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(03-15-2013 01:28 PM)mixduptransistor Wrote:  

(03-15-2013 01:22 PM)GreenHornet33 Wrote:  

(03-15-2013 01:15 PM)mixduptransistor Wrote:  The project Bell is talking about will be at the BJCC--they have all the money and the land. I wouldn't say it won't happen, because the city raised taxes for the project (and I think possibly the county too?) and all that money has been piling up. Since they raised the original funding source and the project got put on hold, I think they had raised like $300 million. If the city wants to build a new stadium, that's fine. The Magic City Classic and SWAC Championship needs a venue for the day that Legion Field collapses.

None of this is Blazer Related, though. UAB should still build its own stadium regardless of what the city does (unless the city builds a 30-35k seat open air stadium south of 1st Ave)

With the BOT and they way they treat UAB, if the MPF is built then you can kiss the OCS good-bye.

If UAB can come up with a funding plan that doesn't take money away from academics, and has attendance at Legion Field to back it up instead of (fair and accurate yet ignored) projections, then it won't matter what the Board says.

Whats the chances of UAB breaking away from the University of Alabama system? I know that a few schools have done this in the past.

Much of the money was spent to build the new Westin hotel and the Baron's ballpark. Also, 40-50K is the best size. In terms of events that exceed that total, since the tickets would be in more demand increased ticket prices would resolve that issue and still allow the same amount of money to be made. UAB using a facility off campus still limits monies UAB could make from parking, suites, concessions, etc. So, UAB's ability to pay for an OCS would not change. The same conditions would still apply. The only caveat would be the BOT being in a stronger position to deny it.

I too believe anything less than 65K is too small. I concern is when will the city replace the BJCC its old considering today's standards.

The city desperately needs to build the MPF. They've shown they can successfully complete game changing projects such as the Baron's stadium and the Westin Hotel. Now take the next step.

The MPF would bring in a ton of money. Most of the activity comes in the form of conventions that Bham currently can't bid on b/c of our lack of space. Basically you build a convention center and throw some seats around it to also host sporting events and concerts. I could see the SEC basketball tournament, CUSA bball tournament, Regional Final in the NCAA tourny, etc.

Wonder what would happen to the BJCC Arena space if the MPF became a reality.

(03-15-2013 01:45 PM)hooverblazer Wrote:  The city desperately needs to build the MPF. They've shown they can successfully complete game changing projects such as the Baron's stadium and the Westin Hotel. Now take the next step.

The MPF would bring in a ton of money. Most of the activity comes in the form of conventions that Bham currently can't bid on b/c of our lack of space. Basically you build a convention center and throw some seats around it to also host sporting events and concerts. I could see the SEC basketball tournament, CUSA bball tournament, Regional Final in the NCAA tourny, etc.

Wonder what would happen to the BJCC Arena space if the MPF became a reality.

Good question! I wonder the same thing too!

The BJCC would still be used for smaller events. Boutwell didn't disappear when the BJCC was built.

(03-15-2013 01:31 PM)GreenHornet33 Wrote:  Whats the chances of UAB breaking away from the University of Alabama system? I know that a few schools have done this in the past.

Zero. I wouldn't be in favor of it anyway.

(03-15-2013 01:38 PM)WesternBlazer Wrote:  Much of the money was spent to build the new Westin hotel and the Baron's ballpark. Also, 40-50K is the best size. In terms of events that exceed that total, since the tickets would be in more demand increased ticket prices would resolve that issue and still allow the same amount of money to be made. UAB using a facility off campus still limits monies UAB could make from parking, suites, concessions, etc. So, UAB's ability to pay for an OCS would not change. The same conditions would still apply. The only caveat would be the BOT being in a stronger position to deny it.

Regions Field was built using a dedicated tax that was passed, not the BJCC tax that was increased several years ago. I'm sure they plowed some of the dome money into the hotel, but they were very close to having the money when Leapin' Larry was around, and that money hasn't gone anywhere (the hotel was part of the dome plan anyway)

They have used the "dome tax" to fund every day services. It's why the economic downturn didn't leave them flat broke.

(03-15-2013 01:45 PM)hooverblazer Wrote:  The city desperately needs to build the MPF. They've shown they can successfully complete game changing projects such as the Baron's stadium and the Westin Hotel. Now take the next step.

The MPF would bring in a ton of money. Most of the activity comes in the form of conventions that Bham currently can't bid on b/c of our lack of space. Basically you build a convention center and throw some seats around it to also host sporting events and concerts. I could see the SEC basketball tournament, CUSA bball tournament, Regional Final in the NCAA tourny, etc.

Wonder what would happen to the BJCC Arena space if the MPF became a reality.

And the CrossPlex which has been a great success despite being the most criticized city investment.

So, during the time when folks were saying the city could not build the MPF Bham has built the CrossPlex, The Westin, and the Barons ballpark (at a total cost of about $150 million?).

