NHL & Vegas Part Deuces Wild: Betting it all on Black (Knights)

[Mightygoose]

Let me ask this question, and it's something I've been thinking about since the announcement of the drive:

Let's say the ticket drive hits 10,000 today, they add in the other stuff and we're sitting at 11,000 STHs or so. What happens then? I know this is sort of going out of order for an expansion team, having the drive before the team announcement. Does the expansion vote have to occur at a normally scheduled meeting of the BoG, or can this undertaken via conference call or proxy vote?

The reason I ask is twofold.
-It would be awesome to not spend the next three months talking about a "potential team in Vegas."
-More importantly, we're getting ready to jump into what I called a "limbo period" where the ticket drive is, for all intents and purposes, over. "Hey Vegas, we hit our goal. We'll let you know what happens in June." Then it's radio silence time with three months for more CBC stories to come out, more time for local naysayers to fight against the effort for one reason or another, more time to fight over the same points here on HF and in people's living rooms, and really nothing positive coming from Hockey Vision Las Vegas or the league until the actual vote.

If the 10,000 goal has been met already then congrats and I think they'll make the formal announcement very shortly.

After the media hoopla happens surrounding the announcement, then it's time for all vested parties to play the quiet game until the league is ready to grant the franchise.

I believe that's how Mr. Bettman and Co. like it

 

[PCSPounder]

Never any doubt in my mind you guys hit 10,000 but why stop there? Nothing better than exceeding expectations, go for the Gold. Go for 15,000. That too could be accomplished however, 10K, if thats the Finish Line for now, thats cool. Im also pretty sure this in fact a done deal. Bettman said awhile back he wanted this wrapped up in advance of the BOG's Meetings in June which was when he said it several months away. My guess (total Speculation here of course) is that ya, Vegas and Quebec In Like Flint for the 2016/17 or at the latest 2017/18 seasons. Any incredulity over the awarding of a franchise to Vegas overwhelmed, naysayers & critics drowned out with the joy a return of the Nordiques would bring (and not to criticize Las Vegas & the fans but I think most would agree if being honest that in light of the leagues rather lousy track record in the SW & elsewhere combined with the unique aspects & challenges LV represents there is cause for caution & skepticism but hey, what is man if he cannot dream, accomplish what had once been considered an absurdity or the impossible?) and all coinciding nicely with the Leagues 100th Anniversary Celebrations.

Please don't ST the whole house.

 

[cutchemist42]

Never any doubt in my mind you guys hit 10,000 but why stop there? Nothing better than exceeding expectations, go for the Gold. Go for 15,000. That too could be accomplished however, 10K, if thats the Finish Line for now, thats cool. Im also pretty sure this in fact a done deal. Bettman said awhile back he wanted this wrapped up in advance of the BOG's Meetings in June which was when he said it several months away. My guess (total Speculation here of course) is that ya, Vegas and Quebec In Like Flint for the 2016/17 or at the latest 2017/18 seasons. Any incredulity over the awarding of a franchise to Vegas overwhelmed, naysayers & critics drowned out with the joy a return of the Nordiques would bring (and not to criticize Las Vegas & the fans but I think most would agree if being honest that in light of the leagues rather lousy track record in the SW & elsewhere combined with the unique aspects & challenges LV represents there is cause for caution & skepticism but hey, what is man if he cannot dream, accomplish what had once been considered an absurdity or the impossible?) and all coinciding nicely with the Leagues 100th Anniversary Celebrations.

So your not of the opinion its LV and Seattle? Lots here seem to think so.

 

[BattleBorn]

I believe that's how Mr. Bettman and Co. like it

I can definitely understand that. I guess I don't know how it would go down in this case, there really isn't a ton to work off of for a precedent. As far as I know, there hasn't really been an officially sanctioned ticket drive prior to the actual announcement of a team entering a market.

It just seems that, besides not really being able to control the story in the media, the next few months could be spent setting up affiliates, site selection and construction on the practice facility, getting staff in line, etc. versus just waiting for the meeting to get the wheels rolling 16 months before the first puck drops.

 

[Mightygoose]

I can definitely understand that. I guess I don't know how it would go down in this case, there really isn't a ton to work off of for a precedent. As far as I know, there hasn't really been an officially sanctioned ticket drive prior to the actual announcement of a team entering a market.

It just seems that, besides not really being able to control the story in the media, the next few months could be spent setting up affiliates, site selection and construction on the practice facility, getting staff in line, etc. versus just waiting for the meeting to get the wheels rolling 16 months before the first puck drops.

