NFT: Penguins' sale falls through - Page 2

Sully · 12-15-2006, 07:01 PM

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2698928

As I watch the Pens play the Isles right now, I can't help but feel excited that this team may somehow, someway find its way to KC. What a great team with a nucleus of young superstars.

Eleazar · 12-20-2006, 12:49 PM

Come on down, Pens. We'll roll out the red carpet for ya.

Sully · 12-20-2006, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cochise

Come on down, Pens. We'll roll out the red carpet for ya.

Many on the Pens messageboard are already giving up hope and saying they are coming to KC.

Mr. Laz · 12-20-2006, 01:05 PM

if there is enough people that will go to see the NFL hockey games in KC then i'm all for it.

i just don't want them yelling for hockey and then wondering why the arena is half full.

Sully · 12-20-2006, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

if there is enough people that will go to see the NFL hockey games in KC then i'm all for it.

i just don't want them yelling for hockey and then wondering why the arena is half full.

I really believe if we get a major league hockey product in KC, that it will succeed. It's a KC type of sport, in that it is blue collar and gritty. I think that once they fill up the arena for the novelty, many new fans will be made, and the arena will succeed.

Demonpenz · 12-20-2006, 01:09 PM

go pens go go pens go ...scratch my back with a hacksaw

Mr. Laz · 12-20-2006, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sully

I really believe if we get a major league hockey product in KC, that it will succeed. It's a KC type of sport, in that it is blue collar and gritty. I think that once they fill up the arena for the novelty, many new fans will be made, and the arena will succeed.

i hope your right .... they'll need to win early though, until they establish a fan base.

Sully · 12-20-2006, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

i hope your right .... they'll need to win early though, until they establish a fan base.

Which is why the Pens would be perfect. They have been horrid the past few years, but now have 2 of the most touted young players in history on their roster, a decent goalie, and a smattering of other young, talented players. They are going to be really good within the next few years.

I don't necessarily believe that a team needs to be a championship-type team right off the bat to succeed here, though. I base that off the Arena football fever that took place last spring. I expect we'll see the same this coming spring. Now... if the losing lasts, they Brigade will fall off the map.

chiefqueen · 12-20-2006, 01:32 PM

Give it up, folks, Bettman is going to make the Pens deal with the co. that got the casino deal so they can stay in Pittburgh.

WE ARE NOT GETTING THE PENS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/column...ott&id=2702374

Sully · 12-20-2006, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefqueen

Give it up, folks, Bettman is going to make the Pens deal with the co. that got the casino deal so they can stay in Pittburgh.

WE ARE NOT GETTING THE PENS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/column...ott&id=2702374

Reading the whole of that article, it suggests that it is equally as problematic to impose the "stay in Pittsburg" restrictions on potential owners of the Pens as it is not to. For any team in any league to move, a lot of things have to go wrong (or right, depending on your view). So it's unlikely that ANY team will move in ANY league, due to the black eye it gives the league and city losing the team. However, the dominoes are moving in our favor in this case. I'd still say it's not likely it will happen, but it is more likely every day things like this happen. Of course Bettman wants to keep them in Pittsburg, all things equal that would be the only thing that would make sense. But more and more, things aren't equal, and KC is getting the upper hand.

Mr. Laz · 12-20-2006, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sully

Which is why the Pens would be perfect. They have been horrid the past few years, but now have 2 of the most touted young players in history on their roster, a decent goalie, and a smattering of other young, talented players. They are going to be really good within the next few years.

I don't necessarily believe that a team needs to be a championship-type team right off the bat to succeed here, though. I base that off the Arena football fever that took place last spring. I expect we'll see the same this coming spring. Now... if the losing lasts, they Brigade will fall off the map.

nah... they wouldn't have to win a championship. Although that wouldn't hurt

as long as they are competitive and show heart ... upper half of the league.

**Bearcat** · 12-20-2006, 01:59 PM

Posted on Wed, Dec. 20, 2006

Penguins not bound to Pittsburgh; KC eyes NHL team

By RANDY COVITZ

The Kansas City Star

Kansas City’s chances of bringing the Pittsburgh Penguins to the new Sprint Center next fall greatly increased today, thanks to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

The seven-member board denied awarding a slots license to Isle of Capri Casinos, which had pledged to commit $290 million toward a new arena that would replace the Penguins’ antiquated Mellon Arena, and unanimously granted it to PITG Gaming.

