OT- Cola Mayor Benjamin Wants to Build NBA D-League Arena Using Taxpayer Money

[ipull4usc]

Without turning this conversation political, this has to be one of the most asinine ideas I've heard of.

The NBA D-League is not like minor league baseball. It's not a viable minor league for the NBA, because very few NBA players actually play in the D-League. There are rare exceptions of course, but you aren't going to be watching the future stars of the NBA playing in the D-League. Instead, it's largely been a place for guys who aren't tall enough, athletic enough, or gifted enough to make it to the NBA.

I'm not entirely opposed to seeing if a D-League franchise could make it in Columbia, but I am completely opposed to building a brand new arena for a D-League franchise. The city is already on the hook for a minor league baseball stadium, which may or may not be a wise investment, but that investment would look brilliant compared to building a D-league arena.

http://www.free-times.com/news/mayor-wants-to-build-pro-basketball-facility-051315

 

[Cola G'Cock]

Benjamin is a nightmare for taxpayers in Columbia!

He thinks he has unlimited funding from taxpayers and that he is some business wiz. Look how things worked out for him and his partner, Johnathan Pinson, the convicted felon.

I am fine if private investors want to build a new basketball arena in Columbia but not one cent of taxpayer money should be spent on it.

 

[Gaimcock]

Without turning this conversation political, this has to be one of the most asinine ideas I've heard of.

The NBA D-League is not like minor league baseball. It's not a viable minor league for the NBA, because very few NBA players actually play in the D-League. There are rare exceptions of course, but you aren't going to be watching the future stars of the NBA playing in the D-League. Instead, it's largely been a place for guys who aren't tall enough, athletic enough, or gifted enough to make it to the NBA.

I'm not entirely opposed to seeing if a D-League franchise could make it in Columbia, but I am completely opposed to building a brand new arena for a D-League franchise. The city is already on the hook for a minor league baseball stadium, which may or may not be a wise investment, but that investment would look brilliant compared to building a D-league arena.

http://www.free-times.com/news/mayor-wants-to-build-pro-basketball-facility-051315

Yeah I read that yesterday in the FreeTimes while drinking a few beers at a fairly cool place right here on Main Street in Columbia.

Here's the thing; given the following "options" M. Jordan and The Hornets have, I can tell you right now that IMHO this just ain't gonna happen in Columbia.

From that article:

The Charlotte Hornets announced on May 4 that they intend to start an NBA D-League franchise, and Columbia is one of the cities in the running to land that franchise. Other cities in the running include Charleston and Greenville in South Carolina, and Fayetteville, Asheville, Greensboro and Raleigh in North Carolina. The Hornets sent requests for proposals to all of those cities.
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Again, based on that statement, and based on my time(s) in Charlotte and Raleigh, the odds are incredibly against an NBA D-League team coming here. I mean face it, other than the basic Charlotte area, WGAS about the Hornets?? I mean I like 'em (when they're WAS that is), but folks in Greenville, Chucktown and Cola.?? Not so much (I'm saying yeah some do, but honestly, how many???)

Also from that article:

“I think Columbia, with the number of basketball fans we have here, with the proximity to Charlotte — a straight shot up 77 — I think there is some real promise here,” Benjamin says. “We are going to bid. [Former USC and NBA great] Alex English is going to chair our local effort here. I met with Alex twice already.”
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In regards to having Alex English involved, again, I just don't see the economic benefits for either party (i.e. the Hornets and The City of Cola.). I love Alex English, but man, I just don't see the majorityof the residents here in Columbia being "all for" this as opposed to those in Greensboro and Raleigh.

Having said all the above, I guess if perhaps The Hornets had made a few runs at it recently (i.e. like The Heat and The Rockets just to mention a few), then maybe this would be more of an easier sale to the Columbia area, but still, I just see The Hornets leaning more towards Greensboro or Raleigh than anywhere else.

JMHOFWIW...

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[pepsicock]

Columbia has become little Detroit .

 

[world famous 3rd base hecklers]

Where's the bull street baseball BS ???

