Stern comments directly on new arena

VF21

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http://www.sacbee.com/110/story/951204.html

David J. Stern: New arena effort is genuine team sport
By David J. Stern - Special to The Bee

Published 12:00 am PDT Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Story appeared in EDITORIALS section, Page B7

Why Sacramento? I am often asked why the NBA remains committed to an arena project in Sacramento when previous attempts to turn into reality plans for a new state-of-the-art arena have failed. The answer is twofold: First, Sacramento has been an extraordinary market for the NBA; fans have attended games in record numbers, sponsors have supported the team well and television viewership has been robust. At all levels there seems to be a general appreciation of the Kings organization, its striving for basketball entertainment and excellence, and its keen sense of social responsibility to the community.

Second, elected officials at every level have made clear that they join in the desire of the broader community to explore imaginative, collaborative solutions to assure the continuity of the Kings in Sacramento; a desire shared by the Maloof family.

Of course, this comes as no surprise. Kings fans are loyal, passionate and loud, and exemplify the excitement and energy to which the NBA aspires. During their 23 years in Sacramento, the Kings have enjoyed two of the longest sell-out streaks in NBA history: 497 games from October 1985 to November 1997, and another 354 straight from November 1999 to November 2007. That support compels us to exhaust every possibility to maintain the marriage of the Kings and Sacramento.

It is one thing, however, to espouse a commitment; it is quite another to solve the difficult problem of replacing Arco Arena. We have heard the voters, and we know that whatever contributions different levels of government may be willing to consider, new tax dollars are not a realistic option.

Against this backdrop, we began working 18 months ago on finding a way to keep the Kings in Sacramento, and that effort has led us to Cal Expo.

Over many months we have developed an excellent working relationship with the leadership team at Cal Expo, and together we have identified what we hope is an opportunity to ensure the future of world-class entertainment in the Sacramento region without increasing taxes.

Our collective goal is to construct a state-of-the-art entertainment and exposition destination within a mixed-use development, built to an environmental standard of which the citizens of Sacramento and state of California will be proud. The Cal Expo property, with its proximity to downtown, is an ideal location for an environmentally progressive commercial and residential showcase.

On Wednesday, the Cal Expo Board of Directors will meet to vote on a letter of understanding that lays out a critical path to be followed for the next several months that all sides hope will make this project a reality.

Support from the community and all levels of state and local government, together with that pledged by the Maloofs, will be critical to overcoming the obstacles that confront projects of this scope, including the need to improve traffic flow, minimize the environmental impact of the development and succeed in a difficult economy, particularly as it relates to real estate development. But we believe that the elements are in place for a successful collaboration to meet these challenges.

This project presents an extraordinary opportunity for Sacramento, Cal Expo and the NBA – replacing an outdated arena and state fair infrastructure while contributing to smart growth and economic opportunity for the region.

Is it a certainty? Not at all. But we are optimistic, and I look forward to working with Cal Expo, elected officials at every level and all interested parties to bring this project to fruition, thereby ensuring a bright future for Cal Expo and the Kings in Sacramento. Approval of the letter of understanding by the Cal Expo Board is the first step.
 
I got to give props to Stern, this could be even better than just an arena considering they'd probably fix the traffic problems there(state/city/county/whatever would probably need to add more public transit) and there would be A LOT more entertainment options. He has gone out of his way to help us out so I think everyone in Sac needs to appreciate it and support the project. Instead you have people whining about the traffic:mad:
 
Someone will always want to point out the fatal flaw (perceived or actual). There is no perfect solution but people will want to find one. Eventually, I think most will realize that this is doable and it could turn out quite well.

I'm going to look for David Stern's email address and send off a note of support. I am thankful for what he's done so far and I'm going to let him know.
 
Someone will always want to point out the fatal flaw (perceived or actual). There is no perfect solution but people will want to find one. Eventually, I think most will realize that this is doable and it could turn out quite well.

I'm going to look for David Stern's email address and send off a note of support. I am thankful for what he's done so far and I'm going to let him know.


Good idea VF!:) If you find it I might just do that too.

Also I hope you're right that people will realize this is doable and would turn out well. I mean not only would it give us a new entertainment center and probably better public transportation, it would create a lot of new jobs and help our local economy. It's a great idea and we're LUCKY to have someone like Stern work with Cal Expo to present this opportunity to us, and then you read the comments from the Bee article and it's like 2 or 3 people don't even care or appreciate it. Stuff drives me crazy.
 
