New Arena: Interesting Read

http://www.nj.com/business/ledger/index.ssf?/base/business-3/1148186849212800.xml&coll=1&thispage=1

those suites sound frickin awesome!

One of the biggest problems with the suites at Continental Airlines Arena was the low number of suites.

Thanks for the link JimEIV.

Those sound amazing...now all I have to do is win the lottery (well, one can dream).

Nice read, and it's great that we're over a year away from the arena opening and 22 companies have already asked to have suites.

Vanderbeek is a smart business man and is well connected. The arena sounds like it will be awesome, can't wait to visit it.

Good read Jimmy.

I think I will pull a Homer Simpson to go check out the suite model.

Homer went to the Springfield Bentley dealership for a test drive to get two free day-spa passes. Homer wore a monocle and called himself "Count Homer."

Like I said on another forum(nj.com), to have 22 companies ask to set aside suites when the arena is not even close to being finished is very impressive.

http://www.nj.com/business/ledger/index.ssf?/base/business-3/1148186849212800.xml&coll=1&thispage=1

Thanks for the link.


It gave me pause to imagine and understand how things funnel down to the players after reading this.

Pressure on Lou to win, make the proper choices, pressure on staff to succeed, pressure on players...vis a vis the business end of things.

Old hat I know for most of you, but I am new to the game...and sports reading generally.

It must be stressful for everyone in management and players to succeed and easy to forget the fun of the game. Call me naive.

Sushi in a suite sounds awseome...I miss sushi out here...


EDIT: 200th post!? Wow...scary. I didn't realize I was here so often!
oh well...time passes too fast eh?

I don't think fans realize what a deal this is for the Devils.

Ticket and Luxary Box sales 100% to the Devils
Concessions 100% to the Devils
Naming Rights to the Arena 100% to the Devils
Concerts and other shows profit for the Devils

The Devils Had NONE of this with their contract with NJSEA and they now the landlords as opposed to the tenants.

All of this for 100 Million. It was literally a steal!

The naming rights alone will come close to paying the annual debt for the 100 Million.

If the Devils just sell all their Luxary Suites (which will be very difficult) they will make more money from that alone they ever made in the Meadowlands.

The best part of it is even if the Devils have a half empty building in Newark they still will be making significantly more money than they ever made in the Meadowlands.

Not to mention the Cost Saving the Devil will realize now that their practice facility will be inside the new arena.

I don't think fans realize what a deal this is for the Devils.

Ticket and Luxary Box sales 100% to the Devils
Concessions 100% to the Devils
Naming Rights to the Arena 100% to the Devils
Concerts and other shows profit for the Devils

The Devils Had NONE of this with their contract with NJSEA and they now the landlords as opposed to the tenants.

All of this for 100 Million. It was literally a steal!

The naming rights alone will come close to paying the annual debt for the 100 Million.

If the Devils just sell all their Luxary Suites (which will be very difficult) they will make more money from that alone they ever made in the Meadowlands.

The best part of it is even if the Devils have a half empty building in Newark they still will be making significantly more money than they ever made in the Meadowlands.

Not to mention the Cost Saving the Devil will realize now that their practice facility will be inside the new arena.

Great article and its true - this will make the Devils so much stronger financially. That's the main reason I'm in favor of the move.

I just hope by some chance the organization will catch on that the main reason their average attendance has dropped from 17k in '96-97 to around 14k the last couple of years is the high ticket prices and will actually make the upper level more affordable so that more fans can afford to come. I mean a 300 section seat in the garden is less than all but the corners of the upper deck at the CAA - that's just insane.

Slightly off topic, but has anyone heard or seen anything about the actual layout of the arena (how many concourses, levels of seats, etc), or even just something like the layout maps they have on ticketmaster?

Slightly off topic, but has anyone heard or seen anything about the actual layout of the arena (how many concourses, levels of seats, etc), or even just something like the layout maps they have on ticketmaster?

they had models and pictures on display in the ticket area at the CAA and on scott stevens night I talked with some Devils reps and they went over it with me a little. Pointed out how its going to be more compact, more like an old style NHL arena so that the upper decks feel more on top of the ice rather than so far away. I think they said 5 concourses but I don't remember for sure. I think there is 2 main levels of seating, 2 levels of boxes/suites and one level that is like bars and a restaurant.

Sushi in a suite sounds awseome...I miss sushi out here...
EDIT: 200th post!? Wow...scary. I didn't realize I was here so often!
oh well...time passes too fast eh?
What city are you in? I'm not into sushi so much, so I didn't look for it when I vacationed in Italy for two weeks in 2003. You'd think Rome or Milan would have sushi. Are you anywhere close?
(PS - best pizza I had was in Venice)
Not to mention the Cost Saving the Devil will realize now that their practice facility will be inside the new arena.
Yeah, but it kinda sucks that I won't be able to just drive down to SMA to take in a practice.
<)-:**
Oh well...I wonder if they'll open up practices in Newark to the public?

According to mapquest it takes 13 minutes from South Mountain Arena to Mulberry and Edison Pl. If you can go to the one its not too much longer to the other. I'd like to see them hold open practices at the Ironbound Rec Center, although that would up the travel time from South Mountain to 19 minutes.

In Tuscany..there is one..ONE..outrageously priced of course.

Your additional post JIMEIV is interesting. Glad to hear these things as this organization really deserves the success and larger fan base.

kind regards.

Booker better not screw this up. I don't think he can, but...

http://www.nj.com/sportsflash/devils/index.ssf?/base/sports-7/114867355569570.xml&storylist=njdevils

Booker better not screw this up. I don't think he can, but...

http://www.nj.com/sportsflash/devils/index.ssf?/base/sports-7/114867355569570.xml&storylist=njdevilsI don't think there is much of chance of Mayor-elect Brooks nixxing the deal.

Just political rhetoric..........

He needs to show how bad the previous administration was so he he can position himself as "righting the ship"

And when the project is completed On time and on Budget he will say it was because of his leadership and watchful eye.

