News 10 - Host of Issues Stall Deal Over New Arena Plan

[Wert]

Here's what I consider the more relevant bits of this recent report:

"There are a host of issues, in fact, about 18 major issues that we're trying to grapple with," said Sacramento County Supervisor Roger Dickinson. "They include such things as what we believe the cost of the facility will be, who is going to pay how much of the cost?"

Dickinson also mentioned maintenance, repairs, parking, the cost of rent and the design of the building as other issues that need to be resolved.

Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo did not attend the talks at the the Maloofs' Palms hotel in Las Vegas, but she was informed of the discussions. While some progress was made, Fargo admitted there is a lot of distance between the the two parties.

"There are a lot of things to discuss in terms of who controls the revenue coming in, whether it's for parking or concessions or businesses around it," Fargo said. "Sometime next week, if we haven't come to some kind of agreement, I think that may be it for this round."

http://www.news10.net/storyfull2.aspx?storyid=18673

Seems like they have 18 separate (and major) issues to resolve by next week or they'll consider this round of talks pretty much toast. I'm guessing that some of the other issues not mentioned probably include the cut the Maloofs will demand of any non sports events and how the naming rights will be handled.

Sounds quite discouraging for those of us who would really like to have something official to vote on in the fall.

From VF21--Here's the text of the article, with proper attribution above to News10.

Host of Issues Stall Deal Over New Arena Plan
Written for the web by C. Johnson, Internet News Producer

A day after two intense negotiation sessions, News 10 has learned more about the major sticking points the Sacramento Kings owners and Sacramento officials are struggling with to build a new arena in the capital city.

Both sides are trying to strike a deal before time runs out to get an arena package on the November ballot.

"There are a host of issues, in fact, about 18 major issues that we're trying to grapple with," said Sacramento County Supervisor Roger Dickinson. "They include such things as what we believe the cost of the facility will be, who is going to pay how much of the cost?"

Dickinson also mentioned maintenance, repairs, parking, the cost of rent and the design of the building as other issues that need to be resolved.

Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo did not attend the talks at the the Maloofs' Palms hotel in Las Vegas, but she was informed of the discussions. While some progress was made, Fargo admitted there is a lot of distance between the the two parties.

"There are a lot of things to discuss in terms of who controls the revenue coming in, whether it's for parking or concessions or businesses around it," Fargo said. "Sometime next week, if we haven't come to some kind of agreement, I think that may be it for this round."

The talks began with an eight-hour session Tuesday afternoon and reporters were kept away. Security at the Palms would not allow any cameras inside, where the meetings took place.

The Maloof family, their representatives, Sacramento city and county officials as well as NBA league representatives restarted negotiations Tuesday, two weeks after they fell apart.

The Maloofs know an August deadline is fast approaching when any kind of a sales tax measure to go before voters in November must be approved by the county board of supervisors. The Kings owners don't want to wait until the next election in 2008.

"It is too late, too late. We have to get something done in the next month in a half," Joe Maloof told News10 on Monday. "We can wait until 2008 -- who knows what it might be in 2008. The time is now. We have been back and forth six and a half years. One way or another, let the people decide. Let's get in on the ballot, then if they don't want it, we understand. But give us an opportunity to see what they want."

There has been speculation the Maloofs might move the Kings to a different city if a new arena is not built. According to Mayor Fargo, if the sports teams were to leave Sacramento, the city would still have the arena as it stands.

"What I don't know is how would that (the arena) be managed and could that be supported without the sports franchises to pay such a large percentage of the cost," Fargo said.

The cost is estimated at least $250 million. How much of that would come from public funds is crucial in the debate.

 

[kupman]

very discouraging indeed......I find myself no longer wondering if it will get done this time around, but rather how patient will the Maloofs be?

 

[kennadog]

I went to Sacramento today and happened to talk to someone who knows somene in city politics and knows Dickinsen. Take it for what it is worth and consider it a rumor at this point, but it does not look like an arena deal will get done and the Maloofs are planning on taking the team to Anaheim. We could be looking at the last season for the "Sacramento" Kings.The "Pond" is a state-of-the-art facility and will be thrilled to have the team.

 

[BMiller52]

I went to Sacramento today and happened to talk to someone who knows somene in city politics and knows Dickinsen. Take it for what it is worth and consider it a rumor at this point, but it does not look like an arena deal will get done and the Maloofs are planning on taking the team to Anaheim. WE could be looking at the last season for the "Sacramento" Kings.

