New speculation on Rams to L.A. overlooks recent developments
by Ryan Van Bibber on Aug 18, 2011 11:18 AM CDT
in St. Louis Rams sale
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Don't look now, but the Los Angeles Rams are back in the news. That's not a typo. I realize that they're still the St. Louis Rams, but St. Louis Magazine is reviving the specter of an L.A. relocation based on existing business partnerships between Rams owner Stan Kroenke and Philip Anschutz, founder of L.A. stadium developer AEG (Anschutz Entertainment Group). While the possibility of the Rams moving to L.A. is something nobody should sleep on, the author of this post misses some key recent developments related to the L.A. stadium talk...ironically enough, while taking the Post-Dispatch and other St. Louis media outlets to task for missing the Kroenke-AEG connection.
Ray Hartman, the author of the post, does indeed mention the L.A. City Council's 12-0 vote that approved AEG's framework for building Farmers Field, the downtown L.A. stadium. However, he overlooks a key point for making Farmers Field grow in downtown L.A.: AEG's timeline.
As Sam Farmer from the L.A. Times explained earlier this month, in the wake of the L.A. Council's vote, AEG's deal with the city depends on securing a long-term commitment from a team. AEG is seeking to purchase a team, or at least a controlling interest. AEG wants that team to relocate this spring, using existing facilities until Farmers Field could be finished in 2016.
The problem with that timeline and the Rams' situation is their lease on the Edward Jones Dome. As you well know, they cannot wiggle out of that lease until after the 2014 season, thanks to a clause that says it has to be among the best facilities in the league by that date. That's unlikely to happen thanks to the emergence of billion dollar amusement parks like Jerry World.
Right now the favorite team for a move to L.A. is the San Diego Chargers. Farmer lays out the case for why and how the Chargers could make the move in his piece, and by all accounts, he's the go-to guy for all things L.A. football right now. I'm not going to reiterate why the Chargers are the favorites, but it's an essential detail in any discussion about the possibility of the Rams moving to L.A.
AEG reached out to five NFL teams in June, including the Rams, making a pitch to buy them and buy their way out of leases in necessary. Kroenke has stated before that he has no intention of selling the Rams. Selling after just one year of ownership, before he really has a chance to make any money off of such a sale, doesn't make much sense. Kroenke has also maintained a public line that he's committed to keeping the team in St. Louis. He may well be, but Hartman is right that it would be foolish to assume he won't entertain other offers, especially since having an open spot in L.A. gives him real leverage to get a favorable deal, i.e. a public partnership/funding, in getting a new stadium when the time comes.
Hartman offers some speculation as to why a Kroenke-Anschutz marriage might be attractive. Here's scenario number one:
Why would Kroenke want to sell the Rams to Anschutz? Well, let's see. They're trusted old friends and partners, and together they would bring staggering economic power to an NFL franchise. Last year, Forbes ranked Anschutz as the 34th wealthiest American, with an estimated net worth of $7 billion (three spots ahead of St. Louis' wealthiest citizen, Jack Taylor). On the same list, Kroenke and wife Ann Walton Kroenke were scraping along with her $3.2 billion (98th place) and his $2.7 billion (130th place).
Together, the two would share (in some fashion) ownership of a revived team in the nation's second-largest media market playing in a state-of-the-art $1.2 billion stadium. They would be the toast of the NFL for returning football to Los Angeles and might even be forgiven for abandoning the stagnant city that was formerly best known in league circles for having sued the NFL.
Owning a stadium is the key to NFL riches, and it would be particularly naive to think that Kroenke didn't know that when making his late bid for complete control of the Rams, especially since the team is in a situation favorable to getting a new stadium in the near future. The new NFL labor agreement also includes provisions for using league money to get a stadium built.
It's not that the above is impossible. It actually makes sense because even in a shared ownership situation, Kroenke could still make oodles of money and get a nice return on his investment. The biggest problem with Hartman's speculation, however, is that it ignores AEG's preferred timeline for nailing down an NFL team.
Given AEG's timeline and a favorable situation developing with the Chargers, the second L.A. stadium deal is the one you should be keeping an eye on, the one being developed by Ed Roski in the City of Industry. That one lines up more favorably with the Rams' lease situation.
L.A. might look like a more lucrative location for an NFL team. Even if it hasn't proven to be in the past, things change. The NFL, now with a new commitment to a full decade of economic peace, can be profitable anywhere. Of course, the economic situation in St. Louis and throughout the Midwest isn't exactly rosy right now, something that Hartman points out in his post. Between now and the end of the 2014 season, things could change dramatically. An economic rebound (surely it'll come back by then, right?) will soften some of the resistance to a public/private partnership, tax breaks, etc. required to get a new stadium in the St. Louis area.