Blah, blah, blah.....It the words of Bon Jovi..They are all the same only the names change.

As a NJ taxpayer Booker is right, this whole deal stinks. It was incredible that Sharpe was able to pull this off. All the trouble with Newark building an arena is a joke. This arena is going to be a cash cow for the Devils and horrible deal for Newark, and the state. Gov't should stay out of business of building arenas or stadiums for rich owners. This deal is at least not as bad as the new Giants stadium.

As a NJ taxpayer Booker is right, this whole deal stinks. It was incredible that Sharpe was able to pull this off. All the trouble with Newark building an arena is a joke. This arena is going to be a cash cow for the Devils and horrible deal for Newark, and the state. Gov't should stay out of business of building arenas or stadiums for rich owners. This deal is at least not as bad as the new Giants stadium.


How can it be a bad deal for Newark? 210 Million for a revitalization of the downtown area? If one business comes because of the new arena Newark will eventually make their money back.

Suppose a Bennigans opens around the arena....20 to 30 new jobs are created a brand new source of tax income for the city from the new business and a bunch of people paying taxes and working a landlord collecting rent from the new business.....Thats all revenue for the city that may have otherwise not been there.

Not to mention about a 750K (regular season games) people coming into the city that Never would have otherwise. How much money is a million new people coming to the city every year going to leave behind for Newark?

Suppose a Bennigans opens around the arena....20 to 30 new jobs are created a brand new source of tax income for the city from the new business and a bunch of people paying taxes and working a landlord collecting rent from the new business.....Thats all revenue for the city that may have otherwise not been there.

Not to mention about a 750K (regular season games) people coming into the city that Never would have otherwise. How much money is a million new people coming to the city every year going to leave behind for Newark?


Exactly.

In the article that I posted as a link, Montelih said that the city hired outside experts on this project, who determined that it would generate millions into the city as well as spur development. Heck, there's even an Applebees being built in the South Ward of Newark. Let me repeat that: the South Ward of Newark. It should open in time for the fall. Imagine what other type of businesses the arena would attract when finished.

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/essex/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1146632458297920.xml&coll=1

Great article and its true - this will make the Devils so much stronger financially. That's the main reason I'm in favor of the move.

I just hope by some chance the organization will catch on that the main reason their average attendance has dropped from 17k in '96-97 to around 14k the last couple of years is the high ticket prices and will actually make the upper level more affordable so that more fans can afford to come. I mean a 300 section seat in the garden is less than all but the corners of the upper deck at the CAA - that's just insane.

We need to follow the lead of Montreal. They have a sponsor, Molson, who subsidizes a section so that seats sell for $20/game. That's a good price in a city where hockey is a religion. The Molson Zone makes it affordable for the average guy to go to a game. While its mostly crazed fans, it helps add to the atmosphere. They need to have sections for crazed fans and the other more family friendly in terms of price and section.
Imagine a section of tix on weekdays for 15/game? A guy can take his family of 4 and not go broke. It's all about getting the bodies through the gate and making fans. Also lets steal the Nets PR guy, he's great, there is an article about him in NJ monthly on how he's driven up gate receipts for the nets.

There will be gossip and controversy about the Arena in Newark until it is up and open for business. Until Newark realizes that this arena is good for them and the area there will always be people against the idea.

I'm sorry, I'm as big a supporter of the Newark Arena as anyone else, but the South Ward isn't really anywhere near the arena site so I would be extremely hesitant to say that the arena had anything to do with that Applebee's.

I'd like the Devils to make a deal with the city to allow food and drink from any restaurant in a certain region around the arena into the arena on gamedays. Sure, it might cut in a tiny bit into the concessions sales, but fans would appreciate it as would the city and the businesses that would develop around the arena. Or even make it any restaurant in the city, its not like it'll matter much. Most people will only go to the ones convenient to the arena anyway. The city could distribute visible stickers to restauranteurs to put onto their take-out food so the ticket-takers know not to hassle them about it.

I'm sorry, I'm as big a supporter of the Newark Arena as anyone else, but the South Ward isn't really anywhere near the arena site so I would be extremely hesitant to say that the arena had anything to do with that Applebee's.


I know that. But I'm just saying that if a Home Depot and a major family resturant can be attracted to the heart of the '67 riots(Bergen Street & Springfield Ave.) then imagine what other types of business could flock to a downtown arena site(i.e. MCI Center, Verizon, whatever it's called in D.C.). It's up to Book not to screw it up.

That's right.. what this arena does is bookend the revitalization area.

You have, on the North: NJPAC and Riverfront stadium along with a rebuild Broad Street Station and new subway line terminus.

You have, on the east, Penn Station and the Ironbound, along with Gateway Center.

You have, on the west, University Heights with Rutgers: Newark building tons of new building and most importantly, HOUSING.

Centrally, there's the downtown district which has Prudential Financial, Verizon, IDT, PSE&G, and now, shockingly, two older but decrepit buildings on either side of Broad Street have been bought and are being converted into LUXURY rental apartments. The first downtown residential since the riots, probably. Far enough from each other to generate a track of new businesses to serve the residents.

What, then, on the south? There wasnt anything, but just Market street which is slowly getting a new proper store or two, and of course the legendary Hobby's Deli... but now, the Arena and all that goes with it.

The city itself has a really top chance to improve within that box.

If anyone thinks this arena is going to revitalize Newark look around the country when arena's were built under the same utopia vision. It is a waste of money that should have been spent in much more pressing areas of Newark. And the deal is such an incredible bonzonza for the Devils. I love the Devils but the sweetheart deals these teams get out of governments is crazy. I can safely say 10 years from now this south section of Newark will not be revitalized like they vision. It is simply a bad deal for Newark and NJ.

How is it a bad deal if technically there's no taxpayer money involved(The Port Authority gave them the 210 mil FOR redevelopment)? I like how everyone says that $210 was gonna cure poverty and solve the school crisis when it wasn't.

Should this thing get finished without any interruption, it plans to generate at least $28mil in tax revenue annually to the city, that doesn't include concert money and businesses that it could attract.