(03-15-2013 01:31 PM)GreenHornet33 Wrote:  

(03-15-2013 01:28 PM)mixduptransistor Wrote:  

(03-15-2013 01:22 PM)GreenHornet33 Wrote:  

(03-15-2013 01:15 PM)mixduptransistor Wrote:  The project Bell is talking about will be at the BJCC--they have all the money and the land. I wouldn't say it won't happen, because the city raised taxes for the project (and I think possibly the county too?) and all that money has been piling up. Since they raised the original funding source and the project got put on hold, I think they had raised like $300 million. If the city wants to build a new stadium, that's fine. The Magic City Classic and SWAC Championship needs a venue for the day that Legion Field collapses.

None of this is Blazer Related, though. UAB should still build its own stadium regardless of what the city does (unless the city builds a 30-35k seat open air stadium south of 1st Ave)

With the BOT and they way they treat UAB, if the MPF is built then you can kiss the OCS good-bye.

If UAB can come up with a funding plan that doesn't take money away from academics, and has attendance at Legion Field to back it up instead of (fair and accurate yet ignored) projections, then it won't matter what the Board says.

Whats the chances of UAB breaking away from the University of Alabama system? I know that a few schools have done this in the past.

All we'd have to do is get some of the most powerful men in the state to agree to give up their money and power. Then we'd have to get it past a an Alabama legislature full of graduates of UA Law.

Don't hold your breath.

(03-15-2013 01:50 PM)BeliefBlazer Wrote:  They have used the "dome tax" to fund every day services. It's why the economic downturn didn't leave them flat broke.

The BJCC has a lot of cash socked away from what I've heard. I suspect that the funding can be had if the project does go forward.

I just hate to see us stuck in someone else's dome instead of our own OCS where we belong. Campus experience trumps and advantage gained from the dome, although just getting out of Lesion Field is very tempting.

(03-15-2013 01:18 PM)jthrashr Wrote:  With the new MPF, Bartow Arena, The BJCC, and an OCS, Birmingham will be ready to host the Olympics.

Ulterior motives... I see what you did there... You forgot the Crossplex.

(03-15-2013 01:31 PM)GreenHornet33 Wrote:  

(03-15-2013 01:28 PM)mixduptransistor Wrote:  

(03-15-2013 01:22 PM)GreenHornet33 Wrote:  

(03-15-2013 01:15 PM)mixduptransistor Wrote:  The project Bell is talking about will be at the BJCC--they have all the money and the land. I wouldn't say it won't happen, because the city raised taxes for the project (and I think possibly the county too?) and all that money has been piling up. Since they raised the original funding source and the project got put on hold, I think they had raised like $300 million. If the city wants to build a new stadium, that's fine. The Magic City Classic and SWAC Championship needs a venue for the day that Legion Field collapses.

None of this is Blazer Related, though. UAB should still build its own stadium regardless of what the city does (unless the city builds a 30-35k seat open air stadium south of 1st Ave)

With the BOT and they way they treat UAB, if the MPF is built then you can kiss the OCS good-bye.

If UAB can come up with a funding plan that doesn't take money away from academics, and has attendance at Legion Field to back it up instead of (fair and accurate yet ignored) projections, then it won't matter what the Board says.

Whats the chances of UAB breaking away from the University of Alabama system? I know that a few schools have done this in the past.

Never will happen unless we fill the Alabama legislature with UAB grads. UAB is the cash cow of the U of A system. Lose UAB and money for all the improvements for the Tuscaloosa campus dries up. Oh we also have the medical school campus which the BoT will never let go.

I approve of smaller stadiums.

Scarcity is a good thing. It's always better to sell out events. It means people will pay more per ticket later.

There are already many larger facilities-- making a smaller facility can make it more versatile.

(03-15-2013 02:23 PM)UAB Band Dad Wrote:  

(03-15-2013 01:50 PM)BeliefBlazer Wrote:  They have used the "dome tax" to fund every day services. It's why the economic downturn didn't leave them flat broke.

The BJCC has a lot of cash socked away from what I've heard. I suspect that the funding can be had if the project does go forward.

I just hate to see us stuck in someone else's dome instead of our own OCS where we belong. Campus experience trumps and advantage gained from the dome, although just getting out of Lesion Field is very tempting.

My view is that the MPF needs to be built regardless of its sports potential for ANY team. Only a few of those 200+ events that are held annually in the GA Dome are at all sports related. There would be plenty of them to go around. I would favor a MPF that had the capacity to seat 65,00 to 70,000 because that is a good size for the future of the facility for ALL its uses. I doubt the GA MPF being built to replace the GA Dome by 2017 is going to be any smaller in capability. They build for the future - and so should B'ham.

The existence of the B'ham MPF would only affect our OCS if #1-UAB can't get a favorable vote from the BOT to build our own OCS before the MPF is completed, and #2 - the city makes a very attractive "sweetheart deal" to get UAB to play in it when completed. Remember- Under present NCAA rules, after UAB builds its OCS, it can not have recruits come to the MPF for "official visits" if we should ever play a game there.