Agreed, there's lots to do behind the scenes between now and June. I'm sure they'll just keep plugging away, even continue to collect deposits until they're full. From there start a waiting list. Wouldn't that be nice

For the team name, is that something they're planning via fan contest? If so then I guess it would have to wait until the franchise is granted. Too bad in that case, as it would be nice to unveil the name at the awards.

 

[BattleBorn]

For the team name, is that something they're planning via fan contest? If so then I guess it would have to wait until the franchise is granted. Too bad in that case, as it would be nice to unveil the name at the awards.

Yeah, I'm sure they'll have a contest, then decide on the Black Knights (bleh.)

I'm working on my list of names, complete with color and goal horn suggestions. That's what I'm saying though, there's a ton of stuff that could be done. Licensing/use of the NHL trademark-wise, I 100% expect the drive to go until the meeting.

 

[Brodie]

Las Vegas Conquistadors

 

[Mightygoose]

Las Vegas Conquistadors

With Gold coloured uniforms!

 

[Killion]

Let me ask this question, and it's something I've been thinking about since the announcement of the drive:

Let's say the ticket drive hits 10,000 today, they add in the other stuff and we're sitting at 11,000 STHs or so. What happens then? I know this is sort of going out of order for an expansion team, having the drive before the team announcement. Does the expansion vote have to occur at a normally scheduled meeting of the BoG, or can this undertaken via conference call or proxy vote?

The reason I ask is twofold.
-It would be awesome to not spend the next three months talking about a "potential team in Vegas."
-More importantly, we're getting ready to jump into what I called a "limbo period" where the ticket drive is, for all intents and purposes, over. "Hey Vegas, we hit our goal. We'll let you know what happens in June." Then it's radio silence time with three months for more CBC stories to come out, more time for local naysayers to fight against the effort for one reason or another, more time to fight over the same points here on HF and in people's living rooms, and really nothing positive coming from Hockey Vision Las Vegas or the league until the actual vote.

Ya, pretty much as others have opined, theres quite a bit of heavy lifting to do still behind the scenes with sponsors, broadcasters, affiliates, just a wide range of things. T's crossed & I's dotted at league level & in Las Vegas... so that when Bettman, Daly & Collins roll it out to the BOG's theyve got it all dialed in. Heres the Business Plan, heres why, heres this this & this, answering intelligently any & all questions & so on & so forth. And while it could be done by tele-conference no, not with something this major. You need that all present & accounted for situation happening, needs to tactile, right in front of you, things you can touch & see. Eyeball to eyeball.

So your not of the opinion its LV and Seattle? Lots here seem to think so.

No, I really dont. That situation is Logjammed, future cloudy. And while I expect Seattle & or Portland eventually do arrive timing is really bad, off. Ships about to sail & these guys havent even booked their flights to the pier. Youve Quebec ready to go, total radio silence from the heavies in Quebec & elsewhere who youve just gotta assume are under Gag Orders from New York.... just all kinds of curious things going on in Quebec that simply do not happen unless the fix is in.... on just a whole bunch of levels, it works, all the dots connect.

It just seems that, besides not really being able to control the story in the media...

They dont really need to and whats more, could care less what the CBC, the Globe & Mail or any other media outlet in Canada has to say about it. That they (CBC etc) will pander to the vocal minority in that country make no mistake and so what? Facile, obvious lame ass reports like the last one? Business is business...its their business, damned if you do & damned if you dont do whatever. Comes with the territory....

... you grow a thick skin and dont care because.... www.youtube.com/watch?v=otCpCn0l4Wo

 

[Killion]

Las Vegas Conquistadors

Yikes. paranormal Nevada with its other worldly denizens from Reticulum 4 living underground out there under Groom Lake, do to us what the Conquistadors did to the native populations in the Americas'... still, Ive hoped for that Brodie, Alien Invasion, make us their pets... always wanted one of those cute little beds with my name on it.

 

[BattleBorn]

They dont really need to and whats more, could care less what the CBC, the Globe & Mail or any other media outlet in Canada has to say about it. That they (CBC etc) will pander to the vocal minority in that country make no mistake and so what? Facile, obvious lame ass reports like the last one? Business is business...its their business, damned if you do & damned if you dont do whatever. Comes with the territory....

