NYI GOING TO KANSAS CITY…ONE NIGHT ONLY
TSN’s Dreger reports commitment for an ex game
UPDATED 2:15 pm: Jim Baumbach of Newsday praises the decision.
Darren Dreger of TSN has just reported that the Islanders have agreed in principle to play an exhibition game in Kansas City against the Los Angeles Kings. Ka-boom!!!!!!!
In his story, Dreger does a solid job of detailing the background to this decision, including…
- The fact that Tim Leiweke, the CEO of AEG – which operates the Sprint Center in KC – is also a governor of the LA Kings.
- The Islanders, since Charles Wang bought the team in 2000, have stayed away from even the slightest of veiled threats of leaving Long Island.
- As we reported on Sunday, there appears to be no signifcant progress over the last six months on the Lighthouse Project.
Dreger makes a point twice within his story to tell Islanders fans that the Islanders have no plans to move anywhere in the near future.
Whether the lack of progress led to the decision to travel to Kansas City for an exhibition game is unclear. When I called the Islanders at 11:00 am today, they had no comment on Dreger’s story. They could later in the day, so check back here and with Greg Logan during the day to see if details roll in.
Neutral site exhibition games can sometimes be profitable for the invited guests. Perhaps this is no more than an opportunity for the Islanders to get in some practice against a Western Conference team, enjoy some ribs and knock down their overwhelmingly annual losses by a few grand.
Our personal take: if everything was going swimmingly with the Town of Hempstead on the Lighthouse Project, the Islanders politely decline the Kings’ invitation to play a game in Kansas City.
Comments?
179 Responses to NYI GOING TO KANSAS CITY…ONE NIGHT ONLY
TSN’s Dreger reports commitment for an ex game
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mtrico says:
Good for Wang, he should start turning up the pressure on Murray and her band of political hacks.
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Matt Scordato says:
CB…do teams normally hammer out next season’s pre-season schedule this early? What raises a red flag here is the NYI never, I can’t recall any, play preseason games against west conf. teams. And to top it all off in a city that is auditioning for a NHL franchise?
BTW – KC BBQ rocks, Arthur Bryant’s is excellent. Just saying.
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Mike from Oceanside says:
Re post #2 above…Pressure on politicians usually doesn’t work. Look at the “pressure discussions” that Walter O’Malley had with Robert Moses. End result was the beloved Dodgers leaving town.
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Brian G says:
KC ISLANDERS HERE WE COME!! The Islanders need to make some money, I don’t blame them for doing this – no one is showing up to games this year. And it will only get worse the rest of this year, we are in last place & NO MORE DP the rest of this year…WANG SHOULD HAVE A FEW $10 games like he did a few years ago….CB – Will the Islanders consider doing that to draw some interest in this team?
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admin says:
Matt: yes. Although the ex shed is not announced til July, games are planned as much as a year before – especially neutral site games…CB
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Larry says:
Hey Mike, it worked for the Penguins
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303Joe says:
This is not good news for Isles fans. I don’t blame Chuckie 1 bit for doing this. He needs to start pushing the TOH or the team will go bye bye.
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Makela24 says:
Unfortunately, this is the beginning. No new money in system for stadiums, so if they have place that is sufficient for a hockey team, and is upgrade over NMVC, it will be seriously considered as a permanent home.
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if this season couldn’t get anymore depressing… this can’t happen. lighthouse, tavares, and a meaningful playoff run is the only thing that will save us from the move.
if the isles move who would i follow??? the rangers are a terrible evil orginization, devils are boring, buffalo has heart but always loses… ha, buffalo is the closest choice.
if this is a pressure move that wang is making, i don’t know if it will work but i have to admit i’m already up in arms about it.
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Re post #4… The current plan is not working, so a subtle strategy change is worth a shot. In this economy, the fact that the Town has not green lighted this project and all of the tax revenue and jobs it would create is simply mind numbing. Murray needs to wake up and realize that she is not helping her constituents at all.
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guerin13 says:
a smart move by wang. he sends a threat to the toh without actually coming out and saying it. he’ll also make some money off the game. as time goes on i think it will be harder and harder for murray to not approve this with seemingly everybody else on board with the project and pushing hard for it. imo, she’ll approve it to save her political career.
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Madchef says:
The beginning of the end, hope this knocks some sense into LI crooked politicians looking to get their hands greased. I guess you can’t blame Wang he has certainly been patient.
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Ouch…the Royal and Islanders in the same city.
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John in London says:
Wang has been a patient man… and from all accounts he’s not looking at moving the team… but this could be the kick in the pants the politicos need to get moving on this. To boot… Wang isn’t even asking for taxpayer money to help fund his project like so many other sports organizations do as they hold their communities hostage. Long Island has no idea what it has in Wang. Plus how many jobs would this project create in a sagging economy?
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ISLESFAN says:
You know what if these morons in the govt dont do this quick Wang should move the islanders. These pricks are messing everything up. We need the lightohouse to go thru asap. Its complete bs bc it will help the economy so much. That lady should be fired!!!
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Paul says:
Let the Games Begin! Personally i dont believe Charles Wang will move the team anywhere!(maybe sell) This is the first sign of Wangs tug of war with the lighthouse project and Town!
WHY ? Because Wang is lossing money hand over fist and if he moves the Team he will still lose money and in return would have to PAY to put a Winner on the Ice and that would Cost $$$ Money.
The only money Wang wants to spend is on the LightHouse not Hockey!! Isn’t funny that the Approval is in july and thats when the pre season schd is made.
If i have said it once i will say it again, “Wang is not interested in the future of hockey here, he is only interested in the Land Hockey is played on. You will see in July! -
Chris H says:
I have to be honest and say that veiled threats are not going to work. Do you honestly think that Murray has a clue that KC is even trying to get an NHL franchise. We are lucky she knows the NHL has a team on Long Island, let alone in her jurisdiction. Sad but true. Wang and Rechler need to play hardball with this (insert expletive here) instead of sending subtle messages – they obviously don’t work. Just curious though…since right after the tree lighting at Reckson Plaza there has been a huge sign across the street on the empty lot saying something along the lines of ‘Future site of the Lighthouse’ Thought that is kind of wishful thinking by whoever put it up.
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islestherapy says:
look, we all know that a move is inevitable. deny it all you want, but the last few years have pointed towards relocation. there is no way Wang is gona get his Xanadu on the island. a project that size just has no chance against the politics of the Island. I always knew that if it was more than just a new arena, it would never got done. Wang is reaching for the sun and we’re the ones that are gonna get burned. i guess i’ll root for the Devils. they’re a respectable team run by good hockey people.
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Matt Brosseau says:
@Timm #10:
I was discussing this during the game Tuesday night. My stand is if the Islanders move to Canada, I will continue to follow them as “my” team. If they move somewhere like Kansas City or Houston, two cities where the NHL has no business being, then that’s it for me. I think I would have to go over to the Flyers since I live in Jersey. No way I would go to the Blueskirts or Devils.
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http://townofhempstead.org/content/home/contact.html
bombard this ogre of a woman!
