Kansas City still looking for team?

[htpwn]

He means the cap is socialist, and that we as Leafs and Hawks fans are footing the Bill for it, money that could go back into the team

Agree?

For most of his time in power, Stalin ruled on the basis of his own cult of personalty and Soviet nationalism. The Soviet Union was a totalitarian society, but not necessarily a socialist one. That is something that Khrushchev tried to do away with when he came to power in 1953.

My question still stands to the user, as to compare someone to Stalin is no different than doing it with Hitler. Both are among the most ruthless dictators to ever rule on this planet. Bettman may not be well liked, but he is no Stalin. He is no ruthless dictator.

As for the cap in particular, the Leafs aren't "footing the bill" for it, they are making money off it. With the team no longer having to spend as much as they did pre-lockout, that extra cash is being pocketed for the most part.

 

[Melrose Munch]

......

 

[Melrose Munch]

To get back on topic, has there been any news out of KC about a potential owner/ownership group that would be trying to bring the NHL to the area? Having a good sports town and an available arena only goes so far, as they're pretty much useless if someone isn't willing to foot the bill and run the team.

http://www.kansascity.com/2011/09/26/3169339/fans-will-flock-to-sprint-center.html

Before anyone asks — no, superstar Sidney Crosby won’t be in the house when the Pittsburgh Penguins face the Los Angeles Kings in an NHL exhibition at 7 tonight at the Sprint Center.
Crosby takes part in daily workouts, practices and some scrimmages, but he has yet to be cleared for contact since suffering a concussion Jan. 5.
However, the absence of Crosby, the NHL’s most marketable and best-known player for leading the Penguins to the 2009 Stanley Cup championship and Canada to Olympic gold in 2010, hasn’t adversely affected interest in the game.

Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/09/26/3169339/fans-will-flock-to-sprint-center.html#ixzz1aDVL0pxH
​

 

[Melrose Munch]

http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/...-kings-penguins-game-in-kansas-city-sold-out/

This game sold out!!!

 

[Habs05]

http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/...-kings-penguins-game-in-kansas-city-sold-out/

This game sold out!!!

A preseason game sold out in Qc city and Halifax (didn't check other cities). It's a rare event for theses cities cause they don't have a team. Rarity attracts people. If a rare NHL event doesn't sell out you know for sure that fans don't care. But if it's sold out you can't conclude it's gonna be the same everytime on a regular base.

 

[Melrose Munch]

A preseason game sold out in Qc city and Halifax (didn't check other cities). It's a rare event for theses cities cause they don't have a team. Rarity attracts people. If a rare NHL event doesn't sell out you know for sure that fans don't care. But if it's sold out you can't conclude it's gonna be the same everytime on a regular base.

True but at least we know someone cares!

 

[Shawa666]

A preseason game sold out in Qc city and Halifax (didn't check other cities). It's a rare event for theses cities cause they don't have a team. Rarity attracts people. If a rare NHL event doesn't sell out you know for sure that fans don't care. But if it's sold out you can't conclude it's gonna be the same everytime on a regular base.

Last pre season game in KC didn't attract more than 10 000.

 

[Habs05]

Last pre season game in KC didn't attract more than 10 000.

That was in 2010? If that's true, it may reflect the fact that people didn't believe in relocation at that time. When Winnipeg moved in 2011 people started to hope they could be the next one. This has brought excitement and filled the arena for this year preseason.

True but at least we know someone cares!

People care in Phoenix but they aren't enough. If Kc has a real fanbase and owner they should bid for a franchise. But if Shawa's post is true, that 10 000 might be close to the real number of fans in their arena, in a "post-excitement" period (aka regular base).

 

[DetRedWings109*]

Last pre season game in KC didn't attract more than 10 000.

Who cares about preseason games ina market who doesnt even have a team? NBA wouldnt have drawn that much in KC.

 

[Melrose Munch]

That was in 2010? If that's true, it may reflect the fact that people didn't believe in relocation at that time. When Winnipeg moved in 2011 people started to hope they could be the next one. This has brought excitement and filled the arena for this year preseason.




People care in Phoenix but they aren't enough. If Kc has a real fanbase and owner they should bid for a franchise. But if Shawa's post is true, that 10 000 might be close to the real number of fans in their arena, in a "post-excitement" period (aka regular base).

I think its great they sold out. You should be happy that at least some people want to see hockey.

 

[Habs05]

I think its great they sold out. You should be happy that at least some people want to see hockey.

I don't want to see a Phoenix ver 2.0. What happened in Atlanta (and might happen in Phoenix) is just sad for the real fans there (even if they weren't enough). As I wrote, if they have a real (strong) fanbase and owner in Kansas they should bid. I just hope their fanbase estimations won't be wrong. Fans support in Qc was always high (when they had their team, and in preseason games) and their population clearly demonstrated how bad they want their franchise back. It's just less risky to put a franchise there, and no competition with other pro-sports teams.

I have nothing against more teams in the US but don't give franchises to markets who might support them at the expense of those who will support them 100%.

 

[dronald]

I don't want to see a Phoenix ver 2.0. What happened in Atlanta (and might happen in Phoenix) is just sad for the real fans there (even if they weren't enough). As I wrote, if they have a real (strong) fanbase and owner in Kansas they should bid. I just hope their fanbase estimations won't be wrong. Fans support in Qc was always high (when they had their team, and in preseason games) and their population clearly demonstrated how bad they want their franchise back. It's just less risky to put a franchise there, and no competion with other pro-sports teams.

I have nothing against more teams in the US but don't give franchises to markets who might support them at the expense of those who will support them 100%.

This is my thing here.

