Panthers up for sale, could the team be moved to Connecticut?

[BugsyCT]

The Patriots stadium lure in '98 was a farce. Kraft was never going to really move the team here - we were always a bargaining chip to get a better deal in the Boston area.

And if we couldn't keep the Whalers nor be able to lure another NHL team back to CT because of the proximity to NY and Boston, how in the world would we do that for an NFL franchise?

 

[Exit 4]

Its starts with a viable - qualified buyer who has a CT relocation plan. Anyone on this board in position to make that happen? No? Didn't think so.

 

[Northbound]

I’d say there’s a 93% chance of this happening.

CONFIRME_

That is beautiful

 

[LoyalFanCT]

Don't the Giants and the Jets both play in Met-Life stadium? Talk about proximity!

And on the topic -- that stadium is in New Jersey, so folks living in Westchester County and points north in NY state are relatively close to Hartford. So too are people living in western Mass. And the entire state of CT does not have a pro team of any kind.

I don't see a CT NFL team as a threat to the Patriots, Jets or Giants. I do see it as encouraging more interest in professional football in CT.

And getting a superb football stadium in which UConn can also play will only impress the ACC if we ever have the chance to request membership again.

If it is enclosed, it could be used for UConn basketball, hockey, etc., as well as conventions and musical performances.

What is everyone going to do if the XL Center closes soon?

 

[Jimmy Serrano]

Don't the Giants and the Jets both play in Met-Life stadium? Talk about proximity!

And on the topic -- that stadium is in New Jersey, so folks living in Westchester County and points north in NY state are relatively close to Hartford. So too are people living in western Mass. And the entire state of CT does not have a pro team of any kind.

I don't see a CT NFL team as a threat to the Patriots, Jets or Giants. I do see it as encouraging more interest in professional football in CT.

And getting a superb football stadium in which UConn can also play will only impress the ACC if we ever have the chance to request membership again.

If it is enclosed, it could be used for UConn basketball, hockey, etc., as well as conventions and musical performances.

What is everyone going to do if the XL Center closes soon?

I can only hope that you’re some lonely loser looking for some internet attention by attempting the lamest troll job ever.

The alternative to that is much worse.

 

[jimva]

Not enough corporate support to float a hockey team, nevermind a football team

 

[LoyalFanCT]

I can only hope that you’re some lonely loser looking for some internet attention by attempting the lamest troll job ever.

The alternative to that is much worse.

Jimmy, you especially, a die-hard UConn fan, ought to be sympathetic to my reasoning. You don't have to agree, but it is clear the X L Center is in need of repair. The upgrades don't get done, the building gets knocked down like the Coliseum in New Haven. Also, don't you remember how Louisville impressed the ACC with an expanded football stadium. Is the price tag expensive? Yes. May be $1 billion for the Panthers' purchase and over $1 billion for an enclosed stadium in Hartford. But the other option is UConn will play all basketball home games in Storrs -- the football team at best will spend decades in the AAC (or have a schedule with Central CT) -- and Hartford may be forced to declare bankruptcy. Is that what the Boneyard wants?

 

[Husky25]

I won't put this idea out of the realm of possibility in the sense that anything may, in fact, be possible. It is, OTOH, so far out of the realm of probability, it hardly bears amplifying upon...But I will...

I don't see a CT NFL team as a threat to the Patriots, Jets or Giants. I do see it as encouraging more interest in professional football in CT.

Well I guess that settles it. I mean so long as you don't see a 4th team within a 200 mile area as a threat to the other three. In that vein, wouldn't the three existing franchises seek to prevent a fourth?

Most of Connecticut is in the Patriots market in terms of the AFC and the Giants in terms of the NFC TV contract. Lower CT is "owned" by the Jets. Not a chance those teams invite additional competition and lose guaranteed TV exposure to one of the most affluent populations, as a whole, in the entire country.

On the other side of the dollar are the fans. Giants, Jets, and Patriots allegiances go back generations. Simply putting a State or city name before a team moniker is not going to move the fandom meter much, if any.

 

[huskymedic]

... And getting a superb football stadium in which UConn can also play will only impress the ACC if we ever have the chance to request membership again.

If it is enclosed, it could be used for UConn basketball, hockey, etc., as well as conventions and musical performances.

What is everyone going to do if the XL Center closes soon?

Remind me who you think is going to foot the $2.0 billion +/- tab for this new enclosed stadium? (projected cost for Raiders new home in Vegas)

 

[Jimmy Serrano]

Remind me who you think is going to foot the $2.0 billion +/- tab for this new enclosed stadium? (projected cost for Raiders new home in Vegas)

UConn should hire a search firm to find Jurich to be a consultant. He can then negotiate a deal where a new stadium AND arena are built on the backs of CT taxpayers.

Duh.

 

[Waquoit]

Where's Scott Grey?

Still waiting for the Rams.

