THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, February 4, 1997 TAG: 9702040211
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SERIES: THE NHL IN HAMPTON ROADS
SOURCE: BY TONY WHARTON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 77 lines
The Virginian-Pilot asked readers for questions about Hampton Roads' bid for a National Hockey League expansion franchise, and we posed several of them to area officials and a pro sports analyst. The officials replied, except Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim, who referred most questions to the regional negotiators who put together the proposed arena deal.
SHARON SMITH, Norfolk:
``If we get a pro hockey team in Hampton Roads, would this rule out or hurt our chances of getting a pro football or basketball team in the future?''
Background: Unlike football, basketball and baseball, which are played in area high schools, colleges and other leagues, hockey is not a longstanding tradition in Hampton Roads. The Hampton Roads Admirals have done well since their arrival in 1989, but earlier minor-league hockey franchises floundered. And while NFL and NBA franchises are very difficult to get right now, the NHL is looking to expand. Smith's question zeroes in on the fans' interest and the crucial issue of whether the area could support more than one pro franchise.
Response:
Regional team: ``To the contrary, if we successfully demonstrate our support of major league sports it should help rather than hurt our chances. You should be aware that there are four regions which are smaller than Hampton Roads (and) which have more than one professional team.''
Mark Rosentraub, author of ``Major League Losers,'' a book about cities financing pro sports franchises:
``It wouldn't necessarily have any negative effect. I think the issue would more turn on the agenda of the NBA and the NFL. I'm not sure, given those leagues' priorities, you're likely to see them looking at your area.
``More important is the demographics - the overall wealth of the area, the number of corporations that can buy luxury suites. Size is not as important as your ability to buy luxury suites.
``If you're having any difficulty selling those suites for this hockey team, however, it's telling you the demographics are not so robust. It would probably take more growth to support additional pro teams.''
KEN ROLFING, Virginia Beach:
``Should the NHL grant Hampton Roads the Rhinos franchise and the city builds the arena, what is the minimum time that George Shinn will keep the Rhinos in Hampton Roads, if public support turns out to be less than optimum?''
Background: Residents are trying to see what safeguards are in place for their investment down the road, rather than in the first flush of excitement about the arena. And there are no guarantees, especially if, as Rolfing speculates, there isn't enough support for the Rhinos.
Response:
Tom Ward, vice president of marketing for the Charlotte Hornets and working with Shinn on the Rhinos: ``The minimum time would be 30 years. That's what our lease would read.''
ROBERT REARDON, Norfolk:
``What happens to Scope, to which the Admirals will no longer be contributing?''
Background: Scope, Norfolk's existing sports arena, has only recently become profitable for the city, thanks in part to the success of the Admirals. But the Admirals would have to leave if the Rhinos came in, and that has concerned some residents. They don't want one arena to succeed and another to become a burden.
Response:
Arthur L. Collins, leader of the Hampton Roads Sports Authority: ``It would have a different function, as would the Hampton Coliseum. It'll just be a different kind of activity over there. The Scope ice is planned to be used as practice ice.''
Bill Luther, director of Scope for Norfolk: ``I think Scope's a viable market. We'd have to change our marketing aspect. I think the two facilities could complement each other. When you look at NCAA events, they have to have practice facilities, they have to have a place for their trade shows, that sort of thing. I think it would be a very leasable facility.'' ILLUSTRATION: Robert Reardon
KEYWORDS: NHL EXPANSION ARENA