DJ V Lawrence

If they had a no compete clause with the Toyota Center.... How did MMP get to host the Jimmy Buffet concert?

I think MMP is exempt from the no-compete clause because it was built before Toyota Center. I may be wrong there, but I'm pretty sure Toyota Center, Reliant Stadium, and others built before '03 are excused from the clause.

Hopefully, Alexander is supportive of the downtown Dynamo stadium idea. I think he will too, so long as he has a say in certain things and talks with Dynamo's owner, AEG. AEG runs a lot of tours to Toyota Center too, so I'm sure between now and July, AEG and Alexander will talk and make sure they're on the same page.

Well, if they want to keep building up Downtown, and hopefully they do, they will either have to build UP or OUT.... Hopefully more UP than OUT!

Building up would probably be much smarter. They could use the extra parking space I assume. Either way, this could be the best thing that ever happened for both Dynamo and East End!

I would like a big hole facing west into Downtown so you could see the skyline. That would be great.

Here's a pic of the stadium in Toronto last week. It's also in close proximity to their downtown skyline. Looks really cool

no some are still talking stadium. evidently the district councilmember is getting irritated this keeps coming up.

The Gus Wortham site was never considered as the new stadium location. The debate is about the possible conversion to 12-15 Dynamo practice fields/youth fields

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/eas...ws/4752003.html

saw an article about this late last week. seems some are STILL trying to get it at gus wortham even though the city of houston has said no to that idea.

That's different. They're referring to youth soccer fields; not the Dynamo soccer stadium. Also, even if Gus Wortham were turned into soccer fields, I don't think it would be the Dynamo training site (I'm not sure, though)

I know that with the Sugarland proposal, it would be similar to Colorado's where they have soccer playing fields and the Rapids training facilities surrounding the stadium.

If I were Dynamo, I'd have the stadium in Downtown Houston, and have the practice fields/youth playing fields in Sugarland.

rumor is downtown is still in the running but funding is making it hard.

http://www.houstonist.com/archives/2...downtown_b.php

Here's a pic of the location Dynamo, Astros, and Houston are working to use as the new Dynamo location. It seems to be nothing but a great investment for all sides if they come up with a fair deal together.

I think Drayton would really like a season-ticket-holder garage for the 'Stros, since he would fare to profit more. Dynamo, obviously, the best soccer stadium location in the U.S., and a solid, visible fanbase that couldn't be ignored again. The City of Houston would have another major development to help spurt more developments in an area that DESPERATELY needs it.

Works a lot better on all sides than if they were to move to the land of Sugar.

Why do they need a fundraiser?

Unless it is to pay for the funerals of the kids, it is retarded to have a fund raiser.

Here's what the money's going towards...

Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund

Fox Sports story

Dynamo page story

Not sure if it was posted already, but for the April 29th game against Chicago (the first Houston home-game since the incident) the Dynamo will be wearing special VT-colored Dynamo jerseys, which will be auctioned off after the game at Robertson Stadium and online.

Also, $8 from each ticket sold that game will go to the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund. The game is Sunday at 6pm.

They definately have the team to go past .500 for the first time with this schedule. If they don't, I thinkMcNair's gonna go mental and go on a spending spree.

Well that Bonzi sure does tick me off! Self rightous jerk. He was supposed to be our X factor, the go to guy when Yao and T-mac have their off nights, which is about every 5th game if you'll notice. Without that third, proven, veteran option I'm not sure who can lead us through the rough patches in a 7 game series. I'm not sure Yao or T-Mac have shown that either of them can do so.

I think we can get past the Jazz in the first round but I'm by no means sure of it. It's more of a "hope" really.

It should be a good matchup though, especially from a coaching point of view. We could feasibly play them in 8 straight games (they are our final regular season opponent). Who's the better coach? Jerry Sloan or JVG?

Should have traded Bonzi when we had the chance..

Pretty tough schedule right there! I hope the Texans prevail, if not, more cleaning house.

You forgot to add DJ. BYE WEEK is Week 10, after the Raiders game.

Thanx Lemme fix that...

A quick report on the schedule...

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports...nt/4705705.html

Now the schedule...