The arena isn't going to change the entire city, but it will help downtown. Look no farther than Camden Yards, Coors Field, D.C., Jacobs Field/Gund Arena, etc. The lease probably does favor the Devils a lot, but the city WILL be paid back tenfold.

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/ideas/articles/2006/03/19/ballpark_figures/?page=4

University of Chicago economist Allen Sanderson puts it another way. ''Cities would be better off," he says, ''if the mayor were to go up in a helicopter and dump out $100,000."

The problem is people look at the few success stories and say that is going to be them. Even examples used in previous post Cleveland and Wash DC have not revitalized the area.

I can see it now on the cold Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb ---Windy and rainy days of Mar, Apr, May---Hot summer days of Jun, July, Aug----Pleasant Indian summer days of Sept and Oct. The streets around Newark will be filled with activity. Please unless an event is happening the streets will be dead. Top it off the arena will be competing agaisnt CAA for events.

It is great the Devils are getting a new arena, and as a Devils fan its a windfall, but as taxpayer it is ridiculous to spend $210 million on the promise of tax returns that has a track record of failure in other cities.

http://wcbstv.com/sports/local_story_146222431.html

Mayor Elect Cory Booker will reexamine the deal:

Newark Mayor-elect Cory Booker is no fan of a new hockey arena for the New Jersey Devils under construction in downtown Newark.

In a mayoral debate earlier this month, he called the $310 million building a "betrayal of the public trust" and "a bad political deal."

Booker said he questions whether spending millions for a new hockey arena is the best use of money in Newark, which also faces problems of crime, gang violence and poverty. The city and the Devils broke ground in October on the 18,000-seat arena. The team is paying $100 million.

http://wcbstv.com/sports/local_story_146222431.html

Mayor Elect Cory Booker will reexamine the deal:

Newark Mayor-elect Cory Booker is no fan of a new hockey arena for the New Jersey Devils under construction in downtown Newark.

In a mayoral debate earlier this month, he called the $310 million building a "betrayal of the public trust" and "a bad political deal."

Booker said he questions whether spending millions for a new hockey arena is the best use of money in Newark, which also faces problems of crime, gang violence and poverty. The city and the Devils broke ground in October on the 18,000-seat arena. The team is paying $100 million.



i wouldnt worry about this very much...

The problem is people look at the few success stories and say that is going to be them. Even examples used in previous post Cleveland and Wash DC have not revitalized the area.


Really? D.C.
http://www.answers.com/topic/verizon-center
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime_in_Washington,_D.C

Downtown Cleveland
http://www.redsoxconnection.com/stories/indians.html "In addition to Gund Arena, located a long home run away behind left field, The Jake marked the beginning of the revitalization of the downtown Cleveland area, changing the fortunes of the baseball team in the process."
http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/enc1/jacobs_field

Look, if the arena does become a financial burden, Book could just blame it on the Sharpe Troop. If it doesn't, he'll have the perfect photo-op as well as take full credit for its success.

Really? D.C.
http://www.answers.com/topic/verizon-center
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime_in_Washington,_D.C

Here I would say it helped redevelop the area. Unfortunately I was biased because of the negative waves of my relatives who live in DC. But at the same time the
Verizon cnter was financed almost all by Pollin. DC's contribution was only about 50-60 million big difference then Newark contribution which may increase to 300 million.

Downtown Cleveland
http://www.redsoxconnection.com/stories/indians.html "In addition to Gund Arena, located a long home run away behind left field, The Jake marked the beginning of the revitalization of the downtown Cleveland area, changing the fortunes of the baseball team in the process."

http://www.coolcleveland.com/index.php?n=Main.TheTalentedMisterReidyOrWillPover tyTakeCenterStage

Since you used a personal story which I do not know has to do with this discussion here is another.

http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/enc1/jacobs_field

http://www.lakewoodbuzz.com/RoldoBartimole/RB%2004-20-05%20Roldo%20Bartimole%20Charity%20Lakewood%20Ohio %20Cleveland.html

Great Deals and Cleveland is one of the top cities for poverty.



Look, if the arena does become a financial burden, Book could just blame it on the Sharpe Troop. If it doesn't, he'll have the perfect photo-op as well as take full credit for its success.

http://www.prospect.org/web/page.ww?section=root&name=ViewPrint&articleId=4657

Although team owners claim that the economic benefits created by building new stadiums justify sweetheart deals, new stadiums have little impact on residents [see Amy D. Burke, "Skyboxed In," TAP, September-October 1997]. Andrew Zimbalist, a professor of economics at Smith College who has written extensively about sports, argues that professional sports teams are actually a "slight net drag on the local economy."

Again the arena is great deal for Devils bad deal for Newark and NJ taxpayers because money Newark doesn't generate is coming to come from somewhere...taxes.
Yes 210 million was not tax revenue but the 210 million could have been used to build schools. The money to build the schools comes from taxpayers.

Differences between DC/Cleveland and Newark
Verizon center has as tenants Mystics, Hoyas, Captials, and Wizards. Newark has Devils. Verizon center has no real competition for touring events. Newark has CAA, MSG, and Ratners palace all with miles of each other.
Cleveland has no real competition and also has Gund Arena, Browns stadium and Jacobs field. Newark has the Bears far from a success.

Cleveland and DC have soooo much more working for them then Newark.

Sports fans think they are betraying their teams when they are against such reckless giveaways to rich owners but it is only a game. If this was such a great deal put it to a vote because it is the public's money. Why not because I would guess the arena would only get at most 20% support at best.

You can believe what you want. Newark will turn an arena into financial success when almost every other city that built and subsidize toys for rich could not achieve.

I will go with what has happened with almost every arena/stadium built it will cost me and the owners will only get richer.

Yes 210 million was not tax revenue but the 210 million could have been used to build schools. The money to build the schools comes from taxpayers.Okay Ted Kennedy, I forgot that public schools are the answer. You should be thankful a New Jersey politician put the money into something other than an off-shore bank account.