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Aim says:
Well here we go now the fun starts. I cant blame Wang here, and if we dont get a building yes i feel the team will go and rightly BUT…..I dont want to rehash my Wang story about building a team to be proud of 1st. If Charles Wang had gone to the TOH and Nassau County and said I want to build a NEW hockey arena to replace the NVMC it would have been ready to open by now. CW and Reckson want real estate and the money that goes with it. Why do we need the lighthouse??? we really dont we need a new hockey arena. All this stuff about grand canals and luxury hotels and mega housing along with a sports tech. center blah blah blah do we really need ALL of that?? No we dont. And to top it if we get a refirbished hockey arena where all of the infustructure of the building remains the same. This goes to show where the priority is not with the hockey team but with real estate. Watch how fast CW leaves town if the TOH approves the arena portion only and scrap heaps the master plan.
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There Not Moving anywhere, smart’n up and dont believe the HYPE!…………Please…this is all just a Game!
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Thank You #17 and #19 my thoughts exactly
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Dan from Westchester says:
Putting things in the hands of our illustrious politicians usually doesn’t lead to anything positive, does it?!
The fact that the future of the Islanders seems to rest largely on the Lighthouse project which is now in the hands of L Island politics makes me real uncomfortable.
Good move by Wang me thinks. . put a little pressure on the politicos. . and in a language they understand – veiled threats and playing a little hardball. It’s about time – let’s see some movement already!
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cgs878 says:
How ironic would it be if the Islanders draft Tavares #1 and then move to Kansas City?? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm.
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rob says:
game idea for saturday….. why the devils NEVER have to rebuild and are always good.
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bCarey says:
wow. that’s all i can say is wow. wang showing potential buyers what NHL hockey would look like in that (nice-looking) arena? it may be over sooner than we think. never thought it would come to that. all i can say is, Mother Farmer! as rivers cuomo once crooned, say it ain’t so.
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Kevin Fitz says:
RE: Mike post #4
No offense to Kate Murray, but she is no Robert Moses.But I have always said that if the Dodgers could leave Brooklyn, the Islanders sure as hell could leave Long Island.
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Got me going a bit here but what is everyone elses feelings on the lighthouse as a whole?? As a TOH resident I feel we really do not need the ENTIRE project. We got way too much already along the lines of the retail. The housing?? The 5 star luxury hotel that I cant afford to walk into??? come on. Plus I have been a season tix holder for 25 years. One thing we all enjoy is tailgating. Me and my friends do it all the time except for extreme cold like today. Those days are gone with the Lighthouse folks. We will be parking at Reckson Plaza and walking 3/4 of a mile to the building or underground. Instead of tailgating we can now have fun at the Lighthouse and enjoy overpriced burgers before the game along the grand canal. Do we really want ALL of this??
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Jim says:
The Hartford Courant reported today that the mayor of Hartford and a couple local business people met with Bettman yesterday. They want to build an NHL arena in Hartford but will only do so if they can get an NHL team.
If Wang wants to scare the local politicians, he should set up a meeting with the mayor of Hartford.
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MB says:
What is sad is that Charles is not looking for any money from the town or the county like the Mets, and Yankees got from NYC. Just let him build it already.
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I would love a move to Hartford! Closer to me! I live upstate so if the Islanders move somewhere it won’t effect me that much. I only go to games in Buffalo when the Isles play there, so I would do the same if they play their home games on LI, Hartford, Southern Ontario, or Kansas City. I’ll still root for the franchise wherever they play.
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Peter DeBenedetto says:
Hey CB,
Hicksville highschool had black and orange….being an ’87 grad and moving to central Jersey, I would have to follow the Flyers….This is going to happen. KC is coming. Unless LI gets off its ass, our Islanders are gone. I can’t believe it…just can’t believe I’m seeing it. We have to do something. It’s just a shame.
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I hope this is nothing more than a ploy, I remain optimistic that it is, and the NHL is dead to me if this team moves. I will make it my business to ruin the professional lives of every single person involved.
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The fact remains, and has always remained, that we the fans need to stand up and FIGHT for this team. Why do so few people seem interested in doing that? Can someone answer this question for me?
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the only move that i would get behind in terms of remaining a fan would be to hartford. at least i could still get to a couple games a year and wouldn’t mind getting one of their sweaters. it’s pretty GD sad though that the last professional sports franchise to become a dynasty has to pack up and move because of an oligarch and his impossible expectations. scale down the project, charles! or sell to someone who will keep the team here. who wouldn’t want a new york sports franchise? the support is here. i’ve been to plenty of sellouts in the past few years when the team was competitive. and contrary to the treatment NYI receives from the hockey world, we aren’t that far removed from being decent and tough to play (see: evgeni malkin’s comments).
if only sterling equities hadn’t lost so much GD money in that madoff ponzi scheme. it’s outrageous that this team would move and outrageous if bettman lets it happen.
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JayK says:
Those who are advocating the idea of just redoing the arena need to look around. Where does that model still exist, the suburban arena surrounded by a sea of asphalt and nothing else? (Like the old Cap Center, like the arena in Richfield between Cleveland and Akron). Maybe the Palace at Auburn Hills; the RBC Center in Carolina, sort of, but that’s part of a broader sports complex that includes where NC State plays football. But the trend in so many other areas is the arena as part of the complex, like Columbus, like Phoenix, etc. You’re demanding that Wang and Rexcorp, smart real estate guys, commit their money to building a structure in a way that absolutely nobody else is building these days. The arena is only going to get redone as part of a broader redevelopment; just accept that and stop moaning.
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Post #33 If you look at the plans of the Lighthouse Hempstead Tpk. is underground thru the area. This is so the people parking at Reckson can get to the building. CW is not paying for that, the State has been asked to foot the bill for the roadway (fat chance of that) There is public money involved on other portions of the project as well. Not to the tune of the Baseball teams but there is public $$$ involved here
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Nick Classic….
Because hockey on LI is dead. Look at the stands everynight. They are empy. THey have horrible season ticket sales. The few fans left on LI of the Islanders are very ver very passionate. But I just don’t think there are enough to stop this team from moving if the lighthouse project doesn’t pass.
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PreOriginal says:
With no car and no reasonable public transportation to the NVMC, the Islanders might as well move to KC. Funny…from Northern Manhattan, I can hit 30 Mets games a year, 5 or 6 Giants or Jets games, and give the Devils my hardearned $$$ to watch hockey live, but my team since 1972 has remained provincial.
Sadly, last time at the Rock, I met a few few people from NJ who switched to the Devils because of the lack of access to the NVMC.
Pathetic! -
EdTurner says:
WOW!
Next September can be a “want to buy my team tour”
Start in KC, then it’s off to Vegas (the Kings play an EX game every year in Vegas. Then fly up to Winnipeg, followed by Hamilton and Toronto.
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Oh please, don’t even go there. You take pot shots at Wang despite the fact that he bought the team as a COMMUNITY SERVICE – that’s one thing that amazes me, people mock the sumo wrestler idea but nobody admits it’s symptomatic of a guy who bought the team because he realized what they meant to the community rather than some fan fantasy (not that those are bad). He loses money hand over fist – not your money or mine, but is – and that’s OK too. He makes a proposal that doesn’t ask for a dime of taxpayer money and could actually attract federal money to really make some improvements to the area, and that makes him an oligarch? Come on!
And again, we’re all professionals here. Why does anybody live in the delusional world that someone can lose money forever AND the exact same thing that can’t make money now could make money if some mystical white knight rides in. We already have our white knight, but he’s a crook and an oligarch who’s holding up taxpayers for nonexistent money, doncha know?
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Newsday.com now has an article on this with an online poll.
However, the four poll options do not include will Kate Murray and the rest of the politicans kill this deal.