Isle of Capri’s agreement with the Penguins, as part of its license application, would have legally bound the Penguins to stay in Pittsburgh for 20 years even if the franchise, which is on the market, is sold.
The Penguins’ lease at 45-year-old Mellon Arena, the oldest facility in the NHL, expires at the end of the current season. The $276 million Sprint Center is scheduled to open in October and is looking for an anchor tenant.

“Obviously, we are very disappointed that the Isle of Capri was not awarded the slots license,” Penguins CEO Ken Sawyer said in a statement.

“Had Isle of Capri been selected, it would have ensured the long-term future of the Penguins in Pittsburgh. At this point, our franchise enters a period of uncertainty, with our lease at Mellon Arena set to expire this summer. We will re-evaluate all of our options before deciding on a course of action and making further comment.”

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said last week: “If Isle of Capri is not granted the license, then an already difficult and volatile situation will be aggravated. It is imperative that the Penguins have a new arena on economic terms that make sense for the franchise for the team to remain in Pittsburgh."

About a year ago, Tim Leiweke, president of Anschutz Entertainment Group, which will operate Sprint Center, said, “If the Pittsburgh Penguins don’t have an arena deal in place by 2007, they could be the Kansas City Penguins.”

Those words could come to fruition.

William “Boots” Del Biaggio, a San Jose, Calif., venture capitalist, has signed an agreement with AEG to own and operate an NHL franchise when one becomes available. Del Biaggio made a bid to buy the Pittsburgh franchise in 2005, but the club was taken off the market at the 11th hour after the Penguins won the right to select Sidney Crosby with the first pick of the draft.

Del Biaggio, a minority partner in the San Jose Sharks, has been a partner with Penguins owner Mario Lemieux in other ventures, including a junior hockey team in Omaha. Del Biaggio could not be reached for comment early today.

Brenda Tinnen, general manager of Sprint Center, expressed disappointment for the fans of the Penguins, who have been a mainstay in Pittsburgh since 1967. But she also summed up the feelings of many in Kansas City.

“Let’s just say it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas,” Tinnen said.

**Bearcat** · 12-20-2006, 02:03 PM

A little more...

Updated: Dec. 20, 2006, 2:26 PM ET

Casino aligned with Pens not awarded license

ESPN.com news services

The Penguins' future in Pittsburgh might be in doubt after a casino the team had aligned with, in the hopes of getting a new arena built, wasn't awarded a slots license by the city.

PITG Gaming was awarded Pittsburgh's first license to operate a slot-machine casino, beating out two other bidders, including Isle of Capri casino, which had promised to build the Penguins a new arena if it was awarded the license.

Isle of Capri had said it would build a $290 million facility for the Penguins to replace 45-year-old Mellon Arena -- at no cost to taxpayers or the team -- if it obtained a slot-machine license from the state.
Penguins owner Mario Lemieux said this week that the Penguins would have to "consider all of our options" if Isle of Capri wasn't awarded the license.

On Wednesday, after the Pittsburgh Gaming Board's rejection of Isle of Capri's bid, the team released a statement calling its future uncertain. "Had Isle of Capri been selected, it would have ensured the long-term future of the Penguins in Pittsburgh and would have delivered a $1 billion development opportunity to the Lower Hill and Uptown," the team said. "At this point, our franchise enters a period of uncertainty, with our lease at Mellon Arena set to expire this summer. We will re-evaluate all of our options before deciding on a course of action and making further comment."

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman raised the possibility of relocation in a statement released following Wednesday's announcement.

"The decision by the Gaming Commission was terrible news for the Penguins, their fans and the NHL," he said. "The future of this franchise in Pittsburgh is uncertain and the Penguins now will have to explore all other options, including possible relocation. The NHL will support the Penguins in their endeavors."

Earlier this week, Lemieux called a deal to sell the team to a Canadian billionaire "unequivocally" dead.

Jim Balsillie last week withdrew his offer to buy the Penguins for $175 million but has said he might still try to purchase the team. Lemieux said that won't happen and the club will try to make Balsillie forfeit his deposit.

