RSL Stadium?.......Will it happen? - Page 7

Ute_City · #**121** Posted **Feb 2, 2007, 3:56 AM**

Might as well kiss RSL and that son of a bi#ch Checketts adios....

RSL tells Utah County: thanks, but no thanks
By Derek P. Jensen
The Salt Lake Tribune

Article Last Updated: 02/01/2007 05:28:15 PM MST

Posted: 5:29 PM- It appears to be a two-horse race between Sandy and St. Louis in Real Salt Lake's stadium sweepstakes.
On Thursday, RSL owner Dave Checketts issued a news release that ruled out moving or selling the team to Utah County.
Sandy-based Anderson Development had been pursuing the franchise in hopes of relocating it to its project planned on the shores of Utah Lake.
"Real Salt Lake ... [is] grateful for the interest that Anderson Development and its principals have shown us in wanting to locate our stadium project" in Vineyard," Checketts said in his statement. "We have decided, however, that this site is not a viable option for our team or the stadium project."
Attorney Michael Hutchings, a co-owner of Anderson Development, could not be immediately reached for comment.
In addition, Salt Lake City Fairpark appears to be a long shot in landing the stadium.

Ute_City · #**122** Posted **Feb 2, 2007, 4:05 AM**

The rivalry between the sports mega-millionaires continues:

[B]Jazz owner says he has no interest in buying RSL - Miller says Checketts' plan was ill-conceived

By Tim Buckley
Deseret Morning News
Jazz owner Larry H. Miller on Wednesday shot down rumors he might get involved with the Real Salt Lake soccer fiasco — and fired some salvos as well at Dave Checketts, the ex-Jazz president who owns RSL.
"I have never, ever gotten involved in soccer," Miller said. "I have no intention of it. And I'm serious — I've never talked to anybody about it.
"In fact, you may remember about ... four or six months ago Checketts was going on one of his diatribes and somebody said, 'Well, have you thought about Larry Miller?' and he said, 'I will never sell this team to Larry Miller,' and I turned to (wife) Gail and (said), 'Thank goodness.' "Seriously," Miller added. "I don't mean to make too much light of it, but I have no interest at all."
Even if he were approached now by Checketts — who threatened to sell after his plan for a new soccer-specific stadium in Sandy was spoiled Monday by Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon — Miller would have no interest.
Miller went on to blast Checketts' rejected funding proposal.
"This particular plan, in my opinion, is very ill-conceived... " he said. "Checketts, from the beginning, has said he wants a deal like Larry Miller got (to build the Delta Center, the Jazz home now called EnergySolutions Arena). Two major counts: Our plan to repay the debt ... will be fully paid off in (about) three years; he has no plans to repay any debt. And I brought my money to the table, and it was demonstrable. So, those are the two key things — and he hasn't done either.
"If a better plan comes along — if it's a viable economic model — more power to 'em, whether it's him or somebody else that owns them. I have zero problem with soccer being here, whether it's downtown, in Sandy or down in Utah Valley. But (the plan) has got to have more substance."
Asked if Checketts' failed bid might spoil the efforts of others seeking public funds for various projects, Miller responded affirmatively.
"He screwed the market up for everybody. Period. And he's handled it so poorly," he said. "I mean, he's a bright guy... Maybe brilliant. But he's made so many stupid moves.
"He calls the people (politicians) who are making the decisions 'idiots,' or words to (that) effect.... That's not a good plan when you're trying to get help. So, he's definitely muddied the market. But the good thing is ... any plan for something like that would be scrutinized on its own merits.
"He can save the deal," Miller added, "if he has some substantive plan.... You can't do it all with smoke and mirrors."
As for repairing his relationship with Checketts — who once worked closely with Miller, only to have things turn ugly when Checketts wasn't given an opportunity to purchase a share of the Jazz — Miller sounded off.
"Probably ... (but) there's nothing to benefit out of it," he said. "Personally, I like Dave. I get along with him well. He expressed some frustration and even bitterness when we first parted company in the '80s, and then I interacted with him quite a bit in (NBA) activities for the next 10 years or so. And as far as I was concerned, and because of what he said, everything was fine, hunky-dory.
"Then it was him that started bringing up the past again. I haven't done that. Once in a while I've stood up ... to counter some of the pure nonsense he's said. You can spell that with another letter that starts with 'b,' with eight letters.
"I've never lobbied against him, and he knows better than that. In fact, I feel like I actually lobbied for him ... because I said to everyone that asked ... 'If he wants a Delta Center deal, and if he would do what he says and what I did, give it him."'
An RSL spokesperson was made aware of Miller's comments late Wednesday, but Checketts couldn't be reached.

