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Originally Posted by combusean
^ What were one of the first things?
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The Suns, D'backs, Coyotes and Cardinals all are here in part because of him. You may not be a sports fan, but to deny the economic impact that Jerry Colangelo has had on the Valley is quite silly. We wouldn't have things like Super Bowls, All Star Games, NCAA Tournaments, etc in the Valley if it wasn't for Colangelo. He put a new arena and a ballpark in downtown, when he didn't have to. He could've chosen to put them on the fringes and let downtown whither away even more. Largely because of him, millions of people come downtown every year that otherwise wouldn't.
Colangelo has been a relentless promoter of Phoenix, specifically of the Central City. Sure he may not have always got things right (I wish Chase Field interacted with the street along its North Face better), but he's not an urban planner, he's a sports mogul.
I can't think of a single private individual who's done more to help promote the Valley and help it grow
EDIT: Just a little story that I think is nice. When Phoenix hosted the 1975 All Star Game, Colangelo used his own money to buy some tv time before the game. He had them show various shots of the Valley and our stunning scenery and sunsets while Glenn Campbells "By the Time I get to Phoenix" played. I don't think thats something a greedy, only out for himself kind of guy would do. He knew that thousands of people would be watching that game, a lot of them freezing their butts of in January and maybe a few would see the scenery and the warm sun and decide to come out here for themselves. He's constantly promoted Phoenix and done the best he could for the city, and for that he certainly deserves a tip of all our caps.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tempedude
edit: I was watching a sport show the other day where Colangelo was being interviewed. They were talking about him taking over Stern's position with the NBA. Colangelo someday (he indicated that he wanted to), and is sort of next in line to do so, may take Stern's job. Oh please make that true oh great gods of basketball, sooner rather than later.
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That would be terrific for the NBA. David Stern is incompetent in nearly every conceivable way. He routinely misdiagnosis the NBAs problem (i.e. the stupid dress code), enforces silly rules that hurt the league (i.e. the Amare/Diaw suspensions) and defends his crooked refs to his grave. Bring on JC I say.