(12-16-2014 06:20 PM)umbluegray Wrote:  

(12-16-2014 06:13 PM)rc0213 Wrote:  

(12-16-2014 04:33 PM)umbluegray Wrote:  

(12-15-2014 10:42 PM)FranklinTNTiger Wrote:  

(12-15-2014 10:06 PM)rc0213 Wrote:  Smith and Manning owning the Titans would be a great move for Titans. Manning might bring a more hands on, experienced management and bring that winning attitude and habits to the team. Smith would just love to have a team closer to home. Titans most likely will not come to Memphis. Memphis does not have a stadium up to NFL standards. Memphis tried for several years to bring an NFL and, when Memphis didn't support the Titans while they were temporarily in Memphis, did not give the NFL a good feeling. The reason OKC got a NBA team is NOT because of the market. But, that the city embraced the New Orleans team while they were temporarily based there. This ought to be a lesson for the city, don't act like a whiny city, support the league the best you can, and when given a chance to have an exhibition or a temporary team there, Memphis needs to show that they will fill up the stadium.

Great and true post.

Mmm... not entirely accurate.

Memphis was heavily involved in the previous two expansion races.

Seattle, Tampa and Memphis. The NFL told Memphis, "You've got next."

So, then came Charlotte, Jacksonville, Baltimore, St Louis, Memphis.

Memphis sold out every exhibition game -- even the one with the Houston Oilers. It was after that game that Bud said, "Memphis has my vote." Of course, he was lying.

Memphis sold out of it's season ticket pre-sales faster than any other city.
Memphis sold out of it's skyboxes faster than any other city.

Charlotte and Jacksonville both said they would NOT build a new stadium. That led the Memphis group (unfortunately) to believe all they had to do was spruce up the stadium and build some skyboxes. You know, those things weren't there when the stadium first opened in the 60s.

You can't say that Memphis didn't support it's two bids.

It was only after the NFL screwed Memphis over in the dead of night by moving a team to Nashville that Memphians finally started to let their displeasure be heard.

Even Jay Leno mentioned that Memphis had a right to be pissed.

And here's Sports Illustrated's take:

Quote:Sports Illustrated weighed in. From the issue of SI following the game: “Though Memphis is the home of the Elvis Presley fly swatter … its inhabitant aren't stupid. They know when they're being used. Oilers owner Bud Adams and his team are here because it's an inexpensive place to play home games until 1999, when Nashville completes construction of a 65,000-seat state-of-the-art stadium. Though they will spend eight weekends in Memphis this fall, the Oilers still train, practice, and reside 210 miles to the east, in Nashville. ‘Memphis?’ running back Eddie George said last week, before making the first plane trip across the state. ‘I went to Graceland once as a kid — real weird. Some pretty ugly rooms. Other than that … .’ Who could blame the Memphis citizenry for being gun-shy about its latest pro team?”

Also,

Quote:“The NFL is a big media event and, in Memphis anyway, empty seats are a part of the story,” Freeland wrote. “Yes, it is news when the NFL, the premier sports league in the country, plays opening day to a half-empty stadium. But it is also the obligation of the reporters to explain the entire story. The seats were not empty because Memphians are poor (although the Oilers’ price-gouging shenanigans are shameful). And the stadium was not half-full because Memphians don’t like football. There were 32,000 empty seats … because Memphians feel the NFL abused us over the years and because the Bud Adams organization has continued to ignore the city even as they tried to sell tickets here.”

Yes, you have a point, and I understand why people in Memphis was upset. I never said they didn't have a reason. I was just pointing out that if Memphis wants to be taken serious as a sports town in the future, they can't do something like that. They just have to dig deeper and keep trying and keep proving themselves.

Yea, I remember our real effort for the two expansions and getting shafted. And, if I remember correctly, the "Sold Out" Season Tickets were only commitments, NOT actual purchases. It was impressive to sellout like we did. But, I think the NFL would have liked a more financial commitment. I believe that is when Memphis updated the stadium to try to be up to NFL standards at the time. That was a good start, but to fill the stadium, even if it was not a Memphis team would have made a great impression.

The preseason games during these expansion efforts did not sell out. Sure, everyone understood why Memphis was disgruntled. But, the NFL does not care about how the town felt. If Memphis wanted a team, they had to fill up the stadium during exhibition games. And, when the Oilers were temporarily here, Memphis could have filled up the stadium. This would have showed the NFL, even if they shafted Memphis a couple of times, Memphis was still serious and ready for a team.

