Napear/Vandusen interview

[Siranthony]

Just listened to this interview. I'm sure this guy was genuine in his opinion about the arena (while also knowing he is trying to sell the idea).

It's the Maloofs who I don't believe for one second. Now they are trying to spin it so that the Maloofs where lied to on renovations not being possible at arco. Now they have seen the light... well because they couldn't afford the new car so the used one looks more attractive now.

Whether renovation is possible is really moot at this point. The City and many other people have gone to a lot of trouble to keep the kings, build an arena and renovate down town. Maloofs said no but please donate $100 mil to our old arena just because we changed our mind.

I wouldn't trust the Maloofs with any money at this point. They would leave this town in the lurch for 70 mil if they could and they would do it for 170 mil no doubt.

 

[Capt. Factorial]

Problem: You owe the City of Sacramento* about $65M that is secured by property that is worth only about $30M. You want to default on the loan, but you know the City will be angry.

Solution:
1. Convince the City to spend $100M of their own money in renovating the property.
2. Notice that the property value is now $130M.
3. Default on the loan.
4. Tell the city that you did them a favor because you only owed them $65M and they are getting a property worth $130M.

Hey, man, I could BE a Maloof! Where do I apply?!?





* = OK, bondholders, but you know the deal

 

[KingsFanSince85]

I heard the interview. Van Dusen believes that a renovation (anywhere up to 120M or so) would give patrons the illusion that they are walking into an entirely different building. He believes it would be considered state-of-the-art with, at the very least, a 10-year lifespan.

I also found it interesting that the supposed study that was conducted by a private firm (regarding renovating ARCO) has never been seen by the original architects, Van Dusen, or the people that actually built the Arena nor were they ever consulted about it. Van Dusen insinuated the firm that conducted the study must have had an agenda (he wouldn't say who it was). Interestingly enough, he also claims the Maloofs had nothing to do with it and were just going off the information given to them. How convenient for them.

 

[Dreamtiger]

The guts of Oracle in Oakland are 45+ years old and you'd never know it, so a good renovation and expansion can do wonders. As much as I've always liked the railyards proposal, I've got nothing against the Natomas site and if a renovation was possible I'm sure the city would get behind it. But I think there are too many issues to overcome-- the Maloofs can't and won't contribute much of anything due to their debt, and the city's source of funding (downtown parking) isn't realistic to use for Natmoas-- they could probably get tens of millions from a private parking investor even without a downtown arena but it wouldn't be politically popular and could be disasterous. And it doesn't make sense to use downtown parking to fund a renovation in Natomas. At least there was the argument of downtown economic development with the railyards arena. They're not going to issue another $100 million in bonds with the Maloofs still owing on the old debt and the property not being worth enough. So who pays for the renovation? It's a waste of time for anyone to throw out renovation ideas without a realistc plan to pay for it.

 

[upinsmoke]

If they want to do it fine but without a penny of city money!

One of these is not like the other

• Integrity
• Sincerity
• truthfulness
• maloof
• morality

 

[kupman]

The Maloofs have said in the past that they need a new arena because:

1) They need 1-2 more concourses to sell more concessions and merchandise.

2) They need to greatly expand the kitchen area so that they sell higher end food to their customers.

3) they need much bigger loading dock areas so that shows can get in and out much quicker.

4) they need to be able to convert from hardwood to ice and back to hardwood in less than 48 hours.

Are any of these going to be possible with a renovation? This is an actual question, not a point I am trying to make.

Btw, saying no to downtown is yet another kick in the crotch to Sacramento. the primary reason I want this built is to give downtown a shot in the arm.

Lastly, "10 year life span" made me LOL. It has already taken us 12-13 years to get to this point.

 

[upinsmoke]

They never wanted an arena in the first place it was just there scapegoat to get outa town without looking like villians but KJ and the city called their bluff. I won't bealive another word the maloofs say unless a 30 year contract is signed.