A winning Rams team also plays a role, bringing back a fan base and deepening roots within the community. Selling the team now, right when they're poised to start selling tickets again, just doesn't make much sense, even selling part of it. Friend of TST Bernie Miklasz covered this topic in the Post-Dispatch in June; that piece was the subject of some derision by Hartman, who insinuated that Miklasz was naive in his urging readers not to jump to conclusions.
Hartman throws in some really wild speculation about an AEG-Kroenke deal, followed quickly by a move to purchase the Denver Broncos when current owner Pat Bowlen passes away (he's in poor health).
Like Hartman and Miklasz both remind readers: don't be naive. Anything is possible, and until AEG gets a commitment from an NFL team or the Rams work out a stadium deal of some kind, the Rams are a candidate for relocation to sunny Southern California. As such, speculation about the move is fair game...just make sure you have all the facts before engaging in any speculation, to do so otherwise is naive and slightly irresponsible.
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Call me crazy
But I think this will happen. LA is just too big of a market to resist…considering the overall stadium plans, how they turn new modern developments basically into ‘super stadiums’ by having all sorts of other entertainment and shopping in place, along with events, conventions, etc.
But I should say not this early
But no business ever gets everything they want in a contract. It’s a compromise.
I like City of Industry stadium better.
IF the Rams were to come back to Cali, I’d prefer it be that stadium in 2014 or whenever. But i don’t think the Rams are coming back to Cali.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
Agree to both points
but can’t wait till we actually get football back here! Finally a football stadium will only be 30 min away!!!
#1 - The MuthaF'in St. Louis Rams: The Rams are better than every team on Earth. End of discussion. Have a nice day, batches. (Connect with us on Facebook!) - 3k
by weekend_warrior55 on Aug 18, 2011 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions
*pro football stadium
#1 - The MuthaF'in St. Louis Rams: The Rams are better than every team on Earth. End of discussion. Have a nice day, batches. (Connect with us on Facebook!) - 3k
by weekend_warrior55 on Aug 18, 2011 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions
yea I'm only about an hour from Candlestick...
.. but I only go when the Rams are there, so it’s pretty much useless. F@#$ the niners
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
An hour to get there
4 hours to leave.
Traffic there sucks.
"I have something 95 percent of all those All-Stars only wish they had: a World Series ring. If I had to choose between that and being an All-Star, it would be no contest. I’d grab the gold ring and never look back." -Tim Salmon
Yea, trying to escape candlestick is ridiculous.
Luckily, we are usually well stocked on alcohol, so the only person who has to sit and suffer is the designated driver.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
Being from Modesto, CA, I would love the Rams to come back to LA. I make the drive to LA for Dodger games. Why not for a Rams game. As soon as I was financially able to go to a game, punkass georgia moved them to St Louis. Whatever happens always a Rams fan.
by Skunkburner on Aug 18, 2011 2:38 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Don't forget
that the NFL, AEG and the city of LA want TWO teams for the new downtown stadium, so having the Chargers and the Rams makes sense.
This
Let’s not forget this. AEG could get their required team (the Chargers) to move by this spring and they’ll still be on the hunt for a second (likely NFC) team.
"I have something 95 percent of all those All-Stars only wish they had: a World Series ring. If I had to choose between that and being an All-Star, it would be no contest. I’d grab the gold ring and never look back." -Tim Salmon
Oh
Let the countdown begin for a DaFranchiZe rant…
"I have something 95 percent of all those All-Stars only wish they had: a World Series ring. If I had to choose between that and being an All-Star, it would be no contest. I’d grab the gold ring and never look back." -Tim Salmon
+1 Exactly what I thought
as soon as I read the title of this post lol
#1 - The MuthaF'in St. Louis Rams: The Rams are better than every team on Earth. End of discussion. Have a nice day, batches. (Connect with us on Facebook!) - 3k
by weekend_warrior55 on Aug 18, 2011 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions
lol, right on time
just 2 posts down. You sir, have a gift!
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
BLASTOFF!! lol
#1 - The MuthaF'in St. Louis Rams: The Rams are better than every team on Earth. End of discussion. Have a nice day, batches. (Connect with us on Facebook!) - 3k
by weekend_warrior55 on Aug 18, 2011 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions
The timing actually couldnt be more perfect...these things always get delayed
probably by about two years if stan builds what looks to be a consistently winning SB contending team by the time 2014 rolls around, he might be able to get his own stadium in St Louis without having to share it with the chargers or another owner.
- And here's the Rams' 2010 season in a series. Incomplete pass, 18-yard run, incomplete pass, 7-yard run, 5-yard pass, 3-yard run, sack, incomplete pass, punt. Shoot me. - 3K
Speculation, conjecture and nothing but a bias opnion from a former
Rams fan who wishes deep down that his old team would come back. How is this any different from the past articles? Funnt how these stories never make it in the St.Louis news, why? Because it’s nothing but opinion. This isn’t news, so why does TST continue with these articles. Just some guy who is spouting off at the mouth dreaming of what could be.
