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"The cultural fabric of the city includes sports. The decision we're about to make is a good one for Sacramento, not just the Sacramento Kings." -- Mayor Joe Serna Jr., Feb. 5, 1997
This is a listing of articles written on the subject of a new arena dating back to 2000. It does not list every article and it only gives a small summary of the article, usually the 1st paragraph. The arena debates predates 2000 but that is when the bulk of the media attention started. It is interesting to browse through the titles here to get a sense of the ridiculous breakdowns in the process. This page gives an overview of the history; The downtown arena that never happened, 3 failed attempts to get a vote to city council, a mayor who hinged part of her campaign to get elected on a new arena but was unable to deliver, a feasibility study for a downtown arena costing $654,000. You will also see different numbers thrown around when no one really knows how much a new arena will cost because we are nowhere near that step in planning. Various prices on a new arena range from 300 million to 538 million in different articles. You will also see when the city council finally did hold a meeting the president of the Maloof sports and entertainment walked out of the meeting after the city set a spending limit for public funds. It also goes over the more recent history where the mayor is now out as is the downtown location and in their places are a natomas location and the Sheriff of Sacramento, who also ended up stepping out because of a scandal involving his business ties with the developer who is supposed to ride in and save the day. This whole mess is starting to play out like a bad soap opera and there is not even a drawing of what a potential arena might look like. Some of these stories criticize the Maloofs some the criticize the city but remember after you get through all these (if you choose to read them all) We are no closer to an arena than when the first article was printed. To get the full text of the article you can download them from sacbee.com. They charge a small fee for this.
City's goal: Public vote on arena in March Council fears the Kings could move, wants talks with Maloofs. Published on July 23, 2000 Facing the prospect that the Sacramento Kings could leave the city if a new arena is not built, the City Council signaled early this morning they will ask voters to weigh in on the issue in a March special election. Many council members said they felt there were too few specifics known at this time including site, costs and funding plan - to put a vote on the November ballot. But they said quick action was necessary.
The mayoral candidates: Their sporting views Heather Fargo Published on November 1, 2000 Voted against Kings loan. *Says professional sports are important for economic and entertainment purposes and for the self-esteem of the community. *Initiated discussions with Union-Pacific officials about the railroad's potential involvement in a downtown arena. *Opposes public funding for a new arena. *Says Sacramento City Council members were excluded from River Cats discussions. *Is a huge fan of the Knights and a major advocate of expanding youth sports.
New arena or no arena? Next mayor may play big role in Kings' future Published on November 1, 2000 This is not the game we grew up with. Gone is the set shot, the free autograph, the perfect game. And that field of dreams? With an eye toward Sacramento's mayoral race between Heather Fargo and Rob Kerth, today's sports visions are transformed into reality in corporate board rooms, in City Hall, in a world of high rises, high finance and increasingly high stakes.
Fargo aims for downtown arena Published on February 1, 2001 In her first major speech as mayor, Heather Fargo today will call for a commission to study building a downtown arena for the Sacramento Kings and other entertainment events. Fargo, who voted against a $70 million loan the city offered the Kings in 1997 to keep the team in town, said she now feels the city needs to explore what it would take to build a new arena. "I think an arena would be a catalyst project for revitalizing part of downtown," Fargo said.
Hard look at arena downtown Published on July 19, 2001 The often-reprised idea of putting a major basketball arena and entertainment complex in downtown Sacramento appears about to get its first serious study. Officials with the Sacramento Kings, Union Pacific Railroad and the city of Sacramento revealed Wednesday they plan to jointly hire a consultant to analyze the economics of building and running a new facility.
The next arena A downtown arena is a regional challenge Published on July 27, 2001 No one doubts that the downtown Union Pacific rail yards are big enough to hold a new arena for Sacramento. The tough question is whether anyone's pocket is full enough to pay for it. So Mayor Heather Fargo - in partnership with the railroad, which owns the land, and the Maloof family, which owns the basketball team - has wisely launched a financial feasibility study to find out….
Three questions city should ask about new arena Published on August 14, 2001 The Sacramento Kings are great. And vibrant downtowns are wonderful. But Sacramento should be very skeptical about Mayor Heather Fargo's push to explore using taxpayer money to help build a new central city crib for the local National Basketball Association team. The last time I checked, the Maloof brothers, who own the club, had a beer, gambling and sports empire stretching from Albuquerque to Las Vegas to Sacramento…
Arena for debate Downtown study is due out Published on March 17, 2002, For years, people in political and business circles have debated whether the Sacramento Kings basketball team should move from its Arco Arena home on the North Natomas plain into a new facility downtown. Would a new arena help Sacramento revitalize its downtown? Could it boost revenues for a team operating on thin margins in a small market? And who would pay to build it? In the next few weeks, there may be some answers
A new arena may cost city, report finds Published on March 29, 2002 A $300 million sports and entertainment arena could be just the ticket to spark major development in the downtown railyard, but if Sacramento is like other cities lately, the public may expect to pay the bulk of the bill.
That is the key finding of a much-anticipated consultants' report to be released today on the feasibility of a downtown facility for the Sacramento Kings basketball team and other events.
City? Here. Joe, Gavin: Where are you guys? Published on March 30, 2002, An open letter to Joe and Gavin Maloof, Sacramento Kings owners. Dear Fellas: By now you should know that people like you guys. You've done really good things around town, and your team sits atop the NBA standings. It's time to use that good will for something really important. To finally say whether you guys are interested in a downtown arena for the Kings or not. Council is receptive to arena idea But members urge caution in exploring the downtown plan. Published on April 3, 2002, Sacramento City Council members acknowledged Tuesday night that they are intrigued by the idea of building a major sports and entertainment arena downtown, but, to a person, they offered a major caution: Let's take this slowly.
The arena risk Fargo needs to explain where she's headed Published on April 9, 2002 In public, the Sacramento City Council has greeted with cautious interest Mayor Heather Fargo's push for a downtown arena to anchor an entertainment district in the Union Pacific railyards. But behind the public politeness are a lot of questions about the hows and whys of the mayor's initiative.
Blowing whistle on publicly funded arenas Published on April 14, 2002, To start a basketball game, the referee tosses up a jump ball. To start a public debate about subsidizing a professional basketball arena, a highly paid consultant throws out a study purporting to show that a new arena will provide an economic benefit to the community. The referees do a so-so job. The consultants touting economic benefits invariably throw to the wrong side. "Few fields of empirical economic research offer virtual unanimity of results," Officials hit the road as the question of railyard development enters the ... political arena Mayor leads fact-finding tour of downtown venues Published on April 28, 2002 Even as the Sacramento Kings battle in Utah for their playoff lives, Sacramento's mayor, just back from a road trip of her own, says she vividly sees a winning future for the city and the team if a new arena is built downtown. After touring downtowns and arenas in four Eastern and Midwestern cities last week - gauging possibilities and pitfalls - Mayor Heather Fargo says she believes more than ever that a new arena could help jump-start a major expansion of downtown…
Hail Kings! But an arena? The capital may get a cool reception if it asks its neighbors to help pay for a downtown facility. Published on May 20, 2002 It was a night of Kings-crazed solidarity. Government and business leaders from throughout the six-county Sacramento region were in Washington, D.C., on April 23 for their annual lobbying trip. But they didn't want to miss Game 2 of the playoff series between the Kings and the Utah Jazz.
Fargo ponders best timing for vote on railyard plan Published on July 7, 2002, With the Sacramento Kings' dramatic playoff run fresh in many minds, City Hall officials are debating whether to rush a measure onto the November ballot asking voter approval for a downtown arena as part of a redevelopment plan. Sources say Mayor Heather Fargo is being lobbied from two sides, with some advisers saying the time is right for a vote and others saying the city should wait until spring when more would be known about potential costs of an arena, its location…
Arena vote? Not yet Too soon to decide on Fargo's railyard dream Published on July 10, 2002, Some political advisers are pressing Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo to go to voters in November for approval of her dream of a downtown arena as part of a sports and entertainment complex in the Union Pacific railyards.