In other words, over 90% of the reasons to build both are independent of building the other.

(03-15-2013 03:07 PM)BAMANBLAZERFAN Wrote:  

(03-15-2013 02:23 PM)UAB Band Dad Wrote:  

(03-15-2013 01:50 PM)BeliefBlazer Wrote:  They have used the "dome tax" to fund every day services. It's why the economic downturn didn't leave them flat broke.

The BJCC has a lot of cash socked away from what I've heard. I suspect that the funding can be had if the project does go forward.

I just hate to see us stuck in someone else's dome instead of our own OCS where we belong. Campus experience trumps and advantage gained from the dome, although just getting out of Lesion Field is very tempting.

My view is that the MPF needs to be built regardless of its sports potential for ANY team. Only a few of those 200+ events that are held annually in the GA Dome are at all sports related. There would be plenty of them to go around. I would favor a MPF that had the capacity to seat 65,00 to 70,000 because that is a good size for the future of the facility for ALL its uses. I doubt the GA MPF being built to replace the GA Dome by 2017 is going to be any smaller in capability. They build for the future - and so should B'ham.

The existence of the B'ham MPF would only affect our OCS if #1-UAB can't get a favorable vote from the BOT to build our own OCS before the MPF is completed, and #2 - the city makes a very attractive "sweetheart deal" to get UAB to play in it when completed. Remember- Under present NCAA rules, after UAB builds its OCS, it can not have recruits come to the MPF for "official visits" if we should ever play a game there.

In other words, over 90% of the reasons to build both are independent of building the other.

yep

A convention space would be a cash cow for the city of Birmingham. Nashville had a convention space and is finishing a state of the art larger convention center to hold conventions that could not come to Nashville previously.

(03-15-2013 01:50 PM)BeliefBlazer Wrote:  They have used the "dome tax" to fund every day services. It's why the economic downturn didn't leave them flat broke.

I read an article on al.com that said this as well. The business license fee increase and the sales tax increase ended up going to fund normal gov't. Now if the economy turns around over the next couple of years then maybe those funds to return to being earmarked for their original purpose.

The Baron's stadium was funded by an increase in the hotel tax.

IF B'ham is prevented from building its "state of the art" MPF until all surrounding competitor cities have finished building theirs, then the "RAPS" people will have won the "war".

It is just like in the lottery field - Alabama has remained without for so long now that it may be of dubious value to get into it this late in the game. Now EVERY contiguous state has either casinos or lotteries or both well established ( while using sizable Alabama citizen's contributions) to feed their budgetary "kitty" while ours is in danger of perishing from hunger.

Of course, Alabama can claim to have three casinos in south Alabama, but these are operating under Federal law and pay ZERO state taxes. For PR reasons, they do make occasional voluntary contributions to various charitable causes within the state, but these don't even begin to approach what they would pay to the state if they were operating under a regulatory state law. I saw where the state AG Luther Strange asked the Indian casinos to not use any slot machines that were illegal in Alabama (the kind he had seized at Victoryland). They somehow refrained from openly laughing in his face.

Maybe he can sell those seized machines to the Indian casinos - like President Reagan sold those TOW missiles to Iran for $42 million - so they won't be a total loss to the state.

Here is a snapshot of why the City of Birmingham is like it is today.

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2013/03/birm...er_default

Quote:Birmingham Mayor William Bell's renewed call to build a domed stadium has surprised several City Council members...

The mayor's public statements irritated and puzzled a few council members back in Birmingham.

Councilman Steven Hoyt panned Bell's announcement as a "dog and pony show" designed to grab attention and headlines rather than a serious plan for development...

Further, Hoyt was insulted that Bell had not spoken to the council before making his bold statements while out of town.

How could they possibly be surprised? I have personally known the dome project was back on the radar for over 6 weeks (Feb. 7). The Birmingham Business Journal even reported on it around then (way to go Al.com/Bham News - scooped by 6 weeks!), so it wasn't exactly being kept secret.

Until those jokers learn to open their eyes and pay attention to what's going on outside of their office, nothing will ever improve. It's days like today that I am thankful I don't live within the city limits of Birmingham.

Now, if we could just get the ball rolling again to create Cahaba County so we can get out of Jefferson...

(03-18-2013 09:39 AM)blazerjay Wrote:  Here is a snapshot of why the City of Birmingham is like it is today.

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2013/03/birm...er_default

Now, if we could just get the ball rolling again to create Cahaba County so we can get out of Jefferson...

Would that be "WHITE FLIGHT, VOL#2"

Actually, since all 67 counties were established before there were any paved roads between any state cities, a redesign of the whole county system is a good thing in light of paved roads, electronic communications and other "new fangled" inventions. There might be massive cost of operations savings all over the state since we are in the midst of "streamlining" functions of state government.