Go to PFT and the articles are nothing but “MInnesota is on their way to LA. Vikings stadium deal not going to get done” Come here and it’s essentially the same thing only replace the Vikings with the Rams.
This argument is old and while this idiot is in his office somewhere jerking it to the idea that Stan Kroenke will somehow save the day for LA is boring. I got 10 home game tickets 30 rows back from the field and I’ll have season tickets next and year after, if all of you are going to sit here for the next 4 years hoping and dreaming like this guy be my guest.
Actually I get it now...
VanRam is doing this to entertain the LA and California crowd. Amazing how this is literally the only Rams site, fan or media, that is publishing this article as if it were news. We get it Van, you want to appeal to the LA fans. LMAO
by DaFranchiZe on Aug 18, 2011 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Reality?
I was an LA Ram season ticket holder and thought for sure they would never move. I was wrong. It wouldn’t be the first team to move from St. Louis. While I have no idea who is moving to LA, the Chargers seem almost a certainty (though truth be told LA would rather have the Jags or Panthers, a team we could rename and make our own). But the second team won’t move until 2014 or 2015 so this does put the Rams in play though I think ultimately it won’t be them.
As for those who believe LA is a bad market, in this day and age of entertainment nothing would be hotter than football downtown. With Magic Johnson, Oscar Dela Hoya, Wayne Gretzky, and others putting their money in with AEG football will return. The LA live, Staples Center area is pretty impressive considering what a dive the area used to be. So while I have no idea who is coming I would not get too cocky thinking your team is not a real choice. Just please no RAIDERS anyone but them.
Don't feed the trolls
Let him yell into a vacuum.
"I have something 95 percent of all those All-Stars only wish they had: a World Series ring. If I had to choose between that and being an All-Star, it would be no contest. I’d grab the gold ring and never look back." -Tim Salmon
I'm not going down this road
I’ve wasted too much time arguing over something so meaningless. Until it’s news here then I worry about it. If TST is the only Rams publication reporting on this article I think I’ll be alright.
I honestly don’t care, the regular season is 3 weeks away I could give a shit whats 4 years away. I think I’ll worry about it then. A lot of shit can change from now till then. So if you want and the rest of people dreaming about this want to put all your eggs in one basket be my guest. I seriously do not care.
by DaFranchiZe on Aug 18, 2011 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Are you seriously implying Ray Hartmann is wishing "his old team would come back?"
You know he’s a St. Louisan, right?
by betterthanzero on Aug 18, 2011 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions
He can't be bothered with facts.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
LOL are you serious?
How about you go back to all the LA articles and list all the nonfacts I brought up? I actually do know what I’m talking about on this subject, and sure it’s possible the Rams can go back, unlikely, but possible. I think it’s funny that this story was posted on non other than this site and only this Rams site, this article is nothing but opinion. Absolutely nothing but this guys own dreamed up wishes. Funny how the LA fans want nothing to do with a majority St.Louis site so they stay on here and say “The Rams would be wise to come back because LA is bigger than St.Louis” and get zero debate cause they know their argument wouldn’t stand a chance there.
Oh and who the fuck is Ray Hartmann just some guy who obviously got mad at Bernie Miklasz for essentially tearing down all the stupidity that has been going on for the last 4 months. Also you can be from St.Louis and be pro LA just look at Leweike or whatever his name is.
Have fun responding, because apparently you all jerk off to my comments, funny how all of you know who I am yet I don;t know who any of you are.
I didn't read your whole comment, because I'm sure it's ridiculous.
I did read to point out nonfacts so i’ll just do one.
“Speculation, conjecture and nothing but a bias opnion from a former Rams fan who wishes deep down that his old team would come back.”
It appears you are talking about VanRam, who is not only not a “former” Rams fan, he is also from St. Louis, so his old team wouldn’t be coming back.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
No actually I wasn't, Van Ram is neautral
but 99% of the stories that are posted here are pro LA stories are at the very least get all you LA fans giddy like little school girls. Funny how these are the stories on this site that are most commented on outside of game day threads. As soon as this tory was published by Van all you of you came a running, saying the exact same shit you said during the last 20 articles about the very samething.
Oh and obviously you did read my whole comment. LOL
Oh and by the way if I was going to troll
VanRam he’d know it. I have zero problem with him, he’s and 3k are by far the two writers I respect the most, but I understand why he prints these stories. It’s easy fodder that will get traffic and activity from all you.