Mayor won't pursue November arena vote Published on July 20, 2002 Despite the fan excitement generated by the Sacramento Kings' best-ever playoff run in June, Mayor Heather Fargo said Friday she has decided not to ask voters in November for conceptual approval of a new downtown basketball arena. Instead, the mayor and city officials said they plan to move forward next month on a new feasibility study that will pin down the likeliest sites within downtown Sacramento's Union Pacific railyards, as well as costs and financing
Developer gets tentative deal to start transforming UP yard Published on November 1, 2002 An internationally renowned development team with ties to Union Pacific and the Maloof family, majority owners of the Sacramento Kings and Arco Arena, won the inside track Thursday to develop the first phase of UP's downtown railyard. The railroad giant and Millennia Associates reached tentative agreement to transform about 70 acres of the railyard into a mix of restaurants, stores, offices and housing, along with a transportation center and railroad museum.
City will join study on arena Published on November 13, 2002 The Sacramento City Council agreed Tuesday to join the Sacramento Kings and Union Pacific Railroad in what should be the make-or-break study of whether to build a downtown basketball arena. But approval for the $654,000 study - to be jointly funded by the three entities- came only after two decidedly skeptical council members, Jimmie Yee and Dave Jones, cited long lists of questions and offered cautions about spending public money on the venture. Arenas prized for their pull It's Sacramento's turn to weigh the lure of a splashy downtown venue. Published on November 17, 2002, For nearly a decade, a long list of academic studies has made this much pretty clear: Downtown arenas do not boost the regional economy, and may not bring economic life directly to anything other than the neighborhoods around the new arena. Still, across the country, cities continue to subsidize new downtown facilities for their pro sports teams. Urban policy experts say there is a powerful underlying reason: City leaders view gleaming new sports venues as a way to lure people A new arena could be nearby The Maloofs already own 80 acres in Natomas, and that site would make financial sense.
Davis gives arena a boost Funding device adds options for Kings site Published on October 13, 2003 Legislation that could provide a funding mechanism to help build a new Sacramento Kings arena and other attractions in the capital's downtown was signed Sunday by Gov. Gray Davis. AB 944 was one of scores of bills signed by Davis, whose other major actions included banning ephedra diet supplements from store shelves and ratifying precedent-setting gambling compacts with three Indian tribes.
Developers may not want to play ball with the city on a new arena Published on October 17, 2003. House of cards: The key argument for an arena at the downtown railyard fell apart this week, when the project's developers quietly told Sacramento City Council members they don't need or especially want an arena on the 240-acre property. "I've seen two plans, one with the arena, one without," a council member said. "They made it clear they would rather go without it." The developer, Millennia Associates, would
City does arena math Some get crunched by the numbers, and they're not happy. Published on October 18, 2003, Downtown Sacramento bar and restaurant patrons would foot a big part of the $458 million bill for a new, publicly owned Kings arena under a financing scenario released by the city Friday. In addition, voters countywide would be asked to approve a surcharge on hotel rooms and car rentals, and the city would raise rates at its downtown parking garages by 10 percent to 15 percent, city staff members said.
For Maloofs, time to weigh in on arena proposal Published on October 19, 2003 There are times when sports stop being about scores and stats and become about us and how we live. In Sacramento, this is one of those times, and these are the questions before us now: Do the Kings need a new downtown arena paid for largely by you and me? And does Sacramento need to spend $458 million on a basketball arena adjacent to Old Sacramento to act as a "catalyst" for downtown development? Ready or not, these issues are upon
Fargo's folly Arena study makes a shaky case Published on October 21, 2003 Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo's push for a downtown arena has ended up where such journeys typically finish: in the pocketbooks of taxpayers. The second phase of the city study of a sports and entertainment district in the downtown railyard puts the cost of the mayor's downtown arena dreams at a whopping $538 million, if you include the cost of eating the city's outstanding loan to the Kings' owners. And in the financing plans that
What's arena worth to city? Council members question the costs of downtown project. Published on October 22, 2003. Faced with a consultant's report saying the public would pay most of the $538 million cost of a new downtown basketball arena and entertainment district, Sacramento City Council members struggled Tuesday night with a fundamental question: Is it worth it to the city, to its economy, to the downtown and to the voters? The biggest mystery: Is an arena really key to kick-starting redevelopment in the railyard?
Maloofs' silence says volumes about arena Published on October 23, 2003 This downtown arena plan looks dead. Nobody wants it. Nobody wants to pay for it. The poor mayor is out there all by herself pitching it. The lone financial guy who can explain how taxpayers will foot the bill for a $538 million basketball arena project adjacent to Old Sacramento is AWOL. And after hours of blah, blah, blah - the loudest sound is silence. The silence of the Maloofs…
Arena's fee plan hard to swallow Downtown restaurant owners voice objections. Published on October 23, 2003, Raising serious doubts about the fate of a crucial funding source for a new sports arena, Sacramento's downtown restaurant owners said Wednesday they oppose a city plan to finance the facility. A spokesman for Mayor Heather Fargo said lack of support from restaurant owners would doom a proposal intended to generate more than half the $538 million needed to build a basketball arena along with surrounding streets, parking and other amenities at the Union Pacific Mayor throws in towel on arena vote Published on October 25, 2003, Convinced the Sacramento City Council lacks support from the public and the owners of the Kings for a downtown arena, Mayor Heather Fargo conceded Friday that a March public advisory vote about its financing is doomed. "I don't see us moving forward at this point," Fargo said. "We just don't have the support. We ran out of time." A consultant's report released this month recommended
Kings: City fumbled on new arena Published on October 26, 2003 ** Editor's note An editorial in Forum in some editions of today's Bee was printed before Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo said she would not pursue a March public advisory vote about financing a downtown arena. All last week, as Mayor Heather Fargo defended her dream to build a downtown arena for the Kings before skeptical business owners and City Council members, the basketball team's owners were conspicuously absent from the public
Arena, R.I.P. Even Fargo finally admits the idea is dead Published on October 26, 2003, As the debate over the downtown arena unfolded last week, the proposal to build a new home for the Kings looked more and more like a sickly kitten abandoned on the front step of City Hall. To call what the Sacramento City Council was debating a "proposal" probably overstates things. A proposal suggests a proposer. But there wasn't one in sight last Tuesday night at the council hearing. Mayor Heather Fargo, who kicked off this debate,
Arena mess tells a lot about city's politics Published on October 26, 2003 There's an obvious question about a new downtown arena for the Kings that politicians are unwilling to ask. As a public service, I'll go ahead and ask it, even at the risk of seeming rude: If the Maloof brothers and their partners in the National Basketball Association believe a new Sacramento arena would increase their revenue and profits, why don't they build it themselves?
Why Maloofs went from mum to mad Published on October 29, 2003 Last week, they were Aloof, but this week, we can put the "M" back in Maloof. Or M as in M-A-D, which Kings owners Joe and Gavin Maloof are today - madder than we've ever seen them. So mad Joe could barely sit still Tuesday over lunch at Arco Arena as the billionaire brothers cast off their amiable-guy personas and broke their strange silence on a proposed downtown arena for the Kings. Frankly, it was about time.
