NBA expansion

[Pickle20]

Originally Posted by jimjim5

I think you are right......

but there is a bit of a difference here in Baltimore compared to the other cities, the riff-raff here is very, very hood-rich. The riff-raff there isn't as much.

This city being the drug capital + the abundance on junkies keeps the riff-raff pockets straight.

You just proved my point. What a completely baseless statement.

[Pickle20]

Originally Posted by StevenJB

FYI, Nationals Park is not located in Anacostia. It is located in Near SE, north of the South Capitol Street Bridge. The original entire region near and around the stadium was leveled to the ground. Luxury hotels, condominiums, and federal office buildings are going up nearby. A complete new luxury waterfront with a water taxi will be built. A new bridge will replace the old one. An entertainment district rivaling Gallery Place/Verizon Center will be constructed north of the ballpark. I trust that that information will calm your racial fears.

Room222 is a troll. Ignore him.

In 10 years, baseball in DC will be thriving, and the stadium will be the lightning rod for developing that area.

[sonofboh]

Originally Posted by Pickle20

I will admit that hockey would have a hard time here. But if Columbus, OH can have a NHL team I refuse to believe that Baltimore can't.

Columbus, OH does not have any other pro sports teams to contend with, it is also the largest city in OH, and did not need hundreds of millions of tax dollars to build the arena. (nationwide insurance paid for most of it).

[sonofboh]

baltimore's best bet for pro hockey would be an ahl team in the new towson university arena, if it ever gets built

[TheBirdz]

Originally Posted by jimjim5

Baltimore and DC are two totally different cities. DC is transient. So allegiance to a mediocre/sub standard product ain't happening (see Washington Nationals).

Baltimore proper/suburbs (Carroll, AA, Baltimore Co, City, Hanover/York, PA) are so much more provincial (for lack of a better term now), but in a good way. This area will follow a team that represents them.

If Baltimore gets a team, allegiance will switch (see: Baltimore Ravens). Most fans are fair weather and not fanatical. Sports entertainment for them is about convenience just as much as the competition. However, underneath many Baltimore suburbanites is an allegiance to Baltimore because of their family history that is tied to the city. This is hidden fact, because it ain't so fashionable to care about a place so broken. DC ain't got that type of draw. I personally think that after the numbers are crunched, if the Baltimore metro population and business community is deemed worthy enough $$$ wise, this intangible aspect of Baltimore is what would keep a Baltimore NHL franchise viable.

Let me clarify a few points.

The reason that I don't think that people from AA and HoCo would switch allegiances is because right now the Capitals have the world's best player. They also have other exciting players and are an exciting team to watch.

Furthermore, both cities are fairly even as far as distance goes for people in those two counties so neither city is particularly more convenient than the other.


The provincialism of which you speak of is much more common to Baltimore City or county.

I never got the impression that there was any great loyalty to either city in those two counties. From my casual observation, HoCo does lean heavily towards Baltimore but not to the degree that you were speaking of. AA is pretty evenly split in their loyalties between the two cities. If anything, in AA, they tend to lean slightly more towards Washington.


Also, the area surrounding the Verizon Center has a miniature Times Square feel to it. It makes for a great gameday atmosphere. Even with a new arena at the First Mariner site, I'm not convinced its realistic to expect that kind of redevelopment in the blocks immediately around the First Mariner site. This means that for people in those two counties, going to Caps games will probably be more fun.

So for these reasons I don't think that people in the counties HoCo or AA will switch.

Now the reason I left out Baltimore City was because like DC proper, it does not have favorable hockey demographics. These are majority black cities of which hockey is not popular.


So, HoCo, AA and Baltimore city are mostly out as far as supporting a Baltimore hockey team goes. That leaves Baltimore County and some smaller jurisdictions. I don't think thats enough to draw from.

[lllynchhh]

I definitely disagree that Anne arundel favors Washington. I am from there and It is way more Baltimore. The majority of the people live in the Northern part (glen burnie, Dena, Brooklyn, Linthicum, millersville, and SP,) and those areas are all Baltimore. Crofton and the areas south of Annapolis tend to favor DC, but not by a large Margin.

Hockey is a cult sport, and hockey fans all around the area seem to like the caps, and I agree they get a lot of support from AA, especially because they used to be based there. Let the caps be the areas team, maybe play a couple games in bmore every year, but I am all for an NBA and MLS team.

[StevenJB]

Originally Posted by Pickle20

Baltimore has never had exposure to hockey other than the Capitals and Skipjacks.

Really? Only the Capitals and Skipjacks? Let me count the number of hockey failures in Charm City:

First, there was the Baltimore Orioles of the Eastern Amateur Hockey League. They played in Charm City from the 1933-34 season to the 1941-42 season and they tried again in 1944-45 followed by the Baltimore Clippers from 1945-46 to 1949-50.

