Is a privately funded stadium Downtown the only answer?

the cup · 05-03-2006, 09:03 AM

At this point with everthing that has transpired, is a privately funded stadium Downtown the only answer?

I think it is, but is it possible?

What would Checketts have to do to make it possible?

He has said that they have already privately raised millions for the Sandy site, why not take that money and build a more scaled back stadium Downtown?

I think the team would win back the hardcore fans that rebelled at the idea of the Sandy stadium and perhaps get the general population off their back and maybe on their side now.

Please Dave, build the stadium where should have always been.

I_Believe_In_Kreis · 05-03-2006, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the cup

At this point with everthing that has transpired, is a privately funded stadium Downtown the only answer?

I think it is, but is it possible?

I think a privately funded stadium is probably the only answer, but I don't think it necessarily has to be downtown. Why not a privately funded stadium in [insert Wasatch Front suburb here]?

The more pressing question is, at what point will Checketts say screw it and move the team to a city that will play by his rules? Real Seattle anyone? Is an extra $35M worth it to him just to keep the team in Utah?

And perhaps the most pertinent question - what should WE (the fans) be doing to help? Should we write letters to the editor in order to sway public opinion? Offer the RSL organization some counseling about playing nice? Should we have a bake sale and donate the proceeds to the stadium fund? A car wash maybe? A magazine drive?

Sorry but I can't just sit here and watch ineptitude on both sides push my beloved soccer team out of the state. We need to do something before this hits critical mass, which I don't believe is far off.

fuegote · 05-03-2006, 09:24 AM

Real St. Louis.

they don't need to change a thing.

the cup · 05-03-2006, 09:31 AM

There is time I believe to get new plans up and running. They wanted to break ground this August to have the stadium ready for the beginning of 2008. We could pull a Chicago and play half of the year on the road. That would buy us 6 more months. So we wouldn't have to break ground until February of next year.

That still gives us the rest of this year to put another plan together.

the cup · 05-03-2006, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I_Believe_In_Kreis

I think a privately funded stadium is probably the only answer, but I don't think it necessarily has to be downtown. Why not a privately funded stadium in [insert Wasatch Front suburb here]?

I think there is still empty land at Fireclay Ave. in Murray.

JasonMa · 05-03-2006, 09:45 AM

You don't have to worry about Real Seattle. Given that the Soncis are threatening to leave town due to lack of support from the city government (read "It's been 10 years since you paid to upgrade our arena, we want more, wahhh!!!") I don't think Checketts will find much support there.

Section 37 · 05-03-2006, 09:47 AM

If Checketts comes up with 100% (and if anyone can, he can), that would truly be something

because his first pitch to Salt Lake City was a plan for 100% public financing through the city.

SpiffCoug · 05-03-2006, 09:50 AM

If Checketts could come up with 100% of the financing, won't he still need county $$$ for infrastructure (power lines, sewage, water, telephone, etc)?

the cup · 05-03-2006, 09:54 AM

I was just reminded over on BS that RDA funds could come back into play now. I do now remember reading somewhere that Bramble was back on board with the possibility of using RDA funds for sports facilities.

Quote:

Originally Posted by stucknutah

It may not have to be 100% private...

SLC was on board to get Block 22 (until the price jumped 3x) using RDA funds until Chalk-boy screwed the deal. Now RDA's are back in play. If SLC and RSL can find an underperforming block of land (other side of Gateway?) this could still be a win/win and the stadium could come downtown.

Deuce · 05-03-2006, 10:05 AM

One thing that I have noticed and has been bugging me is the silence coming from Sandy Mayor Tom Dolan.

RSL announced the stadium in Sandy due in no small part to Tom Dolan's influence... Then this guy up and vanishes.
Where did he go and where is all this influence that was being touted last year?