Dang so the people won't even have a choice to vote for a new arena? That's really unfair IMO.

 

[Kingzrool]

the Maloofs are planning on taking the team to Anaheim.

please NO! the only place that I would have a hard time rooting for them. NOT LA!!!!! PLEASE!

What do they need 3 NBA teams for anyways.

 

[kennadog]

Dang so the people won't even have a choice to vote for a new arena? That's really unfair IMO.

Honestly? Its sounding like anything that went on the ballot would be too much for the majority of voters. I don't think it would pass anyway. I suspect nothing short of a miracle will get a new arena here in Sacramento now.

 

[kennadog]

please NO! the only place that I would have a hard time rooting for them. NOT LA!!!!! PLEASE!

What do they need 3 NBA teams for anyways.

That was my reaction, too. That would be the worst possible outcome to me.

Just remember, this is third hand info and could be totally wrong, but I'm not very optimistic.

 

[VF21]

Why not wait to lose hope when it actually appears ALL avenues have been exhausted?

I hate to see people lose hope before that happens because, to me, it defeats a measure before it even gets a chance at breath.

Yes, Anaheim has been very actively courting the Kings. I don't think that's any kind of surprise. But the Maloofs would really like to stay in Sacramento for a variety of reasons.

One of them is the rabid fan base.

Another one is not having to compete with other pro franchises for a sports-starved audience. They're the only game in town and it's not a bad position to be in. (And I'm not slighting the Monarchs... I don't even know for sure if the Monarchs would move right away. They might even become a draw for the new Stockton facility.)

I think people who believe in this project and want it to succeed need to KEEP the dream alive. Why let "them" win without even a fight?

 

[VF21]

I have added the text in its entirely so people can judge the article for themselves. It's interesting to note the comments from Joe Maloof were made LAST MONDAY, before the groups had even begun to talk.

 

[BigWaxer]

. But the Maloofs would really like to stay in Sacramento for a variety of reasons.

I agree and I think they have proven that over and over again. This latest meeting the past few days shows me they truely want to stay in sac. Its the damn city that is screwing us over.

 

[ShatteredVision]

Not many believe Arco is just that decrepit as reported. Sacramento is really just screwing Sacramento.

Los Angeles Kings of Anaheim?

Sounds pretty bad.

 

[VF21]

What's screwed Sacramento for a long time is the Sacramento Bee, which allowed writers like R.E. Graswich to take potshots on such a regular basis at the Maloofs that public opinion became more Graswich opinion than anything else.

In addition, instead of embracing this NBA franchise as an integral part of our area and our community, the Bee has - a lot of times - acted as though they were the scourge of the universe.

The Bee has no difficulty in telling people who to vote for or how to vote on various propositions, so they cannot say they're only trying to present the facts. They have presented a distorted and often totally erroneous view of this subject so often it's now become practically laughable.

There are facts out there waiting to be presented. They could investigate the situations in Houston and San Antonio, both who have gone through similar experiences. They could talk about what the new arenas have done for both those cities. They could talk about the concerts and other events that have passed Sacramento by because of the aging arena.

They could actually compare the arena conditions to those in other NBA cities.

These complaints go for most of the local media. They aren't investigiating. They're not digging deep to find the truth of the matter. If they (meaning the media as a whole) DID do their homework and present it in a factual manner to the public, we might not be in the mess we're in right now.

On the other hand, the Maloofs should have long ago made it clear they would not just pick up and move UNTIL and unless they had exhausted all other alternatives. They should be making an earnest effort, just as they're expecting the city and county to do.

I think both sides have messed up on this. I hope there's time to correct it.

 

[hoopsfan]

Not many believe Arco is just that decrepit as reported. Sacramento is really just screwing Sacramento.

Los Angeles Kings of Anaheim?

Sounds pretty bad.

Looks like you're ready for that since your avatar is for the L.A Kings already.

 

[ShatteredVision]

Well yeah, it just seems like a small town mentality with a big town prescence.

 

[JB_kings]

There's a reason why the citizens of Sacramento have an inferiority complex - they have inferior leaders. They are still looking for the "good deal" that's never going to come. If these talks collapse then the kind of miracle to hope for will have to come from a gun to their head. I fully expect the Anaheim stories to heat up over the next month or so. I only hope a solution can come from the real threat of a move. If that passes with a whimper, then this upcoming season will be the last for the Sacramento Kings.

