There was a great interview on 810 yesterday with former councilman Dan Tarwater, who was part of the negotiating team for the new leases back in 2006.
Apparently the Chiefs had an offer on the table from San Antonio, and the Royals were being offered $300M from MLB to contract and just go away.
During the negotiations, the Royals wanted an amphitheater first, then a spinning scoreboard, finally persuaded to do the outfield upgrades that have been such a success. Listening to the interview, it does not sound like the Royal's leadership was very strong. And yet, they were able to get what they wanted... maybe on the backs of the Chiefs? Dan says the two ownership groups did not get along, and from what Dan says it was quite dicey in 2006.
I get the feeling listening to this, and looking at what Sherman said today, KC residents will be in the same situation this coming year... build us a stadium, or we have to look at our options. The Chiefs have shown a commitment to winning, oh heck... of being competitive. I'd have no problem spending on a team that is revitalizing civic pride and getting attention for the city nation wide. The Royals though, other than for a few fluke years, have not shown much of a commitment to anything.
Is it time to cut bait and call the Royals bluff? Or do you hold your nose and build the stadium and wish and hope for the best?
Apparently the Chiefs had an offer on the table from San Antonio, and the Royals were being offered $300M from MLB to contract and just go away.
During the negotiations, the Royals wanted an amphitheater first, then a spinning scoreboard, finally persuaded to do the outfield upgrades that have been such a success. Listening to the interview, it does not sound like the Royal's leadership was very strong. And yet, they were able to get what they wanted... maybe on the backs of the Chiefs? Dan says the two ownership groups did not get along, and from what Dan says it was quite dicey in 2006.
I get the feeling listening to this, and looking at what Sherman said today, KC residents will be in the same situation this coming year... build us a stadium, or we have to look at our options. The Chiefs have shown a commitment to winning, oh heck... of being competitive. I'd have no problem spending on a team that is revitalizing civic pride and getting attention for the city nation wide. The Royals though, other than for a few fluke years, have not shown much of a commitment to anything.
Is it time to cut bait and call the Royals bluff? Or do you hold your nose and build the stadium and wish and hope for the best?
