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Post by matunuck on Aug 17, 2018 18:33:03 GMT -5
With all of this investment in the city and interest in bringing sports franchises in, this should really make you think about how badly HC botched the Hockey East situation. Stay tuned..... You are getting my hopes way up😀
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Post by Pakachoag Phreek on Aug 17, 2018 18:35:51 GMT -5
There will be a 350-500 space parking garage. Where will others attending the game park? There is a large parking lot at the public library. I’m sure the huge vacant lot across the street will be used for parking. There is a huge parking garage at Union Station. There is public transit at Union Station. People will have no problem parking. The huge vacant lot across Madison street is apparently where the garage, as well as other new buildings will go. There will be 250 apartments and a 150 room hotel. Where will the apartment residents and hotel guests park? The proposed stadium will seat 10,000; at capacity, that strikes me as needing about 2,000 parking spaces. I don't think commuter rail from Worcester runs with the frequency one would like for it to be a transportation option. As for the Bravehearts, www.telegram.com/news/20180817/pawsox-move-knocks-wind-out-of-worcester-bravehearts-who-pledge-to-play-on
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Post by Pakachoag Phreek on Aug 17, 2018 18:57:23 GMT -5
I believe the group of buildings on the left are the 'huge' empty lot. Looking southeasr toward Kelly Square Looking north toward Union Station. This appears to be the proposed hotel and large market rate apartment building. Renderings from the Boston Globe.
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Post by rf1 on Aug 17, 2018 19:11:54 GMT -5
More on the stadium funding (30M from team is basically the rent for 30 year lease with 6M upfront)
RI and Pawtucket combined were only willing to contribute 38M in principal versus Worcester which will give 70M and MA 35M. Pawsox ownership would have paid 45M in RI versus just 30M in Worcester.
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Post by WorcesterGray on Aug 17, 2018 19:19:59 GMT -5
The Yard Goats are drawing 5500 now in their GORGEOUS new park and recommend people to check it out. If the Worcester ownership group does the stadium correctly, they would look to the Hartford builders for ideas. Janet Marie Smith, who I believe is heading the design team, did the same for Camden Yards, influence which is clear in the brick building beyond the left field "monster" in the model drawing. Right field and especially the angled center field also evoke Fenway. Have little doubt that, aesthetically, these folks are going to nail it.
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Post by Pakachoag Phreek on Aug 17, 2018 19:36:51 GMT -5
More on the stadium funding (30M from team is basically the rent for 30 year lease with 6M upfront)
RI and Pawtucket combined were only willing to contribute 38M in principal versus Worcester which will give 70M and MA 35M. Pawsox ownership would have paid 45M in RI versus just 30M in Worcester. A $100 million bond for 30 years at 4.75 percent is a total cost of nearly $200 million, That's over $5 million a year, And the WooSox are annually paying about $1 million in rent. I'll let Ed Augustus explain how the taxpayers of Worcester don't come out with the short end of the stick.
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Post by rf1 on Aug 17, 2018 19:40:27 GMT -5
Rhode Islanders will still be BOSTON Red Sox fans. They however will have no attachment to any of its minor league teams, be it Lowell, Portland, or Worcester. The people in RI will not forgive ownership and bad feelings will last a long time. Most people that attend Triple AAA games come from within 25 or so miles and all Rhode Islanders are outside that range and as a group are probably even less inclined than those in other areas to travel far. People in RI have little connection to and experience with Worcester. It might as well be Portland, ME for most.
I know Worcester having either gone to school, lived, or worked in Worcester County for some ten years of my life. If someone like me with all my connections to the city will NEVER attend a game, you can bet the same for many others from RI.
So you are comfortable speaking for all Rhode Islanders in saying that all families would rather pay 2x+ to take their kids to Fenway (when they likely won’t even remember the game) than a relaxing night in Worcester? (Of course RI people will still go to Fenway and families will still want to take their kids to Fenway, but the idea that they won’t also take advantage of a great deal in Worcester is just silly.)
