New Website - www.calexpo2015.com

[Sketcher]

This is the only plan that has any chance for success. The Railyards and Natomas both have insurmountable challenges, and of course a lack of funding. For those who will bring up the traffic issue at Cal Expo, don't waste your time. No one can argue that the traffic issue will be better downtown. For those of you who say no way this equity sponsor funding program will work take a look at what AEG is doing to fund the Farmer's Field football stadium in Los Angeles. They are asking for a $10M annual payment for 10 years from Coca Cola, McDonald's, American Express and a total of 14 founding members. The 1984 LA Olympics was funded this way. I've read all the arguments on this forum for 3 years. What would you rather have a theme park and arena at Cal Expo that draws millions of tourists or an arena downtown where you have to walk 1/2 mile to park. This is our last and best option and I encourage all Kings fans to finally see the light.

 

[BMiller52]

I don't see any facts behind this post. We already tried the cal expo arena and it failed, the cal expo board doesn't want to play ball with the NBA or the Kings and they dont want an arena on their site. Anyone who is ignoring this is flat out delusional man. Plus we have a city council who will probably be able to pass a vote without a majority vote, and hopefully we can get AEG to own or pay something to operate the arena because the Maloofs dont even want to own it, they just want to be tenants.

 

[hrdboild]

A lot of fans were on board for a Cal Expo plan, but they've had years to make that happen and nothing has. At this point I think a lot of us are a little resentful of the role the Cal Expo Board played in potentially ending basketball in Sacramento for good. And the line at the bottom of the page already seems like a deal breaker to me...

DISCLAIMER: This plan has not been endorsed nor approved by the Cal Expo Board of Directors and is the sole work of the Developer

 

[Capt. Factorial]

I know you believe very deeply in your proposal, Sketcher, but it's pretty clear that the Mayor and the City Council are moving in another direction. The ICON/Taylor downtown proposal appears to be in full swing, with a large team of people working on securing funding. At this point, it's all-or-nothing with the current group (especially considering the March 1 2012 relocation deadline, at which point the city is going to have to show significant progress or the Kings are gone) so it's not the time to sit around and debate alternate proposals. That's just wasting time - time that we don't have. We have to be 100% behind the current proposal and looking forward to how to make it happen, not look backwards to what other plans might have been good ideas as well. Sorry I can't offer any more support your way, but I don't believe that Cal Expo is our "last and best option". That's ICON/Taylor now, and anything else is a distraction that won't help right now.

 

[Spike]

I know you believe very deeply in your proposal, Sketcher, but it's pretty clear that the Mayor and the City Council are moving in another direction. The ICON/Taylor downtown proposal appears to be in full swing, with a large team of people working on securing funding. At this point, it's all-or-nothing with the current group (especially considering the March 1 2012 relocation deadline, at which point the city is going to have to show significant progress or the Kings are gone) so it's not the time to sit around and debate alternate proposals. That's just wasting time - time that we don't have. We have to be 100% behind the current proposal and looking forward to how to make it happen, not look backwards to what other plans might have been good ideas as well. Sorry I can't offer any more support your way, but I don't believe that Cal Expo is our "last and best option". That's ICON/Taylor now, and anything else is a distraction that won't help right now.

Amen, and hear hear!
We need convergence, not divergence. (A pun? A pun!)
Regardless of how we feel about the current plan, it has to be seen as "the plan." The challenge will be to unify the entire region behind the ICON/Taylor plan, because there will probably be many more of these alternate ideas thrown about, whose main purpose is not to divide the region, but ultimately may, at a time when everyone needs to go in the same direction.

 

[RookieOfTheDay]

There's no doubt that logistically Cal Expo is a better location with parking and roads already in place. But the powers that be seem hell bent on downtown or bust. It will be a crying shame if Sacramento loses the Kings because of the stubborn determination that an arena has to be downtown.