And, that is why I pointed out why OKC got an NBA team even though their market is very small. OKC hosted the New Orleans team while they were homeless. And, OKC filled up the place while the New Orleans team was around. These were actual ticket purchases and not just a pledge to buy season tickets with a small down payment like Memphis did during both bids for expansion. OKC showed real love and real money to the NBA, and got rewarded.

The NFL is a business and not a charity case and don't care about your feelings. As cold as that may sound, that is how they operate. I don't like it, but that is how it is.

I am not trying to disagree with your points. But, my point is, in the future, whether it is the NFL, MLB, NHL, Big Ten, SEC, etc., we need to show the world that Memphis will not take any setback personally. But, we will just keep moving on and succeed, when no one else will think we can. I think that is a reason why Memphis might not be considered for SEC or Big Ten, based on how we reacted to NFL or other interests. I am guessing, but it does not help our case to join one of the Big 5.

I get your point, but since the Grizz have added an additional element to the local sports scene, we've seen Memphis climb in the "best sports towns" rankings.

Grizzlies are playing well, and people are coming out. I am glad. I hope the place still fills up if Grizzlies start to not win as much. I would love to have more than just an NBA team in Memphis.

Again. The NFL ship sailed long before the Oilers ever thought of playing in Memphis. The attendance at those games have had no bearing on any actual opportunity for any professional sports franchise to locate in Memphis and would only be brought up in passing in the unlikely eventuality Memphis were to be considered in the future.

(12-15-2014 03:09 PM)presskh Wrote:  

(12-15-2014 03:04 PM)3601 Wrote:  

(12-15-2014 03:04 PM)Ramen_Tiger Wrote:  He is looking for more ways to line his pocket. Memphis in the Big 12 and the Titan franchise is a good start.

I'm not sure how Memphis to the Big XII would help him out financially.

Not sure how buying any pro sport franchise helps him out either - hard to turn a profit on them.

Tell that to Donald Sterling.

His son, Arthur Smith, who played football at the University of North Carolina, is an Offensive Line/Tight End Assistant Coach for the Tennessee Titans

It didn't help that the ownership group had a guy or two involved who were also involved in the USFL $3 fiasco.

I'd like to see Fred Smith buy the Titans. I have no doubt that he would be a spectacular owner.

(12-15-2014 03:09 PM)presskh Wrote:  

(12-15-2014 03:04 PM)3601 Wrote:  

(12-15-2014 03:04 PM)Ramen_Tiger Wrote:  He is looking for more ways to line his pocket. Memphis in the Big 12 and the Titan franchise is a good start.

I'm not sure how Memphis to the Big XII would help him out financially.

Not sure how buying any pro sport franchise helps him out either - hard to turn a profit on them.

Tell that to Jerry Jones

(12-16-2014 07:10 PM)rc0213 Wrote:  

(12-16-2014 06:20 PM)umbluegray Wrote:  

(12-16-2014 06:13 PM)rc0213 Wrote:  

(12-16-2014 04:33 PM)umbluegray Wrote:  

(12-15-2014 10:42 PM)FranklinTNTiger Wrote:  Great and true post.

Mmm... not entirely accurate.

Memphis was heavily involved in the previous two expansion races.

Seattle, Tampa and Memphis. The NFL told Memphis, "You've got next."

So, then came Charlotte, Jacksonville, Baltimore, St Louis, Memphis.

Memphis sold out every exhibition game -- even the one with the Houston Oilers. It was after that game that Bud said, "Memphis has my vote." Of course, he was lying.

Memphis sold out of it's season ticket pre-sales faster than any other city.
Memphis sold out of it's skyboxes faster than any other city.

Charlotte and Jacksonville both said they would NOT build a new stadium. That led the Memphis group (unfortunately) to believe all they had to do was spruce up the stadium and build some skyboxes. You know, those things weren't there when the stadium first opened in the 60s.

You can't say that Memphis didn't support it's two bids.

It was only after the NFL screwed Memphis over in the dead of night by moving a team to Nashville that Memphians finally started to let their displeasure be heard.

Even Jay Leno mentioned that Memphis had a right to be pissed.

