While I am excited that the Seattle area is building a new arena, and that the I-8 rivalry is returning, it pains me to no end that Seattle, and not Portland will be getting an NHL team. The city of Portland has once again failed, and every political leader that isn't pushing everyone to land another pro sports team in the rose city should be fired
We did have a pro team, it was the Portland Lumberjax from 2006-09. There wasn't enough sponsors to keep it going but the attendance was decent. We made our 2 tier Timbers into an MLS team with another season a sellout at Jeld Wen for 2012.
I would think that after their season and the types of crowds we had and the support a minor league hockey team gets that Portland would be on the "A" list for an NHL or MLB franchise. If they aren't happening, then I'd look at the mayor's office and wonder why.
I-8? Totally agree, however, let's not not put the puck berode the stick here. Although its really frustrating that Portland hasnt landed an NHL team yet. As for the shared tennent thing. How many NHL teams have their OWNA arena in cities that have an NBA team? I'm guessing it's not many. Total waste of money.
Please, please, please no one tell me what this means. This will give me something to do at work today Damn wait, is it Rose City Til I Die?
yes it is ... i'm still amazed the NHL isn't in portland. seems like the perfect spot for them to move a struggling franchise.
I've always been under the impression that PA doesn't want a hockey team in Portland, and probably has actively prevented one from coming here. He doesn't want any other winter sports infringing on his Blazer dollars. That aside, do we have anyone else in the city of Portland who could even afford an NHL franchise? I doubt anyone who's not from here would have any interest of moving a team here.
Didn't PA try to buy an NHL team twice? I thought he even transferred money to an escrow account and would have owned the Penguins in 24 hours if there wasn't a buyer willing to keep the team in Pittsburg. That would have been Sydney Crosby's rookie's season iirc. I think PA has tried, but he just didn't want to fiddle around with an expansion team. I thought he also tried to buy the Sabres. Does any one else remember this stuff or am I just wrong?
Looks like it was back in 1999, and it sounds like it was mostly because Gary Bettman nearly begged him to do it. http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/1999/07/19990705/No-Topic-Name/Paul-Allen-Stood-Ready-To-Buy-Penguins.aspx
Nobody watches hockey for the "sport", they watch it to see dullards in pads on skates fight like 3rd graders at recess.
Hey I liked the Lumberjax and lots of lacrosse fans showed up with at least 5000 per game. The owner just didnt have any sponsors and the prices for the tickets were decent. I still have my lumberjax sweatshirt.