Here are a few answers on the likelihood of Rhode Islanders making the trip up to see the Woosox:
“I’m not going to Worcester,” said Lori Ayotte, McCarron’s sister, also of Burrillville. “It’s too far.” [note Burrillville is the closest RI town to Worcester]
“It’s too far away for us,” said Juri Love, Onwuakor’s mother, while talking about the move to Worcester.
said Gary Marshall of Bristol. “It’s just very convenient to have them here. “I’m probably not going to go to Worcester,” he continued. “I’m a Rhode Islander.... Even a 20-minute ride is far for me.”
‘Even a 20-minute ride is far’: At McCoy, fans pan PawSox decision to move
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Post by WorcesterGray on Aug 17, 2018 19:43:41 GMT -5
Here are a few answers on the likelihood of Rhode Islanders making the trip up to see the Woosox:
“I’m not going to Worcester,” said Lori Ayotte, McCarron’s sister, also of Burrillville. “It’s too far.” [note Burrillville is the closest RI town to Worcester]
“It’s too far away for us,” said Juri Love, Onwuakor’s mother, while talking about the move to Worcester.
said Gary Marshall of Bristol. “It’s just very convenient to have them here. “I’m probably not going to go to Worcester,” he continued. “I’m a Rhode Islander.... Even a 20-minute ride is far for me.”
Don't care. Don't need you. Go to the zoo.
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Post by hc87 on Aug 17, 2018 19:59:17 GMT -5
Most importantly, how will this effect our chances of joining the Big East at long last?
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Post by CHC8485 on Aug 17, 2018 20:16:13 GMT -5
Definitely improves the chances as BE will view Providence as not even a minor league city, kick out the Friars, and add an AI to convince HC to join to get back into, not only the AAA market of Worcester, but the Major League DMA of Boston.
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Post by cmo on Aug 17, 2018 20:28:44 GMT -5
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Post by rf1 on Aug 17, 2018 20:54:09 GMT -5
The Bravehearts statement is sobering
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Post by bfoley82 on Aug 17, 2018 20:55:16 GMT -5
So you are comfortable speaking for all Rhode Islanders in saying that all families would rather pay 2x+ to take their kids to Fenway (when they likely won’t even remember the game) than a relaxing night in Worcester? (Of course RI people will still go to Fenway and families will still want to take their kids to Fenway, but the idea that they won’t also take advantage of a great deal in Worcester is just silly.)
Here are a few answers on the likelihood of Rhode Islanders making the trip up to see the Woosox:
“I’m not going to Worcester,” said Lori Ayotte, McCarron’s sister, also of Burrillville. “It’s too far.” [note Burrillville is the closest RI town to Worcester]
“It’s too far away for us,” said Juri Love, Onwuakor’s mother, while talking about the move to Worcester.
said Gary Marshall of Bristol. “It’s just very convenient to have them here. “I’m probably not going to go to Worcester,” he continued. “I’m a Rhode Islander.... Even a 20-minute ride is far for me.”
‘Even a 20-minute ride is far’: At McCoy, fans pan PawSox decision to move
Burrillville is at least the same distance from Pawtucket or closer to Worcester.
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Post by Wormtown Railers Fan on Aug 17, 2018 20:55:34 GMT -5
I believe the group of buildings on the left are the 'huge' empty lot. Looking southeasr toward Kelly Square Looking north toward Union Station. This appears to be the proposed hotel and large market rate apartment building. Renderings from the Boston Globe. Isn’t it terrible something so great is happening for Worcester? What a horrible day for many posters on this board.
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Post by WorcesterGray on Aug 17, 2018 21:11:33 GMT -5
A $100 million bond for 30 years at 4.75 percent is a total cost of nearly $200 million, That's over $5 million a year, And the WooSox are annually paying about $1 million in rent. I'll let Ed Augustus explain how the taxpayers of Worcester don't come out with the short end of the stick. Those of us excited about today's news shouldn't lose sight of the financial issues, which could ultimately upend this project. I'd be curious to know what the impact of $5M means to the average taxpayer in Worcester.