And here's Sports Illustrated's take:

Quote:Sports Illustrated weighed in. From the issue of SI following the game: “Though Memphis is the home of the Elvis Presley fly swatter … its inhabitant aren't stupid. They know when they're being used. Oilers owner Bud Adams and his team are here because it's an inexpensive place to play home games until 1999, when Nashville completes construction of a 65,000-seat state-of-the-art stadium. Though they will spend eight weekends in Memphis this fall, the Oilers still train, practice, and reside 210 miles to the east, in Nashville. ‘Memphis?’ running back Eddie George said last week, before making the first plane trip across the state. ‘I went to Graceland once as a kid — real weird. Some pretty ugly rooms. Other than that … .’ Who could blame the Memphis citizenry for being gun-shy about its latest pro team?”

Also,

Quote:“The NFL is a big media event and, in Memphis anyway, empty seats are a part of the story,” Freeland wrote. “Yes, it is news when the NFL, the premier sports league in the country, plays opening day to a half-empty stadium. But it is also the obligation of the reporters to explain the entire story. The seats were not empty because Memphians are poor (although the Oilers’ price-gouging shenanigans are shameful). And the stadium was not half-full because Memphians don’t like football. There were 32,000 empty seats … because Memphians feel the NFL abused us over the years and because the Bud Adams organization has continued to ignore the city even as they tried to sell tickets here.”

Yes, you have a point, and I understand why people in Memphis was upset. I never said they didn't have a reason. I was just pointing out that if Memphis wants to be taken serious as a sports town in the future, they can't do something like that. They just have to dig deeper and keep trying and keep proving themselves.

Yea, I remember our real effort for the two expansions and getting shafted. And, if I remember correctly, the "Sold Out" Season Tickets were only commitments, NOT actual purchases. It was impressive to sellout like we did. But, I think the NFL would have liked a more financial commitment. I believe that is when Memphis updated the stadium to try to be up to NFL standards at the time. That was a good start, but to fill the stadium, even if it was not a Memphis team would have made a great impression.

The preseason games during these expansion efforts did not sell out. Sure, everyone understood why Memphis was disgruntled. But, the NFL does not care about how the town felt. If Memphis wanted a team, they had to fill up the stadium during exhibition games. And, when the Oilers were temporarily here, Memphis could have filled up the stadium. This would have showed the NFL, even if they shafted Memphis a couple of times, Memphis was still serious and ready for a team.

And, that is why I pointed out why OKC got an NBA team even though their market is very small. OKC hosted the New Orleans team while they were homeless. And, OKC filled up the place while the New Orleans team was around. These were actual ticket purchases and not just a pledge to buy season tickets with a small down payment like Memphis did during both bids for expansion. OKC showed real love and real money to the NBA, and got rewarded.

The NFL is a business and not a charity case and don't care about your feelings. As cold as that may sound, that is how they operate. I don't like it, but that is how it is.

I am not trying to disagree with your points. But, my point is, in the future, whether it is the NFL, MLB, NHL, Big Ten, SEC, etc., we need to show the world that Memphis will not take any setback personally. But, we will just keep moving on and succeed, when no one else will think we can. I think that is a reason why Memphis might not be considered for SEC or Big Ten, based on how we reacted to NFL or other interests. I am guessing, but it does not help our case to join one of the Big 5.

I get your point, but since the Grizz have added an additional element to the local sports scene, we've seen Memphis climb in the "best sports towns" rankings.

Grizzlies are playing well, and people are coming out. I am glad. I hope the place still fills up if Grizzlies start to not win as much. I would love to have more than just an NBA team in Memphis.

Memphis would have got a team had it had a start of the art stadium. None of that other stuff means jack squat. We committed to build an arena for the Grizz and that's why they are here. And as for going to games when the team is bad....most cities don't either. Ever see a Hawks or Braves crowd? Seen a Titans crowd lately? The only cities that support their teams when they are forever losers are the idiot Cubs and Browns fans. And the Browns STILL lost their original franchise!!

(12-17-2014 11:20 AM)Brother Bluto Wrote:  Memphis would have got a team had it had a start of the art stadium. None of that other stuff means jack squat. We committed to build an arena for the Grizz and that's why they are here. And as for going to games when the team is bad....most cities don't either. Ever see a Hawks or Braves crowd? Seen a Titans crowd lately?