 

[rainmaker]

This is beyond ridiculous. Glad I saw Aaron Bruski kill Napear on twitter for this interview. Would be nice if the Bee or some of the Kings bloggers did the same and started applying pressure to this shmuck of a mouthpiece. Same guy who screamed at callers the last few years for even mentioning renovating Arco.

But something else I thought of. Even if this was plausible, where exactly would the Kings play during construction? Given that I've heard basically the foundation needs to be torn down if this were an option, how could that be completed in an off season? What if we were to make the playoffs and play later into May the next few years? Training camp then opens four months later. That's enough time to renovate Arco?

 

[VF21]

The thread stickied at the top of this forum (http://www.kingsfans.com/forums/showthread.php?31002) outlines a number of reasons why Arco needs to be replaced. I don't know if VanDusen and/or Napear thinks we're all idiots with no memories, but there was a series of articles about this along with a presentation BY THE MALOOFS to the local media where they took the press on a tour of the building and pointed out a number of the short-comings.

I haven't forgotten...

 

[The Hammer]

The knife fight in the phone booth continues. This is getting nasty.

It was only by implication (the best kind of accusation)... but who exactly would have lied to the Maloofs about ARCO not being a viable renovation?? Of course the real answer is nobody, and they are just concocting this narrative out of thin air.

Likely it was the actual Maloofs who were behind that original study (and if this gets nastier... I'm sure Lehane's team can track down who that was and who paid them/pushed the consult). But since they are anti ANY arena plan... they previously used the "no renovating arco" as a way to kill THAT deal. Now, they're using the opposite to kill the downtown arena.

I also found it interesting that the supposed study that was conducted by a private firm (regarding renovating ARCO) has never been seen by the original architects, Van Dusen, or the people that actually built the Arena nor were they ever consulted about it. Van Dusen insinuated the firm that conducted the study must have had an agenda (he wouldn't say who it was). Interestingly enough, he also claims the Maloofs had nothing to do with it and were just going off the information given to them. How convenient for them.

I'm sure the Maloofs knew who did the original appraisal(s). What are you gonna do on an asset that big, just look at some email from a secretary?? No, you'd look at the freakin letterhead! This is all assuming that the Maloofs weren't actually involved in the appraisal, which we all know by now, is something you can't assume. It's likely the the Maloofs kept the appraisal away from Van Dusen precisely because they didn't want it to be second guessed and deemed possible.

You know what... who the hell knows anymore, and who the hell cares. One thing that's the easiest thing to glean from all this: the more the Maloofs talk, the more they lie.

It's kind of amazing to witness such scum. Hard to believe in fact.

 

[JB_kings]

Just FYI, this is NOT new. Recall in March 2011 that Jim Crandall had some big scoop about saving the Kings? Well this was that same exact proposal. It was also pitched to one of the Maloofs at that time and they bagged the idea and said they were looking for a new arena.

Bottom line, it's another lie brought to you by the owners of the Kings. We aren't stupid.

 

[Dreamtiger]

Which is why the city refuses to consider helping with an Arco renovation at this point. It's not because it isn't feasible (it may or may not be, depending on who you ask). It's because they know the Maloofs are playing games and they're done with it. What do they do-- agree on a renovation plan, somehow find $100 million in public funds lying around, spend countless hours drumming up support and coming up with a plan, only to have the Maloofs at the last minute decide that they're ready to consider the railyards plan again?

 

[rainmaker]

Just FYI, this is NOT new. Recall in March 2011 that Jim Crandall had some big scoop about saving the Kings? Well this was that same exact proposal. It was also pitched to one of the Maloofs at that time and they bagged the idea and said they were looking for a new arena.

Bottom line, it's another lie brought to you by the owners of the Kings. We aren't stupid.

Well, a lie brought on by the Maloofs and passed onto us through Napear. Disgusting.