Stern may be lacking puctuality, but he makes up for it because of his over all candor. He is like a lawyer, it may not be true, but it definately isn't false type of attitude. Anyways, Stern did a good thing, coming to sacramento and meeting with public officials. I appreciate it. But, his problem with this new arena deal is, it lacks a ground roots movement. This decision for a new arena for the NBA in Sacramento is being pushed and backed by our friends, the Malloofs and the NBA. The problem with that is, they profit when it is built, and citizens don't appreciate that prospect; even if it is for their own good. They want it built soon, because it will not be cheaper to build in the future. Also they feel confortable enough with their current contributions to the community to ask for our support/backing and even votes conscerning a new deal. The problems are even moreso compounded because there is not that one outspoken public sacramentian who becomes the face of the new arena. Stern is not the face of the new area. It all comes back to a ground roots movement. Who leads it, where, how, and why? weekly, monthly meeting, website meetings. These small conventions can do alot to push new ideas, when they are lead by ordinary people. I know im a little confusing, and i am writing in circles. But, basically, Stern needs help, and this was his first at bat. he is swinging for positive PR. And he probabaly got it. But not enough....I suggest Stern suggests a place and time on Cal Expo propert where Kings fans may or may not start an unofficial-dig site for the new arena. I know.....logistics....screw it....i would go
 
But, his problem with this new arena deal is, it lacks a ground roots movement. This decision for a new arena for the NBA in Sacramento is being pushed and backed by our friends, the Malloofs and the NBA. The problem with that is, they profit when it is built, and citizens don't appreciate that prospect; even if it is for their own good. They want it built soon, because it will not be cheaper to build in the future. Also they feel confortable enough with their current contributions to the community to ask for our support/backing and even votes conscerning a new deal.

I think you're putting the cart before the horse a bit. Things are progressing but they're not to the point of being concrete enough to garner a lot of support. There are still more questions than answers and I don't think they want to get ahead of themselves.

The problems are even moreso compounded because there is not that one outspoken public sacramentian who becomes the face of the new arena. Stern is not the face of the new area. It all comes back to a ground roots movement. Who leads it, where, how, and why? weekly, monthly meeting, website meetings. These small conventions can do alot to push new ideas, when they are lead by ordinary people. I know im a little confusing, and i am writing in circles. But, basically, Stern needs help, and this was his first at bat. he is swinging for positive PR. And he probabaly got it. But not enough....I suggest Stern suggests a place and time on Cal Expo propert where Kings fans may or may not start an unofficial-dig site for the new arena. I know.....logistics....screw it....i would go

I agree with what you're saying but it's not time yet. Let them get the basics established first; once that happens, then it will be time for more action.

The problem last time was they didn't come with a concrete plan that people could support. There were WAY too many conflicts, unresolved issues, etc. I think they all learned a lesson and they're doing things a little bit differently.

As Stern says above:

On Wednesday, the Cal Expo Board of Directors will meet to vote on a letter of understanding that lays out a critical path to be followed for the next several months that all sides hope will make this project a reality.

That was written in late May. I think they're working on things; I think they're very wise not to make it public until they're ready.
 
Additionally, while they will want public support, they have taken to heart the message that the citizens are not going to vote for a new tax. Consequently the Cal Expo route.

It's State property and most of the "public" financing will come from Cal Expo through revenue bonds that the Cal Expo Authority has already been authorized to sell by the State legislature. A good chunk is hopefully to come from private developers for the private commercial and residential development beyond just the fair and the arena/entertainment complex..
 
Sterns interview and media release was May 20, 2008 the day before the Cal Expo board meeting in which both he and Gov. Wilson, made their view known and offered suggestions for the overall project. See thread#8 at the "No news is good news?" thread http://www.kingsfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28596

In this thread is stressed the need for support for a new arena, some group of fans/public that keep the pressure on to progress. The comment "Things are progressing but they're not to the point of being concrete enough to garner a lot of support" I think misses the point. If a public group/fan base is enthusiastic and involved in supporting a new arena effort, they can keep the pressure on the politicians and now on Cal Expo Board members to keep working toward a solution.

It doesn't matter what type of solution or what the new Arena looks like or even how concrete a solution is. What matters are the voices and pressure to be kept on those in power to help stay focused and going in a direction to achieve an Arena solution.

That said, we can all take part of the blame for such an effort not happening. It is not one person but rather a group effort to keep pushing and supporting and encouraging. If Cal Expo gets the basics established but there is no fan support or community support, what happens then? Where is the incentive to push harder and farther and longer to include an Arena in the solution?

Or do we then assume that progress is solely for the benefit of the developer and Cal Expo with no real idea of what the public and fans like and don't like or want and don't want. I'm not talking design issues or site plan issues or even financial issues. I'm talking about what do we, the fans and ticket buying public, want. Is it just an Arena and a parking lot? or is shops and stores and restaurants? or not. Is it living spaces, or not?