Maloofs: City sabotaged arena The Kings owners also say the developer lied to them. Published on October 29, 2003 After a series of tight-lipped responses to criticism about a plan to build a downtown arena, the owners of the Sacramento Kings spoke freely for the first time Tuesday, claiming the project was sabotaged by the city manager's office and the developer of the Union Pacific railyard. Kings owners Joe and Gavin Maloof said railyard developer Millennia Associates and City Manager Bob Thomas lied to them, first assuring them that an arena was a catalyst for downtown redevelopment
Some Kings fans wary of new arena Many fear the proposed building may mean higher ticket prices. Published on November 4, 2003 It's comfortable, familiar and loud. They can stomp their feet and be heard. To many Kings fans, Arco Arena just feels like home. So, why build a new downtown arena? "I love my seats," Barbara Rust said at Friday night's Kings-Philadelphia 76ers contest. "I'm in the third row, the same seats we've had since this place opened. Who knows where we'd be in a new place?
Pond is out for Kings Joe Maloof says 'it's not even in the cards,' and 'we have a huge investment here.' Published on November 11, 2003, For the connect-the-dots crowd, it was manna from heaven. For one, the Maloofs were reported to be in negotiations to buy Anaheim's Mighty Ducks of the NHL. For two, the Ducks play in a nice, NBA-ready Pond, in a lucrative television market. For three, the Kings are currently nowhere on the new-arena front in Sacramento, frustrated that they can't secure a favorable long-term cable or satellite TV deal, and generally feeling underappreciated….
Expect new Kings arena by 2010 Published on November 12, 2003 Now that weeks have passed and bruised egos have at least partially healed, the involved parties in the proposed downtown arena venture should retreat, catch their collective breaths and call a timeout. The issue is dormant, not dead. A new arena is inevitable. But, please, no more catfights. While speculation surrounding the Maloof family's possible purchase of the National Hockey League's Anaheim Mighty Ducks sends shivers down the spines
Assembly hopefuls don't see eye to eye on a new arena for Kings Published on November 24, 2003 Political town: The campaign for Sacramento's Assembly seat is starting to simmer, with the Kings right in the middle. Two leading candidates - Sacramento County Supervisor Roger Dickinson and Sacramento City Councilman Dave Jones - have opposite views on a new arena for the basketball team. Roger thinks Sacramento should take a look at spending a few hundred million dollars to make the Kings happy.
New task force to tackle arena Issues to include arts and culture The group will study whether, and where, to replace Arco - and how to afford it. Published on January 3, 2004 A task force of Sacramento-area business leaders will begin meeting this month to develop its assessment on whether Arco Arena should be replaced and, if so, what funding strategies could be used to pay for a new facility. Crucial to the discussion will be the location of a new arena - whether it should remain in North Natomas or be moved to Union Pacific's downtown railyard as part of a redevelopment effort, said Matt Mahood, president and chief executive officer of the
Arena talk isn't over, thankfully Published on January 9, 2004 So now, finally, everyone can change the channel. Local viewing is no longer restricted to repeat airings of amateur hour. Just when it appeared prospects for a downtown arena were destined for the recycle bin - victimized in part by a process so inept, it could have been entitled "Dumb and Dumber, the Sequel" - a task force of local business leaders will meet Monday to revisit the issues and perhaps rekindle the project.
Let the Packers show the Kings the way Published on February 24, 2004, Another report about the feasibility of moving the Sacramento Kings is imminent. Turnkey Sports, a Maryland consulting firm, is studying building a new downtown sports and entertainment district at the Union Pacific rail yard. How to make the new Kings arena deal, estimated at a half-billion dollars, a viable investment has been the subject of considerable controversy in both private and public discussions. How about looking at the Green Bay Packers model? Downtown arena plan rebounds Published on May 7, 2004, Sidelined for months, the notion of a downtown sports arena is in play again, with an expanded site search in the works and a push by Sacramento business leaders to get the facility built quickly using a hefty percentage of public funds. Sacramento Kings co-owner Gavin Maloof confirmed Thursday that a search was under way for a new location, spearheaded by prominent developer Tony Giannoni and Mayor Heather Fargo.
Arena lessons yield new hopes PR, financing, timing cited as key issues Published on May 8, 2004, It was a textbook example of how not to sell the idea of a downtown arena. Six months ago, a proposal on how to fund a new home for the Sacramento Kings - a project that would also serve as a centerpiece for the revival of downtown's Union Pacific railyard - was delivered without consultation and like a bomb: Central city businesses should pay a large share of the $538 million project via a food-and-beverage surcharge. Outrage flowed immediately….
New bid for arena - at K St. Mall site The plan calls for carving out a slice of the east end of the Downtown Plaza. Published on May 12, 2004 It's an admittedly audacious idea: planting a new sports arena in Downtown Plaza. But a cadre of civic and business leaders Tuesday said it just might work. After years of shifting conceptual sites - ranging from the downtown railyard to a deck straddling Interstate 5 - Mayor Heather Fargo and the owners of the Sacramento Kings unveiled an idea to locate an arena at the east end of the shopping center as a way to revitalize the K Street Mall.
For some on council, new plan for downtown arena is a long shot Published on May 12, 2004 House of cards: The latest plans to have taxpayers buy a new arena for billionaires Joe and Gavin Maloof are running into walls at City Hall. Council members are repeating vows against spending millions of public dollars on a Maloof Downtown Plaza basketball casino. "There's a long history in California of developers trying to work property deals with sports teams," Councilman Dave Jones said.
Arena is big test for Fargo Can the mayor get the council to play ball on the proposal? Published on May 13, 2004, Building a sports arena in the Downtown Plaza shopping mall may be a tricky proposition, and the greatest obstacle may be found a few blocks to the north - in the backrooms and council chambers of Sacramento City Hall. Finessing the idea through the city's decision-making process will likely prove to be a key test of political acumen and clout for Mayor Heather Fargo, who is spearheading the concept.
Just how far will city go for Kings? Published on May 16, 2004, There are two types of realities in this world: The everyday reality that rules the lives of you and me. And sports reality - where the most obscene violations of common sense are not only acceptable but celebrated and enabled. In sports, for example, billionaire team owners are made richer by cities who buy them new arenas, loan them money and basically bend over to take as many paddle whippings as owners feel like swinging…
So many questions...A debate on arena plan requires some facts Published on May 16, 2004, A group of business leaders brought together by Mayor Heather Fargo has come up with a truly novel idea: Build a new basketball arena for the Kings on a site now occupied by part of the Downtown Plaza shopping mall. At first glance, the proposal offers several obvious improvements over previous proposals to put an arena in the railyard redevelopment site north of downtown. For one thing, it doesn't get the arena tangled up with the railyard developers, who appear to want
Time taking its toll on Arco Kings and fans love its raucous atmosphere, but a new report details a host of structural ills. Published on May 16, 2004 The current incarnation of Arco Arena in North Natomas has been home to the Sacramento Kings and a host of concerts, skating shows and truck pulls for nearly 16 years. The facility is widely appreciated for its easy access and ample parking. Noisy crowds and booming acoustics combine to make it the loudest arena in the National Basketball Association, giving it the Arco edge that is adored by the home team and its fans, and feared by opponents.