100% correct. Not sure why it's not obvious to everyone. We got outbid on the NFL expansion stretch run and lost. When the Grizz became available we pushed all our chips to the center and blew Louisville out of the water. NFL lesson learned. When I think of all the nights like last night that Memphis has had the past 14 seasons, I say a silent prayer of thanks to the NBA pursuit team for making it happen for Memphis.

(12-17-2014 12:51 PM)UofMark Wrote:  

(12-17-2014 11:20 AM)Brother Bluto Wrote:  Memphis would have got a team had it had a start of the art stadium. None of that other stuff means jack squat. We committed to build an arena for the Grizz and that's why they are here. And as for going to games when the team is bad....most cities don't either. Ever see a Hawks or Braves crowd? Seen a Titans crowd lately?

100% correct. Not sure why it's not obvious to everyone. We got outbid on the NFL expansion stretch run and lost. When the Grizz became available we pushed all our chips to the center and blew Louisville out of the water. NFL lesson learned. When I think of all the nights like last night that Memphis has had the past 14 seasons, I say a silent prayer of thanks to the NBA pursuit team for making it happen for Memphis.

Indeed sir.

We positioned Memphis as such an attractive market that on the same day, not only did the Vancouver Grizzlies file for relo to Memphis, but so did Charlotte. That day took some of the sting out of the failed NFL efforts over the years.

(12-17-2014 09:56 AM)Phillip26r Wrote:  It didn't help that the ownership group had a guy or two involved who were also involved in the USFL $3 fiasco.

I'd like to see Fred Smith buy the Titans. I have no doubt that he would be a spectacular owner.

Fred Smith ought to buy the Titans, work a deal with the Raiders to move to that nice stadium in Nashville, and having learned our lesson, build a new stadium in Memphis for the MEMPHIS Titans.

(12-17-2014 11:20 AM)Brother Bluto Wrote:  

(12-16-2014 07:10 PM)rc0213 Wrote:  

(12-16-2014 06:20 PM)umbluegray Wrote:  

(12-16-2014 06:13 PM)rc0213 Wrote:  

(12-16-2014 04:33 PM)umbluegray Wrote:  Mmm... not entirely accurate.

Memphis was heavily involved in the previous two expansion races.

Seattle, Tampa and Memphis. The NFL told Memphis, "You've got next."

So, then came Charlotte, Jacksonville, Baltimore, St Louis, Memphis.

Memphis sold out every exhibition game -- even the one with the Houston Oilers. It was after that game that Bud said, "Memphis has my vote." Of course, he was lying.

Memphis sold out of it's season ticket pre-sales faster than any other city.
Memphis sold out of it's skyboxes faster than any other city.

Charlotte and Jacksonville both said they would NOT build a new stadium. That led the Memphis group (unfortunately) to believe all they had to do was spruce up the stadium and build some skyboxes. You know, those things weren't there when the stadium first opened in the 60s.

You can't say that Memphis didn't support it's two bids.

It was only after the NFL screwed Memphis over in the dead of night by moving a team to Nashville that Memphians finally started to let their displeasure be heard.

Even Jay Leno mentioned that Memphis had a right to be pissed.

And here's Sports Illustrated's take:



Also,

Yes, you have a point, and I understand why people in Memphis was upset. I never said they didn't have a reason. I was just pointing out that if Memphis wants to be taken serious as a sports town in the future, they can't do something like that. They just have to dig deeper and keep trying and keep proving themselves.

Yea, I remember our real effort for the two expansions and getting shafted. And, if I remember correctly, the "Sold Out" Season Tickets were only commitments, NOT actual purchases. It was impressive to sellout like we did. But, I think the NFL would have liked a more financial commitment. I believe that is when Memphis updated the stadium to try to be up to NFL standards at the time. That was a good start, but to fill the stadium, even if it was not a Memphis team would have made a great impression.

The preseason games during these expansion efforts did not sell out. Sure, everyone understood why Memphis was disgruntled. But, the NFL does not care about how the town felt. If Memphis wanted a team, they had to fill up the stadium during exhibition games. And, when the Oilers were temporarily here, Memphis could have filled up the stadium. This would have showed the NFL, even if they shafted Memphis a couple of times, Memphis was still serious and ready for a team.

And, that is why I pointed out why OKC got an NBA team even though their market is very small. OKC hosted the New Orleans team while they were homeless. And, OKC filled up the place while the New Orleans team was around. These were actual ticket purchases and not just a pledge to buy season tickets with a small down payment like Memphis did during both bids for expansion. OKC showed real love and real money to the NBA, and got rewarded.

