Pens to Houston? Lemieux and others to visit this week.

Rack Fu · Post by **Rack Fu** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 1:36 pm

I'd like to see it but for obvious selfish reasons.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4490532.html

Jan. 23, 2007, 5:03AM
Lemieux to visit, assess
NHL's Penguins exploring a move; Alexander mum

By JONATHAN FEIGEN
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

NHL legend Mario Lemieux is expected to lead a delegation from the Pittsburgh Penguins to visit Houston and Toyota Center this week, according to an individual expected to be part of the talks.

Lemieux, the Penguins owner and a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, said in December that the franchise, whose lease expires after this season, would "explore relocation offers in cities outside Pennsylvania."

Tad Brown, CEO of the Rockets and Clutch City Sports and Entertainment, which operates Toyota Center, would not describe talks, if any, with the Penguins. Rockets owner Leslie Alexander would not comment.

"We look forward to seeing them if they're here," Brown said. "We'll show them how great a city Houston is and how great Toyota Center is."

Pittsburgh (21-17-8 ) is in third place in the NHL's Atlantic Division, and the Penguins are considered a team on the rise because of a pair of young stars — centers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

Janis Schmees, executive director of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, said she had heard talk of a visit by Penguins officials this week but that the Sports Authority was not involved and that it would be handled by Mayor Bill White's office.

But Schmees did tell the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review there have been "preliminary discussions" about the team's visiting Houston.

"We will work with the mayor's office on this," she said.

Lemieux, in Dallas for the NHL's All-Star Game this week, would not comment about a visit to Houston.

Alexander has said he would like to own an NHL team in Houston and has met on several occasions with potential investors.

The Penguins, whose lease at Mellon Arena expires June 30, had reached an agreement with Isle of Capri Casino through which they would work together to try to win Pittsburgh's only slots parlor license, with Isle of Capri offering to build the Penguins an arena if awarded the slots license.

When Isle of Capri did not win the license last month, the arena plan fell through, too, and Lemieux and co-owner Ronald Burkle began considering options around the country, receiving an offer from Kansas City, Mo., to move the team to Sprint Center.

Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania officials have met with Lemieux and Burkle to try to form an arena plan, but talks bogged down.

"I heard it wasn't very good," Lemieux told the Tribune-Review on Monday in Dallas. "Our people were offended and very disappointed. Now, as always, we have to go out and explore our options. Once we find a deal we like, we'll sign it up."

Alexander's interest has seemed to be to own a team, but the Penguins have been for sale in the past. Canadian businessman Jim Balsillie pulled out of an offer, expected to be worth roughly $175 million, to buy the team in December when the NHL required that the deal be contingent on the Penguins' remaining in Pittsburgh.

That was before the Isle of Capri deal fell through, and NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly has since said the league would not stand in the way if the team does not have an arena deal in Pittsburgh and moves.

Daly said a decision could come in two to three weeks.

The Assassin · Post by **The Assassin** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 10:04 pm

Why our mayor isnt on the phone with Lemieux and co scheduling a visit is beyond me.

at least SHOW some interest dammit!

Shoalzie · Post by **Shoalzie** » Thu Jan 25, 2007 12:42 am

The Wings likely to the East if the Pens move West...

http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article? ... 40381/1053

Truman · Post by **Truman** » Thu Jan 25, 2007 3:52 am

Well, duh. One would hope that the NHL Board of Governors could solve time zones. Er... But then again...

The Latest from the Oliver Stone Conspiracy Theory Crowd:

While Houston is certainly attractive to the Pens (fourth largest U.S. television market, HUGE local Fortune 500 presence), the City and the Toyota Center cannot hope to match the offer presented by Kansas City and the Sprint Center without pissing off the NBA Rockets. Look for the Pens to sign a one year extension to stay at the Mellon Center while the City of Pittsburgh gets its collective shit together...

That said...

WAR Hoping Pittsburgh steps on its crank and the Pens move here!