How to keep Kings? Let Maloofs off hook for big loan and new arena Published on May 17, 2004 Spare a dime: Eating the $80 million Kings loan and letting billionaire team owners Joe and Gavin Maloof contribute zero to a new arena may be the cheapest way of keeping the Kings in Sacramento. "In the long run, it would probably be a better financial deal than losing the team and going out and trying to find another," said City Treasurer Tom Friery. "This argument presumes that the community finds value in having the Kings. That's the question
locks in Limbo Some say building an arena downtown will inject new life into the heart of the city, but others aren't so certain. Published on May 24, 2004, In his home office, hanging above his reading chair, developer Tony Giannoni keeps a picture of the K Street of his youth. The photo shows the shopping strip decked out in Christmas lights, the sidewalks filled with shoppers, the street filled with cars. Giannoni, 58, said the picture serves as "an inspiration to try to make K Street that way again." In those days, he said, "K Street was a vibrant place. It was big-time, and it was truly
Why Kings still owe $83 million City loan was set up in 1997 to keep team from moving away. Published on May 30, 2004, As discussion intensifies over a potential deal for a downtown arena, more attention has focused on an old obligation: the $70 million city loan made in 1997 so the Kings basketball team would stay in Sacramento. People are buzzing about why, nearly seven years later, the total balance owed is $83.6 million. "They've been in the arena a number of years and it looks like nothing has been paid on the principal,"
Businesses build buzz for arena Quartet of prominent downtown leaders is behind this attempt. Published on June 1, 2004, This time, it will be a business decision whether Sacramento should pursue building a new sports arena. Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo is still the chief proponent. But unlike her failed attempt last year, the latest pitch to replace 16-year-old Arco Arena - home of the Sacramento Kings - is coming from a group of business leaders with major downtown investments and a considerable stake in the city's commercial prosperity. Arena ideas kicked around The mayor's panel is seeking funding plans without new taxes. Published on June 9, 2004 Mayor Heather Fargo's arena task force is looking for ways to fund a downtown sports and entertainment district on K Street with no new taxes, as a move gets under way to put the idea up for a public vote in November. "We're focusing on a financing plan that has minimal impact on the public," said Tony Giannoni, a local developer who is leading Fargo's task force.
Reaction mixed to downtown arena plan Published on June 15, 2004, Response to a plan to publicly finance construction of a downtown Sacramento arena was mixed Monday, as businessman and arena point man Tony Giannoni hosted the first of three community discussions on the issue. Some in attendance questioned the wisdom of spending public money for a downtown arena. "I really have concerns about people who will never be able to afford (arena events), paying for it," said Karen Jacques, a Sacramento small-business owner and
Maloofs giveth - and want to taketh Published on June 20, 2004 Tuesday night, the Sacramento City Council will again wrestle with an unpopular idea that won't die - the proposal to build the Kings a publicly funded downtown arena. Check it out. It should be interesting, especially if you enjoy the skillful parsing of words, fudging of facts and a good old-fashioned shell game played with your money.
It's time to come together on arena Published on June 23, 2004, Page C1, Article 55 of 176 found, 892 words. ** If Tuesday's spirited gathering at the City Council chambers conveys an accurate sense of the city's pulse, the subject matter will dominate dinner-table discussion for weeks, inciting reactions, inflaming passions and dividing a populace normally united in its support of the local prized franchise. There are tough questions, legitimate questions and, with the November ballot in mind, crunch time for providing answers.
Council cautious on arena plan After a four-hour hearing, the city manager is directed to provide more information. Published on June 23, 2004 A move to push forward on a downtown arena was stopped short Tuesday night because the City Council said it needed more information about financing the project as well as steps needed to put it to a public vote. "I would rather we make an informed decision in a measured way," said Mayor Heather Fargo, a leading proponent of the arena. After listening to four hours of empassioned testimony from residents, business leaders and even Joe Maloof, one of the
Poll finds public split on arena 'Let the people decide,' says Kings co-owner Joe Maloof at a packed council session. Published on June 23, 2004 The city's electorate is evenly split on whether a new arena should be built in Sacramento, according to a poll commissioned by a small task force of business leaders and paid for by the owners of the Sacramento Kings. After those results were announced Tuesday night, Kings co-owner Joe Maloof stood before the City Council during an emotional, standing-room-only meeting and made a plea…
Arena poll: Pushing to uncertainty Published on June 24, 2004 Some members of the Sacramento City Council are peeved. They want to know what was asked in a recent poll about a proposed downtown arena and how voters responded to the poll's questions. Allow me to be of assistance, at least on the matter of what the poll asked. It turns out that I was among the people the pollsters called. And, because I happened to be at home recovering from a bit of surgery, I had plenty of time to answer their questions - as well as take a few…
Still in the Game We can thrive at Arco, Kings say
Published on June 24, 2004, Amid the roiling debate about building a downtown arena to house the Sacramento Kings, executives with Maloof Sports & Entertainment say the team can thrive in Arco Arena and even posted a $4 million profit for this fiscal year. In a series of interviews with The Bee this week, Maloof executives said their support for a proposal to build a new basketball facility is based on a recent study that concluded the 16-year-old Arco Arena is "at the end of its useful….
How about some facts on arena proposal Published on June 24, 2004, How many of you are willing to pay for a downtown arena that would house the Kings? Nobody knows for sure. Just as nobody knows how much such an arena would cost taxpayers. Maybe $300 million? Maybe $400 million? How about a billion? Your guess is as good as mine, because that's all we have right now - guessing. But no one in power seems to care about that
County balks at new arena Supervisors seek more details on finance options before they consider signing on. Published on June 26, 2004, Concerned about their own economic future, Sacramento County officials want to know more about the financing options being aired for a prospective downtown arena for the Sacramento Kings before committing their scarce resources to the project. The first outline of how to pay for the sports and entertainment complex would tap the county for about a quarter of the approximately $400 million price tag, according to Geoff Davey, the county's chief financial
On the ballot? Whoa! Arena proposal is not ready for prime time Published on June 27, 2004 Many members of the Sacramento City Council - perhaps a majority of them, in fact - seem ready to put proposals for a new arena on this November's ballot. The question is, why? It's easy to see why council members are eager to lay this issue to rest. Over the past year, they have spent a lot of time on Mayor Heather Fargo's push for a new arena. They have nothing to show for their time and effort. So it surely must be tempting to put the matter
Next up: Ballot text for arena Council is expected to ask staff to write summaries of two plans for voters. Published on June 29, 2004 With a tight deadline looming, the Sacramento City Council tonight is expected to take another step toward construction of a new sports arena by directing top managers to craft ballot language for a critical public vote in November. City Manager Bob Thomas and others are recommending that two measures be written for voter input…
In arena poll, wording is everything Adding other projects makes voters more likely to back funding for a new facility. Published on July 1, 2004, Sacramento voters have an appetite for funding a variety of cultural and entertainment venues with public funds, but are far less inclined to provide money for a new sports arena, according to a poll paid for by the owners of the Sacramento Kings. The 1,000 residents surveyed showed overwhelming support for public funding of a number of projects. They thought tax dollars should go to airports and convention centers, for the redevelopment of public and private buildings, and for major
Reports show K Street arena plan likely too costly, official says Published on July 14, 2004, Kings ransom: City Hall insiders say there's about zero hope for Mayor Heather Fargo's dream to have taxpayers build a Kay Street palace for billionaire Kings owners Joe and Gavin Maloof. Insiders say preliminary estimates for Heather's Taj Mahal approached $300 million - just for land and tearing down a state office building, an old hotel and half of the 14-year-old Downtown Plaza.
Maloofs lead push for arena vote Published on July 18, 2004, When it comes to putting the issue of a downtown arena on the November ballot, the question has changed from a simple why, to why now? Mayor Heather Fargo, the owners of the Sacramento Kings and business leaders are pushing to get an advisory question before voters even though details about financing - and even a downtown location - are still in flux.
Fear of Kings' departure unlikely to sway council majority on arena vote Published on July 21, 2004 Way out: Eleventh-hour pressure by billionaire Kings owners Joe and Gavin Maloof probably won't be enough to put Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo's priceless "Taj Maloof" arena on the Nov. 2 ballot. Several council members - Heather included - believe the Maloofs will take their ball and leave Sacramento if they don't get the city to build them a new arena. The mayor and her friends fear being blamed if the Kings move. But if the fearful
Arena plan benefits the few at the expense of many Published on July 22, 2004 I'm not against the idea of a downtown arena for the Kings or revitalizing the blighted part of K Street Mall. I just hate the way our city "leaders" have gone about trying to do it - at an estimated cost more than halfway to a billion dollars - and mostly from digging into taxpayers' wallets. I hate that Mayor Heather Fargo has shown scant leadership on this issue.