... you grow a thick skin and dont care because.... www.youtube.com/watch?v=otCpCn0l4Wo

Completely understand, the CBC thing was just a throwaway line due to the recent piece on CBC. My real concern was the "We want football/baseball/basketball/soccer" crowd here in Vegas getting all crazy here in the meantime while the team could be building the base. I have been playing social media warrior the past month or so concerning the hockey efforts, so I'm probably a little more exposed to that than the general public.

 

[Brodie]

you thinking Las Vegas Invaders, Kill?

 

[Killion]

Completely understand, the CBC thing was just a throwaway line due to the recent piece on CBC. My real concern was the "We want football/baseball/basketball/soccer" crowd here in Vegas getting all crazy here in the meantime while the team could be building the base. I have been playing social media warrior the past month or so concerning the hockey efforts, so I'm probably a little more exposed to that than the general public.

I dont quite follow... This "We want football/baseball/basketball/soccer" crowd, factions of each, how would the noise they make derail the efforts to secure an NHL franchise? Im sure some are completely biased & will stridently declare "this'll never work, but the NBA on the other hand" or whatever... well guess what? The NBA & or the NFL, MLB... not happening, at least not right away. Its not a case of either or. You dont have a choice. Not in some Sports Franchise Supermarket. Its hockey, the NHL. But, I suppose people being people, cant please everyone so eff em'. Get with the program or go away.... Talk to the hand Buddy... See ya.... Thats not so hard is it?

 

[Fugu]

.... well, one things for certain: Vegas gets in, NHL just got a whole lot sexier. And thats a good thing.

I object. Got a whole lot sleazier. No offense to the Vegas folks, but when I think of the Strip -- gambling, the booze culture, being served by scantily clad women, and the rest of it -- I don't really think "sexy."

 

[PCSPounder]

Completely understand, the CBC thing was just a throwaway line due to the recent piece on CBC. My real concern was the "We want football/baseball/basketball/soccer" crowd here in Vegas getting all crazy here in the meantime while the team could be building the base. I have been playing social media warrior the past month or so concerning the hockey efforts, so I'm probably a little more exposed to that than the general public.

Imagine the "we want baseball/football/hockey" crowd in Portland while the soccer issue ramped up. Not to mention that this has been happening for the better part of 40-50 years here.

(Made me laugh to see old news of Portland fielding a bid for the 1968 Olympics, including someone bringing out what looked like a model of the 1964 Delta Dome proposal that failed by 400 votes... with a baseball diamond still included inside.)

I feel ya, there. The temptation to tell you to get in line is trumped by the fact that the original NHL2PDX sign-up list never got past 2,000. I think that was at least 10 years ago. Meanwhile, the truth is that Killion is right... there's no need to worry about normal message board banter from people who want other sports. At least two of those sports don't even want Vegas anyway. This whole game is about putting your money where your mouth is. There's no way to do that in opposition when an arena is already being built with private funds. Believe you me... some of those guys will end up being the most ardent, um, Black Knights fans.

 

[Fugu]

Let me ask this question, and it's something I've been thinking about since the announcement of the drive:

Let's say the ticket drive hits 10,000 today, they add in the other stuff and we're sitting at 11,000 STHs or so. What happens then? I know this is sort of going out of order for an expansion team, having the drive before the team announcement. Does the expansion vote have to occur at a normally scheduled meeting of the BoG, or can this undertaken via conference call or proxy vote?

The reason I ask is twofold.
-It would be awesome to not spend the next three months talking about a "potential team in Vegas."
-More importantly, we're getting ready to jump into what I called a "limbo period" where the ticket drive is, for all intents and purposes, over. "Hey Vegas, we hit our goal. We'll let you know what happens in June." Then it's radio silence time with three months for more CBC stories to come out, more time for local naysayers to fight against the effort for one reason or another, more time to fight over the same points here on HF and in people's living rooms, and really nothing positive coming from Hockey Vision Las Vegas or the league until the actual vote.

You don't have to worry. This has been a done deal for years. The ticket drive is just window dressing, so they look like they're following standard protocol.

I would guess an announcement could happen after the playoffs, to be honest.

 

[Killion]

you thinking Las Vegas Invaders, Kill?

... Im liking Aces. Loved the concept & renderings from own SparkyChewy. I think Conquistadors, Im thinkin that great tune from Procul Harem...
or Neil Young's Cortez the Killer... neither terribly up-lifting but certainly most enjoyable over a king kan of Newcastle Brown Ale Brodie...