"We can say unequivocally that the deal with Mr. Balsillie is dead," Lemieux said. "We were shocked and offended that Mr. Balsillie would back out of such an important deal at the last minute -- and less than a week before a decision on the funding of a new arena that will have far-reaching implications on our franchise, our city and our region."
Detroit-based casino developer Don H. Barden's PITG Gaming has proposed building a casino and entertainment development on the city's North Shore, near Heinz Field and PNC Park. Barden had promised to contribute some money for a new arena over 30 years under a plan proposed by city and county officials that would include public funds. But that plan also calls for the Penguins to help pay for the facility. "I am committed to what we said we were going to do," Barden said Wednesday. "We're going to fund $7.5 million a year for 30 years towards financing a new multipurpose arena." He said he will meeting soon with Allegheny County executive Dan Onorato and Pittsburgh mayor Luke Ravenstahl to get the process moving. "It will be the largest of our operations and we're going to put a lot of attention on this project," Barden said. "We're going to get it going right away."

Sully · 12-20-2006, 02:09 PM

Bearcat... I posted that article on page 1 of this thread.

Eleazar · 12-20-2006, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

if there is enough people that will go to see the NFL hockey games in KC then i'm all for it.

i just don't want them yelling for hockey and then wondering why the arena is half full.

Me too. I don't hold out much hope that we'll get an NHL team, or that the fans will show up if they aren't any good. Kansas City, no matter what anybody tells you, is a city of fairweather fans. I mean, watch what happens at Arrowhead at the Jacksonville game. Throngs of people who ALREADY PAID won't even show up.

People tolerate mediocrity from the Chiefs for some reason, but if the Pens came here and sucked for 3-4 years, the place would be empty once the novelty wore off. They would need lots of media exposure and would need to be competitive. There are some hardcores in town, but it seems like many more have the attention span of a goldfish.

**Bearcat** · 12-21-2006, 12:06 PM

I'm always glad when chiefqueen says something negative, because I know the opposite will happen

Nothing really new, and maybe he's just putting the pressure on PITG

Updated: Dec. 21, 2006, 12:38 PM ET

Penguins no longer for sale, will consider new home

ESPN.com news services

The other shoe dropped in Pittsburgh on Thursday -- and fears that the Penguins are playing their last season in the Steel City were legitimized when team owner Mario Lemieux said the team is no longer for sale and will look outside Pennsylvania for a new home while continuing to seek a new arena in Pittsburgh.

"Recent developments, including yesterday's decision by the [state gaming control board] and the recent termination of the purchase agreement by Jim Balsillie, have convinced us that it is time to take control of our own destiny," Lemieux said in a statement. "Accordingly, starting [Thursday], the team is off the market, and we will begin to explore relocation options in cities outside Pennsylvania."

The team had lobbied for Isle of Capri Casinos to be granted a license to operate slot machines in Pittsburgh, as the developer had pledged to build a new arena at no cost to the Penguins to replace 45-year-old Mellon Arena. But the board instead awarded the license to Detroit-based casino developer Don H. Barden's PITG Gaming. Barden's group proposes building a casino and entertainment development on the city's North Shore, near Heinz Field and PNC Park -- a plan the Steelers and Pirates both strongly opposed.

"After seven years of trying to work out a new arena deal exclusively in Pittsburgh, we need to take into consideration the long-term viability of the team and begin discussions with other cities that may be interested in NHL teams," Lemieux said in the statement. The Isle of Capri rejection came only five days after Balsillie unexpectedly pulled out of his $175 million deal to buy the franchise, apparently because the NHL wanted him to commit to not moving the Penguins. Balsillie had been expected to close on the deal late last week.

12-15-2006, 07:01 PM
Sully It Goes On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lees Summit Casino cash: $10026331	NFT: Penguins' sale falls through http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2698928 As I watch the Pens play the Isles right now, I can't help but feel excited that this team may somehow, someway find its way to KC. What a great team with a nucleus of young superstars.
Posts: 18,295

12-20-2006, 12:49 PM	#16
Eleazar Beyond the Rapids Join Date: May 2003 Location: Langley, VA Casino cash: $-370000	Come on down, Pens. We'll roll out the red carpet for ya.
Posts: 80,659

12-20-2006, 01:05 PM	#18
Mr. Laz Don't Tease Me Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KS Casino cash: $11047037	if there is enough people that will go to see the NFL hockey games in KC then i'm all for it. i just don't want them yelling for hockey and then wondering why the arena is half full. __________________
Posts: 95,626