Larry might not like movies with gay cowboys, but he sure hit the nail on the head in his analysis of the current RSL situation!!

Comrade · #**123** Posted **Feb 2, 2007, 4:11 AM**

It's clear Dave Checketts does not want to do what is right for the city. He's only in it for his personal gains and that's the kind of owner I don't want in this market. It's funny how Checketts discusses the viability of RSL and how they need a stadium, yet his actions prove to me he's very capable of just up and selling the team at any time, leaving either Sandy or Salt Lake City with a vacant stadium.

If he wanted to keep the team in Utah he would build the stadium at the fairpark, but it's clear he won't do that. Instead FOX News is reporting that it's Sandy or St. Louis and that to me just shows he cares more about his checkbook than he does about RSL succeeding IN Salt Lake.

wrendog · #**124** Posted **Feb 2, 2007, 4:11 AM**

&*^&%&^%&*^(*&^(*&^*&^(*&

if he didn't want HIS team in UC, that's one thing, but why the HELL not sell it to the geneva steel peeps? no skin off checketts teeth!!!!

there is an article on kutv.com that says that state lawmakers may override caroon and force the county to build.. i want them to stay!

Comrade · #**125** Posted **Feb 2, 2007, 4:17 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrendog

&*^&%&^%&*^(*&^(*&^*&^(*&

if he didn't want HIS team in UC, that's one thing, but why the HELL not sell it to the geneva steel peeps? no skin off checketts teeth!!!!

there is an article on kutv.com that says that state lawmakers may override caroon and force the county to build.. i want them to stay!

But do you really want a team with this kind of owner? He's a pompous piece of shit that is very capable of relocating this team at any time. Then what are we left with? A freaking empty stadium.

Checketts is the problem people.

wrendog · #**126** Posted **Feb 2, 2007, 4:19 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Comrade Reynolds

But do you really want a team with this kind of owner? He's a pompous piece of shit that is very capable of relocating this team at any time. Then what are we left with? A freaking empty stadium.

Checketts is the problem people.

maybe I don't want checketts, but if the team leaves, there is NO shot for a new MLS team in SLC.. and I really enjoyed RSL and MLS the last couple of years.. this pisses me off..

jedikermit · #**127** Posted **Feb 2, 2007, 4:22 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Comrade Reynolds

But do you really want a team with this kind of owner? He's a pompous piece of shit that is very capable of relocating this team at any time. Then what are we left with? A freaking empty stadium.

Checketts is the problem people.

That's the impression I've had of him since this whole things started. He's yanking people around, he's trying to finance things with sleight of hand--he wants what's best for him, not for the team, and CERTAINLY not for Utah. He's had 2 alternative locations and alternative deals offered to him--let him take his ball and go home.

JCarp · #**128** Posted **Feb 2, 2007, 4:35 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jedikermit

...let him take his ball and go home.

SLC Projects · #**129** Posted **Feb 2, 2007, 4:57 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Comrade Reynolds

But do you really want a team with this kind of owner? He's a pompous piece of shit that is very capable of relocating this team at any time. Then what are we left with? A freaking empty stadium.

Checketts is the problem people.

Wow for once I would have to agree with you.

Today checketts just prove to me what a ass he really is and that he really just cares more about his checkbook then he does with the people of utah.
I bet he turn down Anderson in Vineyard because their bid was not high enough. and that he can make more selling to S.L.

wrendog · #**130** Posted **Feb 2, 2007, 5:02 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLC Projects

I bet he turn down Anderson in Vineyard because their bid was not high enough. and that he can make more selling to S.L.

lol... and you would fault him for that? not me.. I would only sell to UC guys IF they had a high bid.. it sounds, however, as if checketts wouldn't even consider it and THAT pisses me off

SLC Projects · #**131** Posted **Feb 2, 2007, 5:13 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrendog

lol... and you would fault him for that? not me.. I would only sell to UC guys IF they had a high bid.. it sounds, however, as if checketts wouldn't even consider it and THAT pisses me off

True, but if checketts really did care about salt lake and utah then money should not matter.