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Post by bringbackcaro on Aug 17, 2018 21:17:21 GMT -5
The Bravehearts statement is sobering
Sobering? More like exciting if you consider the supportive fan base that the Bravehearts were able to build for an unaffiliated, low-level college summer league. The WooSox and their new stadium are positioned perfectly to create an excellent fan base in Worcester, and with Larry Lucchino and Dr. Charles Steinberg in charge, they will be able to do a lot more than the family catering business that runs the Bravehearts.
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Post by rf1 on Aug 17, 2018 21:27:21 GMT -5
The Bravehearts statement is sobering
Sobering? More like exciting if you consider the supportive fan base that the Bravehearts were able to build for an unaffiliated, low-level college summer league. The WooSox and their new stadium are positioned perfectly to create an excellent fan base in Worcester, and with Larry Lucchino and Dr. Charles Steinberg in charge, they will be able to do a lot more than the family catering business that runs the Bravehearts.
It is sobering for the Bravehearts ownership and organization. This statement basically is confirmation that all their hard work may soon be overshadowed by the Woosox. The Worcester area is going to have a hard enough time providing adequate support for a triple AAA team. There is no way another lesser level team will be able to survive long with the Woosox. Look for the diamond at Holy Cross to be empty in a few summers.
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Post by Wormtown Railers Fan on Aug 17, 2018 21:40:20 GMT -5
Sobering? More like exciting if you consider the supportive fan base that the Bravehearts were able to build for an unaffiliated, low-level college summer league. The WooSox and their new stadium are positioned perfectly to create an excellent fan base in Worcester, and with Larry Lucchino and Dr. Charles Steinberg in charge, they will be able to do a lot more than the family catering business that runs the Bravehearts.
It is sobering for the Bravehearts ownership and organization. This statement basically is confirmation that all their hard work may soon be overshadowed by the Woosox. The Worcester area is going to have a hard enough time providing adequate support for a triple AAA team. There is no way another lesser level team will be able to survive long with the Woosox. Look for the diamond at Holy Cross to be empty in a few summers.
Both the Worcester Red Sox and Bravehearts will thrive in Worcester.
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Post by bringbackcaro on Aug 17, 2018 21:47:10 GMT -5
Sobering? More like exciting if you consider the supportive fan base that the Bravehearts were able to build for an unaffiliated, low-level college summer league. The WooSox and their new stadium are positioned perfectly to create an excellent fan base in Worcester, and with Larry Lucchino and Dr. Charles Steinberg in charge, they will be able to do a lot more than the family catering business that runs the Bravehearts.
It is sobering for the Bravehearts ownership and organization. This statement basically is confirmation that all their hard work may soon be overshadowed by the Woosox. The Worcester area is going to have a hard enough time providing adequate support for a triple AAA team. There is no way another lesser level team will be able to survive long with the Woosox. Look for the diamond at Holy Cross to be empty in a few summers.
Yes, bad news for the family who owns the Bravehearts. Great news for everyone else around Worcester.
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Post by HCFC45 on Aug 17, 2018 22:00:16 GMT -5
You are getting my hopes way up😀 And, rightfully you should! !
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Post by WorcesterGray on Aug 18, 2018 5:41:25 GMT -5
Deal with reality - Rhode Islanders are not coming to Worcester to see the Woosox.”
They didn't go to Pawtucket either. Average home attendance, which shows a steady decline since at least 2005. Back then, the PawSox led the IL in attendance. This year they rank 11th out of 14 teams.
2005 - 9,500 2006 - 9,289 2007 - 8,861 2008 - 9,097 2009 - 8,937 2010 - 8,343 2011 - 8,270 2012 - 7,541 2013 - 7,827 2014 - 7,367 2015 - 6,572 2016 - 6,076 2017 - 6,406 2018 - 5,753
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Post by Tom on Aug 18, 2018 8:39:47 GMT -5
What a concept. I wonder if the PawSox ever, in the last half century, considered doing that to allow a minor league team to come to Worcester. And if not - why not?
