04-04-2009, 11:47 AM
<!--quoteo(post=26818:date=Apr 4 2009, 10:41 AM:name=KBwsb)-->QUOTE (KBwsb @ Apr 4 2009, 10:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=26815:date=Apr 4 2009, 10:33 AM:name=rok)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (rok @ Apr 4 2009, 10:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=26810:date=Apr 4 2009, 10:22 AM:name=ruby23)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ruby23 @ Apr 4 2009, 10:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=26808:date=Apr 4 2009, 10:19 AM:name=Runnys)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Runnys @ Apr 4 2009, 10:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->Why would the Cubs move from Mesa to Florida? That seems like a stupid decision that would hurt revenue. They set attendance records EVERY YEAR in Mesa...why mess with something that is working so well?<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
The Cubs are using "moving to Florida" as a way to get Mesa to upgrade their facilities for them. HoHoKam is outdated compared to almost every other team in Arizona, the Cubs don't want to move, but if somewhere in Florida is willing to give them better facilities, Mesa better do the same.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
That's exactly the reason. At the same time, it sounds to me as though they're looking to build a new facility entirely, and are maybe just prodding the city for tax incentives or something of that nature. I don't think Mesa has a choice but to play ball, no pun intended.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
FWIW, Mesa is almost flat broke. They just laid off a massive amount of teachers in their district.
I'd really hate to see the Cubs leave Arizona. I have warm memories of them training in Scottsdale when I was a kid. It was bike-riding distance away, and in those days, a kid could actually wander out onto the field, and sit in the dugout and stuff. It was awesome.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I'm aware of the state of Arizona's financial difficulties right now (and Florida for that matter as well). It's a tradeoff though. You either sacrifice a small bit of tax revenue for more tourist traffic or you lose it all by being stubborn and chasing the team out of town. I'm glad it isn't my decision, but I'm sure that most towns in Florida are in similar predicaments as Mesa, but would still love to preserve and possibly create jobs in any way they can.
The Cubs are using "moving to Florida" as a way to get Mesa to upgrade their facilities for them. HoHoKam is outdated compared to almost every other team in Arizona, the Cubs don't want to move, but if somewhere in Florida is willing to give them better facilities, Mesa better do the same.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
That's exactly the reason. At the same time, it sounds to me as though they're looking to build a new facility entirely, and are maybe just prodding the city for tax incentives or something of that nature. I don't think Mesa has a choice but to play ball, no pun intended.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
FWIW, Mesa is almost flat broke. They just laid off a massive amount of teachers in their district.
I'd really hate to see the Cubs leave Arizona. I have warm memories of them training in Scottsdale when I was a kid. It was bike-riding distance away, and in those days, a kid could actually wander out onto the field, and sit in the dugout and stuff. It was awesome.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I'm aware of the state of Arizona's financial difficulties right now (and Florida for that matter as well). It's a tradeoff though. You either sacrifice a small bit of tax revenue for more tourist traffic or you lose it all by being stubborn and chasing the team out of town. I'm glad it isn't my decision, but I'm sure that most towns in Florida are in similar predicaments as Mesa, but would still love to preserve and possibly create jobs in any way they can.