But maybe he didn't even consider UC.

Anyway it all comes down to Sandy and S.L. now and Sandy is going to lose.

It makes me mad that he won't even put it in the fairpark. Even when salt lake is just giving him the land.

i-215 · #**132** Posted **Feb 2, 2007, 5:23 AM**

I am very glad that Salt Lake County didn't help this jerk out. I expected him to pack up and leave town in a few years leaving an empty stadium. At least we see his true colors now before we waste millions building a useless stadium.

It's like that Kaschoggi guy who build Triad Center.... except we caught him before he took the money and ran.

delts145 · #**133** Posted **Feb 2, 2007, 8:31 AM**

A flurry of activity is taking place on Capitol Hill over REAL SL Friday, February 2, 2007

Efforts aim to keep team in Utah; Geneva site ruled out

By Amelia Nielson-Stowell and Lisa Riley Roche
Deseret Morning News
Lawmakers are juggling options to fund a Real Salt Lake soccer stadium in Utah — and likely, only in Salt Lake County.
Real officials said Thursday that they have decided the former Geneva Steel site in Vineyard, Utah County, is no longer a "viable option for our team or the stadium project." Anderson Geneva, an affiliate of Sandy-based Anderson Development LLC, owns the Utah County site and had met with Real officials Wednesday to discuss an offer.
"We continue to look at other options both within Salt Lake County and outside the state of Utah," team officials said Thursday.
Anderson Geneva officials did not return phone calls seeking comment.
On Capitol Hill, numerous bills are surfacing as possible options for the team and stadium to stay in the Beehive State. The legislative action comes after Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon on Monday denied the Major League Soccer team's request for $30 million in hotel-room tax dollars from the county for a $110 million stadium in Sandy.
At least one bill could allow the state to give away the county dollars that Corroon had refused to hand out. HB38 was substituted Thursday on the House floor to take more than $26 million of Salt Lake County's hotel-room tax revenue over the next 10 years and put it into a new state-controlled fund.
Sponsored by Rep. Merlynn Newbold, R-South Jordan, the bill would divert 15 percent of the county's hotel-room tax revenue for 10 years. That's enough to raise $26 million, said Darrin Casper, the county's chief financial officer.
But Newbold said the bill is not intended to give money to the stadium project. She said it is specifically to be used for parking and traffic projects, such as building the South Towne parking garage or alleviating congestion around the Salt Palace Convention Center.
"The soccer stadium is another issue. I have nothing to do with that," she said. "People can be creative. But stadiums are not included."
However, if lawmakers were to create a sports commission for the south valley — as many are suggesting they will — the $26 million could be funneled there and used for a stadium.
House Speaker Greg Curtis, R-Sandy, said again Thursday that he's no longer taking the lead in pushing for legislative action on Real. But he suggested that Newbold's bill could be used to fund the project.
"I do have legislation that one of my colleagues is running to capture the money for the parking structure that has been talked about," Curtis said. "But there's no money in that for anything regarding Real until there's a decision by other key policymakers to be involved."
Meanwhile, lawmakers also were talking of a sports commission that could be created to administer funds for the stadium. No one was claiming credit for the idea, but several bills could accomplish that goal.
One might be SB167, sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Mike Dmitrich, D-Price. The bill would create a new Utah Sports Authority that could potentially manage any sports programs or facilities that receive state money.
Rep. Greg Hughes, R-Draper, said the bill would coordinate with another bill he is sponsoring, HB254. Under HB254, which was approved by a legislative committee last week, the Pete Suazo Utah Athletic Commission would shift oversight from the Department of Commerce to the Utah Sports Authority.
"It's an appropriate home for the boxing commission," Hughes said, adding he did not know about the idea to use the agency to fund a soccer stadium. "My focus is on the sport of boxing."
Sen. Ed Mayne, D-West Valley, is sponsoring a similar bill, SB162. The goal of both bills is to protect amateur and professional boxing in the state, Mayne said. He and Hughes are working together and will probably add similar substitutions, he said, and they anticipate the bills working with the Utah Sports Authority.
As for the Real stadium project being under the sports authority, Mayne said that is not part of his bill. But bills can be changed or substituted, and there's some suggestion that could happen to one of the Senate bills in the House.
As for other sources of funding, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. told the Deseret Morning News on Thursday that "all the options are on the table" and that the issue was too important for him to speculate on the success of any particular idea.
Soccer was a topic of the governor's regular weekly meeting with legislative leaders on Wednesday. While no decisions were made, several options were discussed, including using the transient room tax, according to Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem. The Senate leader, however, said he had not heard about the creation of a sports commission to administer the funds.
Sandy Mayor Tom Dolan said he knows there's discussion amongst the state officials about stadium funding, but Sandy cannot offer more money to keep it in the city.
"We still have hopes for Real," he said. "It's just up to somebody else besides us now."
Meanwhile, Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson would not discuss details of his ongoing work with lawmakers and the governor. Those talks are aimed at reaching the goal of keeping the team in Utah, but he also suggested Thursday that a solution would come from lawmakers.
"I think that there will be a proposed legislative solution, and if the stadium ends up in Sandy, I totally support it," he said. "If it ends up at the State Fairpark, of course, I think that's a great result."
Anderson said that whatever happens, it will be now or never. "That has got to happen very quickly or this team is going to be sold," the mayor said. "I'm talking about days, not weeks."

