MLB to Portland setback(s)?

[mikecubs]

Remember the rumors of the NHL coming to Portland and how I warned that corporate Portland sucks because it only has 4 fortune 1000 companies and despite great attendance for the NBA Portland Trailblazers they had some problems in selling luxury boxes? Well forbes put out their NBA valuation list this week.

www.forbes.com/nba-valuations/list/

Portland ranked 12th due to great fan support as usual but there was this

The team still finished with the NBA's fourth highest attendance at 19,829 per game, but luxury suite sales were a problem with only 30 of 57 all-event suites leased for the season.

www.forbes.com/teams/portland-trail-blazers/

A Portland team would need to absolutely kill it at the gate and I don't think they would. At best you'd have 2 weak teams, at worst the NBA team would be weak and the NHL team would get kicked out(ala Atlanta). Portland only has 2.99M people in their CSA and 200,000 of that really shouldn't be counted since it's too far away. 2.8M(or 2.99M if you prefer) would be the smallest combined NBA/NHL market population wise and by far the smallest NBA/NHL market in terms of corporate support. A Portland team if it "worked" wouldn't achieve the NHL's pipe dream of getting the big US TV deal either. Borderline population with crappy corporate support makes Portland a last resort, something you'd only go to if you were faced with the embarrassment of contracting a team.

[jetsfan85]

IMO Portland isn't very viable right now. If they didnt have NBA it might work but not with them, they are too small and not enough sponders around to do it. However if they are that interested they could do some research like the jets did before the team came back and see how many corporate sponsers would be in for coughing up some cash and having a mock season ticket drive where people pay x amount of cash like the jets do on the wait list to see how many people are interested.

[mikecubs]

Portland Trailblazers(NBA) owner Paul Allen has just give a long interview mostly about the NBA team but they threw in this question.

Q: What's the likelihood of bringing an NHL team to Portland in the next five years?

A: "It's something we look at from time to time. Obviously we'd probably need to have a strong partner in terms of the ownership of the team and those things and the financial picture would have to all pencil out. There are a number of hurdles to get over and the price of NHL teams keeps accelerating. It's something we look at but there's certainly nothing imminent at this point."

[mikecubs]

My take away from this is Allen would be interested by only if a team failed someplace, there were no other options for that team and he could get them cheap.

Not sure what he means by strong partner in terms of ownership. Does he mean a minority partner with a large stake? Last month the president of the Blaziers gave an interview and made it sould like Allen was interest in ownership of an NHL team.

[mikecubs]

The area(The Moda Center)built in 1995 is getting a 16M renovation to keep it up to date so they don't have to pull a Phoenix Suns(NBA) and ask to replace a post 90's building.

Moda Center makeover: sneak a peek at $16 million remodel in progress

The Trail Blazers on Wednesday offered reporters a sneak peek at their snazzy Moda Center makeover, revealing the first phase of a nearly $16 million multi-year remodel that will impact everything from the 300 level to the exclusive club level.

The Oregonian was part of a media contingent that was taken behind-the-scenes to explore the first phase of the changes, which are multi-faceted and expected to be completed by the start of the season. The bulk of the upgrades are taking place at the club level, where 1,800 seats have been refurbished, suites have been gutted and modernized and the dining experience has been overhauled. The old all-you-can-eat format, which was wasteful and repetitive, has been replaced with a variety of dining options, including several local businesses. Club level bars have been remodeled and expanded, too, and fans seated in that section can use a $30 game-day credit for food, bar beverages or anything else in the Moda Center, including items at the fan shop.

Twenty-one suites are being renovated this offseason and even more premium "Studio Suites" are being created.

And the remodel extends beyond the club level. Perhaps the best — and most stunning — aspect will take place at the 300 level, where a new bar and hangout space has been constructed with a remarkable view of downtown Portland. An old outdoor smoking deck has been converted into a glass enclosed space featuring a panoramic view of the city from the East side. It likely will become a central gathering place for fans, drawing patrons from all over the arena to soak in the sight.

Those of you who have missed the water fountain and fire torches in the south end of the Rose Quarter are also in luck. After sitting dormant for nine years, they are back and operational.

The makeover, which will spread to other areas of the arena after this season, is the most substantial at the Rose Quarter since it opened in 1995 and represents the largest single investment to capital improvement at the Blazers' home by owner Paul Allen.

www.oregonlive.com/multimedia/index.ssf/2014/09/moda_center_makeover_sneak_pea.html

[mikecubs]

This was from about a month ago

Blazers McGowan pushes for riverfront Rose Quarter development, hints at Paul Allen's NHL support

Portland Trail Blazers President Chris McGowan said he received a lot of chilly receptions early in his Portland tenure.