I will go with what has happened with almost every arena/stadium built it will cost me and the owners will only get richer.Fat cats like Jeff Vanderbeek and Lou Lamoriello aren't going to get rich off of this deal. Vanderbeek could have stayed in the financial sector, and Lamoriello could have cashed out his interest in the team when PuckHoldings bought out Dr. McMullen.

Okay Ted Kennedy, I forgot that public schools are the answer. You should be thankful a New Jersey politician put the money into something other than an off-shore bank account.

I guess you do not grasp that if Newark spends $210 million I repeat $210 million on building an arena it means they will have $210 million less to spend on other projects. That means that much more money Newark will need from the state. I guess that makes me more true conservative being that I am against foolish gov't spending.

Fat cats like Jeff Vanderbeek and Lou Lamoriello aren't going to get rich off of this deal. Vanderbeek could have stayed in the financial sector, and Lamoriello could have cashed out his interest in the team when PuckHoldings bought out Dr. McMullen.

Are you serious. I am assuming this is said tongue in cheek. I do not believe someone would actually think Vanderbeek is not going to make tons of money on this deal.

Project Benefits

The creation of more than 13,200 permanent jobs. Of these, the arena is expected to produce 500, the hotel 225, the office space about 10,500, the retail spaces a further 2,000.
Sales tax generated:

A) Arena: Gross Taxable Sales at $150 million per annum yields $9 million in sales taxes.

B) Hotel: At 85 percent occupancy and $150 per night, Gross Taxable Sales equal $13.9 million, New Jersey 6 percent sales tax of $973,000, and 3 percent city sales tax rebate of $570,000.

C) Retail: Gross Taxable Sales of $166.875 million. Sales tax at 6 percent yields $10.0125 million

Payroll tax generated:
A) Arena: Gross payroll (Team, Events, Arena): $75 million. 1 percent payroll tax yields $750,000.

B) Hotel: 225 jobs. Gross payroll: $7.875 million. 1 percent payroll tax yields $78,750.

C) Office: 10,500 jobs. Gross payroll: $420 million. 1 percent payroll tax yields $4.2 million.

D) Retail: 2,002 jobs. Gross payroll: $60 million. 1 percent payroll tax yields $600,000.
Total anticipated payroll tax: $15.68 million.

Estimated PILOT (Payment In Lieu of Taxes) payments from all development, excluding arena, all at 2 percent:
Hotel: $50 million yields $1 million.
Office: $600 million yields $12 million.
Retail: $134 million yields $2.68 million.
Total: $15.68 million

Estimated parking taxes generated:
Total Spaces: 3,700

Event Revenues: 200 events, at $15 per event yields $11.1 million Gross Parking Revenues: 15 percent Tax yields $1.665 million Annual Parking Tax.
Daytime Revenues: 260 workdays at $10 per day yields $9.6 million Gross Parking Revenues. 15 percent Tax yields $1.443 million Annual Parking Tax.
Total: $3.1 million





Total Revenues to the City:

Payroll Tax $5.6 million
RE Taxes $15.7 million
Parking Taxes $3.1 million
UEZ Sales Taxes $4.0 million
Grand Total: $28.4 million per year



30-Year Return to City:

Years 1-10:

Payroll Taxes $21 million
RE Taxes $45 million
Parking Taxes $31 million
UEZ Sales Tax $10 million
Total for Years 1-10: $107 million


Years 11-30:

Payroll Taxes $116 million
RE Taxes $314 million
Parking Taxes $62 million
UEZ Sales Taxes $80 million
Total for years 11-30: $572 million
Grand Total for 30 years: $679 million

Plus: 13,627 new jobs - $1.15 billion in new construction

Plus: Ownership of Arena at end of 30 years, estimated to be in worth of excess of $500 million

________________________________________________


Phase I

Construction of a new headquarters building for the Newark Public Schools, which will also be the City of Newark's Customer Service Center. This building will take up approximately 250,000 square feet.
Construction of a new 300-room hotel. This will take up 300,000 square feet.
Construction of a 700,000 square-foot, 18,000-seat arena for the New Jersey Devils.
Construction of a 50,000 square-foot office building to house the offices of the New Jersey Devils. This building will include retail stores.
1600 space parking garage for $67 Million Dollars.

Phase II

Construction of an additional $1 billion in housing, retail stores and commercial offices in the balance of the area.
Infrastructure Investment Under Construction

Nearly One Billion Dollars of infrastructure to supporting the Newark Downtown core Redevelopment District is funded and aldeady under construction or partially completed:

New Jersey Route 21 re-construction, including new interchange for NJ Route 21, 22, I-73 and the New Jersey Turnpike at Newark Liberty International Airport for $500 Million Dollars.

Newark Subway Extension Light Rail Transit (LRT) connecting NJT Newark Broad Street Station to Newark Penn Station via the existing Newark Subway for $270 Million Dollars.

Passaic Riverfront Restoration and construction of Riverfront Park with pedestrian walkway, restaurants, retail and recreation with $75 Million Dollar Congressional Authorization, by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Reconstruction of Broad Street with new Lighting, planted median and street amenities for $10 Million Dollars.

Re-alignment and re-construction of Lafayette Street and Mulberry Street for $30 Million Dollars.
________________________________________________


This is a Win-Win Deal for Newark and the New Jersey Devils

http://www.prospect.org/web/page.ww?section=root&name=ViewPrint&articleId=4657

Although team owners claim that the economic benefits created by building new stadiums justify sweetheart deals, new stadiums have little impact on residents [see Amy D. Burke, "Skyboxed In," TAP, September-October 1997]. Andrew Zimbalist, a professor of economics at Smith College who has written extensively about sports, argues that professional sports teams are actually a "slight net drag on the local economy."

Again the arena is great deal for Devils bad deal for Newark and NJ taxpayers because money Newark doesn't generate is coming to come from somewhere...taxes.
Yes 210 million was not tax revenue but the 210 million could have been used to build schools. The money to build the schools comes from taxpayers.