... several in fact..... www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-b76yiqO1E

 

[BattleBorn]

I dont quite follow... This "We want football/baseball/basketball/soccer" crowd, factions of each, how would the noise they make derail the efforts to secure an NHL franchise? Im sure some are completely biased & will stridently declare "this'll never work, but the NBA on the other hand" or whatever... well guess what? The NBA & or the NFL, MLB... not happening, at least not right away. Its not a case of either or. You dont have a choice. Not in some Sports Franchise Supermarket. Its hockey, the NHL. But, I suppose people being people, cant please everyone so eff em'. Get with the program or go away.... Talk to the hand Buddy... See ya.... Thats not so hard is it?

It's not a matter of them derailing the whole thing. I'm more worried about the dialog going on at the water cooler in the meantime. It's no huge issue, I just wish we could move right from the drive to the team for public relations purposes.

 

[BattleBorn]

I object. Got a whole lot sleazier. No offense to the Vegas folks, but when I think of the Strip -- gambling, the booze culture, being served by scantily clad women, and the rest of it -- I don't really think "sexy."

Yeah, the city sells itself that way to the outside public. It works out well, and the branding is strong enough that it's really tough to mention you're from Vegas when you're anywhere but here.

I'd say we really need to change that, but the image is really the only reason this place isn't a 500,000 person city in the desert with a couple casinos catering to a few million people a year. It's a necessary evil, but not true outside of the touristy areas.

... Im liking Aces. Loved the concept & renderings from own SparkyChewy.

I did as well. I think it's great that it is completely non-gambling related, yet it still invokes the gaming aspects everyone considers "Vegas." Plus, I'm a pilot/aviation nerd, so I really dig the aviation angle.

ETA: I'd probably add a "LV" wordmark to hit the merchandising/clothing angle for people that would like to wear Las Vegas stuff, but it's darn near perfect.

 

[Killion]

I object. Got a whole lot sleazier. No offense to the Vegas folks, but when I think of the Strip -- gambling, the booze culture, being served by scantily clad women, and the rest of it -- I don't really think "sexy."

The rule of my life is to make business
a pleasure, and pleasure my business....
Aaron Burr

 

[Fugu]

Hedonist.

 

[powerstuck]

So your not of the opinion its LV and Seattle? Lots here seem to think so.

I don't wanna answer for Killion, but will give my own opinion on the question.

Seattle, if something goes wrong, it's gonna be no ones but their own fault. I mean the league, as subtle as the want to be, have hinted numerous times they want to go to Seattle, and Seattle is somewhat playing hardball with them.

I'm not sure its going to be LV and Seattle, not at the same moment, not the same year, I would stretch it out to say maybe not in the same decade.

And even if NHL wants to wait for Seattle to be ready, it will just be sad for LV folks, who did things when things were to be done. You can kiss goodbye to those 10000 engagements for ST if those 10000 need to wait 5 years to see a single game.

 

[ucanthanzalthetruth]

I don't wanna answer for Killion, but will give my own opinion on the question.

Seattle, if something goes wrong, it's gonna be no ones but their own fault. I mean the league, as subtle as the want to be, have hinted numerous times they want to go to Seattle, and Seattle is somewhat playing hardball with them.

I'm not sure its going to be LV and Seattle, not at the same moment, not the same year, I would stretch it out to say maybe not in the same decade.

And even if NHL wants to wait for Seattle to be ready, it will just be sad for LV folks, who did things when things were to be done. You can kiss goodbye to those 10000 engagements for ST if those 10000 need to wait 5 years to see a single game.

In a couple months there is going to be an announcement that Vegas is getting a team to start play for the 2017 season. This is a done deal.

 

[gstommylee]

I don't wanna answer for Killion, but will give my own opinion on the question.

Seattle, if something goes wrong, it's gonna be no ones but their own fault. I mean the league, as subtle as the want to be, have hinted numerous times they want to go to Seattle, and Seattle is somewhat playing hardball with them.

I'm not sure its going to be LV and Seattle, not at the same moment, not the same year, I would stretch it out to say maybe not in the same decade.

And even if NHL wants to wait for Seattle to be ready, it will just be sad for LV folks, who did things when things were to be done. You can kiss goodbye to those 10000 engagements for ST if those 10000 need to wait 5 years to see a single game.

NHL will at least announce Vegas NHL this summer that much is guaranteed. If enough progress is being made on the NHL first front for Seattle to where NHL knows its a sure thing then they will announce both at the same time

 

[Killion]

Hedonist.

Alexander Hamilton talked Smack about Aaron Burr at a party... so he challenged him to a Duel &
shot him..... Problem?... Law unto himself.... Finestkind as they say in Maine.... Hawkeye on M.A.S.H.