 

[Livinthedream]

I can never get used to the traffic argument or even the parking. It comes up every single time. I guess it's mostly from those people who would rather drive around a parking lot for 45 minutes to get the closest spot, rather than park now and walk an extra 60 feet. I see people constantly parking off site from Cal Expo and walking a mile to the fair or Raging Waters, so it can't be this big a deal for everyone. There is absolutely no traffic downtown in the evenings on any night, but it's built to handle many thousands of cars during the day with no problems. So a few extra cars at night on normally empty streets for a 7 pm game will not put a strain on downtown.

The city wants the arena downtown. Any other attempts to try to get it somewhere else at this point is counterproductive and can only hurt the process. My biggest fear is that this deal doesn't go through because of parking. Or because people would prefer for the arena to be built closer to their house for convenience.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

I was fine with making a "new downtown" out of the Cal Expo Arden area but that is dead now. Railyards is moving forward and it is the last shot so get behind it or get out of the way.

 

[RookieOfTheDay]

I can never get used to the traffic argument or even the parking. It comes up every single time. I guess it's mostly from those people who would rather drive around a parking lot for 45 minutes to get the closest spot, rather than park now and walk an extra 60 feet. I see people constantly parking off site from Cal Expo and walking a mile to the fair or Raging Waters, so it can't be this big a deal for everyone. There is absolutely no traffic downtown in the evenings on any night, but it's built to handle many thousands of cars during the day with no problems. So a few extra cars at night on normally empty streets for a 7 pm game will not put a strain on downtown.

The city wants the arena downtown. Any other attempts to try to get it somewhere else at this point is counterproductive and can only hurt the process. My biggest fear is that this deal doesn't go through because of parking. Or because people would prefer for the arena to be built closer to their house for convenience.

I don't understand how parking is an issue. There's nearly 200 acres at the railyard site. The arena itself will only take 15 or so acres. So why not use 30 or 40 acres right next to it to put in a huge parking lot?

 

[Livinthedream]

I don't understand how parking is an issue. There's nearly 200 acres at the railyard site. The arena itself will only take 15 or so acres. So why not use 30 or 40 acres right next to it to put in a huge parking lot?

First, the city doesn't own 200 acres in the railyards, so any extra land would have to be purchased adding to cost. Second, not all of the currently available downtown parking is 1/2 mile away. There are closer spots. Just get there earlier. The other problem is that its not an efficient use of urban land and defeats the purpose of having an arena in that location.

I know Sacramento is one big suburb, so it's hard for many folks to envision how a bigger, dense city works. Or maybe some people just prefer to not have it that way. But the purpose of the arena downtown is to actually bring people into the city on foot to create an urban environment, which we sorely lack. Imagine how AT&T park works in SF. They just used mostly existing parking and they heavily promote public transportation options to get to the park. No one is crying for the Giants to go back to Candlestick because it has a huge parking lot. Instead they enjoy hanging out at the bars in the area before and after games.

 

[RookieOfTheDay]

First, the city doesn't own 200 acres in the railyards, so any extra land would have to be purchased adding to cost. Second, not all of the currently available downtown parking is 1/2 mile away. There are closer spots. Just get there earlier. The other problem is that its not an efficient use of urban land and defeats the purpose of having an arena in that location.

I know Sacramento is one big suburb, so it's hard for many folks to envision how a bigger, dense city works. Or maybe some people just prefer to not have it that way. But the purpose of the arena downtown is to actually bring people into the city on foot to create an urban environment, which we sorely lack. Imagine how AT&T park works in SF. They just used mostly existing parking and they heavily promote public transportation options to get to the park. No one is crying for the Giants to go back to Candlestick because it has a huge parking lot. Instead they enjoy hanging out at the bars in the area before and after games.

That's one of the potential problems I see with it. People in Sacramento are accustomed to more of a suburban feel and flow. Will they embrace going to a game or concert where you may have a 20 minute walk just to get to the arena? i know I wouldn't, but then again I'm pretty lazy. But it's not just me, I've talked to quite a few folks who don't like the idea of a downtown arena at all and say they wouldn't go to it if it involves parking hassles and a lot of walking. The prospect of having to possibly walk half a mile just to get from your car to the arena doesn't bode well with a lot of people. Heck, I avoid downtown now just because I don't like dealing with one way streets, parking garages, lots of walking, etc.