August

Sat. 11 BEARS 7:00 PM SportsRadio 610 KTRK - TV

Sat. 18 @ Cardinals 7:00 PM SportsRadio 610 KTRK-TV

Sat. 25 COWBOYS 7:00 PM SportsRadio 610 KTRK-TV

Thu. 30 @ Buccaneers 7:00 PM SportsRadio 610 KTRK-TV

2007 Regular Season Schedule

September

Sun. 9 CHIEFS 12:00 PM SportsRadio 610 CBS

Sun. 16 @ Panthers 12:00 PM SportsRadio 610 CBS

Sun. 23 COLTS 12:00 PM SportsRadio 610 CBS

Sun. 30 @ Falcons 12:00 PM SportsRadio 610 CBS

October

Sun. 7 DOLPHINS 12:00 PM SportsRadio 610 CBS

Sun. 14 @ Jaguars 12:00 PM SportsRadio 610 CBS

Sun. 21 TITANS 12:00 PM SportsRadio 610 CBS

Sun. 28 @ Chargers 3:05 PM SportsRadio 610 CBS

November

Sun. 4 @ Raiders 3:15 PM SportsRadio 610 CBS

Sun 11 BYE WEEK

Sun. 18 SAINTS 12:00 PM SportsRadio 610 Fox

Sun. 25 @ Browns 12:00 PM SportsRadio 610 CBS

December

Sun. 2 @ Titans 12:00 PM SportsRadio 610 CBS

Sun. 9 BUCCANEERS 12:00 PM SportsRadio610 Fox

Thu. 13 BRONCOS 7:15 PM SportsRadio 610 NFL Network

Sun. 23 @ Colts 12:00 PM SportsRadio 610 CBS

Sun. 30 JAGUARS 12:00 PM SportsRadio 610 CBS

thanks for the info, I have only followed the revolution, and they are in gillette and the fans look lost, and I know they are trying to get NY Redbulls, Revoultion and a few others into smaller parks, because of that.

The team least likely to get a new stadiumare the Revolution, but even they are currently negotiating with the city of Boston to build in or near city limits. If they get a deal done, that could mean that EVERY MLS team has a real soccer stadium to play in within the next five years..in other words, no more football lines on some of the fields, more of a soccer environment at stadiums, and each team is able to make a profit each season. Even Chivas USA are talking about building a stadium for themselves and moving out of LA Galaxy's Home Depot Center.

I think MLS's idea is to not have more than 20-25,000 seats, so that the attendance doesn't look lost in football stadiums. I saw one or maybe a few teams us the FC Dallas stadium right?

DC United's new stadium will be 27,000. Also, Toronto's current stadium is at 20,000 seats, but there's already rumors of expanding it well over 30,000 because the games are already sold out.

do they have any indepth renderings of the stadium?

None whatsoever. It's safe to assume that the location of the stadium (Downtown, another part of Houston, Pearland, Sugarland) would directly affect the design and size of the stadium. If it's near the center of the city, it will probably be one of the biggest soccer stadiums in America. If it's in Pearland or Sugarland, we can expect it to be around 20,000 seats, and to accomodate high school football.

We can also assume that the day that they announce that a location has been agreed upon will probably be the day that we see the first rough-draft renderings. Seeing that this would be the first stadium built with the German league helping out on design, we can expect this to be a stand-out stadium in America.

A few quotes I recently found on the net...

Drayton McClane, the owner of the Astros, was shown on Channel 2 saying he was in favor of this location and that he was trying to get a parking structure built to replace those spots.

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"We want to keep them," he said. "We'd like them to be in a central location. And we've looked constructively at various different venues if this stadium doesn't work out." Mayor Bill White at the Dynamo game last night, who was with former President Bush. Quoted from Channel 13.

I think it's safe to say that negotiations are currently going on as we speak. Houston is the hands-down first choice for where the new stadium should be, with Pearland and Sugarland being fail-safe 2nd and 3rd options to insure that if it's not in Houston, they're still in the Houston-area.

Lastly, check this out:

http://www.khou.com/sports/dynamos/stories...m.2707360c.html

A recent Ch. 11 story on the downtown soccer stadium possibility. Sounds like it's gaining positive momentum.

I think the biggest money making is during special events; games, concerts, etc... type things. Where people will pay whatever just because they want to be close, or they aren't used to the downtown area.

I agree. You'll also notice that event parking is much higher than on a normal day.

Both the Astros and the Rockets suck like a fool right now. The positive that can come out of it, at least for Astros, is maybe they'll realize early on how desperately they need to fix things. I have tickets for the next Saturday game. Unless they improve and give me a reason to go, that's the only game I'll be attending this season.

