OT (but UConn mentions): What might Connecticut look like if the New England Patriots had actually moved to Hartford?

[huskymedic]

What might Connecticut look like if the New England Patriots had actually moved to Hartford? - Hartford Courant

>>Twenty years ago, the Patriots nearly moved to Hartford. Or at least, they engaged in talks that would have brought them to Hartford, to play at a shiny new stadium along the Connecticut River. Then logistics surrounding the Hartford Steam Plant (which continues to stand where the stadium would have been placed), local insistence that the team play in Hartford and not East Hartford and a late push by Massachusetts lawmakers to keep the team in the greater Boston area quashed the proposed deal. The Patriots got a new venue in Foxborough, and Hartford got... a college football stadium across the river and some hurt feelings to go along with it. <<

Keep it out of the cesspool...

 

[Adios]

Would easily have helped the city gentrify faster.

 

[storrsroars]

Here in Pittsburgh, a lot of Pitt recruits often talk about the shared training facilities with the Steelers and how that was a consideration in coming to Pitt vs another school in an area w/o a pro team.

So, if Brady was with the Hartford Patriots, I'd have to think that would be a major recruiting advantage.

 

[gioff2323]

It did get $2 million from "Hartford Bob" to help soothe the hurt feelings

 

[Dooley]

I really really really wish UConn could use Brady/Belichick in recruiting. Oh what could have been...

 

[Hoophound]

If the Pats could have been the same organization they have been the last 20 years, but done it in Hartford, it may have done much more for the state than we can imagine. The sense of pride, excitement and confidence that comes from winning is very powerful. UConn basketball used to electrify the state in the 90’s.

UConn football would have become more visible and would have had more young fans. More people would have moved into the city. More bars and restaurants, more shopping etc. With all that, maybe it would have been more appealing to new businesses as a place to grow. Maybe more big names would have stayed downtown and so on. Maybe leaders would have solved problems so that we wouldn’t lose so many great people and businesses to other areas.

The city is much less big time than it was with the Whale and the Pats are about 2000x the force the Whalers were in sports.

 

[The Viking]

Seriously - imagine having the best sports franchise of the last 20 or so years calling Hartford it's home...and having UConn football play in the same stadium. Every fall/winter there would be what 15-20 football games on the weekends. The NFL playoffs would be insane here. The entire city would look different.

Losing the Whale and the Pats within 2 years - hard to have a bigger gutpunch than that for a city.

I'm a Giants fan but I never hated the Pats back then and I'm sure I would have morphed into a Pats fan. I had put my 100 buck deposit down for 4 tix, I was ready to go.

 

[TouchdownHusky]

Here in Pittsburgh, a lot of Pitt recruits often talk about the shared training facilities with the Steelers and how that was a consideration in coming to Pitt vs another school in an area w/o a pro team.

So, if Brady was with the Hartford Patriots, I'd have to think that would be a major recruiting advantage.

But with Randy, then The over the hill Pasqualoni and Bobbyboy (I only know defense) D and once again Run,run Randy, would TB & BB have been able to help recruit decent passing QBs?

 

[storrsroars]

But with Randy, then The over the hill Pasqualoni and Bobbyboy (I only know defense) D and once again Run,run Randy, would TB & BB have been able to help recruit decent passing QBs?

Patriots Colosseum opens in what, 2002? 2004?

Randy would've started things, and with the boost in recruiting, more success. Maybe he stays. If not, you get a better class of coach and an ACC invite!

 

[UConnTrumbull]

This is why I hate the Patriots and any CT Pats fan.

 

[Adios]

This is why I hate the Patriots and any CT Pats fan.

Fan since Super Bowl XX. Hate all you want.

Fans of othed teams used to mock me, now they hate me. Humans.

 

[UConnTrumbull]

Fan since Super Bowl XX. Hate all you want.

Fans of othed teams used to mock me, now they hate me. Humans.

I honestly don't even hate the Pats for all the SBs. They screwed over CT. That cannot be forgiven to me.

 

[Ldandy]

Here in Pittsburgh, a lot of Pitt recruits often talk about the shared training facilities with the Steelers and how that was a consideration in coming to Pitt vs another school in an area w/o a pro team.

So, if Brady was with the Hartford Patriots, I'd have to think that would be a major recruiting advantage.

Sorry but that belief is more Yinzer Fantasy than actual reality. There may be one or two local 2/3 Star players who are impressed because Antonio Brown puts his jock strap on in a nearby locker room, but on average any kid with real options (B1G, ACC, SEC) isn't going to care. Its not like UConn Players would be working out with the Patriots or catching passes from Tom Brady.

