Archive for the ‘wisdom’ Category
Predators, Nashville enter attack-twice zone on the power play
Thanks to David Freeman (above), Chase Cole, Boots Del Biaggio and the rest of the local ownership group that signed a binding letter of intent to purchase the Predators from owner Craig Leipold (also above, at left) yesterday, Nashville has what Freeman described as a “second chance” yesterday to support NHL hockey. I’m grateful to Freeman and his team for boldly pursuing this offer and doing more than their share to keep the Preds here in Nashville where they belong. I hope other local businesses and others who have been on the sidelines in supporting the team will do whatever they can–whether it be signing up for season tickets, sponsoring the franchise, buying single-game tickets, supporting businesses that support the Preds or inviting friends to games this season–to help the cause.
Not every city that has a professional sports franchise at risk receives a second chance to show its support. In my opinion, the Preds are a great community member, an excellent entertainment option and a source of pride for the city. Let’s make sure that their home address is an answer, rather than a question, from this point on.
Local Preds suitors, along with Del Biaggio, announcing today
PredJoe broke the story yesterday that a letter of intent, possibly binding, will be signed today by the local aspiring Predators ownership group. Two Pauls (McCann and Nicholson) are saying that a news conference will be held at 2:30 p.m. today, and I’ve heard that separately as well. Meanwhile, TSN is reporting that Kansas City NHL suitor Boots Del Biaggio is now a part of the local group led by David Freeman and Chase Cole.
According to TSN, Del Biaggio is in the mix so that the group has a “back-up plan in the event long-term efforts fall through. ” Del Biaggio is currently a minority owner of the San Jose Sharks, so I will be curious to see how this develops further. Obviously he will likely have to sell his stake in San Jose, but how invested will he be in Nashville? Still, this sounds like good news for Nashville and for Preds fans, but I’m curious to hear the details.
Local Preds offer raises excitement, questions
Every time news breaks regarding the Predators’ future, it brings as many questions as answers. This time, I’m especially curious: Who else is in on the local ownership group? Did some of the rumored people, such as Martha Ingram, Al Gore and Tommy Frist, contribute? How much is the offer? How much of it is being borrowed? Who would be the majority owner, and what would the terms of the ownership group be? Here’s hoping we hear soon, but not so soon that it jeopardizes the offer.
To Chase Cole, David Freeman, Herb Fritch and others to be disclosed later, thank you for putting your money where your mouths are when it comes to Nashville and to the Preds. Best wishes for your bid.