Shoalzie · Post by **Shoalzie** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 7:42 pm

Looks like the Pens might be staying in Pittsburgh after all...

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsbu ... 95948.html

Rack Fu · Post by **Rack Fu** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 3:51 am

Or maybe not...

PITTSBURGH -- Gov. Ed Rendell says he will turn to the National Hockey League to prevent the Pittsburgh Penguins from moving, one day after the team said it had reached an impasse in negotiations with state, county and local officials to finance a new arena.

"The governor believes we have put an exceptionally attractive offer on the table," according to a statement released by Rendell's office. Later in the day, Rendell told reporters, "If they don't take it, we're going to be up in New York asking the NHL to bar the Penguins from moving."

On Monday, the Penguins said they will actively pursue relocation and blamed government officials for failing to cut a new arena deal.

Owners Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle said the team has agreed to pay $120 million over 30 years toward a new $290 million arena and to cover any cost overruns.

The Penguins' lease at 46-year-old Mellon Arena, the oldest arena in the league, expires June 30. The Penguins have repeatedly said they may move the team, or sell it to someone who would move it, if no deal for a new arena is in place by then.

Officials in Kansas City have offered the Penguins free rent and half of all revenues if they agree to play in the soon-to-be-completed $262 million Sprint Center.

Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said he believes it is in the team's best interest to stay in Pittsburgh and said a deal can be reached despite the team's frustration with negotiations so far.

Ana Ng · Post by **Ana Ng** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 6:25 pm

What's their home game attendance figures right about now? I watch a couple of their home games every couple of weeks, and it seems as though their attendance is low (considering what they have in Crosby and Malkin). Maybe I just happen to catch the crowd when their all out buying licorice rope, or peeing into troughs? Any city would be lucky to have these guys, IMHO. It'd be nice to see them stay in PA for sentimental reasons, but this has got to be taking it's toll on Mario?

What a mess.

Tom In VA · Post by **Tom In VA** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 6:35 pm

It's unreal going to a Caps vs. Pens game. The arena is filled with ...... Pens fans.

D.C. is an interesting area there's D.C. team bars and Pittsburgh team bars. That being said ..... and this hurts ....

Move the Caps to Houston.

Move the Pens here.

We're like Pittsburgh East as it is.

Ana Ng · Post by **Ana Ng** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 6:45 pm

Tom In VA wrote:It's unreal going to a Caps vs. Pens game. The arena is filled with ...... Pens fans.

D.C. is an interesting area there's D.C. team bars and Pittsburgh team bars. That being said ..... and this hurts ....

Move the Caps to Houston.

Move the Pens here.

We're like Pittsburgh East as it is.

This season, Ovechkin v. Crosby was supposed to be the big ticket. Did you happen to catch the game in Dec.?

I believe they're gonna be there in a few weeks again too, eh?

I fuggin' hate it out here in WA.

Tom In VA · Post by **Tom In VA** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 6:55 pm

December was a bad and busy month so I didn't catch much of anything, save through the news and such.

I'll be able to catch them the last week in March. I've been happy with the "human highlight reel" Ovechkin, but I have to admit it's been tough getting back into hockey since the strike and the wholesale dumping of a lot the players I used to respect and admire. I'm still learning the new people after what, two-three years ?

Shoalzie · Post by **Shoalzie** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 7:16 pm

cinderella_undercover wrote:What's their home game attendance figures right about now? I watch a couple of their home games every couple of weeks, and it seems as though their attendance is low (considering what they have in Crosby and Malkin). Maybe I just happen to catch the crowd when their all out buying licorice rope, or peeing into troughs? Any city would be lucky to have these guys, IMHO. It'd be nice to see them stay in PA for sentimental reasons, but this has got to be taking it's toll on Mario?

What a mess.

According to ESPN.com, so take it for what it's worth...through 32 home dates, the Pens are averaging 95.7% attendance...16,225 per night. They are second to the Rangers in road attendance at 95.6%.

Last season at home, they averaged 93.2% or 15,804 per night and were 20th in road attendance at 91.3%.

