Honda Center plans multimillion-dollar upgrade

JB_kings

Starter
I saw this when I was down at Disneyland last week. It's a reminder that this is still very much up to Sacramento to get that new facility going.



http://www.foxsportswest.com/06/16/...on-dollar-u/landing_ducks.html?blockID=533071

June 16, 2011

Honda Center, still in contention to bring an NBA team to Anaheim, will undergo improvements to the 19-year-old arena valued in the "tens of millions" of dollars, arena officials said Thursday.

Tim Ryan, president and CEO of Honda Center's operator, Anaheim Arena Management, said in a statement that the upgrades represent "the most significant improvement project ever seen at Honda Center … [and] will have a dramatic impact on the overall fan experience and assure Honda Center stands up favorably next to any arena in the country, including those that house multiple sports franchises."

The projects are to break ground in the fall, and "an expedited [construction] timeline is in place," arena officials said. The arena, home to the NHL's Ducks, was previously set to undergo upgrades thanks to a $25-million bond measure approved by the city in April.

Use of those funds was contingent on an announced move to Anaheim by the NBA's Sacramento Kings, however, and that was delayed at least until next year as Sacramento attempts to raise funds to construct a new arena.

Ducks owner Henry Samueli is funding the Honda Center improvements, which are to include a 12,000-square-foot grand terrace indoor/outdoor entertainment space on the arena's premium level. An 80-foot-long bar and wide city views will be part of the upgrade. A 250-seat full-service restaurant also will be added.

The arena's team store will more than double in size from 1,800 square feet to 4,200 square feet, to allow for space for a second pro team's merchandise.

"The planned improvements will ensure it continues to be recognized as one of the finest sports and entertainment facilities in this country and abroad," Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait said in prepared remarks about the arena. "Not only will the improvements enhance the guest experience, but more than ever, Honda Center itself will be NBA-ready."

-Lance Pugmire
 
As long as the Lakers and Clippers are still in the Los Angeles market, I cannot see how the NBA would allow a third team to move into that market. Anaheim is better off getting Samueli to buy the Clippers and moving them to the Honda Center.
 
As long as the Lakers and Clippers are still in the Los Angeles market, I cannot see how the NBA would allow a third team to move into that market. Anaheim is better off getting Samueli to buy the Clippers and moving them to the Honda Center.

That would be awesome. Not just for King fans but fans of any team in the league with arena or attendance problems. Get Anaheim out of the way and you have one less relocation option out there.

Now, I realize that getting Sterling to sell is tough but he actually does come around to doing it, I would hope that Stern would direct the sale be to Samueli or anyone looking to move the team to Honda Center or the sale is blocked.
 
That would be awesome. Not just for King fans but fans of any team in the league with arena or attendance problems. Get Anaheim out of the way and you have one less relocation option out there.

Now, I realize that getting Sterling to sell is tough but he actually does come around to doing it, I would hope that Stern would direct the sale be to Samueli or anyone looking to move the team to Honda Center or the sale is blocked.

Kings self interest aside here. I think it would be best for the NBA and the LA market for the Clippers to be in Anaheim. There are natural rivalries between the two counties and I think it would be good for both teams to put some distance between them and take advantage. Being in one arena just establishes the Clippers product as second class. Sterling does near nothing the change that. Sterling has been a pain in Stern's butt for a long time. But you can't force a guy to sell his team when he isn't interested.
 
Kings self interest aside here. I think it would be best for the NBA and the LA market for the Clippers to be in Anaheim. There are natural rivalries between the two counties and I think it would be good for both teams to put some distance between them and take advantage. Being in one arena just establishes the Clippers product as second class. Sterling does near nothing the change that. Sterling has been a pain in Stern's butt for a long time. But you can't force a guy to sell his team when he isn't interested.

Spot on. Agree 100%.

I do know that Sterling got his *** kicked in court by Dunleavy as he now has to pay his former coach $13 million. If anything, that should at least push him closer to the edge if ever does consider selling.

It was also rumored that when he ran into one of Elgin Baylor's family members before Baylor got fired, he asked the family member how much longer Elgin wanted to stay on being that he was in his 70's. Reportedly, Sterling then said that he didn't know how much longer he would stay on since he was also in his mid 70's at the time. If so, that was 4 years ago and he has been taken to court numerous times since that. If he doesn't get favorable results in this round of collective bargaining, he may finally throw in the towel.
 
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