What A Cluster****
Here’s what we know. The project proposed to the city by Chris Hansen is a good one.
The project does NOT rely on NEW taxes, it would be self-funding, IN any given year shortfalls would be covered by the teams. NO Public subsidies. This will avoid the roadblock many Seattle ventures have faced.
Screeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeech Hit the brakes. A road block? Yes we have one now.
The Seattle Mariners
Continue reading for my thoughts, and some NEWS.
The Associated Press reported yesterday that the Seattle Mariners essentially oppose a new NBA/NHL arena in the neighborhood of Safeco Field.
It came to light yesterday with the letter they sent to the city of Seattle. Howard Lincoln the Mariners chairman signed the letter. It was first obtained by KJR-AM and later by the AP.
Traffic problems appear to be the biggest concern that the M’s have in my opinion.
But are these guys sniffing glue?
Sodo District Image from the air. You can't fit another arena there? Cmon!
Why do the M’s come out in support of a new Arena and new teams relocating to the northwest while at the same time opposing what is actually needed to make that a reality?
The M’s already share the area with the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and the MLS’ Seattle Sounders, who both play next door in CenturyLink Field.
Lincoln gave a few suggestions in the letter, including Seattle Center, South Lake Union and the suburbs of Renton, Wash.
Memo to Howard. The Mariners / NHL / & an NBA team could all play on the same day and not get the attendance that the Seahawks get, so this is crazy to me.
Lincoln did make it pretty clear though he supports a possible return of the NBA.
“The proposed SODO location, in our view, simply does not work,” Lincoln said in the letter.
“It would bring scheduling, traffic and parking challenges that would likely require hundreds of millions of dollars to mitigate.
At the end of the day this is opening up a big can of you know what as we all know what this is really about. The Seattle Mariners brass don’t want to have to compete with the NBA/NHL Sounders & Seahawks for PRO shop sales of team gear and uniforms and memorabilia, as well as season ticket sales and those almighty luxury suites.
WE followed some interesting tweets yesterday NONE better than Geoff Baker the Seattle Times beat writer for the M’s. Who always tells it like it is.
Mariners acting like a team trying to protect it’s turf at all costs in the short term. Makes you wonder what long term plan is. #sale
— Geoff Baker (@gbakermariners) April 4, 2012
Tough to up game when you’re cutting payroll to raise franchise value ahead of…oh yeah, this supposed contention strategy by…? When?
— Geoff Baker (@gbakermariners) April 4, 2012
So, in short, yes, the Mariners are rebuilding. As we’ve said before, they are taking slow route and yes, it appears deliberate.
— Geoff Baker (@gbakermariners) April 4, 2012
Maybe in 2015. Maybe not.
— Geoff Baker (@gbakermariners) April 4, 2012
At the end of the Day Seattle sports fans who knows how this is going to shake out. The M’s know these other teams in the area compliment them right?
More pro teams in a BIG city is a good thing. So I guess the biggest question I have is why don’t the M’s understand this?
I don’t buy what the M’s brass is saying about TRAFFIC being the biggest issue.
I’m trying to see both sides here. I really am. But I don’t think the Mariners have a leg to stand on right now.
It seems these issues they’ve raised in their “letter” should be brought up by the Port of Seattle (they sent a letter too, afterall) and even the City council itself.
We’re not stupid Chuck et al.
Bottom line: I just want more sports in Seattle. AND I”M NOT EVEN FREAKIN LIVING IN SEATTLE. LOL
Figure it out suits!
I digress.
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