I dont know that the reception for the NFL would be quite what you think it is. For one thing, either the NFL or MLB is going to require a new stadium. The Judge is on record as saying that it makes more sense to build a $300 million dollar facility for a franchise that will brings 81 event days than a $700 million dollar facility for a franchise that brings 10 event days.

I am not sure a stadium with that type of price tag would be palatable to the voting public.

 

 

That's not necessarily true, though probably is. I for one would rather see $250-300 million put in to improve the Alamodome and make it NFL caliber than put $200 into a baseball stadium. Making improvements to the Alamodome would make it a more desireable location for conferences and such, and increase the value/payout of the Alamobowl. Also if UTSA does indeed start a football program, that's where they would play at least initially. Besides, the Alamodome is a big part of our economy (in terms of generating income for city residents), but a drain on city resources itself without a primary tenant.

 

I'd really like to see either an NFL team in a refurbished Alamodome, or an MLS team in the current Alamodome.

 

Most people I know would approve either item that you suggest though. They recognize the importance of bringing a second team to town and are willing to pay to get it done. Well, except my roommate who would vote against baseball, but would vote for football.

 

Either way, like I said, I think baseball would be better for SA, and I'm hoping we somehow get a team. But I still think more people would be willing to pay for an NFL stadium, and NFL tickets would pretty much get sold out every game (full season tickets for football are cheaper than 20 game packs for baseball, and there are definitely more football fans than baseball around here). MLB would be lucky to sell out weekend games in SA. All my opinions of course.

 

Either way, it still makes much more sense for the Marlins to settle for Hialeah and keep the current TV contract and still be able to draw the same audience and people, even as small a crowd as they average, then it does to move to SA for a much smaller TV contract where the crowds aren't likely to be that much bigger than last year's average, if at all.

I dont know that the reception for the NFL would be quite what you think it is. For one thing, either the NFL or MLB is going to require a new stadium. The Judge is on record as saying that it makes more sense to build a $300 million dollar facility for a franchise that will brings 81 event days than a $700 million dollar facility for a franchise that brings 10 event days.

I am not sure a stadium with that type of price tag would be palatable to the voting public.

 

 

That's not necessarily true, though probably is. I for one would rather see $250-300 million put in to improve the Alamodome and make it NFL caliber than put $200 into a baseball stadium. Making improvements to the Alamodome would make it a more desireable location for conferences and such, and increase the value/payout of the Alamobowl. Also if UTSA does indeed start a football program, that's where they would play at least initially. Besides, the Alamodome is a big part of our economy (in terms of generating income for city residents), but a drain on city resources itself without a primary tenant.

 

I'd really like to see either an NFL team in a refurbished Alamodome, or an MLS team in the current Alamodome.

 

Most people I know would approve either item that you suggest though. They recognize the importance of bringing a second team to town and are willing to pay to get it done. Well, except my roommate who would vote against baseball, but would vote for football.

 

Either way, like I said, I think baseball would be better for SA, and I'm hoping we somehow get a team. But I still think more people would be willing to pay for an NFL stadium, and NFL tickets would pretty much get sold out every game (full season tickets for football are cheaper than 20 game packs for baseball, and there are definitely more football fans than baseball around here). MLB would be lucky to sell out weekend games in SA. All my opinions of course.

 

Either way, it still makes much more sense for the Marlins to settle for Hialeah and keep the current TV contract and still be able to draw the same audience and people, even as small a crowd as they average, then it does to move to SA for a much smaller TV contract where the crowds aren't likely to be that much bigger than last year's average, if at all.

 

Why are you so sure that the tv contract would be "much" smaller?

You are ignoring the fact that Clear Channel (the largest media conglomerate in the world) is up to their necks in making this deal happen. A likely scenario would be that Clear Channel would create its own sports network for the centex and sotex areas with the Marlins and the Spurs. Fox is not going to be able to come up with enough money for this deal........but Clear Channel sure can. This is the wave of the future in sports anyway.....much like the Yankees and the YES network. Clear Channel already owns a percentage of the Spurs......in exchange for creating the network I am sure they would be willing to become a minority shareholder of the Marlins. These types of issues is why the May 15th deadline wont be made.....but they are also exactly the reason why the interest hasnt diminished on the part of the Marlins.

why do you want marlin ??are you going make money if their move to texas? is not going happen in my life

are you going make money if their move to texas?