The reality is that had The Patriots actually come to Hartford your Sundays would be a lot more fun, but your Saturdays would be spent playing second class citizen in a "shared stadium." If you've ever attended a college game at one of these facilities you know that unless the visitor is bringing thousands of fans and plenty of their own juice the atmosphere will be about as lively as a funeral. Watch a Pitt, Temple, or USF Game and you will quickly get the picture. UCF, UConn, Boise and others have far more enjoyable atmospheres to watch a college game.

If you want to impress recruits get a coaching staff together that can win games and play an exciting brand of football. I'm not sold that Edsall is the guy. Football is a lot different in 2019 than it was in 2009. 50,000 empty seats in a 75,000 seat NFL Stadium isn't going to improve anything.

 

[storrsroars]

"Yinzers" don't really follow college FB anyway. Stillers or go home (and ftr, I am not a Steelers fan).

a) I said "consideration", not "#1 reason"
b) I'm sane enough to know that Pitt isn't recruiting against Clemson or Bama.
c) If you actually live in this media market, you don't listen to sports radio. It's constantly mentioned in interviews with recruits who land here. There is absolutely a "cool" factor. And the kids know they're not going to be on the field with AB and the rapey QB, but they do cross paths. And Wake Forest and BC don't offer that.
d) yes, the stadiums probably wouldn't be filled on Saturdays. There are a lot entertainment options in major league cities than in Oxford or Blacksburg and yes, students are less likely to head to an off campus stadium than an on campus one.

So I'm giving 1/4 there.

 

[Adios]

The NHL screwed over CT, too, for a growth market, when the Whalers would likely be getting better attendance here. And we'd probably have a new arena built, too. But here we are, supporting an institution that develops players for the NHL and NFL.

 

[uconnfan68]

I honestly don't even hate the Pats for all the SBs. They screwed over CT. That cannot be forgiven to me.

So, the players? Or the coaches? Or just the Kraft family? What about Rowland? What about Hartford itself? Terrible infrastructure issues. Bottom line, no one got screwed over.

 

[storrsroars]

I got screwed over. Kraft still owes me $75.

 

[Redding Husky]

The Pats could have moved to Hartford and it would have worked, just like the Carolina Panthers could move to Raleigh-Durham and it would work. But Foxborough is near the population center of New England. My brother in Danbury has season tix and he sits next to guys from New Hampshire. Foxborough fits the Pats.

Having said that, I wish they had moved to Hartford. What a boost for the state and UConn that would have been.

 

[Hoophound]

That’s the beauty of New England. If the Pats were in Hartford they’d give up some tickets sold in NH or Eastern MA but they’d gain in CT and Western Mass. Winning like they are, they would have thrived in Hartford. The question is, how would Greater Hartford be different? I think, substantially.

There was a time when Hartford was debatably worthy of its own major league teams. Remember the Hartford Rams talk? CT has failed itself and I’m disgusted that my home state has come to this. 15 years ago I was proud to say I’m from CT, today, I brace myself for the negative comments to follow. Hartford was one of America’s great cities 75 years ago and a crown jewel 100 years ago. I hope it returns to glory in my lifetime. Unfortunately, I’m in my mid-40’s now and it is becoming pretty clear that it isn’t going to happen.

Those of you that grew up having dinner at Brown Thompson’s or Chuck’s with your parents or friends before a Whalers game or a Bon Jovi concert know how I feel. How about Hartford Stage or the Bushnell then lunch and a stroll through G Fox at Christmas? This is a horrible time in CT history, but it is far worse for those of us that live in prosperous places and dream of coming home someday. Every time I go there I see decline rather than improvement. I hate that. It is literally painful.

 

[ClifSpliffy]

That’s the beauty of New England. If the Pats were in Hartford they’d give up some tickets sold in NH or Eastern MA but they’d gain in CT and Western Mass. Winning like they are, they would have thrived in Hartford. The question is, how would Greater Hartford be different? I think, substantially.

There was a time when Hartford was debatably worthy of its own major league teams. Remember the Hartford Rams talk? CT has failed itself and I’m disgusted that my home state has come to this. 15 years ago I was proud to say I’m from CT, today, I brace myself for the negative comments to follow. Hartford was one of America’s great cities 75 years ago and a crown jewel 100 years ago. I hope it returns to glory in my lifetime. Unfortunately, I’m in my mid-40’s now and it is becoming pretty clear that it isn’t going to happen.