My guess is given this just a regurgitated failed plan which the Maloofs previously rejected, we'll hear a pretty interesting response from Lehane within the next day or two.

And isn't this more evidence suggesting the Maloofs aren't negotiating in good faith. I mean, how much more does it take to have a case against them?

 

[VF21]

The knife fight in the phone booth continues. This is getting nasty.

It was only by implication (the best kind of accusation)... but who exactly would have lied to the Maloofs about ARCO not being a viable renovation?? Of course the real answer is nobody, and they are just concocting this narrative out of thin air.

Likely it was the actual Maloofs who were behind that original study (and if this gets nastier... I'm sure Lehane's team can track down who that was and who paid them/pushed the consult). But since they are anti ANY arena plan... they previously used the "no renovating arco" as a way to kill THAT deal. Now, they're using the opposite to kill the downtown arena.



I'm sure the Maloofs knew who did the original appraisal(s). What are you gonna do on an asset that big, just look at some email from a secretary?? No, you'd look at the freakin letterhead! This is all assuming that the Maloofs weren't actually involved in the appraisal, which we all know by now, is something you can't assume. It's likely the the Maloofs kept the appraisal away from Van Dusen precisely because they didn't want it to be second guessed and deemed possible.

You know what... who the hell knows anymore, and who the hell cares. One thing that's the easiest thing to glean from all this: the more the Maloofs talk, the more they lie.

It's kind of amazing to witness such scum. Hard to believe in fact.

I'm pretty sure the Maloofs commissioned the study to prove that the need for a new arena wasn't just their idea. What would be harder to prove would be any kind of indication by the Maloofs to those preparing the study that certain results were desirable.

I agree that this just keeps getting curiouser and curiouser. Anybody seen a white rabbit or a silly character in an absurd hat running around lately? Maybe this should be their new theme song...

 

[JB_kings]

See... not new: http://www.kingsfans.com/forums/sho...-behind-Sacramento-arena-plan&highlight=Dusen

 

[VF21]

Amazing what we can find in our own threads. I'm willing to bet the Bee archives - including reporter notes on stories that were abridged or didn't run at all - are another treasure trove of indications of deceit by the Maloofs. There's nothing worse than having an intelligent and articulate fan base with Internet access and a dedicated board owner (THANKS, JEREMY!) who keeps this place running for all of us.

--Off topic but important---

I haven't done this in a while so I'm going to remind people that if you want to help keep Kingsfans.com up and running as the premiere place to come for everything from Brick's grade threads to draft analysis, you should consider becoming a contributing member. Doing so is very easy and it helps to defray some of the costs associated with kingsfans.com

Please check "My Account" under Settings. Look for "Paid Subscriptions." You can choose to contribute monthly, semi-annually or annually.

There are some benefits to becoming a contributing member, besides the fact that you've helped to keep KF as the place where the best Kings fans come to talk hoops. You get the special "contributor" tag under your username, you can have a larger avatar and PM storage limits AND you get access to the "contributing members" only forum where you can get information on things like group tickets and member get-togethers.

As we once again look forward to what should be an excellent draft pick and another summer of interesting happenings (to say the least), we look forward to having even more contributing members join our group.

Thanks.

/end blatant fundraising plug

 

[JB_kings]

Ah Napear, our little red headed Baghdad Bob:

 

[Elektrik]

I agree that this just keeps getting curiouser and curiouser. Anybody seen a white rabbit or a silly character in an absurd hat running around lately? Maybe this should be their new theme song.

...and we must ask ourselves, just how deep does the rabbit hole go....stay tuned.

 

[PurpleHaze]

Ah Napear, our little red headed Baghdad Bob:

If only we could get rid of our little stinking red headed Baghdad Bob the way US Army 3rd Armored Infantry Division quickly smashed through, surrounded, and toppled that regime.

 

[Mike0476]

Here's the problem with the renovation of ARCO:

Van Dusen mentioned working with a budget of $80-125 million. That would mean the basics such as luxury suites, club seats, and a wider concourse.