The NFL is a business and not a charity case and don't care about your feelings. As cold as that may sound, that is how they operate. I don't like it, but that is how it is.

I am not trying to disagree with your points. But, my point is, in the future, whether it is the NFL, MLB, NHL, Big Ten, SEC, etc., we need to show the world that Memphis will not take any setback personally. But, we will just keep moving on and succeed, when no one else will think we can. I think that is a reason why Memphis might not be considered for SEC or Big Ten, based on how we reacted to NFL or other interests. I am guessing, but it does not help our case to join one of the Big 5.

I get your point, but since the Grizz have added an additional element to the local sports scene, we've seen Memphis climb in the "best sports towns" rankings.

Grizzlies are playing well, and people are coming out. I am glad. I hope the place still fills up if Grizzlies start to not win as much. I would love to have more than just an NBA team in Memphis.

Memphis would have got a team had it had a start of the art stadium. None of that other stuff means jack squat. We committed to build an arena for the Grizz and that's why they are here. And as for going to games when the team is bad....most cities don't either. Ever see a Hawks or Braves crowd? Seen a Titans crowd lately? The only cities that support their teams when they are forever losers are the idiot Cubs and Browns fans. And the Browns STILL lost their original franchise!!

Jacksonville didn't build a brad new stadium, they renovated the Gator Bowl.

Memphis was promised the next team after Seattle and Tampa were added as mentioned above.

The NFL was biased against Memphis. Would have drawn just as well as Nashville is now.

(12-17-2014 11:20 AM)Brother Bluto Wrote:  

(12-16-2014 07:10 PM)rc0213 Wrote:  

(12-16-2014 06:20 PM)umbluegray Wrote:  

(12-16-2014 06:13 PM)rc0213 Wrote:  

(12-16-2014 04:33 PM)umbluegray Wrote:  Mmm... not entirely accurate.

Memphis was heavily involved in the previous two expansion races.

Seattle, Tampa and Memphis. The NFL told Memphis, "You've got next."

So, then came Charlotte, Jacksonville, Baltimore, St Louis, Memphis.

Memphis sold out every exhibition game -- even the one with the Houston Oilers. It was after that game that Bud said, "Memphis has my vote." Of course, he was lying.

Memphis sold out of it's season ticket pre-sales faster than any other city.
Memphis sold out of it's skyboxes faster than any other city.

Charlotte and Jacksonville both said they would NOT build a new stadium. That led the Memphis group (unfortunately) to believe all they had to do was spruce up the stadium and build some skyboxes. You know, those things weren't there when the stadium first opened in the 60s.

You can't say that Memphis didn't support it's two bids.

It was only after the NFL screwed Memphis over in the dead of night by moving a team to Nashville that Memphians finally started to let their displeasure be heard.

Even Jay Leno mentioned that Memphis had a right to be pissed.

And here's Sports Illustrated's take:



Also,

Yes, you have a point, and I understand why people in Memphis was upset. I never said they didn't have a reason. I was just pointing out that if Memphis wants to be taken serious as a sports town in the future, they can't do something like that. They just have to dig deeper and keep trying and keep proving themselves.

Yea, I remember our real effort for the two expansions and getting shafted. And, if I remember correctly, the "Sold Out" Season Tickets were only commitments, NOT actual purchases. It was impressive to sellout like we did. But, I think the NFL would have liked a more financial commitment. I believe that is when Memphis updated the stadium to try to be up to NFL standards at the time. That was a good start, but to fill the stadium, even if it was not a Memphis team would have made a great impression.

The preseason games during these expansion efforts did not sell out. Sure, everyone understood why Memphis was disgruntled. But, the NFL does not care about how the town felt. If Memphis wanted a team, they had to fill up the stadium during exhibition games. And, when the Oilers were temporarily here, Memphis could have filled up the stadium. This would have showed the NFL, even if they shafted Memphis a couple of times, Memphis was still serious and ready for a team.

And, that is why I pointed out why OKC got an NBA team even though their market is very small. OKC hosted the New Orleans team while they were homeless. And, OKC filled up the place while the New Orleans team was around. These were actual ticket purchases and not just a pledge to buy season tickets with a small down payment like Memphis did during both bids for expansion. OKC showed real love and real money to the NBA, and got rewarded.