 

[Gary]

I can never get used to the traffic argument or even the parking. It comes up every single time. I guess it's mostly from those people who would rather drive around a parking lot for 45 minutes to get the closest spot, rather than park now and walk an extra 60 feet. I see people constantly parking off site from Cal Expo and walking a mile to the fair or Raging Waters, so it can't be this big a deal for everyone. There is absolutely no traffic downtown in the evenings on any night, but it's built to handle many thousands of cars during the day with no problems. So a few extra cars at night on normally empty streets for a 7 pm game will not put a strain on downtown.

The city wants the arena downtown. Any other attempts to try to get it somewhere else at this point is counterproductive and can only hurt the process. My biggest fear is that this deal doesn't go through because of parking. Or because people would prefer for the arena to be built closer to their house for convenience.

I am one of those people too.. Lazy AMERICANS! I g park near the back of the lot (so my car doesn't get dinged) and when I am all the way to the store I still see the idiots driving around looking for a spot that would save 50ft off their walking distance.. Makes me laugh.

 

[Sketcher]

And the band played on.

 

[Livinthedream]

That's one of the potential problems I see with it. People in Sacramento are accustomed to more of a suburban feel and flow. Will they embrace going to a game or concert where you may have a 20 minute walk just to get to the arena? i know I wouldn't, but then again I'm pretty lazy. But it's not just me, I've talked to quite a few folks who don't like the idea of a downtown arena at all and say they wouldn't go to it if it involves parking hassles and a lot of walking. The prospect of having to possibly walk half a mile just to get from your car to the arena doesn't bode well with a lot of people. Heck, I avoid downtown now just because I don't like dealing with one way streets, parking garages, lots of walking, etc.

I understand that that is the mentality in Sacramento. It's not a fault that people become accustomed to a situation, but people adapt rather quickly. Individual preference aside, there are many reasons why the suburban sprawl we have right now is a negative thing and not something to embrace from a city government standpoint. It dilutes government resources, strains energy and infrastructure budgets, creates higher pollution and so on. I live in the suburbs too and it would be convenient to build it in my back yard, however the region needs it downtown. Over time, building this thing downtown would serve to decrease the traffic growth in the area too as urban infill takes place and people live closer to where they work and play.

 

[rainmaker]

I am one of those people too.. Lazy AMERICANS! I g park near the back of the lot (so my car doesn't get dinged) and when I am all the way to the store I still see the idiots driving around looking for a spot that would save 50ft off their walking distance.. Makes me laugh.

I see that crap at the gym. People seriously circling for 15 mins to get the closest possible spot to the front door, and then go upstairs and get on a treadmill. Makes no sense. It takes 10 freaking mins to walk a half mile. Walking shouldn't even be part of the discussion. Can this country get any more lazy? Check that, can Sac get any more lazy? In the big cities I've spent a lot of time in, walking is a way of life, and the downtown setup would still be more convenient then what I experience at Raiders games.

"I will do anything to keep the Kings! Please, please don't leave! Unless of course going to a game would require walking 10 mins. If that's the case, then take your team to Anaheim!"

Jesus. Look around at the less fortunate around the world, and be happy you have a car, money for tickets, an NBA team, and a state of the art arena(if this goes through).

 

[Dime Dropper]

Ya, I have to say that I am completely astounded by some of the responses in here. Not wanting to walk half a mile to a game or a concert? Really? Is that what the world is coming to? People don't realise how lucky they are to even be in a position to go to a game. I'd walk any amount of miles to go to a game if I could. Some fans are just going to have to suck it up and support the arena effort regardless of where it is. I'm not an expert on the arena situation by any means but I'm speechless at some of the whinging about having to walk a mile. It really is incredible for an outsider like me to see.