Big vote tonight on new arena Mayor: Measure will go on ballot if downtown and Natomas are options. Published on July 22, 2004, Mayor Heather Fargo says she will have the necessary votes tonight to put an arena question on the November ballot, as long as the public can vote on the possibility of both a downtown and North Natomas site. Although Fargo would like to focus only on a downtown arena, the mayor said Wednesday that she believes a majority of votes from her City Council colleagues is possible only if a North Natomas venue also is put on the ballot.
City's goal: Public vote on arena in March Council fears the Kings could move, wants talks with Maloofs. Published on July 23, 2004, Facing the prospect that the Sacramento Kings could leave the city if a new arena is not built, the City Council signaled early this morning they will ask voters to weigh in on the issue in a March special election. Many council members said they felt there were too few specifics known at this time including site, costs and funding plan - to put a vote on the November ballot. But they said quick action was necessary.
Commissioner calls Arco Arena outdated Published on July 24, 2004, NBA commissioner David Stern said Friday he was not threatening city leaders when he said the NBA would not block the Kings from leaving Sacramento if a new arena is not built. Stern's comments were made public at a marathon City Council meeting Thursday night, when the panel indicated it would call a March special election on the issue. "If the owners asked to move, the NBA would be hard pressed to say no," said Councilwoman Sandy Sheedy,
Questions swirl on arena issue Focus put on keeping the Kings Published on July 24, 2004 In the last few weeks, proponents of a downtown arena have turned to a single message time and again: An arena, they said, is about much more than sports. It's about community benefit and revitalizing the city's core. But in a marathon City Council meeting Thursday night, it became clear that for most council members the arena issue is chiefly about one thing - the Sacramento Kings. Even though the team's owners repeatedly have said they have
Political observers say later vote is right move The public needs specifics on arena costs, they say. Published on July 24, 2004. Political consultant Jeff Raimundo doesn't have a paying client on the Kings arena issue, but that didn't stop him from staying awake until nearly 1 a.m. Friday watching the Sacramento City Council on cable TV. Raimundo, after all, is a Kings season ticket holder. He's also a professional political junkie.
Arena follies Look on the bright side: It could be worse Published on July 25, 2004, Who says government never does anything productive? Just look at all the useful things that came out of Thursday's marathon meeting of the Sacramento City Council. First, the good news: Council members passed up the opportunity to do something indescribably dumb. They could have voted to put on the November ballot a proposal for a new arena that contained no specifics whatsoever. Instead, the council voted 8-1 to hold a special election next spring…
Maloofs trying to bully city into new arena Published on July 25, 2004 It's easy to get confused over the heated fight to build a downtown arena for the Kings at taxpayers' expense. Don't be. When you cut through all the posturing, the simple fact is that a gun is being pointed at the city of Sacramento by Kings owners Joe and Gavin Maloof.It's a big gun with a heart-piercing bullet - the Maloofs' unspoken but clearly implied threat of moving the Kings to another city….
Why arenas are losers for the public Published on July 25, 2004, Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo and other city leaders have proposed to build a new arena downtown for the Sacramento Kings. Proponents argue that public investment is warranted because it will result in significant economic benefits - in terms of new jobs, income growth and increases in tax revenues - to Sacramento. Unfortunately, these claims - which are common from leaders of cities seeking to attract a professional sports team - are not backed up by research on the impact of sports
Maloofs play defense as council puts half of arena bill in their court Published on July 26, 2004 Rules of order: The Sacramento City Council is still worried about the Kings leaving town. But the council members believe they can blame billionaire team owners Joe and Gavin Maloof if they balk at paying for half of a new $350 million arena. "They didn't seem to like the idea of paying half," said Councilman Steve Cohn, who wrote a City Council resolution calling for the Maloofs to share the cost of a new arena. When the brothers read Cohn's
County may hesitate to join push for arena Strapped for cash, officials are wary of helping foot the bill. Published on July 28, 2004 Sacramento County's financial contribution to a new arena for the Sacramento Kings may not be the easy layup that Sacramento city officials were hoping for. In their first public overture to the Board of Supervisors, city officials stressed Tuesday that a partnership between the two governments was imperative to keep an arena deal in play"I think the important point to note is we can't do this by ourselves," said Wendy Saunders,
K Street arena site not dead, Fargo says Published on July 31, 2004, Despite soaring costs and growing political opposition, Mayor Heather Fargo isn't giving up hopes of building a new arena at the eastern edge of Downtown Plaza. In a memo sent to county supervisors Thursday, the mayor acknowledges that city staff is not recommending that site. But Fargo insists the City Council is still open to it. "The Seventh and K Streets site is NOT 'off the table,' or otherwise being removed from consideration at this
Arena deal's off The downtown project is dead, team owners say after council caps city share at $175 million. Published on August 6, 2004 Sacramento Kings officials walked away from plans for a new downtown arena Thursday night after the City Council capped the city's investment at $175 million. As soon as the 8-1 vote was complete, John Thomas, the president of Maloof Sports and Entertainment, walked out of the meeting and handed out a statement indicating the arena plan is dead: "Unfortunately, after four years of exhaustive work on this, it is now apparent that neither the city nor our
A city arena is off the table, Kings insist The team says it won't ponder a new facility anywhere in town. Published on August 7, 2004, A top Sacramento Kings official made it clear Friday that the team is staying in Arco Arena for now and is no longer willing to consider an arena deal anywhere in the city, including downtown and North Natomas. "We keep holding this one together with whatever means necessary," John Thomas, president of Maloof Sports and Entertainment, said of Arco Arena, a 15-year-old building that some say needs to be replaced within five years.
The summer of discontent Arena issue is way too simple: Build it in Natomas already Published on August 8, 2004 Not to put too fine a point on it, but the downtown arena conversation in Sacramento has been a festering sweathole of mutual blame, flawed "studies," bad looks at City Council meetings and the always popular running game of Pin the Tail on the Bad Guy. In short, it has been great. But since this is supposed to be about the future of the Kings in town rather than the theatrical value of it all, it's time to go in another direction.
Why not have a downtown arena? See how S.F., Phoenix, Cleveland, Denver, D.C. invigorated themselves. Published on August 8, 2004 To listen to the critics, one would believe that hundreds of public officials and civic and business leaders across the country over the past 15 years have all been either duped or on the take. After all, in city after city, new downtown stadiums and arenas have been approved and built despite the contentions of critics that such facilities do not pay for themselves, have no economic value, cost the public money that could be better spent on other compelling needs and only line the
Arena dust-up leaves 2 winners and a loser Published on August 15, 2004 For years, Heather Fargo laid political claim to the idea of a new arena in downtown Sacramento, using the concept to define her first mayoral bid, her re-election in March and her vision for a central city renaissance. In a tumultuous turnaround, however, the Sacramento Kings have walked away from proposed negotiations because of city cost restrictions, and the downtown project on which Fargo staked her political future now appears uncertain.
Relocation of franchises is nature of the business Published on August 28, 2004, Will the Kings leave Sacramento if the Maloofs don't get a shiny new arena built for them? Boy, in the pantheon of loaded questions, this one is sitting near the throne, mostly because (a) it prompts such visceral, emotional, blame-throwing responses from people, and (b) nobody has the slightest idea yet what the answer is. But might the Kings leave? You bet they might.