That’s because McGowan moved to town from Los Angeles, where he led business operations for the Los Angeles Kings NHL team. Oregonians, it seems, have an ingrained disdain for their native neighbors to the south.

“The thing is, I’m not from there!” he said during Thursday’s Portland Business Journal Power Breakfast, which attracted 250 business leaders to downtown’s Sentinel hotel. “Plus, I’m a good guy once you get to know me.”

Business leaders have indeed warmed up to McGowan as they learn more about him. It helps that the Blazers made the playoffs last season and won their first series since 2000.

It also helps that McGowan has assumed a strong civic role and is close to ensuring that the Blazers become profitable.

Here’s a look at what McGowan told Business Journal Publisher Craig Wessel and the Power Breakfast crowd on Thursday.

The team expects to reach profitability status in 2016, McGowan reiterated. Once it does, he wants the team to remain in the black for five years. “(Team owner) Paul (Allen) has lost a ton of money on this franchise,” McGowan said. “Financial scalability is a goal going forward for us … it will come from selling more sponsorships, more tickets, more food in the arena, more merchandise and having a better TV deal.”

McGowan said future development of the Rose Quarter could bustle once a critical piece falls into place. “There’s a great piece of land with a great development opportunity along the river,” he said. “We’d love to figure it out.”

Allen would support an NHL team. As would Portland. However, the NHL would likely look at Seattle, which recently lost the SuperSonics NBA team, first. “I think we can support it for sure,” he said. “This feels like a hockey town: Look at the (Portland) Winterhawks (Western Hockey League team). But Seattle would probably come first. Whatever happens, we have support from our owner.”
New touches in the Moda Center next year will include a bar in the arena’s 300 level. “You’re paying a lot of money to come to games” no matter where fans sit, he said. “If you go to a game now, you’ll see people are getting there a little early, they’re laughing, they’re trying the wine bar, trying new food. I like that. They’re having a great experience win or lose.”

www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/2014/06/blazers-mcgowan-pushes-for-riverfront-rose-quarter.html?page=all

[Bruinsfan]

Watch barroway when he gets the coyotes...guy isnt spending money to not use that outclause

[Bruinsfan]

Oct 2, 2014 21:33:57 GMT -6 mikecubs said:

Ya, but it might just be Seattle Barroway goes to. Maybe him Coleman/Hansen team up. But then again maybe this is the partner Allen is referring to.

right he has a lot of options...i cant see barroway buying the team for 300 million to stay in AZ..no flipping way.


he could have had that team for 170 to keep it in AZ and still got the out clause. it doesnt add up


If coleman can own a seattle teams on his own, and maybe allen who is just stupid rich and likes having toys can sell it right, 3 teams in pacific northwaest is fun, great fansbases for their sports

[mikecubs]

You know as much as I hate MLS and soccer in general there is 1 thing I find totally cool about it. I love the Vancouver-Seattle-Portland rivalry. One of my sports dreams is to replicate that some day in BOTH the NHL and NBA.

[mikecubs]

Paul Allen died Monday from complications from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2018/10/paul_allen_dies_at_age_65.html#incart_river_index

[mikecubs]

MLB To Portland Has Agreement In Principle For Ballpark Land On River Near Downtown

The investor effort looking to eventually lure Major League Baseball to Portland made a significant step forward on Thursday.

The group called the Portland Diamond Project announced that they have an agreement in principle with the Port of Portland for land north of downtown Portland that is suitable for a 32,000-34,000 seat MLB ballpark, as well as ancillary development. The location of the site sits on the Willamette River, would face toward Portland’s Fremont Bridge, and would have a retractable roof.

The 45-acre Terminal 2 location site has been controlled by the Port and is located in an industrial part of Portland that is slowly seeing development edge northward toward it. The location has ample to space to host a ballpark and additional development, but there has been speculation that an adjacent parcel called Terminal 1 could also be in play at some point. The two together would provide more than 88 acres. If the ballpark plans were to come to fruition, it and the associated development would anchor one of the largest development areas in Portland since the South Waterfront district.