 

 

Quite possibly.....but maybe not.

Why are you so sure that the tv contract would be "much" smaller?

You are ignoring the fact that Clear Channel (the largest media conglomerate in the world) is up to their necks in making this deal happen. A likely scenario would be that Clear Channel would create its own sports network for the centex and sotex areas with the Marlins and the Spurs. Fox is not going to be able to come up with enough money for this deal........but Clear Channel sure can. This is the wave of the future in sports anyway.....much like the Yankees and the YES network. Clear Channel already owns a percentage of the Spurs......in exchange for creating the network I am sure they would be willing to become a minority shareholder of the Marlins. These types of issues is why the May 15th deadline wont be made.....but they are also exactly the reason why the interest hasnt diminished on the part of the Marlins.

 

 

I have to admit that's a possibility I didn't think of. Especially when Clear Channel is one of the companies wanting a second team in town. Of course I've been wanting a South/Central TX regional sports channel to come into existance anyway. I'd love to see more high school sports/universities besides UT and UTSA/news on the Wranglers, Express, Missions, Rampage, Silver Stars, etc.

 

But I'd still assume it'd be a much smaller contract. You would quite seriously have to include a huge area to even come close to the amount of households just the Miami CMSA has (SA, Austin, Corpus, and Laredo DMAs), and the majority of that area is way outside the key demographics advertisers look for. The only way you get close to the Marlins current contract (I'm assuming since I don't know the actual deal) would be to have a separate contract for TV/Radio into Mexico, and that's probably iffy at best. You are not going to be able to command anywhere near the advertising dollars in SA that you can in Miami, which means a new channel would have to rely much more on cable fees or run at an operating loss.

 

Plus, you'd have to deal with the Spurs contract with FSN to move them to a new channel, and new channels in general won't command big $ advertising, so that's already a big notch of even the potential contract.

 

why do you want marlin ??are you going make money if their move to texas? is not going happen in my life

 

 

Am I personally going to make money? It's a distinct possibility, but probably not enough to worry about.

 

But it's not about it being "The Marlins". It's about getting a second major league team in general, either NFl or MLB since no way NHL works here yet. It's all about amenities provided for businesses. We need a second team because the Spurs cannot provide the necessary entertainment/meeting time for all the businesses, and we have a huge gap during the summer (one reason I'd prefer MLB). It makes it harder to bring new corporations into town and several large corporations have hinted about possibly leaving (though I don't really believe them).

 

It's about continuing economic growth. By bringing new businesses in, the city collects more taxes. These businesses usually have high wages than what's currently earned in town, so other companies have to raise their pay rates to continue competing for the skilled workers the companies desire.

 

It's all a catalyst effect, but to keep the business growth going, we need to provide the types of things the high powered execs want to see. High-end shopping centers (like The Rim is going to be), world class golf courses (TPC, and a few resorts), and major league sporting events.

Why are you so sure that the tv contract would be "much" smaller?

You are ignoring the fact that Clear Channel (the largest media conglomerate in the world) is up to their necks in making this deal happen. A likely scenario would be that Clear Channel would create its own sports network for the centex and sotex areas with the Marlins and the Spurs. Fox is not going to be able to come up with enough money for this deal........but Clear Channel sure can. This is the wave of the future in sports anyway.....much like the Yankees and the YES network. Clear Channel already owns a percentage of the Spurs......in exchange for creating the network I am sure they would be willing to become a minority shareholder of the Marlins. These types of issues is why the May 15th deadline wont be made.....but they are also exactly the reason why the interest hasnt diminished on the part of the Marlins.

 

 

I have to admit that's a possibility I didn't think of. Especially when Clear Channel is one of the companies wanting a second team in town. Of course I've been wanting a South/Central TX regional sports channel to come into existance anyway. I'd love to see more high school sports/universities besides UT and UTSA/news on the Wranglers, Express, Missions, Rampage, Silver Stars, etc.

 

But I'd still assume it'd be a much smaller contract. You would quite seriously have to include a huge area to even come close to the amount of households just the Miami CMSA has (SA, Austin, Corpus, and Laredo DMAs), and the majority of that area is way outside the key demographics advertisers look for. The only way you get close to the Marlins current contract (I'm assuming since I don't know the actual deal) would be to have a separate contract for TV/Radio into Mexico, and that's probably iffy at best. You are not going to be able to command anywhere near the advertising dollars in SA that you can in Miami, which means a new channel would have to rely much more on cable fees or run at an operating loss.