Correct me if I am wrong but Van Dusen only mentioned fixing those basics for the Kings but never mentioned anything about concerts and other events.

His plan is flawed and he even admits this will only be good for another 10 years, to save the Kings and nothing else.

Seattle basically did the same with a 1995 renovation for $74.5 million. We all know how well that turned out.

This plan would have to be the final plan as the city will not help with this matter.

Hopefully you have all read what Ashby said about renovating in Natomas. It won't work.

I'm wondering if Van Dusen has even spoke to Ashby about his plan a year ago or recently.

 

[KingsFanSince85]

But something else I thought of. Even if this was plausible, where exactly would the Kings play during construction?

Van Dusen said during the interview that the renovation would take 1-2 years and the Kings could still use the arena during the process. He said areas of the arena that can't be worked on during the season could be prefabricated then brought in during the offseason.

I'm wondering if Van Dusen has even spoke to Ashby about his plan a year ago or recently.

He mentioned Ashby's comments regarding not being able to renovate if the costs were over 50% of the value of the property (related to the building moratorium) and said there is a way around that provision that they have already successfully used on other projects.

 

[Mike0476]

Van Dusen said during the interview that the renovation would take 1-2 years and the Kings could still use the arena during the process. He said areas of the arena that can't be worked on during the season could be prefabricated then brought in during the offseason.






He mentioned Ashby's comments regarding not being able to renovate if the costs were over 50% of the value of the property (related to the building moratorium) and said there is a way around that provision that they have already successfully used on other projects.

He mentioned her comments which were in the news, but did he actually talk to her and go over their plans within the last year?

His plan is just Kings, Kings, Kings. It's not #BiggerThanBasketball.

 

[Circa_1985_Fan]

Here's the problem with the renovation of ARCO:

Van Dusen mentioned working with a budget of $80-125 million. That would mean the basics such as luxury suites, club seats, and a wider concourse.

Correct me if I am wrong but Van Dusen only mentioned fixing those basics for the Kings but never mentioned anything about concerts and other events.

His plan is flawed and he even admits this will only be good for another 10 years, to save the Kings and nothing else.

Seattle basically did the same with a 1995 renovation for $74.5 million. We all know how well that turned out.

This plan would have to be the final plan as the city will not help with this matter.

Hopefully you have all read what Ashby said about renovating in Natomas. It won't work.

I'm wondering if Van Dusen has even spoke to Ashby about his plan a year ago or recently.

THIS is what happened in Seattle after a patchwork remodel...

Boom goes the dynamite...

 

[Larry David]

Prostitutes get offended when you call Peaches a whore.

Some of the bee's coverage was biased and nasty in 2006ish. 6 years later, Grant acts like the paper is covering the arena or the Maloofs finances unfairly with bias or with speculation. The fact is for about three years the coverage has been good and it's been spot on and great during the last year on those two issues.

During the past two years Grant hasn't objectively covered the maloofs finances, the risk of Arco being dumped on the city, the maloofs actions, intent and particularly their interviews. If you call with bad facts, he will rush you off the phone, deny clear facts, or make up wild hypotheticals.

Between the George interview, the remodel, and the arena talk embargo in between his coverage is now off the rails. If you aren't a kid, very dense, or so die hard you just will believe anything, I don't know who takes this seriously.

On the upside, it's fun to watch Grant set his career on fire.

 

[JB_kings]

Van Dusen said during the interview that the renovation would take 1-2 years and the Kings could still use the arena during the process. He said areas of the arena that can't be worked on during the season could be prefabricated then brought in during the offseason.






He mentioned Ashby's comments regarding not being able to renovate if the costs were over 50% of the value of the property (related to the building moratorium) and said there is a way around that provision that they have already successfully used on other projects.

Yep. All his answers just sound too good to be true and they probably are. He's being used by the Maloofs and he's so wrapped up in being a hero he probably has no idea.