Ana Ng · Post by **Ana Ng** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 7:36 pm

Shoalzie wrote:

According to ESPN.com, so take it for what it's worth...through 32 home dates, the Pens are averaging 95.7% attendance...16,225 per night. They are second to the Rangers in road attendance at 95.6%.

Last season at home, they averaged 93.2% or 15,804 per night and were 20th in road attendance at 91.3%.

Thanks for finding that! Hahaha. I looked all over for some attendance stats.

And yeah, "Ranger fan" is all over the place. My husband's a huge "Ranger guy"......dude's a glutton for punishment.

(like I'm one to talk....cough cough cough Kings fan cough cough)

Ken · Post by **Ken** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 8:49 pm

The Pens attendence is NOT the issue here. It's the lack of luxury boxes in what is now the most outdated arena in the league. The Pens have no trouble filling seats. Hell, they've had 15 or so sellouts (shut up, leaf fan).

... and yes, this IS taking a toll on Mario. I cna't imagine his frustration. He's made it clear to the city/county/state government for several years now that they will require a new arena to stay in the 'burgh. So, what does gov't do?

Well, they lubed up their assholes and bent over backwards, errrrr.... forwards for the Pirates and then the Stillers. All the while, pretty much ignoring the Pens. There has been AMPLE time to get a plan together... or in the very least, open a line of communication between them and the ownership group leading up to this year. Naaaah, the fucktards suckle the Rooney's limp dicks... 'cuz the Stillers ARE the 'burgh. Satiate idiot, Stiller fan and you've got it made.

Well, now they're coming to the realization that hey... there's gonna be a lot of pissed Pens fans. Time to act like the Pens have been our priority for a couple years! Fucking idiots. Mayor Ravenstahl? Bwhaaaa. This dude stepped in to the mayorship last year after the sudden death of the then current mayor. Guy is about 30-35 yrs. old and I'm not convinced that he could negotiate his way out of a wet paper bag. He has shown no leadership in this venture, but acted like he carried the big stick.

Asshole.

Oh, and Governor Rendell, Councilman Dan Onorato, and the entire populace of this shithole city...

Fuck you too.

Tom In VA · Post by **Tom In VA** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 8:55 pm

Nice rant and movie reset.

RACK

Ana Ng · Post by **Ana Ng** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 9:22 pm

I can't imagine how frustrating it must be for "Pittsburgh fan" actually residing IN Pittsburgh? Cripes!

That's a class organization with Mario's involvement, and if I were a Pens fan, I'd follow him just about anywhere.

If they DO in fact, move.......they couldn't have found a better man to sell the sport than Crosby. (upside)

Bizzarofelice · Post by **Bizzarofelice** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 9:36 pm

Shoalzie wrote:The Wings likely to the East if the Pens move West...

UNWAR UNWAR UNWAR UNWAR UNWAR UNWAR UNWAR UNWAR fucking take Nashville or some other rookie franchise.

War Wagon · Post by **War Wagon** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 11:13 pm

Ken wrote:The Pens attendence is NOT the issue here. It's the lack of luxury boxes in what is now the most outdated arena in the league.

All of your hockey team belongeth to us.

62 Luxury boxes that are already sold out, and the place doesn't even open until October.

Sucks to be YOU, Pittsburgh.

Muwhahahahaha

Ana Ng · Post by **Ana Ng** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 11:23 pm

War Wagon wrote:
All of your hockey team belongeth to us.

62 Luxury boxes that are already sold out, and the place doesn't even open until October.

Sucks to be YOU, Pittsburgh.

Muwhahahahaha

It's like taking Scarlett Johanssen to your work Christmas party, dressed in a GORGEOUS Versace dress, and picking her up in your 1987 "Le Car".

Bummer.

Shoalzie · Post by **Shoalzie** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 11:53 pm

Vegas back in the discussion...

