Now that I know you did not mean to cause a stir I feel much calmer. The original quotes I found in the earlier were reason for concern. I'm glad those concerns are put to rest.
You are right about those hersay reports on Silent Stan. Fact of the matter is not even the ones writing them know what's really going on. All we can do is rely on the few facts we have. Gov. Jay Nixon coming out and outlining key guidelines to what the Rams are looking for in this new stadium is big news compared to the virtually non-existant news we've had in the not so distant past.
A civil conversation is hard to find on this topic. But if we can stick to the facts, like this outline by Jay Nixon (Closest thing we got), it can be accomplished if we know where to draw the line. It truly is a fine line. It's easy to cross and understandable in your case. But we'll have many more facts to go off of much sooner than later, according to our Gov. That will add value to our observations.
I'm good, just felt the need to spread that message. I go on other boards and grow weary of the all the emotianal speculation that only add confusion, ultimately. This is a safe haven to me.
I agree - we have posters from LA, posters from STL - and posters from all over, each with their own agendas. I'm from STL, so obviously I'd like the NFL here; emotionally, the Rams. I have family in CA - my son goes to grad school in San Diego - so understand the desire for the NFL in LA as well.
I think Bernie Micklasz is a good barometer for the status of the Rams in STL, and to a lesser extent, in the NFL. Bernie originally is from Baltimore, so is familiar with a "regional" city similar to STL. He also had a very close relationship with the Rams during the GSOT years; in my opinion is a little bit harsh in his assessment of Jeff Fisher, and of Stan Kroenke. We simply don't know where Kroenke stands, or his status in the NFL. With all that as background, I do think his recent articles show significant movement on the STL front, as well as on the NFL front. It's not the "same old, same old" - I hope. These are the new developments, in my opinion:
1. Whatever the politics of Jay Nixon, his involvement is big. STL is on the edge of MO, with the Chiefs on the opposite edge; Mizzou has had a successful transfer into the SEC; and much of the state simply doesn't care whether the Rams are in STL or not. There's a contentious relationship between the City on one side, somewhat STL County on another side, and the rest of the state even less interested than the County.
2. No new tax initiatives is big, particularly because of #1, above.
3. Involvement of the former head of Anheuser-Busch is huge; particularly in light of the recent public perception problems the NFL has had with domestic violence. They do not want to alienate their sponsors; nor do they want to breach the tenuous relationship they have with their fans. I don't think the NFL simply wishes to be seen as wealthy carpetbaggers; leaving STL a second time in about 25 years has consequences that I don't think the NFL wants right now.
4. Early action - artist's renderings and the like by January - is big. I think Rams fans are optimistic about the next few years, but that was true in 2014 as well; the Bradford injury and slow start by the defense took a major toll. Stan Kroenke may not want to talk, but STL and the NFL may force his hand.
5. Timing of further redevelopment downtown is ideal. STL is in the opening stages of its City-Arch-River redevelopment. Briefly, when the Arch was built in the mid-1960s, it was typical of the era; separated from downtown by an Interstate Highway just a block or two to the West. That's being rectified; the new Stan Musial Bridge on I-70 and development of green space over the existing highway, to make an unbroken flow from downtown to the Arch and the River - is well on its way to completion. A new Stadium near the existing Dome would be a great addition to that project.
6. In my opinion, ownership of the Dome is less significant to an NFL owner than is ownership of concessions, and particularly, ownership of parking. When the Dome first opened, there were prime locations for tailgating, etc.; subsequently lost because of a new casino, new hotel, etc. I think some major open space near the new stadium, made available to the Rams for parking/tailgating, would both improve their revenues, and improve the fan experience.
7. I also think recent recognition that LA may not be the land of milk and honey for the NFL is significant, as well. Sure, the NFL should be there; but it's not an easy sports town. And yes, the value of the Rams is increased in LA - but mostly when the franchise is sold; I'm hoping Stan Kroenke has no current interest in selling, so that's a less significant factor.
I do think that these are new developments; should be an interesting off season.