The NFL is a business and not a charity case and don't care about your feelings. As cold as that may sound, that is how they operate. I don't like it, but that is how it is.

I am not trying to disagree with your points. But, my point is, in the future, whether it is the NFL, MLB, NHL, Big Ten, SEC, etc., we need to show the world that Memphis will not take any setback personally. But, we will just keep moving on and succeed, when no one else will think we can. I think that is a reason why Memphis might not be considered for SEC or Big Ten, based on how we reacted to NFL or other interests. I am guessing, but it does not help our case to join one of the Big 5.

I get your point, but since the Grizz have added an additional element to the local sports scene, we've seen Memphis climb in the "best sports towns" rankings.

Grizzlies are playing well, and people are coming out. I am glad. I hope the place still fills up if Grizzlies start to not win as much. I would love to have more than just an NBA team in Memphis.

Memphis would have got a team had it had a start of the art stadium. None of that other stuff means jack squat. We committed to build an arena for the Grizz and that's why they are here. And as for going to games when the team is bad....most cities don't either. Ever see a Hawks or Braves crowd? Seen a Titans crowd lately? The only cities that support their teams when they are forever losers are the idiot Cubs and Browns fans. And the Browns STILL lost their original franchise!!

Yep.

No one is going to see the Titans but all those empty seats are sold. They have "sold out" every game since arriving in Nashville. That could change next year because of how bad we are. Everyone loves a winner or at least a team that competes.

(12-17-2014 01:09 PM)k2tigers Wrote:  

(12-17-2014 12:51 PM)UofMark Wrote:  

(12-17-2014 11:20 AM)Brother Bluto Wrote:  Memphis would have got a team had it had a start of the art stadium. None of that other stuff means jack squat. We committed to build an arena for the Grizz and that's why they are here. And as for going to games when the team is bad....most cities don't either. Ever see a Hawks or Braves crowd? Seen a Titans crowd lately?

100% correct. Not sure why it's not obvious to everyone. We got outbid on the NFL expansion stretch run and lost. When the Grizz became available we pushed all our chips to the center and blew Louisville out of the water. NFL lesson learned. When I think of all the nights like last night that Memphis has had the past 14 seasons, I say a silent prayer of thanks to the NBA pursuit team for making it happen for Memphis.

Indeed sir.

We positioned Memphis as such an attractive market that on the same day, not only did the Vancouver Grizzlies file for relo to Memphis, but so did Charlotte. That day took some of the sting out of the failed NFL efforts over the years.

It's also because Memphis is basketball city. A NBA team would not do as well in Nashville. Probably would be true for baseball too.

(12-16-2014 03:52 AM)BIGDTiger Wrote:  

(12-15-2014 03:19 PM)3601 Wrote:  

(12-15-2014 03:09 PM)presskh Wrote:  

(12-15-2014 03:04 PM)3601 Wrote:  

(12-15-2014 03:04 PM)Ramen_Tiger Wrote:  He is looking for more ways to line his pocket. Memphis in the Big 12 and the Titan franchise is a good start.

I'm not sure how Memphis to the Big XII would help him out financially.

Not sure how buying any pro sport franchise helps him out either - hard to turn a profit on them.

Go back and take a look at what every NFL and NBA owner has paid for their franchise and how much they have sold it for (or what it is worth now if they haven't sold it).

& those inflated prices are exactly why they are horrible investments right now. Soccer is the best investment IMO in regards to buying low & selling high. If Freddy buys its for hobby, not business.

r u serious? The NFL is the biggest show in town always. Check the ratings.

The Falcons owner is spending about $800 million of his own money to build a new stadium.

Is Nashville a hockey city?

(12-15-2014 03:24 PM)Tygrys Wrote:  

(12-15-2014 03:19 PM)3601 Wrote:  

(12-15-2014 03:09 PM)presskh Wrote:  

(12-15-2014 03:04 PM)3601 Wrote:  

(12-15-2014 03:04 PM)Ramen_Tiger Wrote:  He is looking for more ways to line his pocket. Memphis in the Big 12 and the Titan franchise is a good start.

I'm not sure how Memphis to the Big XII would help him out financially.

Not sure how buying any pro sport franchise helps him out either - hard to turn a profit on them.

Go back and take a look at what every NFL and NBA owner has paid for their franchise and how much they have sold it for (or what it is worth now if they haven't sold it).