Blanas plan would fund arena Natomas development would provide money Published on September 4, 2004, Page B1, Article 130 of 176 found, 813 words. Sacramento County Sheriff Lou Blanas on Friday unveiled an unusual proposal to pay for a new Kings arena by opening up 10,000 acres of North Natomas farmland to development. Blanas is backed by developer Angelo Tsakopoulos, whom he describes as a good friend. He said he proposed the idea to Tsakopoulos about six weeks ago, and the pair discussed it again while in Greece to see the Olympics. The Maloof family, owners of the Kings, declined to comment on the idea.
Mayor is bystander as Sheriff Blanas steps into Taj Maloof saga Published on September 10, 2004, No surprises: Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo was upset at being among the last to learn about the newest plan to build a Taj Maloof arena for billionaire Kings owners Joe and Gavin Maloof. The plan is being pushed by Sacramento County Sheriff Lou Blanas, who says he's heard nothing but praise. "Everywhere I go, people say they like it," said Louie, without mentioning Heather.
Blanas touts poll backing his arena plan The sheriff says most support the farmland development idea. Published on September 15, 2004, Sacramento County Sheriff Lou Blanas is touting a new poll in which a sizable majority of voters queried said they liked the idea of paying for a new Kings arena by opening up thousands of acres of North Natomas farmland to development. Sixty-two percent of likely Sacramento city and county voters polled said they would support developing 10,000 acres of unincorporated North Natomas as long as equivalent acreage along the Sacramento River and the Sutter County line was preserved as open
Sheriff's arena plan has everyone buzzing Published on September 20, 2004 On Wednesday morning, Sacramento County Sheriff Lou Blanas presided over an unusual meeting in his downtown office. The topic had nothing to do with crime fighting. Instead, the county's top cop was pitching his proposal for a ballot measure that would open 10,000 acres of North Natomas farmland to development, and use part of the profits to build an arena for the Kings
City decides to drop March vote on arena Published on September 29, 2004 Sacramento is scrapping plans for a March advisory vote on whether taxpayer funds should be used to build a new arena for the Kings, City Manager Bob Thomas confirmed Tuesday. Work on ballot language quietly has been halted as the city waits to see whether an arena-funding proposal by private developers in North Natomas gathers momentum. "The idea of racing to a March ballot at this point doesn't make sense," Thomas said.
Franchise shifts 'a failure' NBA Commissioner David Stern hopes the Kings and Magic will continue to operate in their current cities. Published on October 29, 2004, As the preseason winds down, NBA Commissioner David Stern said Thursday he is concerned about a possible work stoppage next season, as well as arena issues surrounding Orlando and Sacramento. Stern, in a national media conference call, said he would consider the relocation of the Kings or the Magic because of arena issues to be "league failures." Stern has long said he admires the fan loyalty and support in Sacramento…
Sutter and the arena New growth plan changes the landscape Published on November 5, 2004 Tuesday's election changed in a big way the politics of the deep flood basin known as Natomas. That's the land of Arco Arena, new subdivisions, rice farmers itching to sell out and sundry endangered hawks and snakes. The changes create five major players, just like on a basketball team, and that's fitting. These players are developers Robert Leal, Angelo Tsakopoulos and Buzz Oates; Sacramento County Sheriff Lou Blanas and Sacramento Mayor Heather….
Maloofs sign on to arena proposal NBA commissioner's visit prompts accord on Natomas effort. Published on November 17, 2004 With NBA Commissioner David Stern playing a lead diplomatic role, the owners of the Sacramento Kings are now backing a plan to build a privately funded arena in North Natomas. In what could overcome years of dead ends and disappointments, the Kings announced Tuesday they would return to the bargaining table with local government officials and developers to fashion an agreement to build a new facility next to the present Arco Arena.
Ask Stern: Kings, fans deserve a new arena Published on November 17, 2004 David Stern knows a winner when he sees one. He can count the number of empty seats (zero) inside Arco Arena, feel the pulse of the community and the ownership, study proposals for a new arena and reach the obvious conclusion. The Kings belong right here. The NBA commissioner, who visited Sacramento for the purpose of (a) assessing the viability of a privately funded arena proposal headed by developer Angelo Tsakopoulos and Sheriff Lou Blanas, (b) offering his findings to the
Arena plan is still far from a done deal Published on November 18, 2004 A developer-backed plan to build a privately financed arena for the Sacramento Kings now supported by the team's owners and NBA Commissioner David Stern still has a long road to travel before it actually produces a replacement for Arco Arena. Even if everything falls into place, according to the developer group pushing an aggressive timetable, construction on a new arena would not begin until at least 2008.
Ex-capital mayor will fight his next battles outside the political arena Published on November 19, 2004 Gone, not forgotten: Jimmie Yee, who retired this week after 12 years as a Sacramento City Council member and mayor, has one regret. "The arena," he said. "I wish we could have built a new arena. But it never made any financial sense. There was no way I was going to risk bankrupting the city so we could build a new arena for the Kings." Yee's exit comes as billionaire Kings owners Joe and Gavin Maloof have signed on to a new …
Mayor no longer a starter in the great arena debate Published on November 21, 2004 When Sheriff Lou Blanas met in September with a group of local heavy hitters about an innovative plan to privately finance a new arena for the Sacramento Kings, one major player was notably absent: Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo. When NBA Commissioner David Stern came to town Tuesday for a series of meetings about the proposal with Kings owners Joe and Gavin Maloof and a cross-section of plan proponents, Fargo was out of the country - and, it now seems clear, out of the
Arena? Arts? Or ...What we have here is a failure to lead Published on November 24, 2004, If all goes as planned, a group of Natomas basin landowners this morning will set in motion a process that could speed up development of 10,000 acres in the Natomas basin and provide the financing for a new arena. A visitor to Sacramento might wonder how two seemingly disparate issues came to be joined. The answer is that local governments have failed in efforts to tackle both. Back in 1993, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors tried to settle on the future of the portion of the
Sheriff's wife, developer have financial ties Published on January 8, 2005 Sacramento County Sheriff Lou Blanas cited his devotion to Kings basketball when he took the unusual step last fall of proposing a developer-backed deal for a new arena. The sheriff acknowledged that his close friend and major campaign contributor Angelo Tsakopoulos stood to make money from the plan, about which proponents are conducting a telephone poll this week. But Blanas said fan devotion, not financial gain, was his motive.
Arena plan alive? Not without facts about Blanas partnership Published on January 17, 2005, For months, people have been scratching their heads and trying to figure out what business Sacramento County Sheriff Lou Blanas had acting as front man for a proposal to build a new basketball arena. Many of them probably think they have an answer. It turns out that Blanas' wife, Nanette, has been involved in limited partnerships with developer Angelo Tsakopoulos. Tsakopoulos stands to profit handsomely from the North Natomas land-use changes…
Reliance on private funding spurs Yee to lead cheers for arena plan Published on January 19, 2005 Back to work: Former Sacramento Mayor and retired city Councilman Jimmie Yee already looks like a natural as No. 1 unofficial spokesman for the latest Kings basketball arena plan. Jimmie, who retired from the City Council in November, has always liked the idea of developers paying for a new arena. "I was involved when they built the first Arco Arena," he said. "It was done without public money. It was very similar to this plan. For me, the question has always been….
Blanas steps down from arena fray Natomas landowners tap Yee, four others to lead the charge. Published on January 19, 2005 Sacramento County Sheriff Lou Blanas has stepped down as chief promoter of a plan to allow major new development in North Natomas and use part of the proceeds to build a new Kings arena. A group of North Natomas landowners pursuing the arena idea now has tapped former City Councilman Jimmie Yee, former state Assemblyman Darrell Steinberg, Realtor Mike Lyon and restaurateur Randy Paragary to review the plan - and to promote it if they like what they see.