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I wish that some of the fans who spend time posting fears aobut th team moving would spend some of that time writing positive, encouraging letters tot heir representatitves and the TOH supporting the Lighthouse project. I know some fans already do this, but many do not.
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BR says:
Wang wants real estate and the money that goes with it? Really? You mean he’s not satisified losing ~$20 million a year?
Brand new, from the ground-up, arenas cost money. In Edmonton, they are throwing around figures like $1 billion. Arenas also cost a lot of money to operate and maintain and they generally do not make a lot of money (many don’t generate profits at all). This why most modern arenas are developed along with office, retail and residential space (exactly what they are planning in Edmonton). Here in Ottawa, people complained bitterly when the new building wasn’t located on property just a few steps from downtown, and was instead built way out in the suburbs. It was built in the suburbs because the then owner owned a huge whack of land and wanted to develop it all alongside the arena. That’s the economics of modern arenas.
I’ve been an Islanders my entire life, but I’ve never been on the Island and have never even set foot in NYC. But, my understanding is that the market the Isles play in suffers from a lack of quality commercial space as well as quality housing that people can actually afford to live in. Seems to me that this is what Wang is trying to do with this project. A completely re-built coliseum (and that is what it will be, completely gutted and rebuilt) will be another great benefit.
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JohnnyC. says:
I will look at the glass being half full. The plan & hope by Wang was to put shovel in ground summer of 2009. Since they usually play a pre-season game at the coli they would not be able. So why not make some money on a game that probably would not have been sold out here. Any way SMG gets almost or if not all of the gate at NVMC. granted the game could have been played anywhere, but here you make some money in KC & send a message to TOH at the same time.
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JK #39 My last post (#4) on this thread I look at Philly where Ed Snider plays in a sea of asphalt and makes a boat load of cash on his properly managed NHL franchise same with Chicago Ottawa Anaheim Colorado Florida (a shopping mall across the street that is no benefit to the cats) Minnesota Pittsburgh St. Louis San Jose. You get my point I have been to all of those places not much around. I am not opposed to putting SOME nice things around a NEW arena. I think that would be great but we dont need and will not benefit from the entire project and a refirbished NVMC. The sight lines?? Hire the right people you can have the same awesome sight lines in a brand new building. You are all fighting a fight not for the hockey team but for CW’s real estate project. Look what happened in Oyster Bay with Charles and real estate
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I know this is #4 for me, but whatever, has to be asked.
First of all, I think the fan interest is there but dormant. Recent successful seasons have shown this, and I completely agree with the poster above who says it can’t happen without the Lighthouse, therefore, I need to re-iterate 2 questions:
1. Why are so few people willing to fight?
2. Any objective observer can tell that if Wang sells the team it will almost certainly be to someone who will move the team. Therefore, the Lighthouse, in some form, is the best shot for the team to stay here. Given these 2 indisputable facts, how do people who propose “alternatives” that would never happen think they’re helping? I seriously would like to understand this.
As for the project, let’s remember the debate earlier. It’s a negotiation; the final scope will not necessarily be everything we see in the renderings. However, BR is dead-on…funny how someone who’s never been to Long Island has a better grasp on our problems than some natives.
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pete says:
The KC Inlanders!!
Has a nice ring.
Will there still be more Ranger fans there when they come to town? -
well, if they’re going to move, maybe it’s time to go to the Islanders store for this deal:
In addition, all fans who make a purchase of $75 or more at one of the Team Stores will receive a free copy of the book, “Pride and Passion: 25 Years of the New York Islanders.” (A $35 value). Team Stores are located at the Broadway Mall in Hicksville and Sunrise Mall in Massapequa.
We all enjoy this author’s work… daily.
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isles316 says:
I think the Lighthouse still needs an enviormental improvement and clearance. Anyone think of how they would do the sewage and cesspool situation? Meadowbrook parkways isn’t enough of a highway to support all of that either
Wang needs to scale the project down I think or it will never pass.
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Also those who think the team is gonna move think of this. the isles get almost $20million a year from Cablevision for the next almost 20 years. Who will give this team that money for TV deal now.
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bp says:
Where are the construction unions? They are a loud voice when they want to be.The number of union jobs the project will create will help a lot of union workers pay their LIPA bills.The arena in Bridgeport is way better than the NVMC.The facilities are probably a step down for our call ups.
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@Nick #50
We’re not fighting because Charles Wang, TOH, no one is going to listen to us. This isn’t about the team, it’s about real estate (and likely greasing the right palms in Hempstead).
In other words, the operative colors are not blue and orange, rather they are shades of green.
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Sorry for the extra post here but I just want to clarify I am not really a negative person for the most part. i am just REALLY PO’d about the gross mismangement and the follies that have gone along with the team that I love and the money I spend on it every year. Charles bought the team said we need a team to be proud of. We get Peca Yash Aucoin etc. and we are revived. 23 sellouts that season a team that is on the way up. Lose to Toronto in an awesome playoff. LI Buzzing about hockey again. Next year ticket prices raised BIGTIME ok sometimes that has to happen. Fan Appreaciation day was mad a premium high price game!! The team did not do as well lost to Ottawa and then the follies began from the ownership level to MM to Garth to Chris Dey (CW son in law) etc. This team has been nothing but a follie and getting worse That is why I am so angry. CW has had 10 years to get this right. Most of LI still supports the team. The fan base is awesome here, but most people have grown very tired of this sideshow and have stopped going. I want the team to stay I want the team to prosper but with these people running this team I just dont see that happening
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This is exactly what Charles Wang wants!
We the fans should put pressure on Charles Wang to start with the Coliseum rebuild, which he was Approved for!!!
It is a start and you dont have to move the Team! -
John says:
Watch us get a top 2 pick and Wang move the team.
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@Matt
This is an extra post, but I’m done now…
Politicians respond to votes, and I would have to think 20,000 people calling the TOH saying they won’t vote for anybody who holds up the Lighthouse would send a strong message. Defeatism doesn’t really suit people from around here; we’ve always been can-do.
Aim – you’ve harped on this for a while now. All I can say is I’ve met Chris Dey, and since I have a lot of experience in business development I’ve grilled him pretty hard about certain things. Guy actually knows his stuff; if it was only nepotism he would’ve been here from the beginning. I think we’re building a foundation, but we need to FIGHT so we don’t build that foundation for someone else.
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Yeah, there’s not much around Ed Snider’s teams’ building, except for the Eagles’ stadium and the Phillies’ ball park…
Now, of course Ed doesn’t own those two stadiums, but his holding company does own the Wachovia Center, along with the Flyers, Phantoms and ‘Sixers. They also happen to own that massive local cable sports network. They also own a company that manages stadiums and convention centers across North America.
Oh, and last year they announced their plans to covert some of that asphalt in front of the Wachovia Center into a retail/dining/entertainment complex.
Yes, old Ed Snider is definitely raking in the cash from the Flyers and his sea of asphalt…
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BeatleBailey says:
i may get the chance to root for zach parise after all. It would be a shame if they left but what is more of a shame is that during this critical time for the lighthouse project they managed to put such a crap product on the ice that most people will not care and we will lose a wonderful long island institution. It’s amazing that the devils could do so well and have a brand new arena built and we are a mess
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bystander says:
56 Matt Brosseau on Jan 15th, 2009 12:39:22 said:
@Nick #50
This isn’t about the team, it’s about real estate (and likely greasing the right palms in Hempstead).
In other words, the operative colors are not blue and orange, rather they are shades of green.I think this is the truest comment I’ve yet read on the subject. “Shades of green” and where they shine. That is and has always been what runs LI.
