https://www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/2019/05/24/for-heavens-sake-can-the-grownups-get-involved-in-the-rays-stadium-search/
For heaven’s sake, can the grownups get involved in the Rays stadium search?
Pointing fingers across the bay is so 1980. Maybe there’s not enough money to be had, but it’s time for a more sophisticated effort.
The proposed Ybor City stadium site went down in flames when the Rays said Hillsborough County's financing plan was too flimsy. If there is any chance of resurrecting that deal, or any other in Tampa Bay, it's time for business and government leaders to take a more mature and realistic approach. Populous Architects
ST. PETERSBURG – There is bravado, and there is bull. Combine them, and you get a politician.
Now, on a campaign trail, that might produce a ruthless kind of conquest. But when it comes to...
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https://floridapolitics.com/archives/297242-hagan-kriseman-squabbling-rays
Noah Pransky: Ken Hagan, Rick Kriseman still squabbling—and the Rays love it
The Tampa vs. St. Pete tug-of-war continues over a new ballpark.
Hillsborough County didn’t appear to come close to luring the Tampa Bay Rays over to Ybor City during a three-year negotiating window, but it isn’t stopping Tampa’s biggest stadium cheerleader, County Commissioner Ken Hagan, from launching bombs across the bay.
“I think it’s incumbent on St. Pete and for Mayor (Rick) Kriseman to stop being shortsighted to see the big picture,” Hagan told WTVT on Wednesday, suggesting St. Pete should grant the team another negotiating window with Tampa.
Kriseman responded in kind on Twitter, “#FloridaMan suffers short-term memory loss, forgets St. Pete’s regional approach and the 3 years he had to find a stadium solution.”
The Tampa vs. St. Pete tug-of-war continues — and the Rays are likely delighted. Because if the team really wants that hugely-subsidized stadium in Tampa Bay, it doesn’t hurt to have two parties competing (and bidding) against each other.
So why do Tampa and St. Pete keep bickering instead of working together on a multi-regional funding approach, as other MLB markets have done to keep their teams? It’s a question neither Hagan nor Kriseman nor former Mayor Bob Buckhorn have ever really answered.
Hagan now ignores questions outright from certain reporters, but in his comments to friendly face Kevin O’Donnell at WTVT, continued to criticize Kriseman: “The worst thing for St. Pete, for the Tampa Bay Rays, and for Tampa/Hillsborough County is the status quo. We recognize that, the Rays recognize that, and now I think Mayor Kriseman and St. Pete needs to recognize that.”
The Rays are not currently allowed to talk to Hagan or the stadium consultant still working on behalf of the Tampa Sports Authority (TSA) about a new stadium, per their contract with St. Petersburg. They need written approval and permission from St. Pete’s city council to explore any replacement stadium outside city limits prior to 2027.
Kriseman, to his credit, has gone further than any other Pinellas politician in helping the Rays explore stadium sites in Tampa, sticking his neck out in 2015 to secure an amendment from city council that allowed the Rays three years to talk to Hillsborough County – talks that exposed just how little money (and appetite) there was available for a fourth publicly-subsidized stadium in Hillsborough.
Kriseman is also pretty much fed-up with the lack of progress in redeveloping the 85 highly-sought-after Tropicana Field acres in the middle of his downtown. He wants to know if the Rays are staying or going, so the city can capitalize on the hot economy before development slows.
Hagan appears to be no different.
Closely connected to Tampa’s network of real estate and property developers, the commissioner has been the region’s single-bigger booster of a proposed new Ybor stadium and redeveloped ballpark district.
Hagan’s last three re-election campaigns have all featured promises to help get the Rays a new stadium, including a 2010 pledge not to use public funds on the project. He has since changed his tune, publicly supporting a number of different subsidies to help the Rays finance their nearly-$1 billion plan to build a park in Ybor City.
And now, he is working to get a deal done – not with his fellow county commissioners and county staff – but through his board seat on the Tampa Sports Authority (TSA), an agency seen as more stadium-friendly than the county commissioner. When contacted by a reporter last week, neither Hagan nor a TSA spokesman provided any comment.
At the end of the day, stadium squabbling only helps the Rays; it might force Hillsborough and Pinellas to work together for once on this issue; it might add fuel to the fire in a tug-of-war that could shake more money out of tight taxpayer pockets; or it might reveal how little interest there really is in Tampa Bay to fund another stadium.