 

[D-Mass]

There are facts out there waiting to be presented. They could investigate the situations in Houston and San Antonio, both who have gone through similar experiences. They could talk about what the new arenas have done for both those cities. They could talk about the concerts and other events that have passed Sacramento by because of the aging arena.

They could actually compare the arena conditions to those in other NBA cities.

IIRC, Houston's arena passed on a SECOND ballot measure after a failed first try...so much time has been wasted here in Sacramento that we can't afford for it NOT to pass the first time.

 

[kennadog]

IIRC, Houston's arena passed on a SECOND ballot measure after a failed first try...so much time has been wasted here in Sacramento that we can't afford for it NOT to pass the first time.

Exactly. Waiting until 2008 for a ballot measure that has no guarantee of passing is too late. And the Maloofs most recent comments have made that clear. We won't have to wait very long to know the outcome at this point. July 25th is only 10 days away and we'll likley know before then, antway.

 

[VF21]

BOTH situations in Houston and San Antonio bear scrunity, IMHO. If anything, the experience of almost losing their franchise makes Houston a cautionary tale.

And perhaps I'm simply refusing to take off the rose-colored glasses, but I have NOT heard the Maloofs make a "do this or else" statement yet. In fact, I think they're trying very hard not to do it unless they have to. I think they will, at some point, but I cannot stress enough that those of us who want them to stay have to continue to believe they will find a way ... and do whatever we can to support that.

It's my worst fear that those of us who have raised our voices and truly want this to happen will become disillusioned and discouraged by the media slant, and just give up too soon.

 

[D-Mass]

I'm definitely still in it for the long haul. I just feel pretty helpless up here in Chico.

 

[kennadog]

BOTH situations in Houston and San Antonio bear scrunity, IMHO. If anything, the experience of almost losing their franchise makes Houston a cautionary tale.

And perhaps I'm simply refusing to take off the rose-colored glasses, but I have NOT heard the Maloofs make a "do this or else" statement yet. In fact, I think they're trying very hard not to do it unless they have to. I think they will, at some point, but I cannot stress enough that those of us who want them to stay have to continue to believe they will find a way ... and do whatever we can to support that.

It's my worst fear that those of us who have raised our voices and truly want this to happen will become disillusioned and discouraged by the media slant, and just give up too soon.

I still want this to happen, don't get me wrong. I haven't stopped supporting the idea of a new arena. But some of what I heard today knocked me down a bit. That's all I'll say for now, because until we hear the actual yea or nay, there's always some hope.

 

[kennadog]

I'm definitely still in it for the long haul. I just feel pretty helpless up here in Chico.

Yeah, same about being in Yuba City. Someone said don't stress about things over which we have no control. Truth is, studies have shown that stress is highest when people feel or perceive that they have no control over things that affect them. Its frustrating.

 

[Carole]

But, remember last year when everyone discounted every Monarchs win - and it inspired the girls to dig in and do it again. They didn't give up just because no one in the media thought they could be the champions. Same here, let it inspire us to make it happen. Find a way. Have any of us actually told the city officials how we feel? About refusing to reelect them if they don't hear us? How about launching a recall? Let's get a brainstorm going about what we CAN do. OK? Remember the Sun goes down in the West!! We can win this!

 

[Wert]

I went to Sacramento today and happened to talk to someone who knows somene in city politics and knows Dickinsen. Take it for what it is worth and consider it a rumor at this point, but it does not look like an arena deal will get done and the Maloofs are planning on taking the team to Anaheim. We could be looking at the last season for the "Sacramento" Kings.The "Pond" is a state-of-the-art facility and will be thrilled to have the team.

I've been to several events at the pond. I"ve got family in the ar

It's typically lousy for concerts (as I've never been in a large sports type arena that had good acoustics), but its sports facilities are just great. When I lived down there and wanted to hear bands/concerts properly, I"d always hit the Universal Amphitheater, Irving Meadows, Hollywood bowl, etc. Seeing concerts at Staples, the great western forum, dodger stadium (ugh!), was never less than crappy.

IMHO, wouldn't be a bad move for the Kings at all if they can't work out something local. And Anaheim's not so far that folks here might be able to still catch the occasional game. Heck, I know I drive down there for Disneyland or to visit friends now and again.

 

[Wert]

Dang so the people won't even have a choice to vote for a new arena? That's really unfair IMO.

I totally agree. I would love to see this go to a vote. Seems only fair.