“We believe this has the potential to be a transformative landmark project for this city,” said Craig Cheek, head of Portland Diamond Project. “Building an iconic, state-of-the-art ballpark along the Willamette River will catalyze economic development and capture great views of both the urban scale of the city and regional character of the Pacific Northwest.”


The envisioned ballpark design by Portland-based TVA Architects who are partnered with Populous would see the roof retract completely away from the main structure allowing for unobstructed views. As part of the initial design, an outdoor amphitheater surrounded by water would allow for concerts and other events. With ballpark on the water, the use of water taxis and allowing for boats to be moored next to the ballpark would be possible.

“We're committed to building a sustainable, equitable, and accessible ballpark that reflects what makes Portland such a special place to live,” Cheek said. “That means outstanding locally sourced food and beverage amenities, environmentally sustainable construction and operations, opportunities for makers and small businesses, and an atmosphere that celebrates diversity and inclusion and is welcoming to all Portlanders.”

The location is not without challenges. Environmental impact study would need to take place, and the site is far removed from any public transportation, sans a single bus route. Still, there is early support for the effort.

“Baseball has a rich tradition in Portland. A ballpark along the northwest bank of the Willamette River would have a positive impact on our economy while shaping the next great Portland neighborhood,” said Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler. “I look forward to working with Portland Diamond Project and the Port of Portland in moving this initiative forward.”


With the land purchase, the effort to bring MLB to Portland has moved them to the forefront of conversations around Major League Baseball. In terms of relocation, the Oakland A’s announced plans to build a new ballpark at their Howard Terminal location and redevelop the current location of the Oakland Coliseum on Wednesday, however the club has yet to secure the land. The league is now focused on getting the long sought after new ballpark in Tampa Bay rolling. Baseball has said that after those issues are resolved, expanding to 32 teams is something Commissioner Rob Manfred has said is a goal given that he sees baseball as a growth industry. Should either the A’s or Rays ballpark plans collapse, it is possible that Portland could be seen as a fallback option.

As to funding, the Portland Diamond Project has said that the ballpark would be privately funded. Questions still remain about who would bear the burden for infrastructure costs. And then there’s the possibility of a staggering expansion fee, should Portland become part of the 32-team vision for the league. Given the recent $1.2 billion sale of the Miami Marlins, those fees could range from $800 million to $1 billion. That on top of the ballpark cost that could touch $1 billion. As to who the wealthy partners are they have yet to be announced. Only former Nike Exec VP Cheek, Mike Barrett who called Blazer games, Russell Wilson of the Seahawks, and his wife and entertainment star Ciara Wilson are the core visible components of Portland Diamond Project. And yet, repeatedly, the group has said that their other silent investors that will be announced at critical points along the way, have the financial wherewithal to fund the massive endeavor.

Finally, an effort such as this is not done in a vacuum. Certainly, those at Major League Baseball must be fully aware of the efforts. Time will tell if they step forward with something concrete for PDP to signal they can begin construction of the ballpark. The group has made it clear that this is not a “build it, and they will come,” project.

www.forbes.com/sites/maurybrown/2018/11/29/mlb-to-portland-has-agreement-in-principle-for-ballpark-land-on-river-near-downtown/#7b36b3dfd61a

[mikecubs]

Some extra info

-When Portland was trying to get the Expos during that relocation derby a state bill diverting $150M in baseball player income taxes was passed that lasts forever so the team/owners are staring with that

-There is talk of having a big development with apartments around the future park to pay for this

-Portland would be the 3rd smallest market to support 2 "full time" teams(MLB/MLB/NHL) at 3.2M CSA(as of July 2017). Tampa technically is smaller but they get screwed by Lakeland and Sarasota not being counted as part of their CSA so realistically Tampa is bigger. By the time a future expansion would take place around 2025 they will pass Cleveland though. Portland is growing at a pretty good clip due to it being the most pretty/best city in the US.

- MLB says no expansion until Oakland/Tampa are solved. IF everything goes right Oakland will break ground on a stadium in late 2020/early 2021 and open in 2023. Tampa is on a similar timeline IF things go right. There's no temp park in Portland(the former Portland Beaver's minor league park got converted into an MLS stadium) and MLB would have no reason to use a temp park for expansion in either Portland or Montreal.

-Portland is still very corporate poor and would be a small market even with future growth. There is no way in hell the future owners are paying $850M(ish) in private money to build a park. Money will have to be diverted under the table(tax breaks??)

-The park would have a Mount Hood view. For this reason alone I hope MLB to Portland happens.