Visible support has an influence if only to keep the ball moving. But it can have a positive influence of the scale and scope of what we perceive we want. Not one persons views but collective views that the decision makers become aware of and use in their efforts.
 
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I've never once suggested nor hinted at any doom regarding Arena projects. Every view of reality has a pro and con. So am confused by your statement. If you take the con view, I respect that, it is your choice.

An enthusiastic support effort directed toward any group or organization always has an upside. I give you Kings fans at home games for the 5 years of 1998-2003 who made Arco the toughest place in the NBA for other teams to play: a big upside for the Kings. By the same token, regarding support for the Cal Expo "project" we should not be a herd of Ostrich's either.

I've written my letter in support of a new Kings Arena at Cal Expo. How many others have done the same? Why not?
 
You've posted pretty much the same comments in three different threads in this forum. And it seems as though you're taking a negative view towards any positive outcome in all of them.

An enthusiastic support effort will be wonderful ONCE WE KNOW what we're actually supporting. I'm honestly confused by what you're trying to get at by saying we should not be a herd of ostrich. I'm not sticking my head in the sand, but I'm also not trying to put the cart before the horse.

I wrote my email to David Stern months ago. At this point, I'm waiting to see what they come up with. Once there's something to rally around, I'm pretty sure the Kings fans will make their voices heard. The "No news is good news" thread talked about the collaboration looking at a second 180-day period if they haven't been able to put together something the first time around. In today's economy, I honestly think that's reason to believe they're as serious as they can be in getting something done.

Maybe we're arguing the same things from different POVs? I want an arena; I think Sacramento has a definitive need for a state-of-the-art facility; I truly think this time around represents the best chance for that to come to fruition. I don't need nor do I expect to read updates about what could be pretty delicate negotations about putting a deal together to accomplish the goals. You seem to want to know every step of the process and I just don't expect private businesses to be obligated to conduct their dealings in the public eye.
 
I guess my views are influenced by being a CEO for nearly 20 years and having done business with the county and state for most of that. And your right, we merely have two different views of the same effort, to hopefully get a new arena for the Kings.

For those who would also like to contact the CalExpo Board of Directors in support of the their Arena efforts, here is the contact info:

http://www.calexpo.com/html/Contact_Us.asp
 
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I am glad I am not head of a company/politician/ect ect.. It just doesn't interest me because most of the time they talk just to hear them self speak. If they get it done all the better, if not then they just prove that they are a bunch of windbags.
 
I am glad I am not head of a company/politician/ect ect.. It just doesn't interest me because most of the time they talk just to hear them self speak. If they get it done all the better, if not then they just prove that they are a bunch of windbags.
Well, in a democracy, it takes a majority. So what anyone politician says they will do is always based on how many others he/she can get to go along, usually resulting in a compromise.

I wouldn't want to be a politician, because even for a good one generally you're damned if you do and damned if you don't. Impossible to please all of the people.
 
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I used to work for a large company and it seemed some of the people that were put in charge didn't have a clue.. Same goes with politicians. Sometimes you listen to them and think to yourself "what the hell did he just say? Is he retarded or something?" I thank my lucky stars that I don't have to deal with people like that on a daily basis. It's also why I have no interest in politics at all.
 
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One loose rafter in Arco is all it takes, and one huge lawsuit over the loose rafter would make Arco unfit for the community. Percentages don't lie, there is 100% possibility that one loose rafter will fall in the next thousand years. It could be tommorrow. Or it could be on the day Arco is demolished. Either way, it would be nice to have a backup arena, for instance a new backup arena to house the kings, if Arco is mysteriously deemed unfit for the general population in the next 4-5 years. It's going to get ugly, fast, if an arena isn't built. If the "backup" arena isn't built, the kings are going to be forces to move, "temporarily".
 
Wow. That takes conspiracy theories to a whole new level. Congrats, FakeInjury.

;)
 
I'm going to agree with VF21 on this one. Its hard to muster a lot of support for something when you don't yet know what it is. Most fans support the idea of a new arena. I believe that most fans are reluctant to support a vague idea of what that entails.

I think that if an attractive package is wheeled out, that excites people with the possiblilties of what could be, the support will be there. Right now were sort of being asked to support a team without knowing who the players are. Its been a slower process this time, and maybe thats a good thing. Patience is my short suit, as my wife will attest. But as important as this project is, moving slowly is probably in the best interest of everyone.

I will be looking for loose rafters next time I visit ARCO however. I'll be the one with the helmet on.
 
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