by Stoosh on Fri Feb 17, 2006 4:58 pm
With all due respect, Mango, I couldn't disagree more.
I understand that fans are being put through the ringer here with all of the political and business manuevering. This is ultimately a business that operates in a multi-billion dollar industry, and when that side rears its head, it's often ugly. It's even more frustrating when the fan is forced to sit back and take it.
But I'm willing to wait as long as it takes for this situation to resolve itself. I've said this before and I'll stick to it...for my own selfish reasons, I want the team to stay here in Pittsburgh because I live in the area and I like being able to go and see the games in peson. If I had to choose between a bad NHL team in Pittsburgh or no NHL team in Pittsburgh, I'll choose the bad team any day of the week. A bad team can always get better.
And yes, yes...I know I could get Center Ice and still cheer for the team if they relocate. That's beside the point. Like I said, it's for my own selfish reasons. I like going to the games. I'm hoping some day when my wife and I have kids that my kids take an interest in hockey and I can take them down to the new arena so they can see Sidney Crosby in person. Maybe it's because I grew up in an area that didn't have an NHL team, so I appreciate it a little more now that it's easier for me to see the games live.
I hope people realize something here. With franchise values and expansion fees being what they are, if the Pens leave Pittsburgh, it's very likely that NHL hockey won't be coming back. Sure, this sort of thing doesn't matter to some. But to those of us who live in the area and enjoy going to games, it does.
And yes, I know there's more stuff to do in Pittsburgh than just going to hockey games, and we'd find other ways to spend our time and money if the Pens leave. And I'd probably get Center Ice so I can still watch them on TV.
But all things being equal, I happen to like having our hockey team right here, thank you very much.