-If MLB comes there is 0 chance of NHL coming. NBA and MLB would be pushing it for a town of Portland's size/corporate level

-If anyone on here hopes of an Expos revival you should root like hell for Portland. Not counting Montreal other than Orlando Portland is the biggest open MLB area in either Canada or the States. Orlando is too close to Tampa to get a team and much more poorer than Portland. In 2007 and 2008 the Rays actually played 3 regular season games in Orlando trying to build their fan base there.

[mikecubs]

Pics



^^^Look at left field in the distance. That is Mt. Hood!!!!! There is a gondola in right field under the lights! In centerfield that is the Fremont bridge.





^^^The park would have a gondola but it would only move from outfield to stands. It would be more of an amusement park thing, not like the A's gondolas that will actually transport people to the park. Also if you look closely you can see Mt. Adams in Washington state.

[mikecubs]

Mayor Ted Wheeler: Public money could support development, roads around baseball stadium

Mayor Ted Wheeler left the door open for public money to help support a development anchored by a new major-league ballpark in Northwest Portland.

Wheeler said Friday he had told the Portland Diamond Project that the city wouldn’t pay for a stadium or buy a team.

But he said development fee waivers and tax breaks are still on the table. The city, he said, also could absorb some costs related to transportation and other infrastructure such as utility service.

“It would be very naive to assume there will be no public contribution in any large-scale economic development strategy, in any urban development we do,” he said. “It’s just way too early to tell.”

That could, he said, include financing infrastructure costs by borrowing against future tax revenue from the ballpark, a strategy known as tax increment financing.

The city has frequently made contributions to large-scale developments like the Pearl District and the South Waterfront. It also last year approved a relatively small tax break to the Portland Timbers, forgoing $2 million in ticket tax revenue from new seats created at Providence Park in the expansion currently under construction.

The project’s backers already have said they intend to tap $150 million in state-backed bonds already approved by the Legislature. The bonds would be paid back with an income tax on player and management salaries.


The development described by the Portland Diamond Project, the group of investors trying to lure a Major League Baseball team, would include housing and commercial development. The ballpark itself would take only about 15 acres of the 53-acre marine terminal they hope to lease.

Diamond Project has previously said it could act as a catalyst for at 8,000 apartments, including workforce and affordable housing. That’s an astronomical number even in the context of Portland’s waning building boom, but a desirable perk for a city with climbing housing costs.

The chosen site is zoned as prime industrial land, and its rezoning could prove controversial.

The city is required under state law to provide a 20-year supply of industrial land. Converting the terminal site to other uses could result in pressure to make it up elsewhere — like the aborted port terminal development at West Hayden Island, which environmentalists want to preserve as wildlife habitat.

The city is a key player in that dispute because it would have to annex the land. The port shelved plans to develop West Hayden Island in 2014 when the port said the city’s environmental mitigation requirements would be too expensive.

Bob Sallinger, the conservation director of the Audubon Society of Portland, said converting the ballpark site could renew the push to add industrial land.

“Industrial interests want to covert the land to make some money,” Sallinger said, referring to the port. “But the same interests will come back a year from now complaining about the lack of industrial land.”

Wheeler acknowledged the stadium would reduce the city’s industrial land supply, and that it was too early to say how that could be resolved.

But, he added, the port isn’t using the Terminal 2 site to its potential. The terminal is lightly used because its cargo-handling work can also be handled at the port’s Terminal 6 in North Portland, or at other regional ports.

The site is also underserved by public transportation, and access roads would likely need an upgrade to accommodate crowds in the tens of thousands arriving for games and other stadium events. The proposed ballpark would have 32,000 seats.

Wheeler said he’d convened a meeting Friday afternoon of key city agencies — including the Transportation Bureau, the Planning Bureau, the Development Services Bureau and the economic development agency Prosper Portland — to start the process of resolving the issues.

But he threw his support behind the site, which he said was preferable to the others that had been publicly disclosed.

“That’s the right place to pursue the vision,” he said.

www.oregonlive.com/news/2018/11/mayor-ted-wheeler-public-money-could-support-development-roads-around-baseball-stadium.html

[mikecubs]

Maury Brown
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Replying to @mlbcathedrals Mike_Ferrin @pdxdiamondproj
Manfred has said to me and others... 32 teams. Eight divisions of 4. Regional realignment. Expanded teams in the postseason. Shortened regular season. And one assumes with all that, universal DH.