NHL in PDX??

[roner]

I like the ideas and it sounds as if we would be first in line if they left, but I don't want it if the plan hinders are ability to get baseball, or on a miracle- football. I think those two sports would do much better in Portland.

[Dougall5505]

wow we seem like the frontrunner. who knows we may even get the allstar game in a couple years. and keep in mind the penguins are not a horrible team, they have the potential to win the stanley cup, this could be very exciting

[urbanlife]

baseball is too much of a money pit. You either have a huge price tag or you have a mostly losing team....granted things are changing, but I can do without baseball.

Hockey here would be cool, kind of hoping for something like this.

[65MAX]

Originally Posted by roner

I like the ideas and it sounds as if we would be first in line if they left, but I don't want it if the plan hinders are ability to get baseball, or on a miracle- football. I think those two sports would do much better in Portland.

Adding NHL to the Portland market would just enforce the fact that we can support more than just Basketball. If anything, it would improve our prospects for MLB, or even NFL. There are many markets smaller than ours that support one, or even both, of these leagues.

I know a lot of people refuse to accept this, but Portland IS a big city. And we're only getting bigger.

[roner]

^^^^you're right, and the more I think about it the more I would be thrilled to have a NHL team here in Portland.

[PacificNW]

I agree with you guys..Portland is a big city and growing and can support more than 1 or 2 major professional teams.

I am keeping tabs on the blogs, etc. out of Pittsburgh and I have the feeling that Mario will get his arena in the Steel City. They are theirs to lose. I certainly feel Portland should be at the top of the list if they do relocate. It can only help our efforts having Global Spectrum/Creditors pushing for the Rose Garden. I am keeping my fingers crossed. The NHL is a far superior product than Junior Hockey...you guys would love it!

[Urban Zombie]

I read something a while back saying that Sabres were looking to move to Seattle--but I haven't heard anything since. Anyone else hear this rumour?

[roner]

I was just reading an article over on the Northeast thead and your right PacificNW, looks like the team may stay in Pitts after all. The winner of that casino deal has pledged 7.5 million a year and the state has matched that offer for the next 30 years to keep the team there. That's 435 million to stay in Pitts. I guess anything can happen but it's looking bleak for PDX.

^^^^I don't know much concerning the Seattle/Buffalo deal, but I know that Seattle does not have an arena that any team desires. In fact, the Sonics may leave because of arena issues. If the Pens leave Pitts and head to the NW it will be in Portland, not Seattle.

[urbanlife]

pittsburgh would be hard pressed to ever lose a team, they love their pro teams too much and will do anything to keep them. But Portland would make a great market for any NHL team.

[urbanlife]

double post, my bad.

[Nutterbug]

Just out of curiosity, do most of you wanting an NHL team actually care the least bit about hockey, or do you just want one there just for the sake of it?

Though I'd like a nearby rival for Vancouver, I think Winnipeg or Hamilton would be more deserving. They actually live and breathe hockey.

[roner]

I understand your point nutterbug and think that Canada certainly deserves a team before any U.S. market. I grew up in Michigan and watched a ton of hockey and went to some Wings games. Someone over in the Northeast section posted a attendence report for the NHL and most Canadian markets beat U.S. markets. If anything I think one or two of the NYC area teams should relocate to the PNW not the penns.

[urbanlife]

I am not much of a hockey fan, but if the city got one, I would support it and go to a game or two at least each year. But Canada will always be more deserving of hockey teams than anyone in the US.

[PacificNW]

I think Portland deserves a hockey team when one becomes available (either through expansion or relocation). I think there was a NHL team in one of those Canadian cities mentioned above not that many years ago. Hamilton is so close to Toronto and Buffalo so I am not a huge supporter in their corner. I think having teams in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Jose, LA and Annaheim would create a fantastic/competitive division.

[Nutterbug]

^ I don't think the Metro LA area needs both the Kings and the Ducks.

Maybe one of them should move to Portland.

[PacificNW]

Great idea....By the way, I think Winnipeg built a new arena recently but it's too small for NHL purposes. Also, I don't think the teams in Atlanta or Tampa Bay attract that many fans.

[A&Fcolumbus]

Columbus' team does well with the fan base and support, and Pittsburgh is the closet team nearby. It would be sad to see them go, but Detroit and Chicago aren't too far.

[urbanlife]

they wont give up the Ducks, Disney never knows when they might need them to make another crappy movie.

[MarkDaMan]

Originally Posted by roner

why does the article keeping saying Rose Quarter? Does that entail both the Garden and Coliseum? If it's just the Rose Garden that's certainly impressive.

The numbers are based on both venues. An upgraded Memorial Coliseum would be attractive to smaller concerts and shows. I do like the personal feeling being able to walk from the top bleachers to the floor, it just needs some serious TLC and could be a world class mid-sized venue...I think the NHL, Blazers, and major summer concerts in the Garden, while smaller concerts, political shows, disney on ice, and the Lumberjax in the updated coliseum would be an excellent year round fit.

[Nutterbug]

Originally Posted by urbanlife

they wont give up the Ducks, Disney never knows when they might need them to make another crappy movie.

I thought they already sold them, hence just the Ducks now (no 'Mighty').