 

[Waquoit]

The Patriots stadium lure in '98 was a farce. Kraft was never going to really move the team here - we were always a bargaining chip to get a better deal in the Boston area.

I still don't believe that to be true. Kraft would have gotten the best deal in history and really didn't end up with more than what he left on the table. Rowland blew it.

 

[LoyalFanCT]

Remind me who you think is going to foot the $2.0 billion +/- tab for this new enclosed stadium? (projected cost for Raiders new home in Vegas)

The price is high indeed, but if it is in Hartford, and there is related economic development, it could help bring prosperity back to a once great city.

Usually, financing for these kinds of projects comes in the form of public/private partnerships. Lest we forget, UConn Storrs is the beneficiary of similar amounts to upgrade the campus.

Here is the Wiki. entry on the Vegas stadium financing:

The financing for the project is expected to come in the form of $750 million in public funding, $500 million from the Raiders, and $650 million lent by Bank of America.[40] The public portion of the funding will come from municipal bonds issued by Clark County, backed by the proceeds of a special tax on hotel rooms in the Las Vegas area, which was initiated in March 2017.[42] The Raiders' contribution is expected to include a $200 million loan from the NFL's stadium upgrade program, $250 million from sales of personal seat licenses at the stadium, and $50 million from cash reserves.[43]

 

[Colt house75]

I can't believe I read the thread and posts.
Now I know it's the offseason.

 

[Husky25]

The price is high indeed, but if it is in Hartford, and there is related economic development, it could help bring prosperity back to a once great city.

Usually, financing for these kinds of projects comes in the form of public/private partnerships. Lest we forget, UConn Storrs is the beneficiary of similar amounts to upgrade the campus.

Here is the Wiki. entry on the Vegas stadium financing:

The financing for the project is expected to come in the form of $750 million in public funding, $500 million from the Raiders, and $650 million lent by Bank of America.[40] The public portion of the funding will come from municipal bonds issued by Clark County, backed by the proceeds of a special tax on hotel rooms in the Las Vegas area, which was initiated in March 2017.[42] The Raiders' contribution is expected to include a $200 million loan from the NFL's stadium upgrade program, $250 million from sales of personal seat licenses at the stadium, and $50 million from cash reserves.[43]

You are comparing apples and dump trucks.

 

[BlueDogs]

Would be a great idea, but I think CT has proven to the outside world it an unsustainable market for pro-sports notwithstanding that the demographics are very competitive on paper and should support a pro franchise. If an NFL team was present in Hartford, the positive local economic impacts and synergies would be tremendous. Better yet, a pro hockey team or NBA team with a lot of game events would likely drive even more economic impact. Of course, none of this will happen with the leadership in place. They are so mired in their own self created fiscal meltdown, they cant see beyond the immediate.

 

[mikedog10]

Sounds like all we need to do is to build super-stadium, for NFL/NCAA football, basketball, hockey, and concerts. With a casino, movie theater, shopping outlets and high-speed rail access to NYC/Boston/Springfield. And luxury condos, with dining options and boutiques. Might as well throw in a full-size replica of the Mark Twain house, built entirely out of Legos.

The facility will be so large, it will actually be both CT-riverfront & L.I.Sound waterfront. Don't forget to keep the tribes included and happy. Mortgage the CT taxpayers' future & get it done!

 

[Husky25]

Sounds like all we need to do is to build super-stadium, for NFL/NCAA football, basketball, hockey, and concerts. With a casino, movie theater, shopping outlets and high-speed rail access to NYC/Boston/Springfield. And luxury condos, with dining options and boutiques. Might as well throw in a full-size replica of the Mark Twain house, built entirely out of Legos.

The facility will be so large, it will actually be both CT-riverfront & L.I.Sound waterfront. Don't forget to keep the tribes included and happy. Mortgage the CT taxpayers' future & get it done!

 

[LoyalFanCT]

Laugh all you want but if Connecticut doesn't move forward, it will become part of the rust belt where billions of dollars a year will go to pay for welfare, and Hartford can rival Chicago for the most murders in the nation. We can build new prisons for all of the convicts. I can see an empty Aetna HQ, an empty space where the XL Center now stands, and most other businesses leaving for Florida or Boston -- within a few years.

On the other hand, for perhaps about $4 billion, we can turn Hartford into an entertainment, restaurant, convention and sports capital, with Disney and MGM taking part in the city's renaissance. For about the same amount we can upgrade and expand Bradley airport, connect it with downtown Hartford with decent modern rail service, and line the train route with small and medium sized high tech companies that will draw younger IT workers. UConn will be a key asset to make this work, and in the process UConn will become a top 10, research-driven AAU university. The tax revenue will make this work in the long run. I know which one I prefer.

