Which city most deserves a pro sports team? (Blues, teams, fans)

[AndyJ]

For the record, I'm with the Okies - OKC deserves and can support a pro team much more so than ABQ (why does nobody ever cite their fervent support of the Hornets when making this argument?). Albuquerque is not the 2nd fastest growing city, although we have a suburb that ranks high on that list. The Pit holds 18,018, although that's larger than a number of NBA venues. OKC losing people? That's just plain incorrect info.

Seriously, ABQ can do far more constructive (i.e. cheaper) things with taxpayer money and grants; we don't need a pro team here (yet) to promote tourism and boost the state's economy. The movie business has already been a big help. Okla. City deserves a pro team more than KC deserves a third one in my opinion, and I'm glad that they're getting the Sonics. Not sure about the background of their attendance in Seattle, but I do lament the fact that they're leaving such a great city. Hopefully, the OK fans will prove as supportive with them as they did with the Hornets during their brief stay.

[northbound74]

Originally Posted by AndyJ

Okla. City deserves a pro team more than KC deserves a third one in my opinion, and I'm glad that they're getting the Sonics.

Technically, Kansas City does have a third team already, if you consider Major League Soccer, major. We also have a NASCAR track, if that counts. KC supports whatever teams it has very well, which includes an Arena Football team, pro-tennis(?), and a minor league baseball team that has sellouts every time the gates open. There's probably some more that I missed...

I'm not offended by you saying that Kansas City doesn't "deserve" another team, especially if it's a NBA franchise. OKC can have it. There doesn't seem to be any enthusiasm for professional basketball here, not with the Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas State Wildcats, and Mizzou Tigers close by.

Hockey, on the other hand, has a lot more support in terms of the effort to bring it here. The only way they will get hockey to work here, I'm afraid, is if it's an existing franchise that brings a winner to town immediately. That way, the new team will get off on the right foot, and build a fan base more easily. It's not a traditional hockey market, but like a lot of places, KC can be turned into one. It's far enough north to "get" it, and there's a good number of transplants from places like Minnesota, and North/South Dakota.

[AndyJ]

Originally Posted by northbound74

Technically, Kansas City does have a third team already, if you consider Major League Soccer, major. We also have a NASCAR track, if that counts. KC supports whatever teams it has very well, which includes an Arena Football team, pro-tennis(?), and a minor league baseball team that has sellouts every time the gates open. There's probably some more that I missed...

I'm not offended by you saying that Kansas City doesn't "deserve" another team, especially if it's a NBA franchise. OKC can have it. There doesn't seem to be any enthusiasm for professional basketball here, not with the Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas State Wildcats, and Mizzou Tigers close by.

I apologize, I did not know that Kansas City had MLS. I did know that they have a racetrack there (Kansas Speedway, correct?).

I'm not saying that KC doesn't deserve another team at all. I'm just saying it's Oklahoma City's time, and IMO they earned it. I know I personally would have a hard time paying attention to pro ball in KC, I'm a KU fan through and through. Rock Chalk.

[happytown]

It cracks me up with the comparison of OKC and ALBQ.
Uhh...Think Louisville for the NBA instead of AlBERQUERKIE. This would only be common sense.

[northbound74]

Originally Posted by AndyJ

I apologize, I did not know that Kansas City had MLS. I did know that they have a racetrack there (Kansas Speedway, correct?).

I'm not saying that KC doesn't deserve another team at all. I'm just saying it's Oklahoma City's time, and IMO they earned it. I know I personally would have a hard time paying attention to pro ball in KC, I'm a KU fan through and through. Rock Chalk.

First, yes, it's the Kansas Speedway.
Secondly, I take no offense. Like I said, it's kind of disputable as to whether or not the MLS is really major. It certainly doesn't have the fan support of the other sports. Not around here, anyway. The Wizards play in Arrowhead at the moment, but they're working on building a soccer-only stadium which might help legitimize it. I've never been to a Wizards game, but I've seen highlights on TV, and it looks sort of sad to see 5-10k people in a stadium that holds 80k.

The Sonics would be better off in OKC than here in KC, although I don't understand why they're leaving Seattle in the first place.

[happytown]

They are leaving sheattle, because its a fair weather city to play basketball. Oklahoma has fans for all sports. Especially OKC where Norman/OU is basically located...Soonerland.
Maybe its because of how Desmond Mason feels. Little passion comin' from the state he played college in.
Notice how well OKC is represented in his videos....Kinda odd considering he has had a long career with many teams. He might have saved his best for his true fans...College passion baby!

YouTube - Desmond Mason - We Dem Hornets


YouTube - Top 100 Desmond Mason Dunks

[desert sun]

I think OKC did so well with the Hornets is cause they have never had anything that big in town before, for that period of time.Its kinda like a kid in a candy store they got all excited so everyone was at those home games,and yes I think OKC would be a better choice for the NBA over Albuquerque cause people around here dont really care and arnt too surprised or impressed with much.I've seen a few movie stars around town and from what I can tell no one really cares what their doing.Albq and the people here in this state are alot different from other areas.Were more laid back and in our own little world,so many other cities would be alot better off than Albq for the NBA.

[Nameless]

Another option for hockey near KC would be a team up in Omaha or Des Moines. I think if someone likes Hockey enough they'd be willing to drive there. Omaha the better choice of the two. And if you already are a huge hockey fan and are desperate you can drive over to STL.

[northbound74]

Originally Posted by Nameless

Another option for hockey near KC would be a team up in Omaha or Des Moines. I think if someone likes Hockey enough they'd be willing to drive there. Omaha the better choice of the two. And if you already are a huge hockey fan and are desperate you can drive over to STL.

Okay. Driving to St. Louis isn't exactly a popular past time around here. Not much love between KC and St. Louis, at least on the sporting front.
Des Moines is way too small to have an NHL team. Omaha, while bigger than Des Moines, doesn't seem quite ready for that yet. I wouldn't completely rule it out, however.
Kansas City would probably support an NHL team better than either of those places, not to put both of those fine towns down... as long as there's good ownership in place, and, of course, they get off to a winning start. Trying to teach people about an unfamiliar sport is hard enough. Making them put up with losing on top of the newness wouldn't go over well at all, I don't think.

[Nameless]

Originally Posted by northbound74

Okay. Driving to St. Louis isn't exactly a popular past time around here. Not much love between KC and St. Louis, at least on the sporting front.
Des Moines is way too small to have an NHL team. Omaha, while bigger than Des Moines, doesn't seem quite ready for that yet. I wouldn't completely rule it out, however.
Kansas City would probably support an NHL team better than either of those places, not to put both of those fine towns down... as long as there's good ownership in place, and, of course, they get off to a winning start. Trying to teach people about an unfamiliar sport is hard enough. Making them put up with losing on top of the newness wouldn't go over well at all, I don't think.

I definetely agree that KC should get the NHL before them but Omaha seems to have a lot going for it these days so I wouldn't rule it out. Lincoln is close by too but I suppose they are wrapped up in NU sports too much to notice anything in Omaha.