3/26 News

[Deuce]

Originally Posted by StarsOnSunday

http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/ci_3639728
There you go Deuce.

Thanks SOS!

[prk166]

Originally Posted by Deuce

Real Salt Lake is committed to the community

By David W. Checketts

Salt Lake Tribune



Let me be clear - Real Salt Lake, Major League Soccer and Sports Capital Partners are here to stay and committed to this community. We are committed to bringing world-class entertainment to our region. We are committed to creating the flagship sports organization in the United States, an internationally recognized brand equal to that of Manchester United, Real Madrid and the New York Yankees.

When we brought MLS to Utah a little more than a year ago, most considered that an average of 10,000-12,000 fans per game would qualify RSL as a success; however, our extraordinary fans made us second in league attendance, averaging 18,264 during our inaugural season.

When the Utah Legislature passed HB371 and Gov. Jon Huntsman signed it last week, Utah took a huge step toward enhancing our state's reputation as a world-class place to live, play and visit. We will create "Soccer City USA" right here in Utah by building a world-class soccer stadium that will put us center stage, as the world's most popular sport continues to grow in America.

We are in the midst of creating the necessary private-public partnership with Salt Lake County government leaders. We have worked with various public officials to form "a coalition of the willing" to create a win-win opportunity for everyone concerned.

Last summer's World Cup Qualifier, attended by nearly 40,000 fans, saw visitors from around the world bring $13 million worth of economic contribution to our community. At every game, RSL attracted more than 5,000 fans from outside Salt Lake County.

The Tribune recently called our assurances that the team will not leave "empty promises." A $90 million investment, on top of the $30 million already invested to bring MLS here and operate a world-class organization, is not an empty promise. A recent Dan Jones poll indicated that 59 percent of residents approved of RSL using public funds, taken from tourist taxes, to buy land and build infrastructure - an arrangement similar to what built the Delta Center 20 years ago. The initial investment by the public will attract significant private dollars that otherwise might not be entering our state.

Compare this to what is happening in other cities: In suburban Chicago, the city of Bridgeview is paying for 100 percent of the MLS stadium project with public funds; in Toronto, the new MLS team will only pay $8 million for its $70 million stadium. In our nation's capital, Washington, D.C., more than a half-billion dollars worth of public monies are being put up for the Nationals. Locally, both Franklin Covey Field and the E Center have been 100 percent publicly funded.

RSL and the stadium provide an aspirational destination point that creates an appropriate home for soccer at all levels, for both genders, as well as for concertgoers and lacrosse and rugby fans, etc. This project thrusts us into international prominence and brings numerous benefits to all of Utah.

---

David W. Checketts is principal owner of the Major League Soccer team, Real Salt Lake, and founder of Sports Capital Partners.

AMEN!!!!

[Deuce]

This is an interesting paragraph... straight from the Delta Center Website

Construction of the Delta Center began June 11, 1990 after several months of conceptual design meetings and negotiations with potential lenders. Sumitomo Trust and the Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City saw the vision of Larry H. Miller and agreed to fund this new multi-purpose home for the Utah Jazz.

Isn't that the same money source denied to RSL by Curt Bramble & the state legislature?

Why was it ok for them to, not only use public funding but, to use RDA money for three sports arenas (Delta Center, Franklin Covey and E-Center) and then take it away for another sports arena?
I mean the E-Center is soooo successful they can't even find a corporate sponsor to buy a name for it!

[dysko]

Originally Posted by Deuce

I mean the E-Center is soooo successful they can't even find a corporate sponsor to buy a name for it!

I thought these guys were sponsoring it!


And this arena is brought to you by the letter E

[Rocky J Squirrel]

My reply to Jay Evensen's editorial

I disagree with your position, but I will spare you a detailed recitation.
Instead, I will point out your failings in editorial writing. You broke the rules:
1) Make sure your assertians are based in truth, in other words get your facts straight! FAILURE
2) Do not deliberately offend a constituency (RSL fans), they might be subscribers. Even to generate reaction. FAILURE
3) Innuendo should not be used, but real logic may be helpful. FAILURE
4) Make sure your arguments actually support your point, not the contrary. FAILURE
5) "Cute" belongs on feature pages. FAILURE.
6) Watch your length, or the space editors will get you! MAYBE?

Parking, street improvements, TRAX station, people movers/pedestrians access and movement, utilities and land to lease are what "public" money will go for. If it is not spent now will it be cheaper latter?

[Section 37]

Originally Posted by Deuce

This is an interesting paragraph... straight from the Delta Center Website

Isn't that the same money source denied to RSL by Curt Bramble & the state legislature?

Why was it ok for them to, not only use public funding but, to use RDA money for three sports arenas (Delta Center, Franklin Covey and E-Center) and then take it away for another sports arena?

It is the same money that the legislature denied to SLC, but has allowed Sandy to use.

The current RSL Sandy plan allows for the use of RDA. That's one of the reasons the stadium plan turns so many stomachs.

[Deuce]

Originally Posted by Section 37

It is the same money that the legislature denied to SLC, but has allowed Sandy to use.

The current RSL Sandy plan allows for the use of RDA. That's one of the reasons the stadium plan turns so many stomachs.

You will have to show me where you see that, cos i have not seen that anywhere.
I was of the understanding that Bramble successfully blocked RDA money so it could not be used and that is why they went for the hotel tax.

Besides that... why is it turning stomachs?
It was ok for it to be used for DC and FCF and the E-Center... so why is it suddenly so difficult to stomach?

[fuegote]

I don't care where the stadium is built, I don't care where they get the money for it, I don't care what deals need to be made.

Truth is, this kind of back room dealing crap goes on in all levels of gov't. nothing new so i don't care. It has always happened, it happens and will continue to happen regardless who is in office. from the most liberal democrat to the most conservative republican, this kind of dealing will go on.

it may turn your stomach, it doesn't mine.

get the deal done. get me a stadium. keep the team in Salt Lake (county) and not in another state.

[Deuce]

Originally Posted by fuegote

I don't care where the stadium is built, I don't care where they get the money for it, I don't care what deals need to be made.

Truth is, this kind of back room dealing crap goes on in all levels of gov't. nothing new so i don't care. It has always happened, it happens and will continue to happen regardless who is in office. from the most liberal democrat to the most conservative republican, this kind of dealing will go on.

it may turn your stomach, it doesn't mine.

get the deal done. get me a stadium. keep the team in Salt Lake (county) and not in another state.

and I agree with this razov goat character... but I still want to see where 37 is getting his info about RDA money...

[fuegote]

oh wait...that's not the RCB thing to say...

um....screw the idiots in office who keep screwing the tax payer! punk rock forever.