Not even worth reading.
it seems us Cali fan’s hoping for the Rams to come back just drives you nuts. So heres to hoping :)
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
Not really
it’s fucking hilarious, seriously it’s really funny, and it’s even more funny to watch all you spam my comments with what ever lame insult you can think of. U that mad that every time you see my name you can help but read it? Wow! I have that kind of power? I’ma BEAST!
by DaFranchiZe on Aug 18, 2011 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Go Rams!
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
I don't understand
TST is neutral – fans from all over the world.
Why would a “better” discussion of this issue occur on a St. Louis site?
"I have something 95 percent of all those All-Stars only wish they had: a World Series ring. If I had to choose between that and being an All-Star, it would be no contest. I’d grab the gold ring and never look back." -Tim Salmon
I heard the Rams are coming to Portland
I said it outloud to myself. That counts as hearing it right?
"I have something 95 percent of all those All-Stars only wish they had: a World Series ring. If I had to choose between that and being an All-Star, it would be no contest. I’d grab the gold ring and never look back." -Tim Salmon
I'm not familiar with the US economics
but Kroenke will never be able to build the same toy in the Saint-Louis area that it could be in LA. No ?
Come on. I have nothing against Saint-Louis (founded by the French !!!) but Los Angeles is in a different league when it comes to star power.
The medias ignore the Rams in Missouri. They will be talked about in LA.
"For Better or for Worse; 'Till Death Do Us Part"
GO RAMS !!!
I'd be ok with that
Though sales tax on tickets would suck.
"I have something 95 percent of all those All-Stars only wish they had: a World Series ring. If I had to choose between that and being an All-Star, it would be no contest. I’d grab the gold ring and never look back." -Tim Salmon
Will there be
riots if we lose in the Superbowl ?
"For Better or for Worse; 'Till Death Do Us Part"
GO RAMS !!!
I think he means the other Vancouver
Vancouver, Washington
On the border of Oregon and Washington.
"I have something 95 percent of all those All-Stars only wish they had: a World Series ring. If I had to choose between that and being an All-Star, it would be no contest. I’d grab the gold ring and never look back." -Tim Salmon
Yeah, the Northwest hijacked cities from around the globe
As I drive up I-5 I come past Salem, Portland and Vancouver. I think there’s also a Newport, Long Beach, Phoenix, Pendleton, Florence, Jefferson, Milwaukie, Glendale, Oakland, Ontario, Albany, Jacksonville, Sagninaw, Damascus, Lebanon, Detroit, Durham, and Lincoln.
I’m sure there’s more.
"I have something 95 percent of all those All-Stars only wish they had: a World Series ring. If I had to choose between that and being an All-Star, it would be no contest. I’d grab the gold ring and never look back." -Tim Salmon
Besides the one in California
"I have something 95 percent of all those All-Stars only wish they had: a World Series ring. If I had to choose between that and being an All-Star, it would be no contest. I’d grab the gold ring and never look back." -Tim Salmon
Falfurrias
is the greatest city name ever lol. There is another one that was awesome but i forgot its name
#1 - The MuthaF'in St. Louis Rams: The Rams are better than every team on Earth. End of discussion. Have a nice day, batches. (Connect with us on Facebook!) - 3k
by weekend_warrior55 on Aug 18, 2011 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions
I saw a sign for a park once as I drove through Indiana...
“Big Stick Lick”
I laughed so hard I almost drove off the road
its not happening
Get over it
Sam Bradford to Austin Pettis
Kinda has a ring to it
by RG31 on Aug 18, 2011 1:23 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
i'm keeping my fingers crossed
I don’t care how unlikely it is haha
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
It is happening
Get used to it
"I have something 95 percent of all those All-Stars only wish they had: a World Series ring. If I had to choose between that and being an All-Star, it would be no contest. I’d grab the gold ring and never look back." -Tim Salmon
if that what float your boat
Go for it…..
Sam Bradford to Austin Pettis
Kinda has a ring to it
by RG31 on Aug 18, 2011 1:43 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I don't have a whole lot of faith that it'll happen
I was just using your same argument in reverse.
"I have something 95 percent of all those All-Stars only wish they had: a World Series ring. If I had to choose between that and being an All-Star, it would be no contest. I’d grab the gold ring and never look back." -Tim Salmon
yea i can see that
Sam Bradford to Austin Pettis
Kinda has a ring to it
by RG31 on Aug 18, 2011 2:07 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Question to the "Rams to LA" peeps
Would you rather see the Rams lose to increase their chance of coming home? Or do want them to win even if it may decrease the chance of a move back home?
by JordansDad on Aug 18, 2011 2:04 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Win.
Always win.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
Ooo
That’s a great question.
I think I’d rather see them win. I’d hate for the Rams to do St. Louis what Georgia did to LA in the early 90s. No owner should twist the knife.
"I have something 95 percent of all those All-Stars only wish they had: a World Series ring. If I had to choose between that and being an All-Star, it would be no contest. I’d grab the gold ring and never look back." -Tim Salmon
Always win first
I should be working right now...