This is how much money he can steal from taxpayers and give it away to his little buddies....

 

[CockofEarle]

Without turning this conversation political, this has to be one of the most asinine ideas I've heard of.

The NBA D-League is not like minor league baseball. It's not a viable minor league for the NBA, because very few NBA players actually play in the D-League. There are rare exceptions of course, but you aren't going to be watching the future stars of the NBA playing in the D-League. Instead, it's largely been a place for guys who aren't tall enough, athletic enough, or gifted enough to make it to the NBA.

I'm not entirely opposed to seeing if a D-League franchise could make it in Columbia, but I am completely opposed to building a brand new arena for a D-League franchise. The city is already on the hook for a minor league baseball stadium, which may or may not be a wise investment, but that investment would look brilliant compared to building a D-league arena.

http://www.free-times.com/news/mayor-wants-to-build-pro-basketball-facility-051315

colo has plenty of taxpayers to pay 4 it!

& besides its an issue the residents of colubia must decide themselves, but given how you have elected your leaders u get what you deserve.....the man he followed indicated the thought process the midlands.......wonder how yer mr joe wilson feels?
..floyd spence must be rolling n his grave

 

[Cola G'Cock]

colo has plenty of taxpayers to pay 4 it!

& besides its an issue the residents of colubia must decide themselves, but given how you have elected your leaders u get what you deserve.....the man he followed indicated the thought process the midlands.......wonder how yer mr joe wilson feels?
..floyd spence must be rolling n his grave

I never supported for or voted for Steve Benjamin.

Sadly, he is a USC alumnus but is the worst thing that has ever happened to the City of Columbia.

 

[ReadR00ster]

Ridiculous... an NBA D-League team? I don't think they make any money on tickets. What are they planning on doing, charging rent to cover all costs?

 

[cockhornleghorn]

All the people downing Steve Benjamin fail to notice over a billion $ in new development in downtown Columbia either completed, under construction or announced since he's been mayor. NBA D-League, though? It's not worth our time.

 

[Cybercock]

Mayor Steve is a pompass arrogant ignorant pos

 

[Cocka-Cola]

Pretty much every major city in the area is competing to get this franchise. If it adds economic value to the city we should absolutely do it. Glad we have a mayor that is actively trying to better the city.

 

[world famous 3rd base hecklers]

All the people downing Steve Benjamin fail to notice over a billion $ in new development in downtown Columbia either completed, under construction or announced since he's been mayor. NBA D-League, though? It's not worth our time.

Yeah, you're right... City of Columbia is swimming in billions of $$$'s... Help! I'm drowning in money....

 

[SpartanSpur]

Pretty much every major city in the area is competing to get this franchise. If it adds economic value to the city we should absolutely do it. Glad we have a mayor that is actively trying to better the city.

One difference between each of those cities and Columbia, they already have a place for the D-League team to play. I guess it is too bad that USC owns FMA and CLA, and not the city.

 

[Rod Dangerfield]

Columbia has become little Detroit .

It's getting closer. You're right.

 

[mikey888]

I'm very excited about this. I hope the mayor makes it happen.

 

[Cola G'Cock]

All the people downing Steve Benjamin fail to notice over a billion $ in new development in downtown Columbia either completed, under construction or announced since he's been mayor. NBA D-League, though? It's not worth our time.

Benjamin had little to do with the development in Columbia. USC is the catalyst.

 

[Cola G'Cock]

I'm very excited about this. I hope the mayor makes it happen.

Who will pay for it? Taxpayers have no more money.

 

[Cola G'Cock]

Pretty much every major city in the area is competing to get this franchise. If it adds economic value to the city we should absolutely do it. Glad we have a mayor that is actively trying to better the city.

Columbia has a Mayor who looks and sounds great but is driving the city into the poor house.

 

[blackmagic1984]

Given the usual attendance for D-League games, one of the larger high school arenas (Irmo?) should suffice.

 

[SpartanSpur]

Given the usual attendance for D-League games, one of the larger high school arenas (Irmo?) should suffice.