A Home For The Kings Talks to begin on arena plan Landowners proposing to foot the bill for a new N. Natomas facility will meet with team officials. Published on January 20, 2005 North Natomas landowners proposing to pay for a new Kings arena plan to begin negotiations today with the team's owners and with the National Basketball Association. Topping the agenda for the meeting at the Radisson Hotel will be hashing out the details on how a new arena would be financed, said political consultant Jeff Raimundo, who is representing the landowners group.
Polls apart: Arena survey results aren't being released like last time Published on January 21, 2005 Numbers talk: A new poll has been taken, asking Sacramento voters whether they want a free new basketball arena for the Kings. But don't expect to see the results - arena supporters are hiding them. "Yes, we did a poll. No, we aren't releasing any numbers," said consultant David Townsend, the pro who is helping guide the arena campaign.
Deafening silence Time for officials to speak up on arena Published on January 23, 2005 It's time to check in again on "All My Arenas," Sacramento's long-running political and sporting melodrama. The previous installment, you may recall, ended with backers of the latest arena proposal trying to figure out how to cope with an embarrassing if somewhat belated revelation about the business entanglements of two of the major players, Sheriff Lou Blanas and developer Angelo Tsakopoulos. Things have been busy since then.
Big gap in talks on arena Sides still at odds on cost, construction guarantee Published on January 29, 2005 The Sacramento Kings and a private landowners group proposing to pay for a new arena remained far apart Friday on key issues after two days of negotiations. They don't agree on how much an arena should cost, and the landowners aren't sure they can meet a Kings demand that the construction be guaranteed, said people involved in the negotiations. Members of the North Natomas landowners group had hoped to nail down a deal with the Kings owners by Friday so
Kings arena drive hits a roadblock As talks lag, Natomas group talks of building a generic sports facility. Published on February 2, 2005 Unable to reach a deal with the Sacramento Kings, a group of North Natomas landowners that had proposed to build the basketball team a new arena is instead considering donating money for a generic sports facility. It's not clear, however, whether their new concept would generate enough money to cover the costs of a professional-level facility - at least not the kind of arena the Kings are seeking.
Kings' minority owner tells arena developers: Don't drop the ball Published on February 4, 2005 King's ransom: Kings minority owner Bobby Hernreich says the basketball team doesn't want any "guarantees" regarding a new arena. And team owners have no interest in moving away from Sacramento. "People are talking about us wanting a guarantee that an arena will be built. That's not true," Bobby said. "We don't want a guarantee. All we want is a sunset clause on the financing package. If
Arco renovation isn't possible, Kings minority owner says Published on February 5, 2005 Since taking ownership of the Kings and Arco Arena in July 1999, the Maloof family has brought in several different consultants to study renovating the 17-year-old arena. In each case, the consultants found the arena's foundation wasn't sound enough to last into the next building.
Kings, landowners still split on what arena should cost. Published on February 9, 2005 Next week, when a group of North Natomas landowners publicly unveils its much anticipated initiative to finance a new arena for the Kings, it is expected to contain a spending cap of about $300 million. The amount is $100 million less than the Kings' owners said they needed for an arena before negotiations with the landowners fizzled in late January. Both sides, the landowners and the team owners, have looked around the country at what other new NBA arenas cost.
Youths seek voice on arena Group wants input on plan for Natomas. Published on February 10, 2005 A youth lobbying group that successfully pushed to cut student fares on Regional Transit now says it wants a hand in crafting a plan to privately finance a new arena for the Kings. Landowners in North Natomas plan a November ballot initiative that would open up thousands of acres of farmland to development, spinning off about $275 million in profits for a new arena and $25 million for an endowment fund to benefit arts groups and youth sports programs.
Stern: Arco is but one factor against capital hosting All-Star Game Published on February 21, 2005 The NBA All-Star Game isn't about to come to Sacramento anytime soon, yet another reason to level Arco Arena and build a new arena. The league's marquee event has grown from the game itself to an all-out weekend of festivities and fun, with players past and present and celebrities and their crews coming along for the ride.
Arena plan scuttled; Kings' future unsettled A group of North Natomas landowners decide that their bid to fund a new home for the Kings from the proceeds of expedited development couldn't raise the needed funds Published on February 24, 2005 A plan to build a privately funded arena for the Sacramento Kings is dead and its collapse might force the basketball team to leave the city, according to members of a group brokering the deal. After four months working to put together private financing for an arena, a consortium of landowners, lawyers and community leaders have concluded they could not raise enough money, representatives said Wednesday. "The Kings may be history in Sacramento, I really feel that…..
Arena graveyard Third effort couldn't meet Kings' demands Published on February 26, A third effort to build a new arena has fallen apart. A private financing plan could come nowhere close to meeting the demands of the owners of the Sacramento Kings, the Maloof family. It's hard to see how a fourth effort, if one occurs, would succeed absent a change in expectations of the owners. Partnership, maybe. Giveaway, no.Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo failed in spectacular fashion to spearhead efforts to build an arena somewhere downtown…
Don't worry, Kings are not leaving Published on February 26, 2005, It's a lot easier to trade an over-paid NBA player than to build an overpriced NBA arena. We learned that in Sacramento this week when the Kings shipped Chris Webber to Philadelphia a few hours after the latest Kings arena proposal imploded. Some wondered whether the two events on one day signaled the end of the Kings in Sacramento - but don't believe that. They aren't going anywhere. What was revealed were the two sides of the Maloof
City might make a run at arena deal Published on February 27, 2005 In the hopelessly complicated game of strategy called "Build a New Arena for the Kings," the ball has bounced squarely back on the toes of local politicians. A private plan by North Natomas landowners to raise nearly $300 million for a new arena collapsed last week. And Joe Maloof, whose family owns the Kings, now says the idea of an arena built entirely with private money was unrealistic.
Vegas $600M - Sacto zip Palms Casino scores; Arco Arena just ages Published on March 6, 2005, The Maloof family - owners of the Sacramento Kings, a hotshot Vegas casino and an alcohol distributorship - has come up with $600 million for new investments. Good for them. We note that the family chose to use none of that money for a new Kings arena and all of it back at the Palms Casino for a second hotel tower and condo high-rise. Pity the Sacramento leaders who have stuck their necks out in the quest for a new arena for the Maloofs. All they can say is that the financing of the
City could help with financing, but Maloofs must pay their fair share Published on March 27, 2005 Try as they might, no group of public officials or private interests (landowners, developers, etc.) has come anywhere close to scraping together $400 million to build for the Maloof family a new arena next to the old one at Arco. That is a futile pursuit, and the wrong one for the community. A private/public arena project may make sense with a major - which is to say, Maloof - investment. The community's job is to come up with a partial solution.
Create a city landmark: Any new arena must be built for posterity Published on March 27, 2005 Sacramento confronts a painful decision it shares with many American cities that enjoy hosting an NBA team but hate the monopoly of professional sports. The decision is what price residents will pay to keep the team in town. NBA Commissioner David Stern has made clear the Kings may move elsewhere if the Maloofs are forced to stay in their current "outdated arena." So far, Sacramento leaders have let Stern and the Maloofs dictate the terms.
A Downtown Plaza project would revitalize the struggling central city Published on March 27, 2005 Building a new basketball arena ought not be based on where some developer who wants to make a buck on the deal owns land. That said, I'm strongly in favor of a new arena. I like the Kings. I think professional basketball in this sports-crazy town has been a community asset. I'd say that even if Mike Bibby hadn't made those winning baskets at the buzzer against the Grizzlies one night and against the Clippers the next.