12-20-2006, 01:09 PM	#20
Demonpenz I got Rice cookin in the micro Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Apartment "G UNIT!" Casino cash: $3122136	go pens go go pens go ...scratch my back with a hacksaw __________________
Posts: 54,273

12-20-2006, 01:32 PM	#23
chiefqueen On my throne Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Kansas City, MO Casino cash: $8182060	Give it up, folks, Bettman is going to make the Pens deal with the co. that got the casino deal so they can stay in Pittburgh. WE ARE NOT GETTING THE PENS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/column...ott&id=2702374
Posts: 4,179

12-20-2006, 01:59 PM	#26
Bearcat Would an idiot do that? Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Arizona Casino cash: $2814931	Posted on Wed, Dec. 20, 2006 Penguins not bound to Pittsburgh; KC eyes NHL team By RANDY COVITZ The Kansas City Star Kansas City’s chances of bringing the Pittsburgh Penguins to the new Sprint Center next fall greatly increased today, thanks to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. The seven-member board denied awarding a slots license to Isle of Capri Casinos, which had pledged to commit $290 million toward a new arena that would replace the Penguins’ antiquated Mellon Arena, and unanimously granted it to PITG Gaming. Isle of Capri’s agreement with the Penguins, as part of its license application, would have legally bound the Penguins to stay in Pittsburgh for 20 years even if the franchise, which is on the market, is sold. The Penguins’ lease at 45-year-old Mellon Arena, the oldest facility in the NHL, expires at the end of the current season. The $276 million Sprint Center is scheduled to open in October and is looking for an anchor tenant. “Obviously, we are very disappointed that the Isle of Capri was not awarded the slots license,” Penguins CEO Ken Sawyer said in a statement. “Had Isle of Capri been selected, it would have ensured the long-term future of the Penguins in Pittsburgh. At this point, our franchise enters a period of uncertainty, with our lease at Mellon Arena set to expire this summer. We will re-evaluate all of our options before deciding on a course of action and making further comment.” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said last week: “If Isle of Capri is not granted the license, then an already difficult and volatile situation will be aggravated. It is imperative that the Penguins have a new arena on economic terms that make sense for the franchise for the team to remain in Pittsburgh." About a year ago, Tim Leiweke, president of Anschutz Entertainment Group, which will operate Sprint Center, said, “If the Pittsburgh Penguins don’t have an arena deal in place by 2007, they could be the Kansas City Penguins.” Those words could come to fruition. William “Boots” Del Biaggio, a San Jose, Calif., venture capitalist, has signed an agreement with AEG to own and operate an NHL franchise when one becomes available. Del Biaggio made a bid to buy the Pittsburgh franchise in 2005, but the club was taken off the market at the 11th hour after the Penguins won the right to select Sidney Crosby with the first pick of the draft. Del Biaggio, a minority partner in the San Jose Sharks, has been a partner with Penguins owner Mario Lemieux in other ventures, including a junior hockey team in Omaha. Del Biaggio could not be reached for comment early today. Brenda Tinnen, general manager of Sprint Center, expressed disappointment for the fans of the Penguins, who have been a mainstay in Pittsburgh since 1967. But she also summed up the feelings of many in Kansas City. “Let’s just say it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas,” Tinnen said.
Posts: 55,310