Differences between DC/Cleveland and Newark
Verizon center has as tenants Mystics, Hoyas, Captials, and Wizards. Newark has Devils. Verizon center has no real competition for touring events. Newark has CAA, MSG, and Ratners palace all with miles of each other.
Cleveland has no real competition and also has Gund Arena, Browns stadium and Jacobs field. Newark has the Bears far from a success.

Cleveland and DC have soooo much more working for them then Newark.

Sports fans think they are betraying their teams when they are against such reckless giveaways to rich owners but it is only a game. If this was such a great deal put it to a vote because it is the public's money. Why not because I would guess the arena would only get at most 20% support at best.

You can believe what you want. Newark will turn an arena into financial success when almost every other city that built and subsidize toys for rich could not achieve.

I will go with what has happened with almost every arena/stadium built it will cost me and the owners will only get richer.

The only thing you are misiing is that the Newark Arena will have other tenants as well..They have already signed on for the Devils, 40 concerts the first year, Seton Hall Basketball, and a MISL team. That's not bad. The biggest hope for them is that the Nets deal falls through and the team joins them in Newark as well.

The only thing you are misiing is that the Newark Arena will have other tenants as well..They have already signed on for the Devils, 40 concerts the first year, Seton Hall Basketball, and a MISL team. That's not bad. The biggest hope for them is that the Nets deal falls through and the team joins them in Newark as well.
I could still see the Nets deal falling thru and them joining the Devils in Newark. Anybody know how long their lease with CAA runs thru & if they'd consider playing at Newark for at least a season or two?

I drove by the arena site last night for the first time - the area surrounding the arena was actually quite a bit nicer than I thought it would be. I'm really excited for the Devils to start playing there (although tailgating in the CAA parking lot will be missed).

As for the use of funds on this arena discussion, I don't think this is that bad of a deal for Newark. The city of Newark seems to have such a bad reputation that it almost takes something like this to finally draw people like myself into the city and realize it's really not that bad. It would seem vital to me to develop a nice part of Newark to draw people in and then continue to expand that development outwards. Maybe the $210M could have been used better (I haven't followed the political aspect of this that closely), but given the long history of corruption and historical (as well as present) misuse of public funds that NJ polititians have been known for, I'm sure there have been tons more deals that were far worse for taxpayers that went relatively unnoticed.

I think Joe1-Lou2 the biggest point I'd make against your argument is that I doubt this $210 million would have been spent on anything else at all. They wouldn't have raised this additional $210m for those other things you mentioned. While you could make an argument either way about whether it will be profitable for the city or not - I think it will but I agree there are examples where they haven't been - I think the assumption that the city would have raised this additional money and put it in the budget for other things is wishful thinking.

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/ideas/articles/2006/03/19/ballpark_figures/?page=4

University of Chicago economist Allen Sanderson puts it another way. ''Cities would be better off," he says, ''if the mayor were to go up in a helicopter and dump out $100,000."

The problem is people look at the few success stories and say that is going to be them. Even examples used in previous post Cleveland and Wash DC have not revitalized the area.

I can see it now on the cold Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb ---Windy and rainy days of Mar, Apr, May---Hot summer days of Jun, July, Aug----Pleasant Indian summer days of Sept and Oct. The streets around Newark will be filled with activity. Please unless an event is happening the streets will be dead. Top it off the arena will be competing agaisnt CAA for events.

It is great the Devils are getting a new arena, and as a Devils fan its a windfall, but as taxpayer it is ridiculous to spend $210 million on the promise of tax returns that has a track record of failure in other cities.

I can't comment on Cleveland, but it is inaccurate to say that the Verizon Center had no impact on revitailzing that area of DC. While there are other factors, too, the arena has had a huge impact on bringing businesses to the area as well as residences. Unfortunately, Chinatown has all but disappeared as a result. Of course, it is also important to note that Abe Polin funded the building of the Verizon Center. There were tax breaks, etc., but Polin privately financed the building.

I have it from an "amazing" source that there will be $10 tickets at the new arena in the upper corners.

Again it is a rare exception not the rule when a city gets any return on their investment. Every city shows great projections but it almost never happens. This arena has as much chance generating $679 million as I do backing up Marty next year.

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/ideas/articles/2006/03/19/ballpark_figures/?page=1

''Generally speaking," says Andrew Zimbalist, a professor at Smith College and a leading sports economist, ''the independent research suggests that we can't anticipate any economic impact" from sports teams and stadiums.

In Baltimore, he says, the cost per job created by Camden Yards was $125,000, whereas for the city's other urban redevelopment programs it was $6,000 per job. And $125,000, according to Noll, is actually pretty efficient for a sports stadium.

Even the consulting firm ERA put out an issue paper, back in 1995, cautioning against ''overblown claims of the economic value of major league sports teams" and concluding that, ''Compared with more traditional public investments of scarce economic development dollars. . .sports facilities are a rather poor investment."

Owners and politicians make the building of these stadiums for teams sound like a no brainer win win but it just is not the case. Hey its not the Devils fault Newark came to them but it does not change the fact that the Devils will reap the rewards and Newark will never see anywhere near a $679 million dollar return.

I have it from an "amazing" source that there will be $10 tickets at the new arena in the upper corners.
Excellent news if that's true - I thought the Devils might do something like this, similar to the Eagles Nest (or whatever they're called) tickets available for Caps games. It's about time the Devils institute a pricing structure that makes sense.

Maybe the Devils will also come up with more flexible season ticket packages - allowing partial packages where you can pick and choose games that work for you (think the Caps do something like this as well).

Excellent news if that's true - I thought the Devils might do something like this, similar to the Eagles Nest (or whatever they're called) tickets available for Caps games. It's about time the Devils institute a pricing structure that makes sense.

Maybe the Devils will also come up with more flexible season ticket packages - allowing partial packages where you can pick and choose games that work for you (think the Caps do something like this as well).
Agreed, I'd love to see the Devils bring in some cheaper seats. I also think they should do some sort of student discounts and try and draw in some of the undergrad/grad students in Newark.