Then there were the Eastern Hockey League Baltimore Clippers. They played for almost two seasons of 1954-55 to 55-56 before the Carlins Iceland Arena burnt to the ground in Jan 1956. The Clippers relocated to Charlotte immediately.

Then there was the American Hockey League (AHL) Baltimore Clippers from 1962-63 to 1974-75. Then the Baltimore Blades in 1975-76 and again the Baltimore Clippers in 1976-77.

Next we go to the Atlantic Coast Hockey League Baltimore Skipjacks of 1981-82. The ACHL became the AHL again in 1982-83 and the Skipjacks played until 1992-93. Then Charm City tried for one last time at hockey with the AHL Baltimore Bandits from 1995-96 to 1996-97.

So, how many teams is that? The Orioles, the Clippers, the Clippers again, the Clippers again, the Blades, and yet again the Clippers, the Skipjacks, and finally the Bandits. That's eight teams if I count right, huh Baltimore? That's quite an interesting track record for hockey in Charm City, isn't it? You sure you guys want another shot at hockey? Isn't eight times enough?

BTW, guys, I am posting all of this just to tease you. Especially you guys who live and love in Baltimore. Many, but most definitely not all of you guys, who hail from Baltimore happen to be some of the most parochial sports fans that I have ever had the pleasure of sharing opinions with. Prior to the Montreal Expos moving to Washington, most of you Baltimore and Orioles fans would constantly tell us Washingtonians what a lousy baseball town that Washington was. Washington lost two teams! Ha, ha, ha, and so on and so on. . . .

Of course, there were mitigating circumstances why Washington lost our baseball teams just as there were mitigating circumstances why Baltimore had lost eight hockey teams, one NBA team, and one NFL team. Which all goes to show you Baltimoreans that we all deserve a second chance and in your case a ninth chance.

[Pickle20]

Originally Posted by StevenJB

Really? Only the Capitals and Skipjacks? Let me count the number of hockey failures in Charm City:

First, there was the Baltimore Orioles of the Eastern Amateur Hockey League. They played in Charm City from the 1933-34 season to the 1941-42 season and they tried again in 1944-45 followed by the Baltimore Clippers from 1945-46 to 1949-50.

Then there were the Eastern Hockey League Baltimore Clippers. They played for almost two seasons of 1954-55 to 55-56 before the Carlins Iceland Arena burnt to the ground in Jan 1956. The Clippers relocated to Charlotte immediately.

Then there was the American Hockey League (AHL) Baltimore Clippers from 1962-63 to 1974-75. Then the Baltimore Blades in 1975-76 and again the Baltimore Clippers in 1976-77.

Next we go to the Atlantic Coast Hockey League Baltimore Skipjacks of 1981-82. The ACHL became the AHL again in 1982-83 and the Skipjacks played until 1992-93. Then Charm City tried for one last time at hockey with the AHL Baltimore Bandits from 1995-96 to 1996-97.

So, how many teams is that? The Orioles, the Clippers, the Clippers again, the Clippers again, the Blades, and yet again the Clippers, the Skipjacks, and finally the Bandits. That's eight teams if I count right, huh Baltimore? That's quite an interesting track record for hockey in Charm City, isn't it? You sure you guys want another shot at hockey? Isn't eight times enough?

BTW, guys, I am posting all of this just to tease you. Especially you guys who live and love in Baltimore. Many, but most definitely not all of you guys, who hail from Baltimore happen to be some of the most parochial sports fans that I have ever had the pleasure of sharing opinions with. Prior to the Montreal Expos moving to Washington, most of you Baltimore and Orioles fans would constantly tell us Washingtonians what a lousy baseball town that Washington was. Washington lost two teams! Ha, ha, ha, and so on and so on. . . .

Of course, there were mitigating circumstances why Washington lost our baseball teams just as there were mitigating circumstances why Baltimore had lost eight hockey teams, one NBA team, and one NFL team. Which all goes to show you Baltimoreans that we all deserve a second chance and in your case a ninth chance.

You can take all the hockey history prior to 1980 and throw it out of the window. It's useless because the dynamics of the city have completely changed over the years -- even from 1980.

I will admit, hockey hasn't had much success in Baltimore, but I don't believe the city considers itself a minor league team either, and won't support minor league teams. When has a minor league team worked in Baltimore? The Blast? Even they are about to go out of business.

Baltimore has had 4 major league pro teams come through the city (O's, Ravens, Bullets and Colts). It doesn't support minor league anything.

Will hockey work in Baltimore? I don't know. But the only way to find out is to build an arena capable of NHL hockey and see what happens.

Remember, Baltimore is a very loyal city in a way that DC is not. I think they would support any team that comes here from one of the 5 big leagues (MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS)

[baltimores/only/hockeyfan]

I think the best way to find out would be to play a few NHL preseason games at first Mariner and see what happens. Remember those "Give Baltimore the Ball" NFL preseason games, they played at Memorial Stadium in the early 90's, when the NFL was trying to expand? They could do a "Baltimore is on the Power Play" promotion and give us a chance to make our voices heard.