Those of you that grew up having dinner at Brown Thompson’s or Chuck’s with your parents or friends before a Whalers game or a Bon Jovi concert know how I feel. How about Hartford Stage or the Bushnell then lunch and a stroll through G Fox at Christmas? This is a horrible time in CT history, but it is far worse for those of us that live in prosperous places and dream of coming home someday. Every time I go there I see decline rather than improvement. I hate that. It is literally painful.

homeless, huh?
Stratosphere: Photo

 

[FartMan69]

The 90's were such a weird time for relocation I'm guessing because the cable deals weren't as lucrative but there is no way in hell would the NFL let a team abandon the Boston/Providence market for Hartford in today's world. I actually find it hard to believe the league would have let it go through if Kraft was actually serious (which he wasn't.) Knowing the situation the city had just had with the NHL and Captain Clownshoes as Governor at the helm Kraft new he could use CT as leverage while knowing they would never be able to actually deliver on the promises.

 

[Adios]

That’s the beauty of New England. If the Pats were in Hartford they’d give up some tickets sold in NH or Eastern MA but they’d gain in CT and Western Mass. Winning like they are, they would have thrived in Hartford. The question is, how would Greater Hartford be different? I think, substantially.

There was a time when Hartford was debatably worthy of its own major league teams. Remember the Hartford Rams talk? CT has failed itself and I’m disgusted that my home state has come to this. 15 years ago I was proud to say I’m from CT, today, I brace myself for the negative comments to follow. Hartford was one of America’s great cities 75 years ago and a crown jewel 100 years ago. I hope it returns to glory in my lifetime. Unfortunately, I’m in my mid-40’s now and it is becoming pretty clear that it isn’t going to happen.

Those of you that grew up having dinner at Brown Thompson’s or Chuck’s with your parents or friends before a Whalers game or a Bon Jovi concert know how I feel. How about Hartford Stage or the Bushnell then lunch and a stroll through G Fox at Christmas? This is a horrible time in CT history, but it is far worse for those of us that live in prosperous places and dream of coming home someday. Every time I go there I see decline rather than improvement. I hate that. It is literally painful.

The demographics of the state has changed immensely. I remember growing up in Fairfield when it was a middle class town. Ain't middle class no more. Some areas became richer and some poorer. I don't see how casinos really help in saving money or preserving wealth.

The state is trying to reinvent itself. Fairfield County has taken advantage of it's proximity to NYC and worked towards making the most of it. The ripple effect is reaching Bridgeport now. New Haven has Yale.

 

[Hoophound]

homeless, huh?
Stratosphere: Photo

Ha. I wouldn’t say homeless but definitely confused about where I want my home to be in the long run. My wife and I debate it daily as we get closer to cashing out and living simpler somewhere else. I’m tired of the rat race and dream of a more relaxed life but can’t figure out where to go. I always wanted to go back to CT, get my season tickets and spend time with old friends. With the sports programs floundering and the state economy collapsing it is a confusing proposition. CT can’t even get recreational weed right so they can capitalize on it. Every opportunity is missed or blown it seems.

As I’ve said before, due to location, CT is probably a good long term play. Houses are cheap now and I like that aspect. I’m just becoming concerned recently that quality of life is beginning to degrade exponentially. I’m noticing things that are different than they used to be. For instance, there is a lot of litter on the roads in CT, particularly in busier areas. 20-25 years ago I used to visit friends in Northern NJ and be appalled by the litter in parking lots and along busy roads. Now, CT looks like that to me. I also notice many areas where road medians are full of litter and weeds and have no landscaping. Where I live those areas are immaculate and groomed. When you drive up I-91 there are just weeds and scrub everywhere in CT. When you get into Mass and VT they mow it all and make it look nice and lush. Last summer my wife and mother-in-law commented on it as we travelled and I felt almost embarrassed by it because its “my state”.

 

[billybud]

Perusing economics on the interwebz, Connecticut has not recovered from the 2008 recession and was lagging before then.

Housing

Connecticut’s Housing Price Index saw the lowest growth in the nation between 2012 and 2017, according to a review of figures from the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

Connecticut’s HPI grew 5.5 percent over the course of five years, far lower than the national average of 30 percent and well below other states in the Northeast. Massachusetts grew by 27 percent, while New York grew by 15 percent.

Connecticut’s housing market is “defying the laws of economics,” Barbaro said in an interview. “We have low inventory and flat prices. Normally, with low inventory we should have high prices.”

Business Growth

• Between 1996 and 2006 – before the financial meltdown and recession -- the number of Connecticut small businesses declined by 2.2 percent, while the average experience of all 50 states was a 10 percent increase.
• Only Ohio and West Virginia did worse than Connecticut. Its small businesses account for about half of the state’s private sector jobs.

 

[Hoophound]

Yeah, that’s about right. Sad. All because of high pensions, small town governments with individual school systems and so on. It was once idyllic.