When in doubt, Go Dynamo

Seriously, I do think both teams will improve. Besides, Rockets are a 1/2 game behind the Jazz, and jobs will be on the line soon if the Astros aren't able to turn things around within the next 5 games. Particularly Brad Lidge.

Question: if parking garages are so profitable, why isn't the private sector developing them as stand-alone product?

That's a good question. Perhaps another question is "where is the money going from Downtown parking spaces?" I'm not sure how the public-private sectors work in terms of parking garages Downtown, but the only undebatable fact here is that you normally won't find free parking Downtown unless you really know where to look.

oh ok so now you want them to KEEP the garage and not sell it. you're all over the map on this one.

I never said anything about getting rid or selling garages themselves. What I'm saying is that we convert surface lots within Downtown that are normally used for MMP events into parking garages. And if there's enough spaces within those garages to accomodate the events at MMP, the other surface lots at a farther proximity could be sold for development. If not, then leave them as is.

making a profit is one thing, making enough to construct a parking garage is another. how much profit is the city already making? do you have the figures that lead you to that conclusion?

I don't know any exact numbers or figures. What I do know is that if hundreds of cars are paying $10 per parking space, someone's getting paid. And if it's the City of Houston that owns the land, then it's the City recieving the money.

the last two times i went to toyota center i parked along dallas about a block or two from main. the parking situation won't be the same. people always flock to the closest parking space (the discovery garage will be a new option for toyota center fans). if pavillions has a crowd, i can pretty much bet that parking on dallas (where i parked) won't be available.

Sounds reasonable. I think the Discovery Green underground parking is primarily for GRB and the park itself, but yeah, people will park there if neccesary if it's convenient and within proximity. No debate there:)

Go down to main street tonight, you probably will change your answer.

I'ma chill tonight, since tommorow's Easter and the opening game. But still, Main Street is the highest promoted party area in Houston.

Are you aware the City is strapped for funds??? The City is looking for sources of guaranteed revenue (red light cams, trash collection, parking meters, etc) at minimal cost. Building a garage to support a county stadium is probalby not on their list.

Event parking in city-owned spaces = guaranteed revenue. A parking garage built on a current surface lot = more spaces available on a confined space to recieve revenue from.

What land are you talking about selling? first you say that the city can make money off of parking and now you want to sell the garage? you can only do one or the other, not both.

What I'm saying is that since the City of Houston already makes a profit on some surface lots around MMP for Astros events, they could convert some of that into parking garages to conserve space so the lots on the other side of 59 from MMP could be used solely for the soccer/concert stadium events and developments after parking plans were situated

If you frequented the GRB/hilton area, two yrs ago, it would be very obvious that parking is not as easy as it was then. the garage for pavillions will take care of some customers, however it isn't designed to hold all of them and as a result more people will be parking on the street. people ARE parking in the discovery green/pavillion area currently to attend events at toyota center. do you realize that the toyota center garage does NOT hold all the cars for those attending toyota center events? i believe the garage holds 2500 while the stadium holds about 18000. i guess if you could get 7.2 persons in each car I could believe you.

I know the Toyota Center garage doesn't hold all the cars; I went to a Rockets game last week and we parked in a surface lot across the street. Discovery Green/Pavillions currently aren't used for Rockets events because both places (some of those blocks were surface lots prior) are under construction. The way Toyota Center fans are parking now are probably how they will park after both projects are completed.

A pedestrian friendly stadium is great, but you must realize that most will be driving there? so you must accomodate the majority. I don't think the City is promoting the downtown clubbing areas any more. take a ride down there and see if you see any partying going on. They are out of the biz because the new residents are complaining about them BIG time.

Main Street is still the main clubbing street in Houston, and Houston will be sure to promote Pavillons as an entertainment center once it's complete.

1) astros aren't exactly cash rich compared to some other teams. you think they could purchase land and pay for a parking garage when they won't pay a few million more for "big name" players? bring in big names would definitely be beneficial for them. would a parking garage do that?

The Astros wouldn't purchase any land here. The City Of Houston owns some of the surface lots within proximity to MMP. What I'm saying is that the City Of Houston build a garage on one of those surface lots strickly for MMP events (perhaps designated spots for season-ticket holders), with a financial plan to have the garage make a profit for the city. Perhaps the "Stros and Houston could come up with a deal where the designated parking space would be included in season-ticket package if need-be.

2)so you want the people around the stadium to sell their parking lots to get rid of parking and then at the same time build a stadium for soccer there which will require more parking?