 

[huskymedic]

Laugh all you want but if Connecticut doesn't move forward, it will become part of the rust belt where billions of dollars a year will go to pay for welfare, and Hartford can rival Chicago for the most murders in the nation. We can build new prisons for all of the convicts. I can see an empty Aetna HQ, an empty space where the XL Center now stands, and most other businesses leaving for Florida or Boston -- within a few years.

On the other hand, for perhaps about $4 billion, we can turn Hartford into an entertainment, restaurant, convention and sports capital, with Disney and MGM taking part in the city's renaissance. For about the same amount we can upgrade and expand Bradley airport, connect it with downtown Hartford with decent modern rail service, and line the train route with small and medium sized high tech companies that will draw younger IT workers. UConn will be a key asset to make this work, and in the process UConn will become a top 10, research-driven AAU university. The tax revenue will make this work in the long run. I know which one I prefer.

$4b here... $4b there... Easey Peasy - Maybe you should form an exploratory committee to run for Governor.

 

[BlueMAB]

 

[Adios]

Laugh all you want but if Connecticut doesn't move forward, it will become part of the rust belt where billions of dollars a year will go to pay for welfare, and Hartford can rival Chicago for the most murders in the nation. We can build new prisons for all of the convicts. I can see an empty Aetna HQ, an empty space where the XL Center now stands, and most other businesses leaving for Florida or Boston -- within a few years.

On the other hand, for perhaps about $4 billion, we can turn Hartford into an entertainment, restaurant, convention and sports capital, with Disney and MGM taking part in the city's renaissance. For about the same amount we can upgrade and expand Bradley airport, connect it with downtown Hartford with decent modern rail service, and line the train route with small and medium sized high tech companies that will draw younger IT workers. UConn will be a key asset to make this work, and in the process UConn will become a top 10, research-driven AAU university. The tax revenue will make this work in the long run. I know which one I prefer.

Mexico City, London and Toronto also want NFL teams. Think Hartford really has a chance over them?

 

[TheDrifter75]

I'm guessing this kid is in 8th grade. Billion, million and trillion are not the same, to some maybe because 1 is just as far out of reach as the other. I suggest the Dave Ramsey plan, save 15% of your allowance and cash flow the whole thing as a favor to the state. You can do it, anything is possible in your world.

 

[BlueDogs]

I'm guessing this kid is in 8th grade. Billion, million and trillion are not the same, to some maybe because 1 is just as far out of reach as the other. I suggest the Dave Ramsey plan, save 15% of your allowance and cash flow the whole thing as a favor to the state. You can do it, anything is possible in your world.

Dave Ramsey In a nutshell - live like an animal, don't enjoy anything, and count your money in retirement. Total quack.

 

[Huskygamble19]

Yeah..Lets call them the Whalers.

 

[Hoophound]

Where's Scott Grey?

Lol. Living in a country club in Naples. Saw him there and then met people that know him. True story.

 

[Woof 101]

I still don't believe that to be true. Kraft would have gotten the best deal in history and really didn't end up with more than what he left on the table. Rowland blew it.

No attack Waq....but this is as silly as the OP...........

 

[Da_Aisijimo_Gou]

Aside from the initial post and others, it/they prompted some resulting interesting and insightful comments. Acknowledging media reports of declining NFL interest nationally, the linked WSJ article states the Panthers "...have sold out 225 of their 227 home games in team history, including 157 straight." It helps that Carolina appears to be on its' way to the franchise's 4th playoff appearance in 5 seasons.

Charlotte fan interest may be lukewarm and relocated fans of other teams reportedly frequently buy tickets from local fans, but sold out games are sold out games. Even if a new owner was to buy the Panthers with an intent to move them elsewhere, other US cities would appear to be stronger possibilities than Hartford. And, as others mention the NFL also appears to be interested in Toronto, London, and Mexico City.

NFL franchise as Insurance City economic stimulus? Seriously? No doubt, that would truly inspire taxpayers of other Connecticut municipalities already financing Hartford and potentially bailing it out of bankruptcy. Hey, you wanna invest in a sport with declining viewership, growing CTE concerns, the need for a likely taxpayer-funded massive stadium ... ? Fuhgetaboutit!

 

[Adios]

If the NFL can achieve the level of being a global gridiron league, which seems to be the goal, I'd assume the viewership will only increase and the grandeur of the sport would be enormous. Is that possible? Yes. That would definitely mean very few small market franchises, probably leaving historic franchises alone. But that will take a long time. The NHL will never be globalized, same with the NBA. They have leagues set up around the world that would compete with very solid footing and resources. MLB has global potential, that remains to be seen. Can easily absorb Japanese and Korean franchises.

Right now, Super Rugby and KHL are the only transcontinental leagues in the world, if I am correct. The NFL stands to be next in line.

When it comes to CTE, that certainly can be addressed to a good degree. I'd bet pro hockey players get CTE, too. Same with pro rugby.

 

[whaler11]

Anyone who invests in a stadium right now is insane.

Unless you’ve got something magic in it that changes the trend of people staying home.