halcraft
06-01-2009, 08:21 PM
In the light of recent events, any ideas where the Texas Pirates could call home? It seems that Kicks Indoor was "good enough" for two home games, but is now unsafe. According to SIFL Commissioner Blum, the league "rolled the dice twice at Kixx[sic] and got lucky." Also, Blum said that it was, "needless to say, we’re done with Kixx[sic]. It’s time to move on." Where then shall they "move on" to? I'm sure that the Berry Center, Leonard Merrill Center, and the Reliant Arena are too cost prohibitive. I'm quite sure these facilities have an inflated "rent." Plus, there would be the costs of providing turf, boards, pads, etc.
According to the article I've quoted (ref. below), "both coaches and the head official originally agreed that the game could have been played with temporary repairs, but Austin management remained adamant that the situation was unacceptable." Does this mean that all indoor soccer venues are out? Or, just Kicks, because of the disrepair?
I believe it was last year that the Pasadena team, Bay Area Buccaneers (IIFA?) used Game Day Indoor Soccer <http://www.gamedaytx.com/> as a home venue. Originally they planned to use the Pasadena Convention Center Rodeo Arena <http://buccsfootball.net/venue.aspx>. I assume it was cost prohibitive due to the necessity of the turf, boards, pads, etc. I remember calling the convention center on the day of the first home game to find out ticket prices and was told the game had been moved to Game Day because the team had not paid them yet, nor had they been able to acquire any turf.
SIFL President Hager stated that, "we have something positive in store for the Texas franchise,’’ I sure hope that does not mean a road-trip-only Texas Pirates. That would hardly be positive. Hager also stated that "this incident is the result of us not heeding our own counsel of settling for less than ideal situations for the sake of convenience. It’s on us." Perhaps the league should help the Pirates acquire a venue and the turf, boards, pads, etc. The league accepted the Pirates and Kicks as adequate only to be let down by Kicks. But this doesn't make the Pirates any better off financially to move to a better venue mid-season.
Any ideas out there as to where the Pirates could play? If indoor soccer fields are okay, just not ones in need of repair, I would suggest Game Day. I did attend the Bay Area Buccaneers vs. the Galveston Storm game there. It seemed okay, except a little scary when a hit along the Plexiglas wall came and the wall shook. Or, if they want to put out more money, the Pasadena Convention Center Rodeo Arena would probably work well. But that adds the cost of all it takes to convert to a football field.
Any other ideas for venues out there? Maybe we come up with one that has not been brought to the league's attention. I implore the league not to make the Pirates a road team. That's just not a "positive" move. Where then shall they "move on" to?
--halcraft
< http://www.southernifl.com/news/2009-05-30/turfcats-pirates-to-be-rescheduled.html>
According to the article I've quoted (ref. below), "both coaches and the head official originally agreed that the game could have been played with temporary repairs, but Austin management remained adamant that the situation was unacceptable." Does this mean that all indoor soccer venues are out? Or, just Kicks, because of the disrepair?
I believe it was last year that the Pasadena team, Bay Area Buccaneers (IIFA?) used Game Day Indoor Soccer <http://www.gamedaytx.com/> as a home venue. Originally they planned to use the Pasadena Convention Center Rodeo Arena <http://buccsfootball.net/venue.aspx>. I assume it was cost prohibitive due to the necessity of the turf, boards, pads, etc. I remember calling the convention center on the day of the first home game to find out ticket prices and was told the game had been moved to Game Day because the team had not paid them yet, nor had they been able to acquire any turf.
SIFL President Hager stated that, "we have something positive in store for the Texas franchise,’’ I sure hope that does not mean a road-trip-only Texas Pirates. That would hardly be positive. Hager also stated that "this incident is the result of us not heeding our own counsel of settling for less than ideal situations for the sake of convenience. It’s on us." Perhaps the league should help the Pirates acquire a venue and the turf, boards, pads, etc. The league accepted the Pirates and Kicks as adequate only to be let down by Kicks. But this doesn't make the Pirates any better off financially to move to a better venue mid-season.
Any ideas out there as to where the Pirates could play? If indoor soccer fields are okay, just not ones in need of repair, I would suggest Game Day. I did attend the Bay Area Buccaneers vs. the Galveston Storm game there. It seemed okay, except a little scary when a hit along the Plexiglas wall came and the wall shook. Or, if they want to put out more money, the Pasadena Convention Center Rodeo Arena would probably work well. But that adds the cost of all it takes to convert to a football field.
Any other ideas for venues out there? Maybe we come up with one that has not been brought to the league's attention. I implore the league not to make the Pirates a road team. That's just not a "positive" move. Where then shall they "move on" to?
--halcraft
< http://www.southernifl.com/news/2009-05-30/turfcats-pirates-to-be-rescheduled.html>