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Gary says:
It’s simple–if people want this to happen (and the benefits for the county and the town are undeniable unless you’re a terminal NIMBYist) then they have to FLOOD the town offices with letters and start petition drives to oust the Hempstead Supervisor and the town board immediately. We could find someone to run against her as well. I don’t want the Islanders to leave, but if they do I will transfer my loyalties west to the San Jose Sharks. I figure the next shot across the bow of the Town of Hempstead would be to invite the people from Hartford and Jim Balsillie for dinner and be seen publicly doing it. This is the reason business leaves NY in droves.
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Ed J says:
If our team was playing well and making the playoffs every year ( with a rd 1 or rd 2 win ) here & there, this would NEVER be an issue. This team has been in shambles now for years ( cept for the Peca/Yashin/Osgood 1st playoff run with the Maple Leafs & that was AWESOME!!!! ) but now the team has a plan and I dont mind them losing now as long as they stick to the PLAN.
As for this team moving, PHX is in bad shape & they will move 1st, but w/o a rebuild of the old barn, we are def #2 and now the writing is on the wall because on the Boomer Show yesterday morning they ( Craig & Boomer ) called out and said to get rid of them
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I get sick & tired of all these people here blaming Wang for the follies of this organization. The follies started after the ’93 playoff run. We had Phoney rich owners (Spano) We had the Gluckstern & Milstein group who were only intereted in the land. At least when Wang bought the team he put money into the team not like the other a-holes before him. Last I saw everyone was extatic when we got Smyth. We were in the playoffs. He chose not to sign here. Drury got offered more money – decided not to sign here. Everyone was on board last year to put in the youth. We put in the youth every one complains we are losing. The fact of the matter is we had no talent in the system and Garth is stocking the system. Granted Wang is probably int it for the land but he is willing to spend on on FA. the problem is no one want’s to play here. Wang bought the team for $180 or so million. half of that included the T.V. deal. Whoever buys the team is buying the team & T.V. deal. Why would they then move the team and lose half their investment? The fact is they can refurbish the NVMC all they want without the Lighthouse The Isles get nothing with SMG running the arena. That is why he needs the Lighthouse.
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BR #61 The Philadelphia Flyers as a single entity turn a very NICE profit every year. That is a fact! And If CW were to buy out the remaining years from SMG he too could control the management of the entire building new or old.
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Mikey says:
I agree with Gary (#65). As someone who volunteered for Obama’s campaign, I can tell you that community organizing works. When people stand up and demand to be heard, then politicians will respond. We need a massive organizing campaign in TOH and Nassau country on this issue. We need to knock on doors, make phone calls, write letters, hold demonstrations, distribute signs/bumper stickers, and potentially find our own candidates. I live in Chicago, so I am not sure how we can do this. Are there any local organizations already working on this issue? We need to mobilize now.
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And Mikey I’m on it (CB please don’t ban me, I’m throwing my computer out the window now)
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The Lighthouse is necessary as the “cash register” for the team. That would replenish some of the money Charles has flushed trying to preserve the team for us. It took Milbury years to destroy this thing. Lets give the guys some time to build it up.
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AIM — post 48 — yes, the Flyers play in a sea of asphalt….with mass transit running to the site. Big, big difference.
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I just wanted to throw-in one more comment, this time on the whole “Wang already has approval to just renovate the building, why doesn’t he just do it?” thing. I’ve said this before, and I think Nick Classic has as well (sorry if I’m putting words in your mouth, Nick).
Wang won’t and can’t do this because it just doesn’t make any economic sense. The coliseum rebuild is going to cost something like $400 million. Buying out SMG, which I believe is part of the deal that the county approved, is going to cost something like $40 million (I saw that figure thrown around somewhere…). With cost-overruns, which there always are, let’s say a grand total of $500 million.
Add that to the money Wang has already lost on the team. Even if the rebuilt coliseum were rent-free and he got to keep all revenues from the building, he still wouldn’t make that money back.
The only way it becomes profitable is if he is allowed to develop the surrounding land.
You could change owners again if you wanted to, but the economics would be the same.
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Nick says:
cb, maybe its time to organize a rally of some sorts. It’s power of the people if we want it and we show it then i believe it will happen. Sorry guys emails and phone calls dont cut it, we need live action soon if we want the islanders to stay.
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walter says:
maybe the next point blank night could be lighthouse rally night???
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New York State and Nassau County have no money to throw at the Lighthouse Project because of their $Billion deficits in the next 5 years. How are Missouri State and Kansas City County doing with finances?
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why wont the economics work regarding a renovation only? Can someone explain how the DEVILS got a new building without their own lighthouse project? Did Newark pay for that arena or was it done privately? The devils and islanders are different sides of the same coin – playing in the shadows of the rangers yet LOOK at the DEVILS. A new arena and a consistently good team. Wang is frustrated? How about us season ticket holders who are eating $hit yet again this year? I tell you what if he threatens to leave he can go F himself and take the team with him.
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Macch says:
If you build it they will come!!!!!
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tommy says:
it’s time to move. that’s it. bad fans. stupid fans. whiny fans. bad local gov’t. bad arena. losing millions. are you kidding? he really should leave in time for next season. sad but true.
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Financing for The Rock:
Naming Rights Deal: $105 million
Devils: $100 million
City of Newark: $210 millionBR – thank you for getting it.
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AMEN #76 again I really hate being so negative and I really DO love the isles but I really cant take eating this mound of crap year after year. A recent post suggested that it was well prior to CW which it was no doubt. I just look at the last 10 years and what CW (who I had great faith in when he bought the team) has done to the team and it’s season ticket base. I am at EVERY game and going to an Islander game these past few years SUCKS plain and simple I sit there saying half the time why am I here? It appears that many have asked themselves the same and packed up and left
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mm30 says:
Nassau County should let them move—hey we need another shopping mall!—disgraceful! Nassau county is a joke.
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d says:
funny thing is as soon as they move… long island will be begging for a sports team
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I have vowed that every time some dummy blames the county I am going to point it out. MM30 — it’s the town. Not the county.
Got that?
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McLovin21 says:
I dont think that an Islanders move to KC(or anywhere for that matter) is imminent any time soon. KC is not a good hockey market, and I dont see Wang moving the team anyway. He might sell it, but I doubt that there are buyers willing to spend 200+ million to move the team to KC.
So if this is an attempt at a “veiled threat” to the Nassau politicians, its not going to work. -
BrassBonanza says:
If Wang wants off the Island this team is gone, lets not kid ourselves.
The writing is on the wall….. -
Post 76 & 80. Did you not attend the meetings or read the dozen plus articles that stated the plan is to REBUILD? The beauty about season tickets is if you don’t want them…don’t buy them. Their is no obligation on your end.
Let’s see how much you enjoy AHL hockey cause thats what your going to be getting.
All long islanders do is complain–taxes are too high, the traffic, the housing prices but everyone buys a house builds on top of that and then on top of that—everyone buys a SUV gas guzzler(then complains about the price of gas) and everyone is making money—I believe we are in the top 5 in the nation with regards to average salary.
It’s just a sad commentary on this place.
They trade kids for Smyth—people complain. They play the kids—people complain.