It won't be the Rams!
The rumors will continue until the stadium is started, then we’ll hear from the franchises that are struggling then. I don’t think it will be a team that has played there in the past. More than likely it will be teams from small markets like Minnesota, Jacksonville or Carolina.
But, I would love to be able to drive to socal to see the Rams eight times a year, live!
"The only thing better than watching the Rams win is watching the Rams win with my wife."
8?
10!
"I have something 95 percent of all those All-Stars only wish they had: a World Series ring. If I had to choose between that and being an All-Star, it would be no contest. I’d grab the gold ring and never look back." -Tim Salmon
Sorry, no Preseason games
I’
"The only thing better than watching the Rams win is watching the Rams win with my wife."
No make that nine times
I live 30 minutes from Candlestick.
"The only thing better than watching the Rams win is watching the Rams win with my wife."
Then make it 11!
"I have something 95 percent of all those All-Stars only wish they had: a World Series ring. If I had to choose between that and being an All-Star, it would be no contest. I’d grab the gold ring and never look back." -Tim Salmon
Stadium started
The reason for rumors now is the stadium won’t be built until a team commits. So while I thought Carolina and Jacksonville were most likely that seems to have changed. LA could rebrand either team. If I was AEG though I admit I would go for Chargers then Rams or Vikings. Solid teams that could win quickly but who knows we all should know around the Superbowl who the first team will be so all the LA city deadlines and AEG deadlines can be met.
The biggest obstacle to the whole LA relocation thing
is the fact that the Rams are on the verge of being a SB contending team. Had it worked out where the loophole out of the lease had coincided with back to back top 2 draft pick years, this crazy turn of events would have stood half a chance. Hell even the way the baseball Cardinals are waining is working against this- the Rams are poised to become the darling team of StL. The business reality is that the NFL is a national game thus differences in profits between markets is not that great and while perhaps a certain amount of additional profit could be generated from LA, I’m still skeptical of that, it’s hardly the kind of money that would make someone like Kronke take notice. Now I could see where the glitz of LA could be intriguing but I have my doubts that would motivate Stan to move. Ultimately only he knows what would motivate him but I for one just think it makes little sense that he would be itching to sell his majority to have his team play in LA. If he likes a warmer climate, well few of these owners actually live in the cities there teams play in and all of them have their own jets.
Great point
"I have something 95 percent of all those All-Stars only wish they had: a World Series ring. If I had to choose between that and being an All-Star, it would be no contest. I’d grab the gold ring and never look back." -Tim Salmon
Ooooooo
I wonder what LA would rename the Panthers or Jaguars if they got them….. So many options.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
Maybe keep their names
But the LA Vikings, no.
"The only thing better than watching the Rams win is watching the Rams win with my wife."
name
as an LA resident I vote for the LA dbags… I say we just own it.
hahahaha, I like it
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
I wanted the stadium in the City of Industry to get the Giants or Titans
Giants of Industry would be sweet.
How about the LA Reality Stars? Let’s not kid ourselves… there will be a show about this team, their wives, their agents and the children of all of above.
"I have something 95 percent of all those All-Stars only wish they had: a World Series ring. If I had to choose between that and being an All-Star, it would be no contest. I’d grab the gold ring and never look back." -Tim Salmon
Real Football Wives Of LA
soon on MTV
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
Money?
There is a huge money difference in PSL’s, parking would be $100 and Farmers Insurance already committed $500 for one team and $800 million for two teams just for naming rights to the stadium. You add in local radio and tv money plus the ridiculous prices they will get for the luxury boxes it is going to be sick.
Also AEG owns some million dollar condos at LA LIVE… and it drives the prices up there and leasing costs for the restaurants, etc…. so there is 100s of millions in new revenue. Not to mention the NFL and players union both want new revenue for their new deal.
Finally think of the number of jerseys, shirts, flags, etc… that would be sold the first few years. Money is definitely huge for LA no matter who moves here.
You have to make COL adjustments
Things cost more in LA. The net profits aren’t going to be as huge as people think. Plus those PSL fees would go to the League as a penalty- at least that’s what happened in StL.
Merchandise would be the big fish but I’m not 100% sure teams recoup 100% of their own royalties.
The lion’s share of Money comes from TV.
And TV is HUGE
"I have something 95 percent of all those All-Stars only wish they had: a World Series ring. If I had to choose between that and being an All-Star, it would be no contest. I’d grab the gold ring and never look back." -Tim Salmon
I think an important question is
Whats happening on the Dome improvement front? Not that there’s not enough improvement going on, but rather I haven’t heard anything substantial lately. If the improvements come in time isn’t this moot? If they don’t is it possible the Rams will stay anyway?