 

[Tetsujin]

Seriously. If this whole things fall apart because a bunch of fat*** lazy people don't want to walk an extra fifty feet to get to a new arena, there may be Vancouver-style rioting on my part.

 

[RookieOfTheDay]

Seriously. If this whole things fall apart because a bunch of fat*** lazy people don't want to walk an extra fifty feet to get to a new arena, there may be Vancouver-style rioting on my part.

No need to rip on fatties, there's plenty of lazy skinny folks too. But seriously, having convenient relatively close parking is a big deal for some folks. I'm surprised that would surprise many people, actually.

 

[Spike]

No need to rip on fatties, there's plenty of lazy skinny folks too. But seriously, having convenient relatively close parking is a big deal for some folks. I'm surprised that would surprise many people, actually.

Maybe it's Sacramento-specific. Or really, any city plagued by suburban sprawl. All the cities I've lived in haven't had this sort of issue, and I've been in/around quite a few. People will adapt. Don't let the slothies win.

 

[rainmaker]

No need to rip on fatties, there's plenty of lazy skinny folks too. But seriously, having convenient relatively close parking is a big deal for some folks. I'm surprised that would surprise many people, actually.

That's the thing, it is relatively close, and still easier to get to, then many arenas around the world. Walking a half mile isn't some burden which only Sac would need to deal with. It's common in just about every major city which has a big sports team/club around the world.

Like I've said previously, if you're lazier than the other 95% of the world(not you specifically), and won't walk 10 mins to see an NBA game(not talking going to the dentist here), then pay the $5 for a damn taxi from parking to the front door. Handicapped people I feel for, and would expect near by handicapped parking spaces.

The rest of the world does not feel your pain. Hell, the offseason just started. There's no reason why in the next 6 months you can't train your body to handle a 10 min walk. I can't believe I just typed that. But seriously, you have 6 months to prepare if need be. I used to work in strength & conditioning, if anyone needs a program to prepare to help prepare for the walk, I'd be more than happy to assist, completey free. I'll email a program. That simple. Now there aren't any excuses.

 

[RookieOfTheDay]

Maybe it's Sacramento-specific. Or really, any city plagued by suburban sprawl. All the cities I've lived in haven't had this sort of issue, and I've been in/around quite a few. People will adapt. Don't let the slothies win.

You say plagued by but to me the urban sprawl is one of Sacramento's best features. All depends on one's perspective I suppose. I've just always been more comfortable in the suburbs and outlying areas. That's where about 3/4 of the county live too which i why i think there could be some problems with a lot of people not really getting behind the idea of a downtown arena.

 

[RookieOfTheDay]

That's the thing, it is relatively close, and still easier to get to, then many arenas around the world. Walking a half mile isn't some burden which only Sac would need to deal with. It's common in just about every major city which has a big sports team/club around the world.

Like I've said previously, if you're lazier than the other 95% of the world(not you specifically), and won't walk 10 mins to see an NBA game(not talking going to the dentist here), then pay the $5 for a damn taxi from parking to the front door. Handicapped people I feel for, and would expect near by handicapped parking spaces.

The rest of the world does not feel your pain.

Well they'll certainly feel the pain if there's attendance problems at the arena because of it. That's the possibility I was really alluding to. It's not about garnering sympathy for the "lazy", it's about are there enough non lazy folks to adapt to the change support it.

 

[Livinthedream]

Well they'll certainly feel the pain if there's attendance problems at the arena because of it. That's the possibility I was really alluding to. It's not about garnering sympathy for the "lazy", it's about are there enough non lazy folks to adapt to the change support it.

I think you underestimate the number of people who would go to an arena because its in a more hip, trendier spot or because you can get dropped of by light rail at the front door. I know non kings fans who get excited about the possibility to go to those games, but have no interest in going to Arco.

 

[RookieOfTheDay]

I think you underestimate the number of people who would go to an arena because its in a more hip, trendier spot or because you can get dropped of by light rail at the front door. I know non kings fans who get excited about the possibility to go to those games, but have no interest in going to Arco.