You are correct, I remember when Greenville had a team, maybe average 1000 per game. So Maybe Columbia can afford it, build a 2500 seat gym, fix it for Hockey and Basketball.

 

[lexgamecock]

This is why we live in Lexington.

 

[mikey888]

The d-league is expanding every nba team is looking to have their own d-league team. The Hornets are looking to expand their reach into South Carolina, just like my Panthers.
http://dleaguedigest.com/2015/05/04/where-will-nba-d-league-expansion-head-next/

 

[Jack_Burton]

Nowhere in that article does it say anything about "using taxpayer money." However likely that may be, let's wait and actually see the plan roll out.

 

[cockydev]

Columbia has become little Detroit .

Then you clearly haven't driven through Columbia to see the massive progress this dumpster fire of a city has achieved.

Drive through the Vista. Check out Main Street.

Columbia has come a very long way to the point where younger professionals will want to live here and drive the economy.

This NBA d-league franchise isn't a good idea. But Columbia is skyrocketing.

 

[Cola G'Cock]

You are correct, I remember when Greenville had a team, maybe average 1000 per game. So Maybe Columbia can afford it, build a 2500 seat gym, fix it for Hockey and Basketball.

Columbia can't afford it. We already are building a minor league baseball stadium we can't afford.

 

[Cola G'Cock]

The d-league is expanding every nba team is looking to have their own d-league team. The Hornets are looking to expand their reach into South Carolina, just like my Panthers.
http://dleaguedigest.com/2015/05/04/where-will-nba-d-league-expansion-head-next/

As long as no taxpayer money is spent, bring them on!

 

[Cola G'Cock]

Then you clearly haven't driven through Columbia to see the massive progress this dumpster fire of a city has achieved.

Drive through the Vista. Check out Main Street.

Columbia has come a very long way to the point where younger professionals will want to live here and drive the economy.

This NBA d-league franchise isn't a good idea. But Columbia is skyrocketing.

Yes, a new breastaurant has opened in the Vista!

Young professionals go where the jobs are and it has little to do with minor league baseball or basketball. Mayor Benjamin has done little or nothing to make Columbia a real business friendly location. His proposal to raise SCE&G bills by 2% will hurt even more.

 

[SpartanSpur]

Columbia can't afford it. We already are building a minor league baseball stadium we can't afford.

Hence the , people seem to think that government has an endless stack of cash to spend.

 

[anon_n4c0cp5zhdxn7]

Glad I don't live in the city limits.

 

[ReadR00ster]

Columbia has become little Detroit .

Have you ever actually been to Detroit?

 

[ReadR00ster]

Pretty much every major city in the area is competing to get this franchise. If it adds economic value to the city we should absolutely do it. Glad we have a mayor that is actively trying to better the city.

How does add economic value though? Care to explain?

 

[Cola G'Cock]

How does add economic value though? Care to explain?

If taxpayer money is spent, I believe the net of the costs versus the income would be a net loss for Columbia.

That is why I have no problem at all with a team coming to Columbia as long as no taxpayer money is spent.

 

[stevestrat2]

Then you clearly haven't driven through Columbia to see the massive progress this dumpster fire of a city has achieved.

Drive through the Vista. Check out Main Street.

Columbia has come a very long way to the point where younger professionals will want to live here and drive the economy.

This NBA d-league franchise isn't a good idea. But Columbia is skyrocketing.

agree- Columbia is awesome

 

[cockhornleghorn]

I have a novel idea - they can play at the Township. I bet it could be configured for a basketball court.

 

[Cola G'Cock]

I have a novel idea - they can play at the Township. I bet it could be configured for a basketball court.

That's actually a reasonable idea that should be looked into.

 

[AgnosticTrollCock]

Columbia doesn't want this mess. N.Charleston had the Lowgators NBDL a few years back. It was a horrible endeavour. N.Chas had the facility already in place with the N. Chas Coliseum and it still couldn't sustain the team. Nobody wants to see players who will most likely never make it to the NBA and it didn't offer the same entertainment value the Riverdogs and Stingrays provided.