------------------------------------------------------------------------

SLC Projects · #**134** Posted **Feb 2, 2007, 1:02 PM**

I had a dream last night that the RSL team got sold. I was walking downtown and I saw these two buses with the playing loading up and getting in. Everyone looked sad. That's all I can remember of that dream.

But the way things are going it looks like that nightmare is about to come true.

delts145 · #**135** Posted **Feb 2, 2007, 2:14 PM**

Good Grief, and all this time I thought my bud was just a cool goomba with a weird sense of humor. We need to change the name to Moses Projects.Yeah, that would definately be more fitting.

newkidontheblock · #**136** Posted **Feb 2, 2007, 3:53 PM**

Okay, this political game has nearly played itself out. Think partisan politics here. The Republicans up on the hill will revive this by creating a sports authority. The deal will be pushed through next week, all of the details regarding the stadium and the infrastructure will come out, and the Governor will be talking about how the Mayor does not have the foresight to see the benefits of professional sports in Utah. Ground will be broken on the stadium almost immediately.
The following bills will be passed today:

HB38: Diverts County TRT funds (15% for 10 years)
SB167: Creates the Utah Sports Authority
HB254: Switches boxing commision control to new sports authority
SB162: Similar to HB254

wrendog · #**137** Posted **Feb 2, 2007, 4:17 PM**

is this just conjecture on your part? Or do you really have this inside knowledge? I really really hope what you say is true..

arkhitektor · #**138** Posted **Feb 2, 2007, 4:24 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by newkidontheblock

Okay, this political game has nearly played itself out. Think partisan politics here. The Republicans up on the hill will revive this by creating a sports authority. The deal will be pushed through next week, all of the details regarding the stadium and the infrastructure will come out, and the Governor will be talking about how the Mayor does not have the foresight to see the benefits of professional sports in Utah. Ground will be broken on the stadium almost immediately.
The following bills will be passed today:

HB38: Diverts County TRT funds (15% for 10 years)
SB167: Creates the Utah Sports Authority
HB254: Switches boxing commision control to new sports authority
SB162: Similar to HB254

Didn't they already break ground in August?

Makid · #**139** Posted **Feb 2, 2007, 4:27 PM**

Sen. John Valentine said on Doug Wright this morning that they are actively working on the deal and he expects it to be complete within the next week.

He did say that they are working on the Sandy site aswell as the Fair Park at the same time. The fair park is still a viable location according to Valentine.

delts145 · #**140** Posted **Feb 2, 2007, 4:45 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrendog

is this just conjecture on your part? Or do you really have this inside knowledge? I really really hope what you say is true..

If conjecture its quite accurate, except for Gov.Huntsman scenario in regard to Carroon. It isn't Huntsman style,even in private he is the consumate,much admired ambassador. He will have ample praise for Carroon and simply place the current status as a needed consensus building.