Does anyone in or outside of Pittsburgh have any thoughts on this?
I am torn between two very different ideas.
I believe that the Pens deserve a new arena. I think that it has been a long time coming and was long ago promised. I believe that the PA government is dragging their feet as they usually do on things.
Here is where I am stuck:
One. I think that Mario is right to make some of the threats that he is making about moving based solely on principle and the fact that he was promised a new arena YEARS ago.
Two. I think that Mario could also be the bigger man and sign a lease extension at Mellon Arena until this deal can get done.
Also, a new arena in Pittsburgh wouldn't just be for the Penguins. Many other events are held at the arena every year.
2007-03-08 07:44:37 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Hockey
I think Mario is handling this just like he should...he has learned from his mistakes of believing the politicians in the past and is putting as much pressure on them as possible...if he had signed an extension that would just give Rendell and company another year to pussyfoot around with this. I really, really want the Pens to stay but if it doesn't happen there is not an ounce of blame that should be put on Mario's shoulders.
People that are complaining about tax $ being used...they are not using tax dollars if they do get a deal, at least thats not part of where they stand before talks tonight... the deal would consist of money from the Pens, money from Don Barden(the casino guy), and state gambling revenue.
And if Mario were not showing loyalty do you really think that they would still even be talking to the state...not a chance
2007-03-08 09:59:26 · answer #1 · answered by Andy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He would sign a new lease IF he gets an Arena being built. I think he is right to NOT sign for a new lease. Why keep giving them more time? Rendell has had 4 YEARS in office. Nothing has been done, other then the Gaming Commission(that I think Rendell had influence over) turning down Isle of Capri's bid. Want my theroy? The State knew they would get NOTHING if Capri got the license. So they went to someone else. Now the Pens will have to pay rent, help pay for the Arena and once against the County and State own the Arena. Convient isn't it? Yeah that Arena is used for concerts, I'm guessing it is also where the indoor football team is playing(not in Pittsburgh anymore so not sure where the team ended up based but only Arena I knew of). Yeah I think Mario is doing this just so he can get the deal done one way or the other.
2007-03-08 15:51:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Kansas City officials and AEG officials have said many times that it makes the most sense for everyone involved if the Penguins work out a deal to stay in Pennsylvania. Personally, I agree with that statement. But the Kansas City people have also said that IF a deal cannot be worked out in Pittsburgh, they want to be the frontrunners in the negotiations for the team. Who can blame them for that postion?
In a recent article, Tim Liewicke the president of AEG said that he thinks it is unlikely that the team will relocate to Kansas City. That says a lot to me. He also added that the people in Kansas City have earned the respect of the NHL and team owners by staying out of the negotiations in Pittsburgh. In light of this, I think the latest announcement that Kansas City had sweetened the deal is a ploy on the part of the team. Liewicke said the Kansas City officials have never considered the Penguins as a real possibility but have been in talks with another NHL franchise (probably Nashville) about the possibility of relocating to Kansas City following the next season. Liewicke himself said that is a far more likely scenario that is being supported by Mr. Bettman and the rest of the league.
With all of that said, I wouldn't blame Mario and Burkle for leaving Pittsburgh with the way they have been treated. I also think that despite the comments of Mr. Liewicke, there is a very likely possibility the team leaves Pittsburgh. If Rendell pisses off Mario and Burkle today, I think they will announce they will relocate to Kansas City. Sorry Pens fans, I know that's not what you want to read, but that's the way I see it. Today is the make-it or break-it day in Pennsylvania. Rendell either gives them what they want or they will announce they are leaving, and I don't think anyone on the Board of Govenors or the Mr. Bettman will be able to stop them from going.
2007-03-08 15:51:31 · answer #3 · answered by Colonel Angus 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Mario wants to move team now since Officials in Pittsburgh have failed to get a New Arena Deal, in Kansas city their offering the Pens to stay at the new Sprint Center arena Rent free.
In the End Lemeiux will take the Offer.
2007-03-08 19:44:05 · answer #4 · answered by tfoley5000 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Isle of Capri offered to build a brand new arena. City officials said no. Sounds like some crooked crap going on in this town.
2007-03-08 23:52:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
i'm not sure of the specifics about the pittsburgh situation but i feel like arenas need to be built with private funds and not one cent of tax payer money should be used and i feel this way in regards to every sport
2007-03-08 15:49:30 · answer #6 · answered by charmel5496 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They will build a new arena weather they stay or not
so they might as well stay
only the pittsburgh peguins sounsd right
Mario is a business man but he should show the home town loyalty
2007-03-08 16:20:33 · answer #7 · answered by psucaspurr 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I'm sick of all this "we are close" then " we have come to an impass"
Get it done dammit and stay in PGH!
meeting today at 5:30 is the make or break meeting.
2007-03-08 16:43:15 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it's time the tax payers said NO to sports arenas.
2007-03-08 15:48:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
i think they will get new arena 2009 season start.
2007-03-08 16:08:19 · answer #10 · answered by lcayote 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