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lighthouse will never happen on long island. Why? because nothing gets done on long island. It is the most politically corrupt over taxed region in the country. If Newark had to spend $210 million to attract the devils there is no way the isles can stay here. It is amazing that the the only sports franchise in the area (including philly and pittsburgh and DC and Boston ( Except Fenway) that will not have a new area by 2010 is the islanders
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Tom says:
Also, those who think writing or complaining will help? Go for it! Fact is Charlie has failed at proving the Isles can make anybody money. That’s what it’s all about. Do the Isles have enough muscle to be the center of a development that will cost HUNDREDS of MILLLIONS of dollars. The shear size of the development is obviously something the TOH does not want. In 5 years the Coliseum will be a state of the art convention center and Islanders will be playing elsewhere.
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83- I got it Jay…just my frustrations boiling.
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I have to say for a 30th place team, it certainly never is boring around these parts.
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Wang’s business and home is here. When he took over the team he said he would keep the Islanders here. I dont think he wants to move the team at all. But if the problems with the TOWN get worse, he has to threaten. Its just business
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Hey CB, do you think that this puts some pressure on Garth to speed up the rebuild and maybe really go after a big name free agent like Hossa?
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I agree with an above poster. Next IPB night should be right in front of Hempstead Town Hall.
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Matt- That’s the thing…their is a fanbase here that is passionate and loyal, they need that arena. I have been to Columbus and Minnesota in the past year and I tell ya Columbus has never made the playoffs but the area was hopping and the thing is you just can’t sell the game to the average rube you need to make it an event.
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SUFFOLK COUNTY
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The devils won their first cup and had a deal to move to Nashvile. The NJ Sports Authority stepped up and re did their lease giving them greater benefits. Then the Devils moved from asphalt to Downtown Newark. The arena is one block from the train station. Once again the key is moving to a Downtown retail location. granted they need to do work around the arena but they have the train station. Part of the lighthouse project is light rail to the railroad. I’ve been a full & partial season ticket holder since 1993. If you think life under Wang is horrible, think back to the days before Wang when our total payroll was one players salary on a different team. And I came from Manhattan now the last 4 years from Queens.
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In fairness to the City of Newark, my understanding is that they were desperate to get the Rock built because they needed something, anything, to help reverse the decay of that community. That city seems to be pinning a huge amount of hope on The Rock to help lead a massive gentrification.
I also understand, from reading some of the comments on this and other forums from people who live in Nassau County, that their community could use some development as well…
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BR…you are correct and in a way the communities adjacent to the Lighthouse project with the exception of Garden City, leave something to be desired. Uniondale, Hempstead and East Meadow could use a little “curb appeal”. I’m suprised those communities aren’t pushing harder for some type of revitalization.
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I would be all in favor in some type of rally, but if it were to happen. It would have to be extremely organized. Cant have just 100 people show up and prove the Town’s point for them
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the way i understand it the toh can’t do anything until they’ve received the state environmental review, which i don’t believe has happened. until that happens i don’t know what anybody can do. the subtle threat doesn’t concern me too much, it’s not uncommon in business. wang will still make money off this trip even if the lighthouse is ok’d by then. as i’ve said i think it will be difficult for murray to say no to this esp. b/c of pressure from the unions to get this done. don’t underestimate their power.
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Stumpy32 says:
Has anyone thought that if this was such a big deal – city that’s targeting the Isles lands them for an exhibition game – that the KC papers and media would be all over it? Not one article, not one story. Which proves either one or both of two points – 1) that KC doesn’t see this game as a precursor to the Isles moving there, and/or 2) that KC doesn’t give a crap whether this is a precursor to the Isles moving there, because they couldn’t care less if they ever had a local hockey team.
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Moose says:
Who is doing the enviromental review? How long does it normally take? Has anyone seen anyone doing any study around NVMC?
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I know it may be a very silly question (and completely unsubstantiated), but does anyone think Hofstra has anything to do with this stall on the Lighthouse project? Is it conceivable that the University could have designs for that land? I mean the school just continues to expand and evidentially has no problems spending loads of money. The university does pull a lot of weight in the town of Hempstead, and is a friend of Kate Murray?
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The Kings play one game there every season because their owner owns that building. I don’t think it has anything to do with them moving there. Although it is ironic.
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phil c says:
2010-11 = last season here
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Jisles says:
To all who are complaining about empty seats and how hockey is dead on long island, and no fan base blah blah is Horse Hockey. People are not showing up because the arena is crap, people are not showing up because the product is. This team for the past decade and a half has been an absolute JOKE!1. Awful management, crook owners, bad trades, bad drafts, insane 15 year contracts, MM, and it doesnt seem to get any better. The only point in that time period was in 2001 when we got peca, yashin, osgood and Aucoin and a really good coach in Laviolette. That was suppossed to be the rebirth of the franchsie and the place was packed then. Do you remember game 4, Bates penalty shot. That buidling was insane that night. But guess what MM and Wang ruined that too, fired PL, traded osgood, dienfranchised the whole locker room and ended up leaving the tema in the hands of overmatched coaches and Yashin! NICE JOB BY EVERYONE!! But that is history but dont tell me nobody shows up because the building is “old” if this team was run properly the whole project would have been done.
Message to Nick, You keep saying that if we dont make our oices heard in support of the LH the team will move. So if the LH falls through, it is our fault! If the team moves its our fault!The fans? You always write that you were not around for the glory days and I commend you on your dedication to the team however, I WAS around for the glory days and I can tell you it is alot worse for myself and alot of the other fans from that time period. Over the past decade or so I have been nothing but loyal to the team, I go to as many games as I can and watch every game on TV. What has happenned over the past 15 years is nothing but tragic. Possibly the biggest downfall of any sports franchise and it just makes me sad. If Islanders do move the fault surely will not lie with the fans. I know one sure fire way of keeping the team here. Wang should sell the team, get real ownership and a real GM and FINALLY put a winning product on the ice. OH and a cup would not hurt either. Lets go islanders!
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I would think the Lighthouse project would benefit Hofstra also the area directly next to it isn’t the greatest.
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Does anyone know the heads or people in the Rangers or Devils fan club? It might sound crazy but if their team was in the trouble the Isles are, I’d do a little bit to help.
As a die hard fan I would never want to see anyone lose their team.
I think Ranger fans might be willing to help keep us here. Do you really think they want the rivalry to die? -
Steve says:
I wouldn’t worry too much, back in the mid-late ’90′s there was talk the Isles were maybe going to play some games in Cleveland due to a leaky ceiling, and people then thought that was the start of a move to another city. Once the team gets better, fans will show, and maybe a scaled-down Lighthouse project will come into play.
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I don’t think NDJ fans would be all that bothered, I don’t recall a big hue and cry going out from Isles fans when John McMullen was threating to move his team to Nashville back in 95, but I’m sure the Rangers and their fans would care.
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Ryan says:
I really think we are all overreacting a little bit. No where does it state, and Darren Dreger even said, the Islanders are no where near moving. Before we go out with our knives and pitchforks, let’s have a little faith. I’m pretty sure Mr. Wang has a plan B and C, and I would even bet that he would explore other parts of Long Island before totally up and moving.
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if western nassau doesnt work why would you think anywhere else on long island would work?
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canada-isl#1fan says:
TO COMMENT#20
i’m living in montreal and what i wish is to get a hockey team back to Quebec city for the rivality with the Canadians you know what i mean…so welcome to Islanders.
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kevin says:
that headline scared the crap out of me
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Because I’m pretty sure Suffolk County would be willing to explore a new building on the many parcels of land available, there’s even been discussion of putting up an arena in Yaphank
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I work out in Riverhead and there are a lot of Islander fans there that don’t go to games or would go to more if closer.