His renovations rip up the entire upper deck and raise it as far as the roof will allow. Then build a mezzanine in between. So maybe his idea of the team playing only involves the lower bowel being open? There is only about 5 months in between seasons and that is if we can rely on the team to miss the playoffs. Which seems to be about the only realistic part of the plan and the Maloofs contribution to the renovation.

And of course there is the tearing down of the outside walls and building new ones. All this for only 125 million? Yeah, what about renovating the current suites which will be affected when they rip out the stairs from the concourse to the upper deck? And new kitchens, loading docks, restrooms and mechanical, plumbing, electrical, etc required for all that?

Oh, and it's only good for 10 years! What a deal.

 

[PurpleHaze]

Some ways to finally-hopefully run Peaches out of town:

1.) Do not buy any products/services from advertisers Napear promotes on his sports radio show. Major Sacramento sponsers of note are Petkus Brothers Home Improvement, VSP Vision Care, etc.

2.) Demand KHTK-AM 1140 fire him NOW! I believe his boss at the station is Jodie Bacon.

3.) BOO HIM LOUDLY! and make signs denouncing the pathetic, arrogant twit at Kings games or anywhere he appears in public.

4.) Contact MSE and encourage them to dump him AND boycott all Kings sponsers, advertisers, refusing to purchase any merchandise or refeshments at games.

 

[///Mink]

Some ways to finally-hopefully run Peaches out of town:

1.) Do not buy any products/services from advertisers Napear promotes on his sports radio show. Major Sacramento sponsers of note are Petkus Brothers Home Improvement, VSP Vision Care, etc.

Gotta respectfully disagree here. Most of these advertisers are "Proud Partners" that were recruited by Mayor Johnson last year as part of the $10 million to prove to the NBA that Sacramento was a viable NBA town. I'm sure that part of that partnership is advertising on KHTK as well as during games. Johnson brought these companies on board and are probably a good part of the reason that the Kings are still here and not in Anaheim right now.

 

[Circa_1985_Fan]

Ashby is obviously on board and will go along with whatever KJ puts on the table, but I would be curious as to her actual feelings about keeping the core of Natomas entertainment activity and the NBA in her district. Btw...does anyone have Van Dusen's email? I'd like to email him a few questions regarding this possible renovation regarding its feasability and compatibility for other events besides basketball...I.e.: concerts. Will there be additionalloading docks built to handle the larger scale tours/events?

 

[JB_kings]

Ashby is obviously on board and will go along with whatever KJ puts on the table, but I would be curious as to her actual feelings about keeping the core of Natomas entertainment activity and the NBA in her district. Btw...does anyone have Van Dusen's email? I'd like to email him a few questions regarding this possible renovation regarding its feasability and compatibility for other events besides basketball...I.e.: concerts. Will there be additionalloading docks built to handle the larger scale tours/events?

Knock yourself out. But this plan is going nowhere. Who in their right mind is going to front 125 million for 10 years of service? Not the City and certainly not anyone with the name Maloof.
It's another Maloof red herring to show that they tried to make it work in Sacramento and the mean old city turned their backs. It's pig slop, but some judge might not look into it deeper and agree with their anti-trust suit.

 

[The Hammer]

Knock yourself out. But this plan is going nowhere. Who in their right mind is going to front 125 million for 10 years of service? Not the City and certainly not anyone with the name Maloof.
It's another Maloof red herring to show that they tried to make it work in Sacramento and the mean old city turned their backs. It's pig slop, but some judge might not look into it deeper and agree with their anti-trust suit.

This seems to be where things are heading. All this stuff by the Maloofs seems to to be directed by their anti-trust lawyer, who is trying to create a set of events that can bolster a future anti-trust case. Hopefully, since it would be his job, a judge exactly would look into it deeper. Or at least be requested to by the opposition's legal team. It wouldn't take that deep of a look to find the pig-slop layer underneath.