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=a ... &type=lgns

War Wagon · Post by **War Wagon** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 12:02 am

cinderella_undercover wrote: It's like taking Scarlett Johanssen to your work Christmas party, dressed in a GORGEOUS Versace dress, and picking her up in your 1987 "Le Car".

Bummer.

How so?

Ana Ng · Post by **Ana Ng** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 12:28 am

War Wagon wrote:
cinderella_undercover wrote: It's like taking Scarlett Johanssen to your work Christmas party, dressed in a GORGEOUS Versace dress, and picking her up in your 1987 "Le Car".

Bummer.
How so?

You're not gonna get me to say "because it's in K.C.".....so go on 'wit yo bad self. (I'm clearly just "baiting" you now)

Didn't K.C. already HAVE a team that they couldn't keep though? (I think I was like, 1 y.o. during the "Scouts" first season)

War Wagon · Post by **War Wagon** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 12:46 am

cinderella_undercover wrote: You're not gonna get me to say "because it's in K.C.".....so go on 'wit you bad self. (I'm clearly just "baiting" you now)

I figured you were too sharp for that, but I had to try. You passed that test.

Didn't K.C. already HAVE a team that they couldn't keep though? (I think I was like, 1 y.o. during the "Scouts" first season)

Yep, and they also had the NBA Kings and lost them too. I'm still pissed about that.

Big difference now is that they won't be playing in Kemper Arena located in the fucking stock yards in the West Bottoms. Whoever decided it'd be a good idea to build a sports venue in a freaking industrial area should've been tarred, feathered, and sent packing.

The Sprint Center will be located downtown, where there's about a $Bazillion being invested towards revitalizing the entire urban core.

KC can and will support a NHL franchise. Same with an NBA team, when and if the opportunity arises.

KC Scott · Post by **KC Scott** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 3:17 am

Wags, why don't you and Cind..... errr uhh - Get a Room :D

Ana Ng · Post by **Ana Ng** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 3:28 am

KC Scott wrote:Wags, why don't you and Cind..... errr uhh - Get a Room :D

Off topic:

Is there someone else on the site with the screename "Cind"? I've seen a few people refer to the name in a context in which I'm just not familiar with?

Just making sure they got the right gal? I don't need someone else's garbage pinned on me just yet.

War Wagon · Post by **War Wagon** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 3:33 am

KC Scott wrote:Wags, why don't you and Cind..... errr uhh - Get a Room :D

My wife said "NO", emphatically. What to do? She's got more common sense than me, so I tend to obey. It's worked so far.

Got a take on the topic, Scott?

War Wagon · Post by **War Wagon** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 3:39 am

cinderella_undercover wrote:
KC Scott wrote:Wags, why don't you and Cind..... errr uhh - Get a Room :D
Off topic:

Is there someone else on the site with the screename "Cind"? I've seen a few people refer to the name in a context in which I'm just not familiar with?

Just making sure they got the right gal? I don't need someone else's garbage pinned on me just yet.

Well, some are suspicious. I'm thinking that you're quite the original. Nobody would ever take on that burden if they were halfway sane. Please don't prove me wrong. I'd never live it down.

btw, I don't normally post here.

Ana Ng · Post by **Ana Ng** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 7:18 am

War Wagon wrote:
cinderella_undercover wrote:
KC Scott wrote:Wags, why don't you and Cind..... errr uhh - Get a Room :D
Off topic:

Is there someone else on the site with the screename "Cind"? I've seen a few people refer to the name in a context in which I'm just not familiar with?

Just making sure they got the right gal? I don't need someone else's garbage pinned on me just yet.
Well, some are suspicious. I'm thinking that you're quite the original. Nobody would ever take on that burden if they were halfway sane. Please don't prove me wrong. I'd never live it down.

btw, I don't normally post here.

In a strange coincidence.....someone from SCIII (screen named Blondie or Cinder, or some shit like that) just registered on SN. I've just been told that THIS is the person I'm being mistaken for?

I haven't seen any pics of yet, but sight unseen....I'm gonna g'head and ask that NO ONE make this mistake AGAIN!