If anyone has info or needs help on a Lighthouse commitee email me.
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Green 19 says:
Many of you think that if the Lighthouse goes forward everything will come up smelling like roses for the Islanders and magical city will instantly appear. Remember, it will take three years to renovate the coliseum which will be an inconvenience to the fans and the Isles’ season. Once that is finished, the real fun begins as it will take up to 10 more years of construction for the overall project to be finished further inconveniently the fans. Once the Lighthouse is finished, the Islanders will be a year or two away from their lease extension expiring and once again playing in an outdated facility partially over fifty years old and all the talk of moving will heat up again. The Lighthouse is good for Long Island but bad for the Islanders.
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green19, part of the lighthouse deal is an extension of the isles lease to 2025.
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318J1 says:
since the town is reluctant to let Wang build the whole project, but alright with the renovation of just the arena, why cant the plan be changed to renovate the arena to the point where it isnt just an arena anymore? they could build high up and far around the arena to make one big building with everything in it (mall, restaurants, hotel, movie theaters, training facilities, ect. ect. ect.)?
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2277 says:
Here is what I just sent TOH:
In light of today’s announcement that the Islanders have agree to play a game in Kansas City next year, I hope the Town of Hempstead completely and unequivocally understands that their ONLY professional sports team CANNOT survive without the Lighthouse Project. Relocation is their only option. Mr. Wang continue to loss money every year while this projects languishes. Someone needs to fast track this project and get the process moving by summer. This project is not only for the Islanders, it is for all of Long Island and I truly hope that Ms. Murray and her staff realize this and make this happen!
thank you for your time.
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guerin13, I know that. I’m saying that the full Lighthouse project would finally be completed around the same time as their lease expiring in 2025.
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I’ve always thought it hilarious when people talk about their opposition to the planned development at a site — could be the Coliseum, could be an empty lot on the corner — and they say, “You know what THEY should put there?” And the answer always is what the speaker wants to see, without one bit of knowledge of the costs, whether such a need exists, etc.
So for all of those who are saying “You know what Wang (i.e., THEY) should do there? They should just renovate the arena/make it much much smaller/put everything under one roof”, etc. etc., my suggestion to you is to just accept that THEY have no plans to do anything like that. I’m sure the final plans will be changed somewhat, but an arena-only renovation or a sharply reduced Lighthouse isn’t going to happen. THEY aren’t interested in that.
So get over it.
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green19, it’s possible that the entire project could go on that long but who cares? the nvmc renovation will take 2-3 offseasons.
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Glenn says:
If the Islanders move to KC, they should absolutely have to keep the name.
That said, let’s hope they dont.
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well, if they’re going to move, we should at least help with some name ideas:
Kansas City Wang’s Fault
Kansas City Kate Murray is a Beast
Kansas City DP Sank Us
Kansas City Hartford Whalers
Kansas City Winnipeg Jets
Kansas City Ricky’s Doe Eyes
Kansas City See You in Hell, Long Island! -
To posts #108 and 110 (re: Devils and Rangers fans), I can see the Ranger fans wanting us to stay, but not really doing much to facilitate it. On the other hand, the Devils would be thrilled to have us move. Until they got their arena, the only thing that was keeping above us in the relocation game was that they were far better run, and they were winning. The Devils have never had even close to the fanbase we do…sad as that might seem. To have the NY market to them and the Rangers, knowing that they could pick off many dislocated Isles fans to an arena a 20-minute PATH ride from Penn Station…this would be nirvana for them. The Devils, even with their 3 Cups in the past 13 years, are, without question, the 3rd team in a 3-team market. They have a new arena, and have likely the best management in the sport. That’s why they’re still here. I always tell people – the best thing the NHL could have done is to move the Devils to Long Island, rename them the “Islanders,” and disband the current Islanders. Imagine if we had the success they have had? Crap, it would be a mutiny to get tickets to the games at the Coliseum. Anytime we’re competitive, we draw. The Devils have never, ever shown that prowess. Maybe with us out of the picture, they grow in their marketing, they become the focus of the Rangers, and not us, and they start filling the seats in their new palace.
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Is someone besides me hoping that NOW this becomes a BIG DEAL!!!!!
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If the Isles are going to move, let’s make it snappy. I don’t want a long drawn out affair.
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rb says:
I live in north Jersey and worked in Newark…Newark has actually gotten worse over the past couple of years, with drug and gang shootings…despite having a new arena and a competitive team, the Devils draw flies…they have no fan base in Newark or much of a fan base period…everyone in Jersey opposed the public funding but the corrupt democratic legislature, along with Codey and the convicted felon Sharpe James (who was both mayor of Newark and a state senator) wanted the graft…Newark is no model of a franchise…and they NEVER should have been allowed to come into this market which already had two teams…once cheaop Lou is gone, they’ll suck again and draw 3,000 as opposed to the 8,000-10,000 they really get now….let them go back to Kansas City where they started
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TuxTax says:
Think about all of the Icerinks on Long Island that are and always have been supported by the Islanders. The last we heard of Ranger support on long Island was the rink at long beach and thats been years since they stepped foot in there. If we lose the Islanders the general hockey fanbase on long island will dwindle which in turn will cause a lot of hockey related businesses to bust. Ice rinks, HS hockey teams, Junior teams, Adult leagues, Hockey shops. Also remember all of those concerts and shows that are held at the coliseum(tax money), do you think they are coming to town anymore to a delapotated cement bowl. I can see TOH not even budging on this one, but I sure hope they come to an agreement…we are over a decade overdue for a renovation.
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Adam says:
For those of you who living on long Island and especially in the Town of Hempstead, this is an election year fot the town board. This is our chance to exert maximum pressure on Murray her cronies by becoming or getting behind opposition candidates who will publicly support the Lighthouse.
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I am confused with this whole process. I would think the chain of command would start with the town, then county, and then state. How can the county approve it and the town not? Did Nassau County not look at any of the enviroment and traffic issues?
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sorry for the extra post CB.
I wrote an email to Kate Murray’s office today.
I just recieved a phone call from a woman who said that the town can’t do anything until the environmental revue is done.
The people that are responsible for the review are working with the town attorney office and once it is done they will bring it up to vote again.
The town attorney office phone number which i was given is 516 489 5000 and ask the operator for the attorney office phone number and they have more information.
At least I got a phone call and she acknowledged that people are freaking out about this and they might put out a statement saying what she told me.
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that’s what i thought isles316. they can’t do anything until the receive the nys environmental review. thanks.
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Chris A says:
Who’s running the environmental review and why have we not heard from them?
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Moose (132) – Because the County owns NVMC and the land, they had to give their approval for the development before anything could get off the ground. The Town controls the development of lands in their boundaries. Once the development application is made, then the State law kicks-in, which is what the environmental review is all about.
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exSection307 says:
By the way, for those who belittle the Islanders fanbase, I look at it this way–”This franchise has been so bad for so long, and run so poorly ( i.e, MM, the worst GM in the history of any sport ) that the 10-11,000 people that show up mixed with the people who read these blogs and support team stores in two malls is actually pretty amazing. People forget that in 1995 when the Yankees started becoming a regular contender, they were only drawing 24-25,000 per night instead of the 50K they draw now.
There are not that many pro sports franchises that are not associated with major cities ( the Green Bay Packers come to mind ). The Islanders are truly part of the community, from seeing the Dads ( Guerin, Sillinger ) at Iceworks watching their kids practice to seeing ex-Isles like Webbie and Pat LaFontaine involved with local youth hockey. It would be a shame to lose this team.