Wolf. Wolfgang Wolf
Not moot but dampened
AEG has already expressed that they will pay lease buyout options.
"I have something 95 percent of all those All-Stars only wish they had: a World Series ring. If I had to choose between that and being an All-Star, it would be no contest. I’d grab the gold ring and never look back." -Tim Salmon
There is a committee scheduled to submit a proposal this coming winter.
I imagine it will consist of: Stan what can we do to make you happy? LOL
There seems to be some room to the North and East of the Stadium for some expansion. I could see some type of a project going there. Not sure if seating capacity could be expanded but even with 68,000 seats vs. 78,000 you’re not in too bad a shape since the number of Luxury suites and club seats is pretty good. I know they want to keep the roof on the Ed to accommodate other events but I suppose a retractible roof wouldn’t be out of the question though if they were going that route I’d suspect an entirely new stadium would be more cost effective. The actual convention center space of the America’s Center could be converted to better serve the football experience. There is a lot of room to improve the current site. Ultimately I think a deal will be struck to make a few cosmetic changes with a long term plan to move to a new venue.
Does anyone know if the plan to fill the Bush stadium II pit has ever moved forward? That would be an intriguing location for a new stadium.
LA's other pro team
Doesn’t LA already have a pro team at USC. I think Reggie Bush took a pay cut when he left
Just think if the NFL punished violations
like the NCAA, the NE cheaters would have forfeited the 2011 Superbowl and Brady would have to return MVP award
"The only thing better than watching the Rams win is watching the Rams win with my wife."
Sorry 2001
"The only thing better than watching the Rams win is watching the Rams win with my wife."
get over it
Stop living in the last
Sam Bradford to Austin Pettis
Kinda has a ring to it
by RG31 on Aug 18, 2011 2:55 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Or the cheaters would be OK and the Rams would be ineligable for the
Super Bowl for two years because they held an extra practise.
After reading these post part of me side with DaFranchiZe
It seems like most of the posters here are really dreaming about getting back a team that more than likely won’t ever come back that direction, unless its to play the team that you guys eventually get. Seems like most of the comments are posted to stoke the flames of St. Louis fans. Lets not forget there are more viable franchises to move to LA than the Rams. The Jaguars and Bills come first to mind. Even the Raiders come in play since old Al is 150 yrs old and will kick the bucket any day now. I really don’t think St. Louis is going to stand idly this time while another city woo’s its football team away from them. Kroenke will get another stadium in St. Louis and this will all be a moot point. I agree a lot with DaFranchiZe, I’m just not going to be insulting while doing so. Can you guys please turn your time machine back to the 2011 preseason?
One last thing...
For all of the bad things that have been said about Georgia by LA fans, don’t forget two NFL teams left there during the same year. I know Al Davis is a character, but it doesn’t look good when two NFL franchises make a mass exodus out of the 2nd biggest city in the U.S. LA has the dough, the atmosphere, and size to support a franchise, but it also takes commitment to support a team with 1-15 record like St. Louis has had to deal with. No team that moves there is going to be 11-5 every season. I know most of LA fans on this post will support a bad team, but I’m not too sure your neighbors will.
which is why I don't live in LA.
Bunch of douche bags lol
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
One more thing since you through this out once again
I don’t know if its younger football fans, easterners, or a combination of both but you clearly don’t have a clue about what led to their departures. Your example merely points out how wronged Angelenos were when the Rams and Traiters left LA. Only someone completely ignorant of the circumstances that led to those teams leaving would cite that and them claim that it showed a lack of support.
The Rams didn't leave due to lack of fan support
They just used that as an excuse
"I have something 95 percent of all those All-Stars only wish they had: a World Series ring. If I had to choose between that and being an All-Star, it would be no contest. I’d grab the gold ring and never look back." -Tim Salmon
There were more reasons than lack of support
But don’t act like LA was supporting that team the way they should have. I may not be old enough to remember, but my Dad and brother sure as shit were when we lived in LA, and they will admit it. Why wouldn’t LA give them a new stadium? The coliseum was GARBAGE and they had to share it with the Trojans and Bruins, what a joke. And they hardly ever sold out games in LA. I don’t call that fan support. They finally had to go to Anaheim just to get a sub par stadium.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
Capacity at Coliseum was 96,000 EJD is around 80,000
And even if that was an acceptable excuse, Dallas can fill up that billion dollar monstrosity they have!
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
EJD is around 70,000*
correction
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
Regardless
the average Ram game before they left LA was probably pulling 30-40k people MAX. The Rams leaving LA was inevitable towards the end.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
it wasn't because they were moving
the were moving because they couldn’t sell. It wasn’t just the Rams either. The raiders were averaging around 20k at the coliseum before they took off.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
I mean 20,000 empty seats, not just 20,000 people
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
The traiters were in LA because of a power struggle between the nut job Davis and the NFL
and the Oakland-Alameda county stadium. And everybody knew it.