You're probably right. Plus, if the team is good, people will go even if they have to hike up a mountain to get there. A lot of people would also go just because of the new factor. Personally I just don't care much about the new factor and would rather go to Natomas. I don't know how many other people feel the same way though, it's always hard to not let your own feelings effect what you think other people will do in these situations. I do know a lot of people personally who have balked at the idea though. Maybe they'd change their tunes once it becomes a reality though, you never know.

 

[The Hammer]

One. Word.

DOWNTOWN

 

[Capt. Factorial]

One. Word.

DOWNTOWN

When you're alone and life is making you lonely you can always go
DOWNTOWN
When you've got worries all the noise and the hurry seems to help, I know
DOWNTOWN
Just listen to the music of the traffic in the city
Linger on the sidewalk where the neon signs are pretty
How can you lose?
The lights are much brighter there, you can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares and go
DOWNTOWN
Things'll be great when you're
DOWNTOWN
No finer place for sure
DOWNTOWN
Everything's waiting for you!

 

[fiction916]

we really need to examine other cases for some perspective here. it's not only that people walk everywhere in real cities, it's that it snows and blows and that the air is humid and damp and that these places generally do not enjoy the relatively fabulous weather we have here in Cali. walk about, it won't kill you.

 

[kennadog]

I am just amazed at how many people don't like the idea of walking. The report said 8,200 parking spaces within one half mile! And I'm sure that as the rail yards develop there will inevitably be more parking available. Geez, walking from parts of Arco's parking lot is that far.

I'm sure they will include handicapped parking, because it's required, although buses and light rail are accessible, too. Because many handicapped people can't drive, they are far more likely to use public transportation to go anywhere. Arco isn't served by any public transportation that's close to the arena. That actually forces some handicapped people to depend on somebody else to drive them there.

Unless you are the sole caretaker, the solution for people who can't walk very far is to drop them off at the arena and then go park. That's what you pretty much have to do at Arco, unless you are eligible to use handicapped parking. That's what I did sometimes with my mother, especially after she had to use a wheelchair.

As to kids, I was a single mom and took my son to plenty of events, including downtown, where I parked blocks away to get free parking. When he was little it was a combination walk/carry. By the time he was 7 or 8 he could handle long walks just fine. It was good exercise. He was back-packing in the Sierras by the time he was 11 or 12. Americans need to get their kids to walk more, not less. If they can run/walk around Disneyland all day, they should have no problem with a 10 minute walk to an arena.

Part of the reason Sac's downtown is so unattractive and dies at night, compared to many big cities is lack of activity and people on the streets. There's no energy and less safety when there's almost no one walking around. I've gotten around Washington, DC, New York, San Francisco and Chicago without a car, by using public transportation and walking. It was a great way to get to know a city. I've also walked a half-mile or more pushing my mother in a wheelchair to take her places, when she was still alive.

I really am astounded that people can't imagine walking a half mile. Take light rail and you won't have to walk that far. By the way, I've also seen people driving around, polluting the air unnecessarily while they look for a close-in parking space. I get into the store before they do, so apparently it's not about saving time or money (gas).

Fiction916 is right. We only have to put up with some rain for the most part. Imagine sitting in a snowstorm to watch your favorite football team. Or watching your Canadian son's hockey practices and/or games on outdoor rinks.

 

[Warhawk]

I agree with kennadog - The VAST majority of people can spend the day walking around an amusement park, or cruising up and down the mall, or whatever. Walking a few hundred feet to an arena entrance is nothing. We frequently walk farther than that to get into ARCO now!

I love those folks driving in circles to park close to a mall entrance so they can spend a couple hours walking around the mall. I mean, REALLY?

 

[macadocious]

why is anyone taking this OP serious? Did you guys look at the website? It looks like it was made in 1998 with basic html. It also has a bunch of fracture quotes on it saying "...I like your plan" - Kings executive.

Also the cost is $500 MM

Just, LOL.