These teams are not being sold for what they were in the 70s and 80s. Do you really believe Steve Ballmer expects to see a return after purchasing the Clippers for $2 billion?

$2 bill is a bit high, but the NBA is in the strongest position internationally for financial gain, right now, of the American leagues. If the NBA focuses on securing its position as the #1 in Asia, and #2 or #3 elsewhere, values will explode without even worrying about competing with MLB. The global market generally is much more lucrative than the US. I think I heard somewhere that a cricket player in India is one of the top 10 either highest paid athletes or highest endorsed athletes in the world. I don't know if soccer is popular in India, but becoming the top American professional league overseas probably would push values of most teams very, very high.

NFL can probably increase too, but I think they are closer to the topping-off point than some of the other leagues. That topping off isn't anywhere soon, and maybe they heighten that asymptote with their European project. But I think that move signals that the league is more concerned with US potential than optimistic about international potential. Just my uneducated, uninformed observation and opinion. NFL can probably navigate the choppy waters in the near term, or maybe even avoid most of the waves ahead.

(12-17-2014 01:43 PM)Tiger46 Wrote:  Jacksonville didn't build a brad new stadium, they renovated the Gator Bowl.

Memphis was promised the next team after Seattle and Tampa were added as mentioned above.

The NFL was biased against Memphis. Would have drawn just as well as Nashville is now.

They virtually tore the old stadium down and built a new one in Jacksonville. The cost was $121 Million in 1994. By comparison, it cost $168 Million to build Raymond James Stadium four years later. Camden Yards opened in 1992 and cost $110 Million.

(12-17-2014 04:02 PM)3601 Wrote:  

(12-17-2014 01:43 PM)Tiger46 Wrote:  Jacksonville didn't build a brad new stadium, they renovated the Gator Bowl.

Memphis was promised the next team after Seattle and Tampa were added as mentioned above.

The NFL was biased against Memphis. Would have drawn just as well as Nashville is now.

They virtually tore the old stadium down and built a new one in Jacksonville. The cost was $121 Million in 1994. By comparison, it cost $168 Million to build Raymond James Stadium four years later. Camden Yards opened in 1992 and cost $110 Million.

From Wikipedia...

Near-total demolition[edit]

The historic structure was almost entirely razed in 1994, as part of a massive remodeling effort which essentially built a new stadium. The new stadium was renamed Jacksonville Municipal Stadium (known as Alltel Stadium from 1997 through 2006, and EverBank Field since August 2010). Almost none of the original infrastructure remains, except for the west upper deck (which was added in 1982) and the ramping system. While Jacksonville Municipal Stadium was being constructed, the Florida–Georgia game alternated between the two schools' home stadiums, with Florida's Ben Hill Griffin Stadium hosting in 1994 (which also hosted the 1994 Gator Bowl) and Georgia's Sanford Stadium hosting in 1995. The game resumed the following year in Jacksonville.

hey I know that place.

(12-16-2014 06:36 PM)k2tigers Wrote:  

(12-16-2014 06:32 PM)rc0213 Wrote:  

(12-16-2014 06:25 PM)k2tigers Wrote:  ^^^ rc0213...enjoyed the read but wrong on so many levels...did you attend any of these preseason exhibition games, specifically the last two prior to the '93 expansion vote....Chiefs-Vikings then Houston-LA Rams

No, I did not, was too young to go. My parents worked and my brothers were too old to be at the house. But, you said I was wrong on so many level, explain where I was wrong, please. I do not want to mislead people. I am just seeing things from what I have read and seen personally.

So, please expound on your comment.

Sure - those games sold out....fan support was never the issue

I haven't read all 14 pages, but I remember the exhibition/preseason sellouts as well. I will look for sources to document it. I wonder what were (rc's) sources of what he's read and seen personally that document otherwise.

I don't see why our refusal to sell out the Oilers once they were here as temporary residents is held against us, but allowed and understood for other cities. OKC is different, at least in that the Hornets weren't Tulsa's team. I think those cities' relationship is more collegial, but it's still a distinction.

Heck the Titans don't sell out NOW and that team practices in that city, and hasn't announced to the fanbase that they are leaving in two years. Why is Memphis held to a higher standard?

As for another franchise, MLS baby. Whomever gets in now, will stand to make bank at a lower intro price than it takes to enter other leagues.