and who wants to invest in a league that has no cap. Besides, if you live here during the good weather months, your out at the ocean, camping, or doing any other active outdoor activity. That is why we live here…
MLS makes sense for us. This city is soccer crazy and have even been dubbed ’soccer city usa’. Yah your ticket will be a few bucks more but your getting a MAJOR LEAGUE team in a one horse town. Attendance in MLS has grown each year and they are sound financially. That is saying something when MLB and NBA are facing some serious fiscal issues.
This is our chance to add some joy to our city. Aren’t you sick of being in a minor league town? Honestly the beavers and winter hawks are ok, but this is a chance to get to the top league of this sport. The beavers will get a new facility that is far more baseball friendly.
It is a win for all fans of sports in this town. Yah times are tough, which is why if we have a shot at a major league coming to town we go for it! It gives the town some hope and also another great thing for families to go to…
I really wonder Dwight if you would be as skeptical if your beloved sport baseball was in line for a MLB team here? If I am off here all apologies but I think your bias is showing here and you really just don’t care for the sport
Anyways, time for this city to step up and reward it’s loyal citizens some major league entertainment