Taking another look at Murray.

[the cup]

Everyone, I think it is time to step back and take another look at things. I think I am back on board with the Murray to be the site for the stadium. Mostly because with Murray I think it will get done and I am starting to have some doubts with Downtown.

First off, I would love to have the stadium Downtown as I think all of us would. But mostly, I want to have a stadium. I don't want to be stuck at Rice Eccles playing on fake grass with football lines.

I'm getting the feeling the pricetag of the Downtown stadium is getting out of reach especially where it looks like the stadium would have to have a retractable roof in order to hold concerts and the selling point of using the stadium for other things is central. Plus we are also looking at rising costs for another TRAX stop as well.

The only way I see the stadium Downtown is if it is privetly financed which wouldn't be impossible, Earl Holdings is supposedly a Billionaire. I don't think Downtown is out of the question, however with public money I can just see too many obstacles.

Now, Murray seems more realistic. Help me with the facts if I get this wrong. No new TRAX station is needed because one already exists where the stadium would be. Murray would be giving us the land for free. Murray came out of the blue with a proposal because they want us there. There is enough space for practice fields.

Yeh, they want to put a Lowes and Target somewhat close to the stadium which isn't that cool, but maybe we could get a Soccer Pub or something popping up too that would give us a place to hang out.

Anyway, its just looking more and more to me that the Murray site is going to give me a stadium within a couple of years that will actually exist where Downtown wouldn't.

Your thoughts.

[the cup]

(I meant to put this thread under General Real Talk. Neil, move this thread if you want, thanks)

[Deuce]

After reading articles and trying to guage public opinion based on what the news outlets are spewing! I tend to agree with you... on all but two points.

1) The land in downtown will be free to RSL for the stadium, just like in Murray.
2) the misconception that there is more land in Murray. The stadium site in Murray is the same size as downtown. The Murray Redevelopment group or whatever they are called is setting aside 100 acres for redevelopment but the area set aside for the stadium is still only 10 acres. Just like Downtown.

Being a realist I am tending to believe the stadium will be in Murray because of the obstacles in downtown... I will be pleased when the stadium gets built... Period!
But that does not mean that I don't still want it downtown...

both cities are deserving... both cities want it... so it will likely come down to the city that can realistically make it happen...

Whichever city it is I will welcome it... but of course I hope it is Downtown!

[SoccerPrime]

Maybe I am wrong, but isn't the problem that Salt Lake COUNTY voters have to approve the money for the stadium? Both Salt Lake CITY and Murray are in SL COUNTY so either way, the public money is coming from the same source. County property owners.

If thats true, then at least Murray is less expensive and therefore might have a greater chance of passing.

[Jose Luis Luviano]

Murray is closer to the Utah County Firm.

Also, Murray is less susceptible to the Yogi Berra's Favorite Restaurant Problem.

(Yogi Berra once said about his favorite nightspot, "No one goes there any more. It's too crowded.)

Especially for midweek games, the perception will be that it is easier to find parking in Murray.

We also need parking lots for our tailgate parties!

Also, seeing as Rocky Anderson has accused Davis Countians of causing global warming, cancer and pretty much every other evil in modern society, maybe the Davis County Set will not mind a longer trip to Murray; where they will find lots of parking and a quiet mayor.

(Hey Rocky! Didn't Davis County cause us to finish last in France in '98?)

[SoccerPrime]

Jose Luis Luviano, I have no idea what you just said, but Murray is in Salt Lake County.
Also, at the Feb.1 meeting, Checketts said that RSL would build a parking garage even if the City/County had no plans to build one.

[jasoncox]

I agree that a Murray stadium is better than no stadium. But how cool would it be to have the first downtown stadium? A retractable roof? Let's do it! It sounds like Checketts wants it downtown. Let him figure out the details. If there's one thing that Checketts has shown so far, if you wants something he gets it done.

[montgjules]

You all probably know how I feel on the subject: I'll go wherever the stadium is built, but I still think downtown travel will be more difficult coming from any direction. (Yes, you can all disagree and that's fine.)

One thing I'll point out is that I think a big sprawling parking lot next to Lowe's/Home Depot/whatever should be free (I'm not going to pay to shop at a hardware store) and have more exits than a parking garage. Parking garages are great for stuffing a bunch of cars into a small space, but if they're all trying to leave at the same time.... disaster...

Who cares where it is? Let The Dave Man run the numbers and work through all the crap that we don't have the power to figure out. He's a successful businessman for a reason and will ultimately make the best choice.

(How's that for naive trust?)

[Czar Jake]

I may get flayed alive for this, but: Enjoyable soccer is all about passion, and passionate soccer is all about atmosphere. The atmosphere in a downtown stadium would be soooo much better than out in the 'burbs somewhere with a Target next to it. I would (yes, I'm going to say it!) rather wait 3+ seasons and get a great downtown stadium done right than hurry and get any old stadium in 2 seasons with a Target and a McDonalds next door. (That's right, I said it)

We all hate how people think of soccer as only for moms and little kids in minivans, right? That's the image that a stadium out in the suburbs conjures up in my mind.

Of course, I will cheer just as loudly at either place. Forza RSL!

[clarette]

I have this sinking feeling that Murray will end up being the site.

I just hope it's not too generic... although if they put in an IKEA, Urban Outfitters, or Trader Joe's next to the stadium, I might be convinced to rethink my position on the Murray thing. 😉