OK
The unofficial but official story is that Georgia tanked the team because she wanted to move to St. Louis.
The Rams were a playoff team through the 80s. It was only the last couple years that they sucked. They weren’t the Pittsburgh Pirates.
"I have something 95 percent of all those All-Stars only wish they had: a World Series ring. If I had to choose between that and being an All-Star, it would be no contest. I’d grab the gold ring and never look back." -Tim Salmon
LA had 2 (two) 110,000 capacity stadiums. Do you think they wanted to build a third.
They sure didn’t need one
DIDN'T NEED ONE!?
Those stadiums weren’t fit for professional teams. If the bruins and trojans want those things, fine, but a Professional team needs a professional stadium. And LA would not give them one. Now they are willing to give two, know why? Because there is no professional team in the NFL that would ever take either of the two stadiums you have now.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
Again your statement isn't based on fact. You don't know why the teams left
and I’m guessing you have never watched a game in either of those stadiums.
I went to a rose bowl.
It’s awesome. For COLLEGE BALL! The fact is. LA wouldn’t give them a new Stadium, the current stadium was insufficient. They couldn’t sell out the monstrous college stadium they had, and with the black out rules, they were losing out big time. Any team would have left that situation, it’s a business.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
I've seen both sold out. Attended games in both with standing room only.
Both of these stadiums are owned by LA county and are publicly funded. Asking taxpayers to pay for a third stadium was bound to meet with resistance. Does St. Louis’ county own the EJD? If so, what would happen to the Rams there if the NFL were to come in and tell St Louis’ county that they have to build two more to be payed for with property taxes? How much support would that have?
You're right
The Rams should pay for a whole new stadium, when they were already millions in debt because they couldn’t squeeze a dime out of the city. And trying to have the 300,000 or so people in ST. louis pay for it as opposed to the millions in LA is a poor comparison. I’m not saying YOU didn’t support the Rams, as I’m sure you did, just like my family did, what I’m saying is WE were the vast minority. The rams in LA couldn’t even get the stadiums to 40,000 people, let alone the 100,000 the stadiums could hold.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
Maybe they should have lowered ticket prices like they are doing inSt Louis.
To try to put warm bodies in the stands.
In the 1980s the economy wasn’t the worst it’s been since the great depression. They shouldn’t have had to. I can do this all day, I have nothing better to do lol
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
and we're better off now? lol
At any rate, i don’t feel like having a discussion about economics on a sports blog.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
Well I'm going to watch some football
I will say that with all the back and forth these stories bring about, from both factions, I don’t see anyone saying that they want the Rams to stay OR move because they want them there.
I hope they come back lol
All i was saying I understand why they left lol
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
Well there were good times and bad times
The Rams were good. 7 division championships in a row. Then in the ’80s they were mediocre. By the ’90s they just sucked. It was a long slow decline. Not good then bad then good. Just a gradual decline brought about by an ownersip group that was more interested in conserving money than winning. That same group that took them to St Louis. There they were new and the fans tolarated them becaused they hungered for a team to root for. That held them over until the GSOT but they have since fallen into the same pattern and managed to wreck the team even faster this time. Now the Rams have a new owner that looks to be willing to make the investment necessary to win. Now St Louis is showing some of the lackluster fan support you claim lead them to leave LA.
I see your post about LA being full of douchbags
Thats why I left too. If the Rams want to make me happy by moving they shouls move to Asheville N.C. Then I could go to every game.
They could leave St. Louis too
If it is that bad. And at least we can agree that LA is full of douches lol
In my dream world, the Rams build a stadium in my backyard and I can get drunk at home and walk to every game! Alas, I don’t think there’s a chance for that.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
AEG can buy their way out of anything pertaining to this matter!!
Kroenke is not stupid, 98th place and 130th place are NO where near 34th place, on the Forbes list. Someone mentioned TV revenue, don’t think that’s not an issue! These men will work together and the Rams will be back in Los Angeles, whether we like it or not, because there are too many “Power People” pulling in one direction, and not enough in the other! Mayor, City Council, Celebrities and money hungry “LA Live” Execs, etc. Also, In the LA media, this is a rampant underground discussion which includes the Rams/Chargers. As for Minn, Buff & Jac, 3-teams No one in LA is interested in, that have any say so in the matter! “It is what it is!!” St. Louis fans: Fill your stadium, support your team, or NOTHING you do, will save them. Money talks, and in LA, I know a lot of people who stand to gain from this! And you all are very familiar with most of the names!! Especially if LA Host’s 4 Superbowl’s in a twenty year span, which has been the plan for at least the last six years. So, fill the seats, fight for the team!! And remember, money talks=Loudly in LA.!! 2 Stadiums!!…… Nuff said.