 

[Wert]

please NO! the only place that I would have a hard time rooting for them. NOT LA!!!!! PLEASE

Even though they call themselves the "LA Angels of Anaheim", Anaheim certainly is not a Part of Los Angeles in any way shape or form.

Heck, Anaheim's not even in LA county! It's always been part of the OC.

If the Kings go there (and I'd honestly be fine with that), calling them the "LA Kings of Anaheim" would be simply stupid.

 

[Wert]

I have added the text in its entirely so people can judge the article for themselves. It's interesting to note the comments from Joe Maloof were made LAST MONDAY, before the groups had even begun to talk.

That's why I left it out. We've already read it. News 10 has a habit of adding new test to top of their stories so it's not unusual for older stuff to hang around.

 

[D-Mass]

IMHO, wouldn't be a bad move for the Kings at all if they can't work out something local. And Anaheim's not so far that folks here might be able to still catch the occasional game. Heck, I know I drive down there for Disneyland or to visit friends now and again.

That just makes me ill. With free agency and player movement the way it is nowadays, I find myself to be much more a fan of the team because of its locale and not so much its players and coaches. Don't get me wrong...I get attached to certain players, but every fan has to know that at some point your favorite player probably won't play for your favorite team anymore...but I digress. I'm proud to be a Kings fan because they are located near me, especially because we live in or near a not-so-big city. Other cities this size can't boast that they have an NBA team. I'm proud of that. I think it makes Sacramento (and the surrounding area) a special place. However nice Sacramento is (and it IS), it's still a smallish city surrounded by agriculture...not exactly a city that's going to end up being talked about across the nation. But add an NBA franchise, a WNBA franchise, some major concerts and other cultural experiences, and you've got something. You may be so willing to give that up, but I'm not. And I refuse to believe that the residents of this city, given all of the information, are so willing either. And if they are, then Sacramento is not the city I thought it was.

 

[Wert]

That just makes me ill. With free agency and player movement the way it is nowadays, I find myself to be much more a fan of the team because of its locale and not so much its players and coaches.

Some of us (well many if you count all those non local Kings fans), simply don't require close proximity as a condition of being a fan.

I think it makes Sacramento (and the surrounding area) a special place.

I think Sacramento is a special place and personally, that has nothing to do with whether it has a pro sports franchise or not. I mean, it is the capital of one of the largest economies in the world. If that doesn't make it important, I don't know what does. I have no problem at all finding fun things to do around here, very few of those depending in any way on the Arena. While I follow the Kings closely, and consider myself a fairly rabid fan, I don't need them around to validate the fact that I think Sacramento is a pretty peachy keen place to live.

However nice Sacramento is (and it IS), it's still a smallish city surrounded by agriculture...not exactly a city that's going to end up being talked about across the nation.

I feel bad about the fact that some folks can't just enjoy where they live without constantly worrying about some sort of odd perception that folks in other places are always putting us down. Except for the talk in LA when they were dissing us due to the rivalry with the Lakers, I'd seldom hear mention of Sacramento at all. People in other cities just have better things to worry about frankly.

 

[Packt]

After a few days of fairly positive news, this piece is very disheartening. Not counting the locals, there are a lot of out of towners in Sac, who would take advantage of the potential night life in downtown.

I will ask those of you who are in the area... Do want an arena at all cost or are their lines you won't cross? It’s just too easy to point the fingers at city officials without knowing the details. I do feel city officials are looking out for the best interest of the city. I can make a long, long list of the positives, but I have no idea what the negatives could even be.

If the financing is primarily coming from the proposed sales tax increase, I’m all for it. All this parking/concession stuff I don’t care about.

 

[Packt]

I've been to several events at the pond. I"ve got family in the ar

It's typically lousy for concerts (as I've never been in a large sports type arena that had good acoustics), but its sports facilities are just great. When I lived down there and wanted to hear bands/concerts properly, I"d always hit the Universal Amphitheater, Irving Meadows, Hollywood bowl, etc. Seeing concerts at Staples, the great western forum, dodger stadium (ugh!), was never less than crappy.

IMHO, wouldn't be a bad move for the Kings at all if they can't work out something local. And Anaheim's not so far that folks here might be able to still catch the occasional game. Heck, I know I drive down there for Disneyland or to visit friends now and again.

I’m hoping the foot traffic trickles out, leading to more venues. Either way, expect a fight from established residents, and don't be surprised by lawsuits. When the Music Circus upgraded, I remember there were a lot of upset residents, and a lawsuit.