The Caps also had a great deal this past season where if you bought 4 or more of the Eagles Nest tickets they were only $5 each! That's cheaper than going to see a movie :eek:

Agreed, I'd love to see the Devils bring in some cheaper seats. I also think they should do some sort of student discounts and try and draw in some of the undergrad/grad students in Newark.

The Caps also had a great deal this past season where if you bought 4 or more of the Eagles Nest tickets they were only $5 each! That's cheaper than going to see a movie :eek:

They are also doing this plan as well..I'm sorry i can't reveal sources...but trust me, they are already planned. Students will be offered deals, and cheap seats in the upper, upper,corners.

A question from a curious Boston fan: will it be easy to take a train to a Devils game once the Newark arena is up and running?

http://www.newjerseydevils.com/2005/html/fanzone/galleries/nwkarena52206/index.html

Are you serious. I am assuming this is said tongue in cheek. I do not believe someone would actually think Vanderbeek is not going to make tons of money on this deal.When is the last time the New Jersey Devils turned a profit? It was 2000-01, and the profit was 1% of operation costs. That's not a good business model.

This isn't an NFL team or the New York Yankees that the City of Newark is spending slightly more than 2/3 of the construction costs on. This is an NHL team. There is a reason why Raymond Chambers and Lewis Katz sold their interest in the team. Hockey is generally not a business in which one makes a killing.

As for Vanderbeek, he is spending $100 million on the project to start, so its not as if he hasn't taken some financial risk. If you buy into the New York Times' doom and gloom, not many will even go to the new arena, so Vanderbeek will loose money in the end.

A question from a curious Boston fan: will it be easy to take a train to a Devils game once the Newark arena is up and running?

http://www.newjerseydevils.com/2005/html/fanzone/galleries/nwkarena52206/index.htmlOh yes. Newark's Penn Station is only a few blocks away. The distance is about one third of a mile, or 300 of your Smoots.

They are also doing this plan as well..I'm sorry i can't reveal sources...
Do we need to subpoena you?
'cause we will...

<(-:**

Oh yes. Newark's Penn Station is only a few blocks away. The distance is about one third of a mile, or 300 of your Smoots.

You're not going to believe this, but I happen to be an MIT graduate, and as you probably know, MIT is the home of the Smoot. I played hockey there, albeit barely(one season, my senior year, on the fourth line). I call myself Terrier because I'm a Boston U. fan(all hail Jay Pandolfo!).

For anyone who's wondering what the **** a Smoot is:

http://www.catb.org/jargon/html/S/smoot.html

Trust me NJDEVS 430..there is nothing I hate more than being a guy with an unnamed "source"...I've been posting here for a long time and trust me...things I know..

A. 10 dollar seats in upper corners
B. College student deals
C. They will be closing one block off from traffic for a walking mall of restaurants, shops, and bars on gamenights
D. Seating at new arena for season ticket holders will be based on longevity

Trust me NJDEVS 430..there is nothing I hate more than being a guy with an unnamed "source"...I've been posting here for a long time and trust me...things I know..

A. 10 dollar seats in upper corners
B. College student deals
C. They will be closing one block off from traffic for a walking mall of restaurants, shops, and bars on gamenights
D. Seating at new arena for season ticket holders will be based on longevity
That all sounds good to me! (well, D not so much, since I'm not currently a season ticket holder but hope to be one when they move to Newark, but oh well)

The arena serves the city in a multitude of ways.

For starters it is a civic center. Many cities call their arenas civic centers because that is what they are. They're central forums to gather people together. They can be used for political events such asspeeches, debates, conventions, etc. locally, regionally and nationally. Madison Square Garden hosted the '04 Republican National Convention, why couldn't the Newark Arena host the '08 or '12 Democratic National Convention? The last such convention to be held in New Jersey was in the 60s in Atlantic City. Those events bring huge amounts of money and attention to the cities that host them.

For another it can be used as essentially an advertising campaign for the city, not just on the national stage when viewers from other teams' fans see the skyline of Newark a handful of times a year in their various hockey feeds, but more importantly in New Jersey itself. At minimum 41 times a year viewers in New Jersey will see the city of Newark on their television screens. The city of Newark will be brought to their attention in a way it hasn't ever been before. An equivalent advertising campaign over the course of the Devils' 30 year lease would cost the city more than $210 million.

The development that the arena brings with it includes the first new hotel to be built in downtown Newark since the Gateway Hilton. It brings in retail and restaurants that have been lacking in the area South of Market Street. It narrows the gap in attractions and development between the Lincoln Park area of downtown and the much more heavily developed area North of Market Street (this area includes the bulk of the large corporate offices, NJPAC, the Museum, Riverfront Stadium, and University Heights).

The arena directly targets the college students in University Heights in a way Newark has really never done before. The colleges and universities there will be able to advertise downtown Newark's new arena and the three-time Stanley Cup Devils to their prospective students many of whom will soon be living on campus with the new dorms being built there. With more students living on campus, a college based commercial area will develop which brings outside money into the city.

The corporations in the city will welcome the arena as it makes downtown a more attractive place for their clients to visit. They can bring their clients to games and the new hotel allows for a little more variety with regards to accomodations. The more attractive downtown is for corporations, the more corporations move into the city.

Regardless of if the city only breaks even financially on the arena itself, the peripheral effects that it will have can be very good for the health of downtown. Newark isn't like Cleveland and Washington DC in that it has a monopoly on its metropolitan area. Nor is it considered an attractive place to go to school and live in. The arena will go a long way towards letting people know what Newark has to offer and increasing its share of the North Jersey market which has dwindled in the last 40 years.

The arena serves the city in a multitude of ways.

For starters it is a civic center. Many cities call their arenas civic centers because that is what they are. They're central forums to gather people together. They can be used for political events such asspeeches, debates, conventions, etc. locally, regionally and nationally. Madison Square Garden hosted the '04 Republican National Convention, why couldn't the Newark Arena host the '08 or '12 Democratic National Convention? The last such convention to be held in New Jersey was in the 60s in Atlantic City. Those events bring huge amounts of money and attention to the cities that host them.

