Naples rejects Braves overtures
- Thread starter rico43
- Start date
50PoundHead
Hessmania Forever
Naples is a beautiful area that is full of old folks and big money. Last thing they probably wanted was all the hubbub that would be associated with a spring training complex.
When did the Braves build the Kissimmee complex? I thought that was cutting edge when it was put together. I guess the edge has dulled.
When did the Braves build the Kissimmee complex? I thought that was cutting edge when it was put together. I guess the edge has dulled.
rico43
<B>Director of Minor League Reports</B>
The Braves built nothing. Disney was in place, fully formed, when the Braves signed a deal to occupy the premises. Kissimmee is actually several miles away, where the Astros had the camp for years. The Fire Frogs will play in that stadium this season.
50PoundHead
Hessmania Forever
I guess my question is "Why move?" Is it a revenue generation issue?
Dark Star is also no longer in close proximity to the other complexes as it's been in the past. Travel is more trouble - longer bus rides, etc. - and I can't imagine the Braves have a "great deal" with Disney. They've long been known to be the winner in most every agreement they enter into, so the Braves likely aren't reaping near as many benefits as many other clubs are (much like the TV deal).
There doesn't seem to be much "one hand washing the other" either - my brother is a big IT guy with Disney, and he tells me that there apparently are no shared marketing efforts between the two (for tourists or employees) - no packages that will get you reduced rates for Disney attractions or lodging in concert with spring training or that type of thing. Sure seems like that's a missed opportunity.
chipchildress
Awaiting a Promotion
the biggest missed opportunity in history was when wilmington turned down the chance to have the Carolina League Braves team in a new river front ballpark.
wilmington voters fell for the line that the public shouldn't finance stadiums, as if a single A stadium to be funded by tourists for the most part was the same thing as a big city building a billion dollar stadium (falcons). too bad soundbites rule. "we're not gonna pay for those billionaires to make even more money!"
which is of course exactly what those same voters are doing when they check of R in the voting booth, but hey.
wilmington voters fell for the line that the public shouldn't finance stadiums, as if a single A stadium to be funded by tourists for the most part was the same thing as a big city building a billion dollar stadium (falcons). too bad soundbites rule. "we're not gonna pay for those billionaires to make even more money!"
which is of course exactly what those same voters are doing when they check of R in the voting booth, but hey.