Don't spend public money just to create more luxury suites Published on March 27, 2005 There's nothing wrong with Arco Arena, built in 1988. Sacramento Kings fans love it. After 20 years, it's hard to get a season ticket. The team has the fourth longest sellout streak in NBA history with 497 games. The Crocker Art Museum photo exhibit, "Watching the Sacramento Kings," shows just why the loyal, loud fan base is the envy of the NBA. Why mess with success?
Poll finds tepid arena support Majority in four-county survey says a new Kings facility should be financed with private money. Published on April 1, 2005 Even as local elected officials and business leaders attempt to renew discussions on how to build a new arena for the Sacramento Kings, a four-county survey released today shows residents have little enthusiasm or support for the issue. On the most fundamental question - whether the Kings need a new arena - 33 percent of the 1,002 residents polled said such a facility was necessary. More than half of the respondents, 51 percent, preferred using only private money to pay for the
Build a new arena? First, count to $400 million Arena politics begin with the math. Can leaders find an answer that computes? Published on April 24, 2005 Elsewhere in today's Forum, you'll find the ideas of some of Sacramento's top political leaders concerning building a new arena. A single, workable game plan doesn't exactly jump from those columns. What is clear is that the political elite have a problem. They don't want to incur the public's wrath by throwing too much public money at a new arena. Neither, it seems, do they want to fail and thus be blamed for
Arena isn't just for Kings Published on April 24, 2005 In David Holwerk's March 27 arena article ("Love the Kings? How much?" Forum), he poses the question, "What value do we place on having a big-league sports team here?" While this certainly will get people expressing opinions, it does little toward finding our answer for an arena. For a more constructive arena discussion to continue, we must reshape the question: "What value do we place on having a big-league quality…
A game plan relies on several key players Published on April 24, 2005 Let's cut to the chase. Sacramento can afford to build an arena and win a "championship" in the largest sense. Here's the game plan: First, take the Natomas developers up on their offer. In exchange for 20 percent of their future profits, grant the developers an expedited review and the right to build in an area that was going to be developed any way. Set aside $20 million to $25 million for open-space mitigation, leaving us with…..
Landowners' proposal is outside-the-box thinking Published on April 24, 2005 Our Sacramento Kings are a valuable community asset. The team is one of our regional amenities, like the American River Parkway, museums, theaters and the zoo. Should we pursue building a new arena? The Kings and the NBA along with other knowledgeable observers, including the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce, have concluded Arco Arena is outdated and needs replacing. I'll support a new arena if it makes economic sense, but I won't support having taxpayers….
Land deal: The last private option? Published on April 24, 2005 The Bee editorial board's diverse opinions mirror the public's conflicting views: Most people don't want to lose the Kings; but an even greater number don't want public funding. Without a firm plan to build a new arena, Sacramento eventually will lose the Kings. An arena hosts many events, but the NBA dictates the number and types of suites, seating and concessions required for a new arena. Although Kings fans love Arco, Arco
Would the curtains close? An early exit from the playoffs by the Kings would damage the chances of a new arena Published on May 1, 2005 If the Kings had won the NBA title in 2002, would we have a new arena in Sacramento today? You bet. Sacramento was a cauldron of pent-up emotion during that year's Western Conference finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Can you imagine if the Kings had actually prevailed while tapping fully into a caustic vein of regional rivalry and searing hatred for former Lakers Shaquille O'Neal and Phil Jackson?
The sum of all fears Published on May 29, 2005 For 20 years, Kings fans have given their heart and soul and a lot of money to support their NBA team. But there are rumblings that Sacramento's heart might be fighting with its wallet. Gone are Chris Webber, Vlade Divac and who knows who else. Is the product on the court worth the big bucks it costs to see it? The Maloofs say yes. Some fans say it doesn't add up. There's something interesting and potentially franchise-shaping occurring
Arco's flaws have Kings calling foul Published on May 29, 2005 Eric Cameron has watched the Sacramento Kings play basketball in Arco Arena for 16 of his 21 years. The Arco experience is so much a part of his life that he says games are more like family reunions than sporting events. So Cameron, like many others around Sacramento, has reservations when he hears talk of the Kings needing a new arena, one that would actually replace his beloved Arco. Standing at a concessions stand at a Kings playoff game last month, he expressed his doubts about the
Palace's arena model looks fit for the Kings Published on June 18, 2005 Back in the mid-1980s, when arenas were built for less than $100 million, one of the good guys helped out the Bad Boys. Gregg Lukenbill incited the coup that produced the Palace. The Detroit Pistons might not even be here were it not for ... the Sacramento Kings. True story. Miracles can happen.
Arena plan, R.I.P. Neither team nor politicos have game plan Published on July 21, 2005 That sound you don't hear is any continuing discussion of a new arena for the Sacramento Kings. Earlier this year, developers and a handful of political leaders were talking up a private financing plan to build a new arena. It has been replaced by a deafening silence. If the Maloof family, which owns the Kings, is personally and actively in conversations with any major political figure, the conversations have escaped us. If any leader in the public or private sector
New arena talks surface Tsakopoulos land in eastern county is seen as source of funds. Published on October 12, 2005 Local developer Angelo K. Tsakopoulos has been working for months on a new proposal to finance an arena for the Kings by developing land he owns in rural eastern Sacramento County, say several people who have been involved in the talks. In addition, Tsakopoulos has approached area Indian tribes, flush with casino profits, to ask for their help in financing a new Kings facility. The idea is not to build an arena in eastern Sacramento County, an area of rolling grassland and oak
Is a new Kings arena down to its final shot? Sweet on outside, hardball players on inside, Maloofs are positioned to leave Published on October 16, 2005 The Maloof family, the Sacramento Kings' owners who want someone in Sacramento to build them a new arena, appear to have scared off every local leader except two - a developer and an attorney representing Indian tribes with gambling money. For Kings fans, this is not a good sign. For the broader community, a bizarre civic exercise in sports financing may be coming to an ugly end.
Invisible ... and indispensable The man at left is Bob Hernreich. You might not know it, but he is a co-owner of the Kings. He also might be the man who finally makes an arena deal happen. Published on October 16, 2005 You'll never see him. That's the first thing. He'll be the fellow over in the corner of the photograph, at the far end of the dais. When they talk about the new arena that gets built in Sacramento, if one ever gets built, that'll be Joe and Gavin Maloof out in front, doing what they're supposed to do, continuing to brand the Kings franchise as part of their empire.
Cha-King, kerplunk Fans pay at gate, but balk at arena taxes Published on November 22, 2005 It costs $310.70 for a family of four to go to a Sacramento Kings game and sit in four average seats, buy two small beers, four small sodas, four hot dogs, two game programs and two adult-size hats. Of the 30 teams in the National Basketball Association, only five have pricier average experiences than a night at Arco Arena. The beer that cost $2.75 when the Kings came to town 20 years ago now costs $9.25. But Arco is now 20 years older and the Kings would like a new arena.
Blueprint to keep Kings? One person must take charge Published on November 30, 2005 Maybe because it's the holidays, or because middle age cannot be ignored any longer, or because children and mortality force one to assess life in more urgent ways. But I'm feeling good will in my heart for the Maloofs, who if you believe rampant rumors, will one day initiate a royal departure from the Capital City. That's right. A purple exodus of the most painful kind, all because a new arena deal for future Kings is - and has been - like
This time a charm? Details are sketchy; area planners skeptical Developer Angelo K. Tsakopoulos has another plan for building a new home for the Kings that would involve rezoning farmland for development and spending the proceeds on an arena Published on November 30 Local developer Angelo K. Tsakopoulos has submitted a new proposal to the Sacramento Kings that would involve rezoning agricultural land for development and using the profits to build an arena for the basketball team. An earlier plan by Tsakopoulos to open up thousands of acres of North Natomas to development and use 20 percent of the profits for an arena fell apart in February after several landowners said they would not participate. |
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