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Two years ago Wang and Snow said they could not get any FA’s here to play because the Building was to old and Nobody wants to play here.
Then Wangs gets the go ahead to rebuild the Coliseum but wont except it!
Now we here the Islanders will be moving because the WHOLE PROJECT wont get approved! Who is playing Games here?
Not the Town, it is WANG!
What he wanted in the begining he got now he wants the whole thing, if he was truley for hockey and the Islanders he would start with the coliseum -
Correct me if I’m wrong CB, but doesn’t the scoping document need to be completed by TOH before the lighthouse group can complete the environmental review? I do not understand how Murray’s office can say they are waiting for the environmental review when they haven’t even completed the scoping document. It makes no sense. Based on my understanding of the process, the ball is in Murray’s court.
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Paul, re-read the previous points, and if you still don’t understand why they can’t just do the Coliseum without a large share from taxpayers, then I don’t know what to say. You’re clearly believing whatever you want to believe rather than the objective fact.
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lifirefighter says:
For hockey? I thought it was quite clear that he was in it for the land development, and as a token gesture he was buying the isles and keeping them here. Expecting anything less then that is fooling yourself. And if the town expects less then that they are fooling themselves. He’s not a fan, he’s a business owner. Plain and simple.
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David says:
Someone in here actually said “the lighthouse would be bad for the Islanders”. That’s priceless.
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CB, can you answer that one for us? We hear some fans saying that Wang was never in this thing for the hockey team and that it’s all about land development. Basically they’re saying Wang doesn’t give a crap about the team. I’m wondering, in that instance, why he would choose to move the team somewhere else (instead of selling) if it’s only about the land. Any opinion on this growing sentiment?
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Gas M.D. says:
Hey isles therapy, how about the Kansas City BBQ Chicken Wangs?Has a nice ring to it.
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UIF says:
Nick, you asked this a while back: “Given these 2 indisputable facts, how do people who propose “alternatives” that would never happen think they’re helping?”
I think the reason is because unless a compromise is made, it is the Lighthouse that will never happen. There are Islanders fans from the TOH here that don’t want all of the real estate. What do you think non-Islander fan TOH residents think? It’s a HUGE project, and if it’s really “all or nothing,” then that’s a tough place to start.
Islanders fans are supporting all of this as much as they can, but only because we’re Islanders fans and want the team to stay…not because we necessarily think the other stuff is a great idea. I live upstate, and hope it all goes through, but frankly I could care less about the hotels, housing, etc. I just want it to go through so I don’t lose my team. But in the process, I am supporting transforming an entire town…without even caring much at all about that transformation other than the new arena.
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herewego says:
That Baumbach article should be on the back page cover tomorrow, but it probably won’t.
I’m just shocked by the utter lack of care that Murray and company show in regards to this project. There’s more to it than the Islanders. I’m not a citizen of Nassau, but I’m pretty sure there’s nothing of importance going on at the time. Overall, and mentioned by you and readers alike, what the frig is taking so long?
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OK, I know I’m over, but I’m responding to a specific question.
UIF, that’s a fair point, but the funny thing is the community seems to like this. I’ve been to every major hearing on this, as I’ve said, and the Islanders fan base is the one who is most vocally complaining about the project. I support this both because the team needs a new home and because as a younger person who will in the very near future have to leave this area I see positives that Long Island sorely needs. Many other community leaders feel the same way, and most of them couldn’t pick DP out of a lineup.
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jax says:
Paul, you can’t be serious.
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Geli says:
Paul, you simply do not graps the situation. Wang could give a crap about hockey, but that’s not a problem in and of itself. Don’t you understand, he needs to be able to turn a profit. If he rebuilds the coliseum, at a 500MM expense, it accomplishes ZERO. Are you going to come to more games for years because of a newer coliseum? Of course not. For the Islanders to survive, Wang needs to turn a profit. To turn a profit, Wangs needs more than just a refurnished Coliseum. He needs to offices, restaurants, hotels, etc.
So for all those saying he doesnt care about the Isles, just the real estate…get it through your heads that they go hand in hand. The potential of a profit through development of the land is the only thing that will keep the Islanders here. He doesnt have to care about hockey (which he does, but whatever) but he MUST be able to turn a profit. Otherwise, why the hell would he keep them here? This isn’t a charity.
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Sad thing is he wouldn’t be losing as much money if it weren’t for the chokehold of a lease he is in
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Strummer's Army says:
Guys, well past time to hold public rally in support of the Lighthouse. Time to amp the public pressure. Murray has only been able to play this idiot game because there has been ZERO public pressure.
Bravo scheduling the game in KC but seriously maybe they Isles need to play 2 or 3 games in KC. I’d like to see that announced in the coming days that the Isles will be spending a week in KC.
Everyone is beyond frustrated because their is a rock solid project with a ton of private financing that is being delayed for reasons that are very unclear and obviously ill-willed.’
TURN UP THE HEAT ON MURRAY AND THE TOWN AND THEY CAN STILL BREAK GROUND IN 2009 HOPEFULLY.
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Jimmy says:
we neeed this project not just from an Islanders fan standpoint but also Nassau County in general. Whats the quickest way out of a recession? Create jobs, this project can help soften the blow of the current recession on Long Islanders, not only from construction jobs but for people who make products for the construction industry, those who will work the hotel, the resturant, the revamped arena, the minor league stadium can help seasonal workers at the NVMC have a job in the summer months as well..
and to booot we keep our team!!
come on TOH fast track this get it done we need this keep Long Islands identity
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dalcy says:
Charles Wang you live on long island and have contributed to the LI economy in countless ways. yeah..uh…but we don’t feel the need to work with for the betterment of long island. Donald Trump, you wanna build a catering hall, with a basement, on sand? you got it! i know thats ny state but politics is politics, be it state or local. and its horshite LI doesn’t do the right thing.
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So Botta if Wang relocates the team to KC are you moving to? Does the photo of you on this site then be replaced with one of BBQ Sauce all over your face?
Living in Florida I believe the Islanders should be on LI. The area doesn’t want to or need to lose the revenue, they need a draw, the NHL doesn’t want to lose a team in the largest market nor lose a team with so many good rivalries like Isles/Rangers. It would effect me in not having Logan’s great Newsday coverage and I think KC is in a later time zone, so I’d have the games start later on tv and of course, they’d no longer be the Isles but I can still follow my team on tv and the net. I feel bad that idiot local politics will effect so many of you so badly if the team moves.
However, in a way I’d enjoy laughing my ass off when Wang sells and the county, town and state then has to figure out a way to renovate that run down building and the entire site with their own funds. That would be justice.
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Daniel says:
when I first read the headline at work today for this article my heart dropped. Thank God it is only for an exhibition game. The loss of the Islanders would be absolutely devastating to myself and thousands of others. Nassau County needs to get its ass in gear and actually accomplish something that a lot of people want. They raise property taxes in the blink of an eye but they cant get something built that will better the local economy and give us fans and residents something to be proud of. Hopefully this will light some sort of fire under our wonderful politicians.
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BillyIsle says:
If you want to write to the Town here is the link…
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I just took the online arena tour in KC what a gorgeous facility!!! They offered the Pens free rent if they relocated there and I am sure the Isles could get the same deal.