If your getting in bed with a billionaire, why not jump 64/96 spots on the Forbes list?
Good business sense. And the promises being made are astronomical. But very cool.!! So the key is: Come to the Games!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This Year!!!!!!
I have a question about this whole thing.
Are they going in debt to build this stadium and will they go further in debt to aquire/relocate a team there? After watching McCrook ruin my beloved Dodgers I don’t want to see this again. I would rather the Rams stay where they are and be financially healthy enough to compete then sign scrubs to save money and still not be able to make payroll.
Yea I'd much rather see the rams win than come to LA
If I could have both, that would be cool.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
I don't think debt is an issue with Anschutz
Unlike McCourt who made his money on parking lots and a credit card, AEG has proven capital and experience.
And Kroenke is one of the best owners in professional sports worldwide. Just wait until Arsenal wins the EPL and the Rams win the Super Bowl this year. 3k will go bananas and Kroenke will be heralded as the greatest man alive.
"I have something 95 percent of all those All-Stars only wish they had: a World Series ring. If I had to choose between that and being an All-Star, it would be no contest. I’d grab the gold ring and never look back." -Tim Salmon
McCrook has just left a very sour taste in my mouth
Dodger stadium was still the jewel of baseball stadiums despite its age. Now its like Magic Mountain from what I am reading. Take your girl and don’t forget the uzi. The dodgers don’t have enough money to make payroll let alone aquire the talent they need to compete. McCrook tried to sell a TV package that would gaurantee the Dodgers would be underfunded for 20 years for the sake of some quick cash. Then tried to borrow against the parking lot. I hate that guy and baseball for being stupid enough to let him buy the team in the first place. It would kill me to see that happen to the Rams as well.
Won't happen. The new owners are not common criminals. They mean business!
McCourt is part of the: “What goes around comes around scenario.” So let’s forget about him, for he will be looking over his shoulder for the rest of his life! The enemies he’s created, we don’t want to meet! As the saying goes in N.Y.: “See Ya, this side or the other!” The new group have plans that are so big, it Waves over McCourts vision. This will be fine!!! There are too many qualified individuals involved, knowing that everyone’s expecting them to fail. That’s why they will win in flying colors.!!!!!!!
Kroenke will buy the Dodgers and build a stadium in Chavez Ravine
Kroenke owns a franchise in all the major professional sports except baseball. He will have cash from selling the Denver teams and can buy the Dodgers when the courts or MLB make Frank McCourt sell the team. Since there is no current NFL team in L.A., he won’t have the problem he had with the Denver franchises.
The Chargers will make a futile effort to get a new stadium in San Diego and the Rams will make a run at getting a billion dollar, retractable-roof stadium built in St. Louis. Alex Spanos will sell 30% of the Chargers to AEG and the Chargers will be the permanent team in Farmers Field. When Kroenke eventually gives up trying to get taxpayer support for a new stadium in St. Louis, he’ll make a short-term deal with AEG to move the Rams into Farmers Field while he builds a new stadium in the Dodger Stadium parking lot. The NFL would love to have a pair of NFC West and AFC West teams with L.A. roots in the second largest TV market. They’ve always liked the Dodger Stadium location and would help Stan with the funding and he wouldn’t have to sell part of the team.
As a Missourian, his first goal will be to keep the Rams in St. Louis. As a billionaire businessman, he knows the Edward Jones Dome is a complete non-starter in the long term. It all comes down to whether St. Louis taxpayers will be willing to fork over hundreds of millions of tax dollars to keep the Rams in St. Louis. With the current economy, my guess is they won’t.
Remember Ed Roski didn't break ground in Irwindale to draw nothing to the stadium!
2 Teams 2 stadiums. Sounds simple enough, unless there are people who think we’ll have three teams! Won’t happen. 2 teams max!! Question: “Who plays in Roski’s venue?” Ooooh yeah that’s right, the third PRO team in LA will be the U$C trogens. My bad.!!!!
LMFAO 100+ comments
of nothing but dick sucking
this blog had become one of the biggest pro LA sites I have ever seen. Way to go VanRam, make sure you alienate the St.Louis fans that read this blog as much as you can, because I’m sure when they show up here they’ll be greeted with some pro LA article telling them how their home town will leave then followed up by a 100+ comments of a bunch a losers who haven’t gotten over the fact a team dumped then 16 years ago. I hear there is some article from January that you haven’t published on this site yet, better hurry and go put that one up too. Oh weight, I’m sure you got that one on your HDD for the next slow football day.
Van got what he wanted, a slow football day, so why not throw out a random LA story and watch the kids come running.
http://interact.stltoday.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=15
Go ahead, register and post up this same nonsense and you’ll get laughed off. But make sure you stay here and make sure you get no real debate back.
Definition of safe trolling.
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