Don't look at me. I felt that if the Pawsox stayed where they belonged, Worcester should have been allowed to get a team. I don't think people from the Worcester metro ever made up much of the Pawsox total attendance. It will be interesting to see how Worcester does with so many other baseball teams within about an hour proximity. Pawtucket for the most part just had the Bosox. Worcester will have the Bosox, Lowell Spinners, and Hartford Yard Goats along with a possible Single A Pawtucket team. Given that most have admitted the Woosox will be more reliant on fans from outside 25 miles (due to the smaller Worcester metro population) than Pawtucket was, it will be interesting to see the effect of these other baseball options.
I know lots of Worc area people that go to Pawtucket games - maybe not regularly, but go. Personally, I didn't go often, but I go to Fenway. The Spinners aren't on the radar. I have been on a rare occasion, but usually meeting friends from the Merrimack valley. I no zero people from Worc that have ever been to a Yard Goats game. There's something to be said about seeing a hot Sox prospect or a rehabbing Sox favorite when Fenway tickets are scarce
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Post by A Clock Tower Purple on Aug 18, 2018 8:48:55 GMT -5
Don't look at me. I felt that if the Pawsox stayed where they belonged, Worcester should have been allowed to get a team. I don't think people from the Worcester metro ever made up much of the Pawsox total attendance. It will be interesting to see how Worcester does with so many other baseball teams within about an hour proximity. Pawtucket for the most part just had the Bosox. Worcester will have the Bosox, Lowell Spinners, and Hartford Yard Goats along with a possible Single A Pawtucket team. Given that most have admitted the Woosox will be more reliant on fans from outside 25 miles (due to the smaller Worcester metro population) than Pawtucket was, it will be interesting to see the effect of these other baseball options.
I know lots of Worc area people that go to Pawtucket games - maybe not regularly, but go. Personally, I didn't go often, but I go to Fenway. The Spinners aren't on the radar. I have been on a rare occasion, but usually meeting friends from the Merrimack valley. I no zero people from Worc that have ever been to a Yard Goats game. There's something to be said about seeing a hot Sox prospect or a rehabbing Sox favorite when Fenway tickets are scarce FWIW - MLB's best prospects are usually at the AA level (which clubs use as more developmental - Portland in the BoSox' case), not parked at the AAA level.
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Post by Tom on Aug 18, 2018 8:55:09 GMT -5
I know lots of Worc area people that go to Pawtucket games - maybe not regularly, but go. Personally, I didn't go often, but I go to Fenway. The Spinners aren't on the radar. I have been on a rare occasion, but usually meeting friends from the Merrimack valley. I no zero people from Worc that have ever been to a Yard Goats game. There's something to be said about seeing a hot Sox prospect or a rehabbing Sox favorite when Fenway tickets are scarce FWIW - MLB's best prospects are usually at the AA level (which clubs use as more developmental - Portland in the BoSox' case), not parked at the AAA level. I know this is the new norm. Mookie Betts and Andrew Benintendi jumped from AA. Xander Bogarts split a season between Portland and Pawtucket before getting the call. I still think it doesn't change the basic concept that it's kind of cool to see future Red Sox stars from better seats for relatively short money
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Post by KY Crusader 75 on Aug 18, 2018 9:02:36 GMT -5
AA and AAA are great baseball experiences for the fans and , as noted, the fact that the farm club is part of the closest MLB organization makes a huge difference. I believe Portland Seadogs fans love seeing future Red Sox players than Marlins prospects. Here in Louisville the Bats draw well as there are lots of Cincinnati Reds fans here. Tickets are very reasonable and, importantly, beer and food prices won't kill a working man's budget if he goes with friends or family. One would hope that if the Sox move to Worcester the team would follow the same guidelines on pricing.
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