Harsh? Maybe, but I’ve had it with the cyclical propaganda regarding this city and a potential NFL, MLB, or NHL franchise putting down roots in the “Rose City.” From the Breakers to the Pride, Rage to the Forest Dragons, LumberJax to the Pythons, we’ve had every minor-league wannabe pitch a tent in this town looking to be the next big thing. Indoor soccer … sure. Roller hockey … why not? Professional lacrosse … what the hell? If they play it, and you’ve never heard of it, Portland has or will have it. What they won’t have is the Montreal Expos, Florida Marlins, Pittsburgh Penguins or Oakland Raiders, all teams rumored to at one time be up-for-grabs for a city willing to commit the resources necessary to be a player in the world of “big boy sports,” and in our case: Franchises more-than-happy to use us as the soon-to-be loser, necessary to hold the eventual winner ransom.
Recently, a member of our local media suggested Portland could be a potential landing spot for an Oakland Raiders franchise rumored to be on the move. At first glance, one would think, why not? They’re somewhat tied to the region due to geographical proximity, Portland’s shown interest in the past with stadium proposals like the Delta Dome, and with the 22nd ranked media market in the country, “Rip City’s” prime for a 2nd “major” (Sorry Timbers) that’s been eluding the city since the Trail Blazers arrived more than 40 years ago. However, in spite of significant interest from sports fans across the state, the city that prides itself on staying “weird,” remains hesitant to commit to something outside the box.
Portland is small-time. I live here and I know it to be true. We like to compare ourselves to Seattle and scoff at the notion of the little brother status they consider us to be, but they’re bigger than we are, more widely known than we are, and have people willing to take the necessary chances to import the things they want, from the people like us who can’t make it work.
Seattle lost its NBA franchise. They didn’t do so due to lack of support, but rather due to a reluctance to fund a stadium deal that didn’t make economic sense. Since then, they’ve had an independent investor – in collaboration with city officials – willing to do his share in constructing an arena, as part of a process designed to bring an NBA and NHL franchise to the Emerald City. It makes sense. The NBA has acknowledged their mistake in letting the Sonics escape town, and the NHL has long wanted to get a franchise in the Northwest to couple with Vancouver.
So why can’t Portland do the same? Because Portland lacks the leadership necessary to sell a project of this size, the creativity required for a viable plan worthy of convincing public support, and the attitude you need in-order to sell what you have to offer to franchises looking for a new home.
The NFL and Major League Baseball have teams looking to make moves, but those teams need stadiums and this city is more concerned with preserving a relatively useless relic (Memorial Coliseum), rather than erecting a building capable of housing teams of modern times.
I’d love an NFL or MLB franchise. I’ve little interest in the NHL, but would be interested in an NHL franchise in Portland. And more than anything, I’d love city and state officials who’d get behind the idea of growth. I get excited when talk of another major sports franchise coming to Portland sparks-up; I can’t help it. But I also understand the climate surrounding the necessities to make it happen, and equally understand we lack those very same necessities.
Raiders to Portland? I’m in, but it’s 1-in-a-million, and not even Lloyd Christmas thinks there’s a chance.
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