Minor League hockey or no?
We’ve been getting a ton of email regarding the Chops and minor league sports in Des Moines overall.
James wrote in:
This really pisses me off!
I have had so much fun ever since AHL hockey was brought to Des Moines. I loved the Chops this year. It was a lot more fun to watch than the Stars and it was unreal to see the increase in fans and promotions. I cannot believe an ownership group could let this happen. Sure maybe you are hurt for cash, but show good faith and make some form of payments or have something set up. Don’t let it get to THIS POINT! My question is why the hell are the terms of the lease so unmanagable? Why have something that no one can make money off of? What is the point? If this is truly the case than polk county could care less about professional hockey in DSM, which makes no sense since they obviously appear to want it forcing the 2014 stipulation.
Since it appears that Polk County wants a team, why don’t they come to terms with a new lease/agreement that lowers expenses and makes this a reality? Why not have a meeting with some potential local owners and throw out whatever was written and start fresh and make the Iowa Chops with local ownership a reality? I just don’t understand why they would arrange this so it was bound to fail unless you were Warren Buffet and could care less about how much money it took to run… Is this a possibility Marty?
From Nic
Unfortunately, I don’t see any team other than the I-Cubs surviving here in the long run. Has anyone else noticed that we can’t land any big name concerts here anymore, either (aka Springsteen, Joel/John, Diamond)? I’ve been to a couple I-Cubs games when the weather has been beautiful and they are suffering as well, despite the great promotions.
As far as minor league sports, the Iowa Cubs are the gold standard. The Cubs are extremely successful, but they have a track record and a sweetheart deal with the city.
Is it too hard for new teams to financially make it? Should the county be more concerned with having people in the building and rather than making money?
I am not one to stand up for the County Supervisors, but they did do a pretty good job protecting the community making sure we wouldn’t get burned on the arena and tenants, but have they pushed the line too far in our favor, making it nearly impossible to keep teams at the Well?
What are your thoughts on Minor League sports and Wells Fargo – make money or make sure teams fill the arena?
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