For another it can be used as essentially an advertising campaign for the city, not just on the national stage when viewers from other teams' fans see the skyline of Newark a handful of times a year in their various hockey feeds, but more importantly in New Jersey itself. At minimum 41 times a year viewers in New Jersey will see the city of Newark on their television screens. The city of Newark will be brought to their attention in a way it hasn't ever been before. An equivalent advertising campaign over the course of the Devils' 30 year lease would cost the city more than $210 million.

The development that the arena brings with it includes the first new hotel to be built in downtown Newark since the Gateway Hilton. It brings in retail and restaurants that have been lacking in the area South of Market Street. It narrows the gap in attractions and development between the Lincoln Park area of downtown and the much more heavily developed area North of Market Street (this area includes the bulk of the large corporate offices, NJPAC, the Museum, Riverfront Stadium, and University Heights).

The arena directly targets the college students in University Heights in a way Newark has really never done before. The colleges and universities there will be able to advertise downtown Newark's new arena and the three-time Stanley Cup Devils to their prospective students many of whom will soon be living on campus with the new dorms being built there. With more students living on campus, a college based commercial area will develop which brings outside money into the city.

The corporations in the city will welcome the arena as it makes downtown a more attractive place for their clients to visit. They can bring their clients to games and the new hotel allows for a little more variety with regards to accomodations. The more attractive downtown is for corporations, the more corporations move into the city.

Regardless of if the city only breaks even financially on the arena itself, the peripheral effects that it will have can be very good for the health of downtown. Newark isn't like Cleveland and Washington DC in that it has a monopoly on its metropolitan area. Nor is it considered an attractive place to go to school and live in. The arena will go a long way towards letting people know what Newark has to offer and increasing its share of the North Jersey market which has dwindled in the last 40 years.

There is really nothing left to say on this thread. Great post.

Trust me NJDEVS 430..there is nothing I hate more than being a guy with an unnamed "source"...I've been posting here for a long time and trust me...things I know..

A. 10 dollar seats in upper corners
B. College student deals
C. They will be closing one block off from traffic for a walking mall of restaurants, shops, and bars on gamenights
D. Seating at new arena for season ticket holders will be based on longevity

I've also heard there was supposed to be "Satilite bus service" between Jersey Gardens Mall and the arena, although there are already 2 daily bus routes(and 2 stations in Elizabeth) that travel between the mall and the arena site itself. Vanderbeek said that free shuttles may be provided between Montclair State/Seton Hall and the arena so that way no students would have to take the train or bus.
But yeah, I hope your source is 100% correct.

You're not going to believe this, but I happen to be an MIT graduate, and as you probably know, MIT is the home of the Smoot. I played hockey there, albeit barely(one season, my senior year, on the fourth line). I call myself Terrier because I'm a Boston U. fan(all hail Jay Pandolfo!).That is great. I had hoped that as someone from inside the Hub you would know what a Smoot is. The fact that you graduated from MIT makes an even better reference.

While many debate the rationale/effectiveness of using public funds to finance sport stadiums, let us not forget one fact about this particular case. It may be an oversimplification for some, but in my eyes, this arena is basically FREE for Newark. When Newark re-upped it's lease w/ the Port Authority for EWR (Newark Liberty Airport), it received a sizeable cash payment (not to mention over 65 million dollars a year in rent...for nothing else but land). As a result, we should all look at the pricetag a little differently. Unlike using taxpayer dollars, I'll continue to view this as found money. Is the arena the most responsible use of the funds...probably not. But can it be good, most definately yes.

The one thing the debate has lacked is any speculation in the cost to the city of Newark. While many boast the rough 28 million dollars a year added revenue, people clearly forget that a big chunk of that is needed in additional city services. Police force, sanititation, roads/infrastructure, and the list goes on.

Recent studies have actually proven a negative net effect in areas of surburban sprawl. It actually costs towns, municipalities, and counties more when land is developed than when it is undeveloped. Despite the added tax base, the services they utilize actually put the area in the red comparitively.

Lastly, I only hope the city of Newark all the best. And I hope any renewel is credited to ANYONE but Sharpe James. The man and his administration was a caricature of corruption, greed, and overall lack of human integrity. Newark was the epitome of the "money cannot buy success" mantra. All New Jersey residents (especially those who reside in Essex) can attest to how years of time and millions, if not billions of dollars were squandered. While I can't go as far as give Booker a huge endorsement, I hope he spends erases every shred of Sharpe James' legacy within Newark.

I also wish the Devils the greatest success with a fresh start in Newark. As much as I hate to say this, they deserve a fanbase that is equal to their recent success. I only hope this arena gives them this support.

I was searching for post-season articles in the ledger and I found this in business - was a very interesting article.

Do we need to subpoena you?
'cause we will...
Trust me NJDEVS 430..there is nothing I hate more than being a guy with an unnamed "source"...I've been posting here for a long time and trust me...things I know..
Heck, dude - I was just kidding.
}:-)>

"Arena Project Loses Project Manager (http://www.globest.com/news/593_593/newjersey/146615-1.html)"

This doesn't really affect the current steel work, which "is still ahead of schedule" according to a Devils spkesman quoted in the article. He also added, "We expect the arena to be ready in time for the 2007[-08] season." I also don't think that it will cause any delay in completion of the Newark Arena, naming rights available.

"Arena Project Loses Project Manager (http://www.globest.com/news/593_593/newjersey/146615-1.html)"

This doesn't really affect the current steel work, which "is still ahead of schedule" according to a Devils spkesman quoted in the article. He also added, "We expect the arena to be ready in time for the 2007[-08] season." I also don't think that it will cause any delay in completion of the Newark Arena, naming rights available.
This news makes me VERY nervous, especially since the new Mayor sounds like he would love nothing more than to pull the plug on the Arena, and if it's pulled it will be the beginning of the end of the New Jersey Devils. My gut says they will be sold and then moved out of state.