 

[DetRedWings109*]

I don't want to see a Phoenix ver 2.0. What happened in Atlanta (and might happen in Phoenix) is just sad for the real fans there (even if they weren't enough). As I wrote, if they have a real (strong) fanbase and owner in Kansas they should bid. I just hope their fanbase estimations won't be wrong. Fans support in Qc was always high (when they had their team, and in preseason games) and their population clearly demonstrated how bad they want their franchise back. It's just less risky to put a franchise there, and no competition with other pro-sports teams.

I have nothing against more teams in the US but don't give franchises to markets who might support them at the expense of those who will support them 100%.

Its taking risks, if those teams dont work out they can awlays move to places that can. Its not like they are unmovable.

 

[dronald]

Its taking risks, if those teams dont work out they can awlays move to places that can. Its not like they are unmovable.

Why don't they go places they know will work and then take risks?

 

[Bourne Endeavor]

I honestly think Seattle should have the most immediate look for a future America location. Between the close proximity to Canadian teams to attract rivalries, lessen the travel in the west and the seemingly large interest in the sport. Seattle looks like a prime spot once they get an arena up to code.

Kansas City had a team and it feel through. While they might be able to support one now, other alternatives should be the primary focus, where the probability is much stronger.

 

[DetRedWings109*]

They did, Chicago, New York, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa, Philly, Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Boston, Detroit all have teams.

 

[DetRedWings109*]

Kansas City had a team and it feel through. While they might be able to support one now, other alternatives should be the primary focus, where the probability is much stronger.

So did Colorado and Pittsburgh. Granted Pirates were from a loooong time ago.

 

[Habs05]

This is my thing here.

I wrote the same sentence almost a month ago I forgot about that^^

It's not an American vs Canadian thing. As much as I would like to see the Nordiques comming back I would have no problem to see a new franchise in the USA as long as the fans support the team. It's a fact that Winnipeg and Quebec had strong fans support every year. I agree ASG did a poor job for Atlanta but you could clearly see their arena almost empty most of the time. Same thing goes for Phoenix. The NHL southern expansion wasn't 100% a bad idea, I think Tampa is doing fine. However don't give teams to cities who might support them at the expense of cities who will support them 100%.

More happy fans will be better for the league. We should all agree on that...

 

[saskganesh]

Why don't they go places they know will work and then take risks?

Because everyone likes to pretend they know how to spend other people's money.

"Hey if it doesn't work, you can always move the team!"

I've met used car salesmen with more integrity.

 

[MoreOrr]

I honestly think Seattle should have the most immediate look for a future America location. Between the close proximity to Canadian teams to attract rivalries, lessen the travel in the west and the seemingly large interest in the sport. Seattle looks like a prime spot once they get an arena up to code.

Kansas City had a team and it feel through. While they might be able to support one now, other alternatives should be the primary focus, where the probability is much stronger.

I'm all for Seattle, and Portland, but Kansas City "falling through" after only having been given 2 Seasons in the League... Come on! I'd criticize more, cities that fell through after having 8-10 Seasons in the League. And I'm not an advocate for KC, but the history of the Scouts team just isn't worth bringing up as a knock against putting another team in KC.

Cleveland is another city that shouldn't be judged on its previous NHL team, again the Barons only given two Seasons.

 

[knorthern knight]

What happened in Atlanta (and might happen in Phoenix) is just sad for the real fans there (even if they weren't enough). As I wrote, if they have a real (strong) fanbase and owner in Kansas they should bid. I just hope their fanbase estimations won't be wrong.

It's more than that. Edmonton is having the same problem that KC would have. I don't think that a standalone NHL team can work in a city-owned arena in today's NHL. You need the ancillary revenue (concessions/parking/etc). If the team owner gets those revenues, then the city doesn't. I seem to remember the KC mayor commenting on that that. And remember that the mayor and city manager etc have a fudiciary duty to their taxpayers, not to the NHL. If 25 WWE/MMA/concerts/tractor-pulls/home-shows/etc can net more profit FOR THE CITY they really should go that route. Otherwise, you effectively end up having city taxpayers subsidizing billionaire owners and millionaire players.

 

[RandR]

During the intermission of one of the games that TSN was showing last night, there was a segment called "Insider Trading" where Bob McKenzie addressed the topic of whether Quebec City is next in line to get an NHL franchise (it wasn't specifically relocation or expansion).

I don't have the exact quote, but Bob mentioned Kansas City and said that not only do they have an NHL-suitable arena but there is also interest from potential ownership there.

I don't recall him giving any indication of how new or significant this interest was.

 

[OG6ix]

Last pre season game in KC didn't attract more than 10 000.

they sold out the pre-season game this year... kINGS vs pens I believe.

 

[Dave is a killer]

they sold out the pre-season game this year... kINGS vs pens I believe.

the question is ... was it at full season ticket prices OR were they discounted Florida Panthers style ?

 

[CBJ goalie]

Wanted to bring this to the proper thread, and not hi-jack the Phoenix thread.

What I had posted:

This article states a team could potentially play rent-free, and also be equal managing partners in the Sprint Center:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2720130

And reply:

That articles dated Joey, seriously dated. 2007 was a lifetime ago. KC's moved on & is doing well enough with concerts & events at the Sprint Center to be telling any & all comer's that "sure, we'd love you as an anchor tenant provided you pay rent & dont expect any handouts, breaks, district tax zones, whatever". In a market like that, which is far from being a certainty, I cant imagine anyone taking the plunge without a municipally backed safety net and they wont get one from the current administration.... .

So, the article is 4 years old - doesn't mean it doesn't apply anymore. That offer could very well still be on the table, for the next interested party.

With the prospect of re-alignment coming up, and attempting to balance the East vs. West, the NHL will want to try and keep teams in the West - and KC fits that.