Think about it, the Isles could get Tavares and all their other picks this year and if they were able to leave LI after this season start attracting FA’s right away because they have a gorgeous new building to play in with free rent!!!
If I was Wang I’d be tempted to continue to own the team and move it there for that sweetheart of a deal. They could be competitive again next year there.
What is this crappy town of Hempstead offering the Islanders? Not much, they seem to want them to spend all their own money, increase the cost of the project by dragging their feat and being difficult and generally just being rude to fans, citizens, media and all involved.
I want the Isles on LI but it would serve the crappy local politicians right if the Isles left. I just feel bad for the local economy and sports fans. You wonder if LI would produce as much good hockey talent without a pro-franchise?
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Thanks Billy. Just sent them an email
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I sent Chris an e-mail earlier on this, what is the economic toll to Long Island if the ISLEs leave? I guess the TOH can just raise more property taxes. Think of the Sales tax and jobs the Isles provide, not to mention the wonderful charitable contributions. The questions is, can Long Island survive without the ISLEs? What a major blow to the already fragmented economy. This really is a no brainer, the lighthouse will create jobs and economic growth for a battered economy. I really do not see this as being a good thing for the Isles. If this does not get done, why would Tavers or Hedman want to play for a team they have no idea will be there in 2 years? Chris, as noted in my e-mail to you earleir in the year, what would be the economic impact to the Island? Maybe we can do Ms. Murray’s homework for her?
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thepolishprince says:
I can’t read through the 159 comments before this one. Let me just say that I have a bad feeling about this situation. I don’t think I’ve felt this negatively about the situation and the team since I started following them again in ’97 and there were some reeaaalll clunker years in there. It would totally suck if the team moved. Guess hockey for me would be B-Port (unless they’d be moving as well).
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Gregg says:
Most people I talk to who live or work in the Uniondale area are against the lighthouse project. It only seems Islander fans really care about this. It might be a better idea to build a new arena alone rather than building a mini-Manhattan around the new arena. Many suburbanites would like to keep this place suburban.
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The place is a sh!t hole. It’s not suburban by any means.
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gregg, I understand your sentiment but you have to also understand that suburban living as conceived 50 years ago is out dated. Urban centers with a mix of retail, housing, and commerce is the future and nassau will have to adapt eventually. Connect a light rail to the nearby trainstations and you will see a 21st century nassua.
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BringBackNyles says:
Honestly, I think the Lighthouse project scopeis nuts, but we do need a new arena. And I can be critical of Wang’s hockey knowledge and the people he brought in to run the show, but one thing no one can deny is Wang loses money nightly. he is bleeding money and no one in government seems to notice. this is not the Yankees looking for a steakhouse, the coliseum is a DUMP. The attendance is god awful. I don’t see Wang moving,but I could see him selling and the new owner moving.
This KC thing is not something to be taken lightly, heck the Brooklyn Dodgers just moved “a couple” night games to NJ, 5 years later they were in LA. This is a shot across the bow to Long island, step up or lose the team.
This pressure has worked before in small areas…the Pats did not get the small town of Foxboro to take them seriously until they announced they were moving to Hartford. Hoepfully this is a wakeup call
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DonK says:
Unless that TV contract comes with them, the Isles are going nowhere (unless Wang tries Suffolk, which is what he should do). Also, the LI market is far larger than the KC market, so it’s doubtful the league really wants to see that switch made.
This was a brilliant move by Wang — he can scope out the new building in KC, put a shot across the bow of the TOH and Nassau County (corrupt politicians and overtaxed citizens), and make a few bucks on the side. Kings and Blues played their last fall and drew pretty well (low 5 figures).
I doubt the Isles departure would make much of a dent in the economy. Money spent on the Isles is discretionary; if the team isn’t there, people will go to movies and other forms of entertainment. The Isles attract almost nothing from outside the area, so there’s very little lost there. Most arenas had little trouble filling NHL dates during the lockout, and the Coliseum would be no exception (watch Devils or Rangers move their AHL tesm here, though Rangers might be locked into Hartford for a while).
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Donk the TV deal is why I think Wang would never move, but if someone came along and bought the team, and he got his money out, I could see it.
I agree though KC makes no sense, Atlanta, Phoenix, Carolina, Nashville, tampa, Florida….see a pattern with non-traditional markets yet NHL?
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Nick, as someone who has left the area, I see your point there.
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JKP in Halifax says:
I remember going to see a preseason Cardinals-Expos game at RFK… three years before the Expos moved there for good because they couldn’t get a new arena done. Hope that’s not an omen…
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AngryPete says:
I actually made mention to this topic about a month ago. If you love something…LET IT GO. I would much rather see this team succeed in another market than SUCK right here at home. Wang has done so much for LI, and he’s looking to do more for it. I can’t imagine what the holdup is. I would love to see the Winnipeg Islanders though!
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ny711ot says:
is anyone as tired of this passive aggressive bs? if moving is a possibility start to talk about it. This announcement makes me absolutely sick to my stomach and if they move i would be heartbroken and abandon the nhl.
Harsh reality is the town of hempstead is a dump and this would be a boon for that area. The only people who can affect this project are the people of hempstead and if you dont want it maybe an expansion of the hofstra bars, jails and abortion clinics are something you prefer… -
Mike from Philly says:
Botta, is there anyway you can get a LIVE interview with this women? This is ubserd and embarrising to everyone now.
If the Islanders leave I will be heart broken!
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While fan money spent on the Isles is one thing but the money the local hotels, restaurants etc gets from visiting teams etc will be gone and it is considerable.
Also, the money the Isles spend in advertising and give to charity is gone. The incomes they pay to their employees and those who work at the arena is gone and thus what those people pay to the tax base.
The National attention LI gets (this is a big one) by media coverage of the Islanders means a lot to an area and will be totally lost.
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off topic yet on topic – Watching the game now and is it me or does the Coliseum look more full then usual for a mid weekday game? Did the news today push some to head to the old barn?
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mrlbem says:
Probably close to the end of the thread and not many will read this, but:
1. Why are people angry at Wang for wanting to make money off of the land? As I’ve said here before, let’s say the Lighthouse does not get approved, even if the area will remain dormant for a few years (like the Roosevelt Raceway property did), something will eventually be built there and someone will make a lot of money off of what is eventually built. The person making that money may as well be Charles Wang because it will benefit the team.
Point 2–It’s all well and good for Ms. Murray to refer to the ongoing environmental review, but as CB mentioned several weeks ago, she could at least be touting the benefits of the project for her constituency. Whenever Tom Suozzi or Howard Weitzman, the Nassau County Comptroller, talk of the future of Nassau County, they mention the need for the Lighthouse Project and the benefits it would bring to the County. Why is Murray not saying the same things when she talks about the TOH’s future? What is the ulterior motive here?
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cody says:
this is frightening
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West Coast Fan says:
If one more person says “they should just build the arena; forget about the whole thing”, I think I’ve gonna have a conniption
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Me too west coast fan, how are people not understanding this? It’s business 101!
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kevlar44 says:
I would love to see a new Coliseum somewhere in Suffolk county.If I am not mistaken a few years ago the abandoned Pilgrim State site came up as a possible relocation choice..(i think it was Pilgrim State) I believe it is more accesible then where the NVMC is now. Also, I believe it is accessible to the LIRR. They could build a new arena and it would be less of an inconvenience then trying to remodel the NVMC. Finally, they could stick it to the town of Hempstead!
Not the news I wanted to read. The foundation is being placed for them to leave. DAMN!