This news makes me VERY nervous, especially since the new Mayor sounds like he would love nothing more than to pull the plug on the Arena, and if it's pulled it will be the beginning of the end of the New Jersey Devils. My gut says they will be sold and then moved out of state.

The article also said that "The Devils are looking for a 'guaranteed-maximum price' contract, an all-inclusive construction deal popular with the sponsors of public and private developments to hold the line on cost overruns." Better to have that than to have a contractor(like BovisHunt) that would jack up the final price, cost the team AND city even more money. Situations like this happens all the time with major projects(i.e. Freedom Towers in NYC). Relax. The Devils are still going to pay for ANY costs overruns on this $310 million project. It's in the contract. Vanderbeek is a Wall St. businessman who knows what he's doing.

As for Booker, he'll soon realize that this is a fight he can't win. But if the project does get scrapped, for the Devils, THEY GONE.

...if the project does get scrapped, for the Devils, THEY GONE.
Has any mayor of Newark ever been assassinated?
}:-(>

As for Booker, he'll soon realize that this is a fight the he can't win. But if the project does get scrapped, for the Devils, THEY GONE.Corey Booker would face such a lawsuit that it wouldn't be worth his best interest to ever try to stop the completion.

"Any attack made by the Booker administration against this arena would be a useless gesture, no matter what poitical power they've obtained. This arena is now the ultimate power in the universe."

Corey Booker would face such a lawsuit that it wouldn't be worth his best interest to ever try to stop the completion.

"Any attack made by the Booker administration against this arena would be a useless gesture, no matter what poitical power they've obtained. This arena is now the ultimate power in the universe."
"That's no planet...that's a hockey arena..."
<(-:**
Hopefully, Booker and his cronies don't discover the small thermal exhaust port, right below the main port. The shaft leads directly to the reactor system. A precise hit will start a chain reaction which would destroy the arena.

LOL, nice guys, I love that movie! :handclap: :biglaugh:

Has any mayor of Newark ever been assassinated?
}:-(>

NOT funny. Booker has death threats on his head already from the Bloods or the Crips or both or whatever.

Serious stuff, that.

NOT funny. Booker has death threats on his head already from the Bloods or the Crips or both or whatever.
Serious stuff, that.
Speaking of which...I hope the new arena is not in Crip territory. I don't want to worry about gettng shot by one of these idiots for wearing the wrong colors.
}:-(>
It was juist a question, not a threat. Questions don't become threats unless you live in a police state.

Speaking of which...I hope the new arena is not in Crip territory. I don't want to worry about gettng shot by one of these idiots for wearing the wrong colors.
}:-(>
It was juist a question, not a threat. Questions don't become threats unless you live in a police state.

If the arena was built in the central ward, then you have every right to be afraid. I've seen a few people wear Devil stuff downtown, from hats to Jerseys. They even have a couple of sporting goods stores(Modells) with some Devils appearal.

On Eyewitness News Today a part of Diana Williams interview with Cory Booker,Williams asked about the Newark Arena Booker said he didn't like the fack that millions of dollars on people's tax money were being wasted on a one team arena for a failed hockey league. Well Mayor Booker must've not heard that the NHL is back :dunno:

I will definitely be making a flight out to Jersey when this arena opens...I can't wait. :)

This was announced a week or so ago, "DEVILS RENAISSANCE DEVELOPMENT SELECTS GILBANE BUILDING COMPANY." (http://www.newjerseydevils.com/2005/html/theteam/teamnews/drd-gilbane063006.php)

If the arena was built in the central ward, then you have every right to be afraid. I've seen a few people wear Devil stuff downtown, from hats to Jerseys. They even have a couple of sporting goods stores(Modells) with some Devils appearal.I took my brother to Newark Penn Station about ten days ago, and I was thinking as I was driving through the city that it would cut down on Rangers fans if the Bloods controlled the area around the arena. That was the day of the two fatal shootings a little while after I got out of the city.

Will seats in the new Arena be cheaper?

I think this will help boost attendence immensly... cuz the seats in Continental are just overpriced.

Will seats in the new Arena be cheaper?

I think this will help boost attendence immensly... cuz the seats in Continental are just overpriced.

I think so and I also think they will offer discount tickets to students.

I think so and I also think they will offer discount tickets to students.
Which is why I really, really hope to go to med school in Newark next year :D

Will seats in the new Arena be cheaper?

I think this will help boost attendence immensly... cuz the seats in Continental are just overpriced.I think there will be some seats that are much more affordable. They will be offset by the fact that the new arena will have much more luxury suites.

I think there will be some seats that are much more affordable. They will be offset by the fact that the new arena will have much more luxury suites.
The programs will probably be cheaper as well. Right now we are one of two teams in the league to have $10 programs...I guess when you don't get parking or concessions you have to overcharge on the things you are able to get.

Does anybody know what the parking situation is going to be? Like the number of spots used at CAA (can't use the Meadowlands complex, it's a bit unfair) compared to what they have planned in Newark?

An arena of 17,500...assume 5,000 take the train, 2 to a car, you still need over 6,000 spaces.

Does anybody know what the parking situation is going to be? Like the number of spots used at CAA (can't use the Meadowlands complex, it's a bit unfair) compared to what they have planned in Newark?

An arena of 17,500...assume 5,000 take the train, 2 to a car, you still need over 6,000 spaces.

A new 3500 lot garage will be built, but there are already thousands of lots surrounding the area that are empty after rush hour and on weekends, like Edison, Military Park, etc. Many of them close around midnight and are open on weekends all day long. And Vanderbeek expects at least half the crowd(sellouts or not) to use the trains/buses/subway, which would be MUCH smarter than driving(especially for those living in areas that have direct service or connections to Downtown Newark).

I, for one, can't wait to see the new arena and what it does for the city of Newark -- which if handled right could possibly completely rejuvinate it and bring it back to a beautiful state that it hasn't been in in YEARS.

I hope the arena succeeds in that and the plans put forth show that at least the direct surrounding area should pretty much look like an entirely different city when all is said and done.