I'm saying that they build soccer parking spaces on the same side of 59 as the soccer stadium, not in Downtown. Also, if spaces normally used for Astros games and GRB would not be needed as much because of the new spaces available via parking garages and Discovery Green, why keep them as surface lots? Why not sell the land after the garages and Park are completed? That would just be more profit for the city.

3)Remember that the parking lot under discovery green will be for that area (including GRB/Toyota/pavillions/etc). it won't be sitting empty. i would say that more than half of the fans would never walk that far to minute maid anyway.

Discovery Green will not be used for Toyota Center; they already have a parking garage and surface lots on their side of Hiltons America. There's also a parking garage being built for Pavillions, so that will not be the primary place to park for that either. The parking spaces at Discovery Green will mainly be for the park, GRB, Hiltns America, and perhaps a few Astros fans if other surface lots no longer exist.

4)now because the soccer stadium is built (again dreaming), it will cause the warehouse district on the east side to be developed?

It would help to be a part of the process. There's a couple nice lofts popping up here and there in that area, but not much else but run-down buildings overlooking the Astros parking spaces on that side of the freeway. I'd rather have a pedestrian-friendly soccer stadium there than a neighborhood of abandoned buildings if I were a developer.

5) i won't address any after game parties.

Don't have to. But there's spots throughout Houston that have post-game parties for Dynamo, and I thought it was okay to mention the word "party" because Main Street Square and Pavillions will be Downtown; the area where Houston's looking to promote as the designated entertainment/clubbing areas.

i think the tailgating is somewhat imnprotant to the soccer world, but realistically, people will come either way. If the sports Rockets/Astros/Dynamo all did a garage together that might be financially possible. They do have overlapping games, but its not hard to build a large garage to hold for 2 events at once. If they do a nice job, it will be a nice addition to the skyline?

I think you're making a mistake on proximity. The Rockets are not in proximity to share a parking garage with the Astros, and even if they were, the Rockets have their own garage already. Secondly, even if Dynamo and Astros were in proximity, it'd be unlikely that they could use the same garage because their schedules overlap. What would happen when both teams are playing on the same day/night?

The idea is to keep both parking options seperate, where Dynamo fans park on one side of 59, and Astros fans are encouraged to park on the other. The only way that could happen is if a garage were built for the 'Stros within Downtown, and parking options were made for Dynamo fans on their side of the freeway.

your dreams sure are ambitious.

I take it you think what I said was unrealistic. Which parts?

do you think they should build a garage or a lot. garage may look more asthetic, but it will be a pain in the ass to get out. I personally, wish soccer would take the approach of baseball, and build fields in the city, with basically on transit, and parking surrounding areas in garages. With soccer every view you can have a great site for the city, and I think like most ballparks it helps the city be more than just a city, the outdoor atmosphere is so much more than just an indoor area, especially in the city.

Personally, I think a parking garage would be ideal in this situation for the Astros, and surface parking for Dynamo on the other side of the freeway. The Astros have 81 games a season at MMP, so it could be a good investment for a grage for MMP events to be built at a current Astros surface lot (I think most surface lots near MMP are owned by the city, but I'm not sure. Could someone confirm that?) The city could get some extra money from paid parking there, plus pursue selling current surface lots to developers looking to invest downtown, since those spaces wouldn't be a neccesity anymore. Also remember that the new Downtown Park will also have underground parking.

Houston Dynamo are the only team in Houston other than the Texans with a pre-game tailgate party from fans before the games, and that could be used as an advantage in the Warehouse District. If built there, the idea from the city/Dynamo should be to build out and redevelop the area of the Warehouse District; not into Downtown. That should be left to the 'Stros. Now the after-game parties could be Downtown, perhaps.

No, although the block that I'm referring to (Capitol, Rusk, St. Emanuel, and Chartes) is also used for parking on game days. The spot that I think you're referring to is between Texas and Preston and inside of Bastrop.

According to the report, the parking lot I'm referring to (I think you're right; Texas/Preston/Bastrop) is owned by the city, and if the deal went through, the City of Houston would donate the land to the team in the deal. If that's the case, where would the city lose money? Instead, they'd lose land that they could have sold to someone else, and in effect, don't have to put much money (if any money) down on a new stadium, right?

http://www.khou.com/news/local/fortbend/st...m.265958f9.html

Here's the report again. In the video, it has the parking lot.