That would just be tragic......for me, that is.

TIA.

Hobbes · Post by **Hobbes** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 4:39 pm

cinderella_undercover wrote:Scarlett Johanssen

RULES, dammit!

Shoalzie · Post by **Shoalzie** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 5:58 pm

Also willing to help with a ScarJo request...

Ana Ng · Post by **Ana Ng** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 9:24 pm

KC Scott · Post by **KC Scott** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 10:29 pm

War Wagon wrote: Got a take on the topic, Scott?

No, I think you guys have got it under controll

Ana Ng · Post by **Ana Ng** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 11:01 pm

KC Scott wrote:
War Wagon wrote: Got a take on the topic, Scott?
No, I think you guys have got it under controll

I could take this one of like, 3 ways?

(lemme take a guess on how many of them I can shove up my own ass)

You fools are an ornery bunch, arent'cha?

Tell you what, I'll keep an open mind on "all that is K.C.", and you can cool it with the "troll" shit?

KC Scott · Post by **KC Scott** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 3:52 am

cinderella_undercover wrote:
Tell you what, I'll keep an open mind on "all that is K.C."

By "Open Mind", I read that you'll continue to titialte poor wags to the point he finally sends you nude pictures of his emaciated self,
at which point you will slam your, beer, adjust your package and holler "Bode" loud enough to for your adam's apple to breifly peer through the folds of your stubbled double chins.

War Wagon · Post by **War Wagon** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 4:28 am

Not a verrah good effort, Scott.

Shoalzie · Post by **Shoalzie** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 4:59 am

cinderella_undercover wrote:

Well done...

Ana Ng · Post by **Ana Ng** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 5:04 am

KC Scott wrote:
cinderella_undercover wrote:
Tell you what, I'll keep an open mind on "all that is K.C."
By "Open Mind", I read that you'll continue to titialte poor wags to the point he finally sends you nude pictures of his emaciated self,
at which point you will slam your, beer, adjust your package and holler "Bode" loud enough to for your adam's apple to breifly peer through the folds of your stubbled double chins.

No worries.

If you feel high and mighty........waddling around the place, scratching your ass, adjusting your belt, and thinking that you've just "outed a troll".....props to you.

I've already been told that this would happen, so I'm not surprised. There are a few here that can vouch for me if need be, but I'd be hard pressed to actually ASK them to do so.

(You don't impress me enough to wake them up)

This is a goddamn HOCKEY forum, for crying out loud?!

Did anyone catch Chris "Orenthal" Simpson.....errrr, Simon "tee one up" on Hollweg tonight? Brutal. This is all I could find on it tonight:

http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/ivp ... id=2792458

Ken · Post by **Ken** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 1:43 pm

Still hope for the Pens remainig in the 'burgh. Actually, lotsa hope. Everyone is tightlipped about the meeting last night in Philly which included the ownership group including Lemieux, Mayor Ravenstahl, Governor Rendell, Gary Bettman, and County Controller Dan Onorato.

The only comments came from Rendell's PR guy who said something about it being a very good meeting. Good enough that the next meeting has been set for this coming Wednesday. Fuckers better get this done... and no, I'm not looking for a link.

Shoalzie · Post by **Shoalzie** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 3:31 am

The Pens are staying in Pittsburgh; an arena deal finally reached...

http://kdka.com/topstories/local_story_071223515.html

Ana Ng · Post by **Ana Ng** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 8:11 pm

Tom, I have a question for you?

How do you tolerate listening to Craig Laughlin's commentary there in D.C.?

I swear it, I hafta turn the reciever on mute just to watch Ovechkin play!

Fuggin' Richard Simmons?!

Tom In VA · Post by **Tom In VA** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 8:24 pm

Joe B and the Locker kick ass IMHO. Annoying cheesy jokes are part of the schtick and appeal I guess.

I can see where his voice and commentary can get annoying, but ..... maybe I've become so desensitized to it ... I like him.