[jimjim5]

Originally Posted by baltimores/only/hockeyfan

I think the best way to find out would be to play a few NHL preseason games at first Mariner and see what happens. Remember those "Give Baltimore the Ball" NFL preseason games, they played at Memorial Stadium in the early 90's, when the NFL was trying to expand? They could do a "Baltimore is on the Power Play" promotion and give us a chance to make our voices heard.

Great Idea! I am not an active hockey fan, but I would love a hockey team here. I would become a crazy fan. Hockey is the best spectator sport by far.

baltimores/only/hockeyfan, I think a lot of Baltimoreans like me would become fans. This city deserves another another major league sport; if only so the sports talk stations could talk about more than just the Ravens/Orioles. Baseball season is a snooze-fest anyway. I love them both, but it is repetitive.....

[Pickle20]

Originally Posted by baltimores/only/hockeyfan

I think the best way to find out would be to play a few NHL preseason games at first Mariner and see what happens. Remember those "Give Baltimore the Ball" NFL preseason games, they played at Memorial Stadium in the early 90's, when the NFL was trying to expand? They could do a "Baltimore is on the Power Play" promotion and give us a chance to make our voices heard.

I like the idea but even then I think the NHL won't touch the First Mariner Arena. Plus the home teams probably wouldn't be too happy about losing the money from tickets costs and concessions.

[baltimores/only/hockeyfan]

Well, I am not too crazy about the idea of building a 300 million dollar arena because Baltimore thinks it MIGHT be a hockey town. And I think 11,000+ showing up for a preseason game is a pretty good score. Maybe they can charge regular season ticket prices for the game. If Baltimore wants a hockey team that desperatly, we'll prove it by paying the increased price difference.

[jimjim5]

Originally Posted by baltimores/only/hockeyfan

Well, I am not too crazy about the idea of building a 300 million dollar arena because Baltimore thinks it MIGHT be a hockey town. And I think 11,000+ showing up for a preseason game is a pretty good score. Maybe they can charge regular season ticket prices for the game. If Baltimore wants a hockey team that desperatly, we'll prove it by paying the increased price difference.

The city and state have mismanaged money before, so I would just look at a money used for the new arena as "mismanaged funds". When the state or city wants something, they will find a way to get it (e.g. slots, lottery). A new arena couldn't hurt much more than the big gray hotel next to Camden Yards.

[acisking]

By far the most likely team to move is the Sacramento Kings. Although word is they would go to San Diego or Vegas before coming east. If they did come to Baltimore it would be kind of funny considering they have the same colors as the Ravens.

Memphis and Charlotte are probably the second and third most likely teams to move.

The Clippers I don't think will be going anywhere - especially if Blake Griffin emerges.

[TheJoeFlaccoShow]

No one gives a sh.it about hockey in Baltimore. Period.

At my high school they did not even have a hockey "program" it was like a club or something. It will never happen and never work. Give it up.

I think "baltimores/only/hockeyfan' says it all.

[lllynchhh]

Originally Posted by acisking

By far the most likely team to move is the Sacramento Kings. Although word is they would go to San Diego or Vegas before coming east. If they did come to Baltimore it would be kind of funny considering they have the same colors as the Ravens.

Memphis and Charlotte are probably the second and third most likely teams to move.

The Clippers I don't think will be going anywhere - especially if Blake Griffin emerges.

Yeah, now would be a good time to have an arena, because in this economy a lot of teams will probably move. Another interesting thing is that Sean Tuhoy, Michael Oher's father, is the Color guy for the Memphis Grizzlies, I'm sure he wouldn't mind seeing them come to baltimore.

Any Chance we could become the Bullets?

[Pickle20]

Originally Posted by acisking

By far the most likely team to move is the Sacramento Kings. Although word is they would go to San Diego or Vegas before coming east. If they did come to Baltimore it would be kind of funny considering they have the same colors as the Ravens.

Memphis and Charlotte are probably the second and third most likely teams to move.

The Clippers I don't think will be going anywhere - especially if Blake Griffin emerges.

I hear New Orleans is on the verge of a potential relocation.

[Pickle20]

Originally Posted by lllynchhh

Any Chance we could become the Bullets?

Probably not, since Polian still owns the name and rights and the Bullets were in DC for 25+ years.

I think a new identity would work best.

[lllynchhh]

Everything in the NBA is so new age, and lame and unlikeable when it comes to logos and team colors these days. How great would it be to see Red, White and Blue and our name back. It would immediately get us fans. Many including myself... where done with the Wizards... because they changed the name.

[jimjim5]

Originally Posted by Pickle20

Room222 is a troll. Ignore him.

In 10 years, baseball in DC will be thriving, and the stadium will be the lightning rod for developing that area.

Disagree. If Washington can't support a new team now what make you think they will in 10 years, regardless of development. Expos relocating to DC was a bad move.