 

Plus, you'd have to deal with the Spurs contract with FSN to move them to a new channel, and new channels in general won't command big $ advertising, so that's already a big notch of even the potential contract.

 

 

The elements for a successful sports network are all there as you listed them. And I agree with you that advertising budgets would be much larger in S. Fl. ......the key here though is Mexico and that is where Henry Cisneros comes in with his previous position with Univision. I also believe that it is likely......that Clear Channel would be willing to take an initial hit to make this happen....ESPECIALLY if they have a minority stake in the club. And the market will grow to where it will be a winner for them.

The elements for a successful sports network are all there as you listed them. And I agree with you that advertising budgets would be much larger in S. Fl. ......the key here though is Mexico and that is where Henry Cisneros comes in with his previous position with Univision. I also believe that it is likely......that Clear Channel would be willing to take an initial hit to make this happen....ESPECIALLY if they have a minority stake in the club. And the market will grow to where it will be a winner for them.

 

 

It definitely does have potential. Especially if you can draw strongly on the Austin crowd by working in their teams. It'd need to be truly regional and not just SA. You know you could easily get loyal RGV following with just the Spurs. And the mexico broadcasting rights would definitely be needed.

 

I agree that if Clear Channel were to do something like that, they would certainly be willing to take a bit of a hit for at least a few years, especially if they had a stake in the team, but not for more than that. If they don't see profitability in a venture, I can't see them doing it. They'd be in a dogfight with FSN though.

The elements for a successful sports network are all there as you listed them. And I agree with you that advertising budgets would be much larger in S. Fl. ......the key here though is Mexico and that is where Henry Cisneros comes in with his previous position with Univision. I also believe that it is likely......that Clear Channel would be willing to take an initial hit to make this happen....ESPECIALLY if they have a minority stake in the club. And the market will grow to where it will be a winner for them.

 

 

It definitely does have potential. Especially if you can draw strongly on the Austin crowd by working in their teams. It'd need to be truly regional and not just SA. You know you could easily get loyal RGV following with just the Spurs. And the mexico broadcasting rights would definitely be needed.

 

I agree that if Clear Channel were to do something like that, they would certainly be willing to take a bit of a hit for at least a few years, especially if they had a stake in the team, but not for more than that. If they don't see profitability in a venture, I can't see them doing it. They'd be in a dogfight with FSN though.

 

So would that dogfight with FSN not result in a bidding up of the broadcast rights? Making that gap in broadcast rights fees even less for the Marlins?

scratch PLAN A

 

It is B

 

In Robaina I trust

 

and with all due respect to our Texans (And San Antonio move supporters)

 

stop the hyjack, take your SA talk to another thread.

 

This is now about plan B

This is now about plan B

 

 

Maybe it's about Plan A and the state funding was Plan B. Maybe they had a plan together and thought, "hell if we go to the state this would be a lot easier, lets give it a shot." Now that's it's dead, again, they can move on with their lives and go with what they may have originally been planning.

 

Hope this is true, it's just speculation.

This is now about plan B

 

 

Maybe it's about Plan A and the state funding was Plan B. Maybe they had a plan together and thought, "hell if we go to the state this would be a lot easier, lets give it a shot." Now that's it's dead, again, they can move on with their lives and go with what they may have originally been planning.

 

Hope this is true, it's just speculation.

I think you are correct

This is now about plan B

 

 

Maybe it's about Plan A and the state funding was Plan B. Maybe they had a plan together and thought, "hell if we go to the state this would be a lot easier, lets give it a shot." Now that's it's dead, again, they can move on with their lives and go with what they may have originally been planning.

 

Hope this is true, it's just speculation.

You are correct. That is not speculation but reality.

and with all due respect to our Texans (And San Antonio move supporters)

 

stop the hyjack, take your SA talk to another thread.

 

 

Yeah, sorry about that. I kept meaning to ask Longhorn to move it to a more private method since I know you guys don't want to hear that kind of talk, just kept forgetting.

 

It's too bad the tax rebate didn't get voted on in the house, since it was almost assuredly going to pass there. Hopefully it won't affect things and they can get the rebate through next year.