12-20-2006, 02:03 PM	#27
Bearcat Would an idiot do that? Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Arizona Casino cash: $2814931	A little more... Updated: Dec. 20, 2006, 2:26 PM ET Casino aligned with Pens not awarded license ESPN.com news services The Penguins' future in Pittsburgh might be in doubt after a casino the team had aligned with, in the hopes of getting a new arena built, wasn't awarded a slots license by the city. PITG Gaming was awarded Pittsburgh's first license to operate a slot-machine casino, beating out two other bidders, including Isle of Capri casino, which had promised to build the Penguins a new arena if it was awarded the license. Isle of Capri had said it would build a $290 million facility for the Penguins to replace 45-year-old Mellon Arena -- at no cost to taxpayers or the team -- if it obtained a slot-machine license from the state. Penguins owner Mario Lemieux said this week that the Penguins would have to "consider all of our options" if Isle of Capri wasn't awarded the license. On Wednesday, after the Pittsburgh Gaming Board's rejection of Isle of Capri's bid, the team released a statement calling its future uncertain. "Had Isle of Capri been selected, it would have ensured the long-term future of the Penguins in Pittsburgh and would have delivered a $1 billion development opportunity to the Lower Hill and Uptown," the team said. "At this point, our franchise enters a period of uncertainty, with our lease at Mellon Arena set to expire this summer. We will re-evaluate all of our options before deciding on a course of action and making further comment." NHL commissioner Gary Bettman raised the possibility of relocation in a statement released following Wednesday's announcement. "The decision by the Gaming Commission was terrible news for the Penguins, their fans and the NHL," he said. "The future of this franchise in Pittsburgh is uncertain and the Penguins now will have to explore all other options, including possible relocation. The NHL will support the Penguins in their endeavors." Earlier this week, Lemieux called a deal to sell the team to a Canadian billionaire "unequivocally" dead. Jim Balsillie last week withdrew his offer to buy the Penguins for $175 million but has said he might still try to purchase the team. Lemieux said that won't happen and the club will try to make Balsillie forfeit his deposit. "We can say unequivocally that the deal with Mr. Balsillie is dead," Lemieux said. "We were shocked and offended that Mr. Balsillie would back out of such an important deal at the last minute -- and less than a week before a decision on the funding of a new arena that will have far-reaching implications on our franchise, our city and our region." Detroit-based casino developer Don H. Barden's PITG Gaming has proposed building a casino and entertainment development on the city's North Shore, near Heinz Field and PNC Park. Barden had promised to contribute some money for a new arena over 30 years under a plan proposed by city and county officials that would include public funds. But that plan also calls for the Penguins to help pay for the facility. "I am committed to what we said we were going to do," Barden said Wednesday. "We're going to fund $7.5 million a year for 30 years towards financing a new multipurpose arena." He said he will meeting soon with Allegheny County executive Dan Onorato and Pittsburgh mayor Luke Ravenstahl to get the process moving. "It will be the largest of our operations and we're going to put a lot of attention on this project," Barden said. "We're going to get it going right away."
Posts: 55,310

12-20-2006, 02:09 PM	#28
Sully It Goes On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lees Summit Casino cash: $10026331	Bearcat... I posted that article on page 1 of this thread. __________________ "And I don't wish that girl any bad luck," he said, "but I hope she gets hit with a car." - Tommy Lasorda
Posts: 18,295

12-21-2006, 12:06 PM	#30
Bearcat Would an idiot do that? Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Arizona Casino cash: $2814931	I'm always glad when chiefqueen says something negative, because I know the opposite will happen Nothing really new, and maybe he's just putting the pressure on PITG Updated: Dec. 21, 2006, 12:38 PM ET Penguins no longer for sale, will consider new home ESPN.com news services The other shoe dropped in Pittsburgh on Thursday -- and fears that the Penguins are playing their last season in the Steel City were legitimized when team owner Mario Lemieux said the team is no longer for sale and will look outside Pennsylvania for a new home while continuing to seek a new arena in Pittsburgh. "Recent developments, including yesterday's decision by the [state gaming control board] and the recent termination of the purchase agreement by Jim Balsillie, have convinced us that it is time to take control of our own destiny," Lemieux said in a statement. "Accordingly, starting [Thursday], the team is off the market, and we will begin to explore relocation options in cities outside Pennsylvania." The team had lobbied for Isle of Capri Casinos to be granted a license to operate slot machines in Pittsburgh, as the developer had pledged to build a new arena at no cost to the Penguins to replace 45-year-old Mellon Arena. But the board instead awarded the license to Detroit-based casino developer Don H. Barden's PITG Gaming. Barden's group proposes building a casino and entertainment development on the city's North Shore, near Heinz Field and PNC Park -- a plan the Steelers and Pirates both strongly opposed. "After seven years of trying to work out a new arena deal exclusively in Pittsburgh, we need to take into consideration the long-term viability of the team and begin discussions with other cities that may be interested in NHL teams," Lemieux said in the statement. The Isle of Capri rejection came only five days after Balsillie unexpectedly pulled out of his $175 million deal to buy the franchise, apparently because the NHL wanted him to commit to not moving the Penguins. Balsillie had been expected to close on the deal late last week.
Posts: 55,310