Don’t forget sports fans – the Bucs’ lease is up in 2027 as well, and they’ll undoubtedly be soon looking for your tax dollars again too. Hillsborough is stretched thin on bed tax dollars, currently paying down debt on Raymond James Stadium, Steinbrenner Field, and Amalie Arena.
So regardless if you think Hagan is wrong to treat Kriseman like an enemy instead of an ally, he’s definitely right about one thing: the Rays will only be as loyal to Tampa Bay as Tampa Bay is loyal to subsidizing their next home, and keeping the team for decades to come will come with a price.
Fugeddaboudit! Sternberg and MLB should build their own damned stadium like all other big businesses have to build and pay for their own places of business. If not … move on … and stop begging for a billion dollar hand-out around here! We have a thousand much, much better ways to spend a billion dollars of public money.
Screw all those professional sports team owners. After the way Miami/Dade got taken to the cleaners by all those criminals that pose as local politicians stealing their tax money you can kiss any tax monies being used to pay for billionaires play toys goodbye. If our (Hillsborough/Pinellas) politicians think we have forgotten what happened in S. Florida they are sadly mistaken
My money is on the Rays leaving the region. By the time their lease expires in 2027, they will have already worked out a deal to move to another state or will play another 1-3 years at the Trop until a new one is completed. There’s always another area with a big pocketed business person with the power to sway politicians into throwing cash at them. Obviously I don’t see that person having roots in the Tampa Bay area.
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https://stpetecatalyst.com/st-pete-mayor-kriseman-receives-the-first-tech-catalyst-award/
St. Pete Mayor Kriseman receives the first Tech Catalyst award
The St. Pete Catalyst presented the first Tech Catalyst award to St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman Thursday.
Joe Hamilton, Catalyst publisher, presented the award to Kriseman during poweredUP, Tampa Bay Tech’s technology festival, an afternoon of keynotes and panel discussions taking a deep dive into technology.
The award is designed to recognize an individual who makes a difference in the community, challenges norms and illustrates innovative thinking, said Jill St. Thomas, executive director of Tampa Bay Tech.
“This year’s winner is a true tech catalyst and we are grateful for all he’s done to grow our tech community,” St. Thomas said.
The Tampa Bay region is Florida’s largest and fastest growing technology hub, Kriseman said, and he called on the sold-out crowd at the Mahaffey Theater to continue to foster innovation in the area.
“I want to encourage all of you to seek out opportunities to mentor a young student who wants to be successful in the technology industry. Your investment in their growth and development could mean the difference between a young person seeking out a career in technology or finding themselves on a different path,” Kriseman said. “If we work at it we can keep the innovative spirit that drives the Tampa Bay technology boom going by inspiring the next generation.”
Also during powerdUP, Otto Berkes, CEO of Bog Bridges, a digital transformation consulting firm, talked about overcoming the obstacles to innovation through meeting the needs of customers, fostering a culture of inquisitiveness, and committing to support educated risks.
“The real goal of innovation is to stay ahead of competition and the changing needs of your customers,” said Berkes, X-Box co-founder and HBO Go developer. “The real challenge of innovation is to create the right conditions in your organization to enable it to thrive.”
Customer focus is key, said Spence Murray, instigator at Salesforce and former lead developer at Netscape.
“We set out to try to introduce the world to the web at Netscape,” Murray said. “I was amazed by what could happen if a team rallied around an idea – not something they set out to build but something that’s absolutely necessary for the customer … The customer was the focus, and this became a major theme for me.”
poweredUP also featured panel discussions from technology leaders at local firms. Look for more in upcoming stories from the St. Pete Catalyst.
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https://sports.yahoo.com/ussf-relevant-sports-clash-court-030450888.html
USSF, Relevant Sports clash in court over international matches
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https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/24/sports/fiorentina-rocco-commisso.html
Rocco Commisso, Cosmos Owner, Is Said to Be Close to Buying Italy’s Fiorentina
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/brornl/2019_usoc_pickem_round_3_open_get_your_picks_in/
2019 USOC Pick'em: Round 3 Open! (Get your picks in!!!)
OPEN CUP PICK 'EM TIME!!!
r/USOC_PickEm
2019 USOC Pick'em: Round 3 Open!
Alright, this is /u/WJMorris3 speaking on behalf of the US Open Pick'em.
So we have 206 people who have entered either of the two rounds. Now we have Round 3; at this point, we're looking at who's going to get to take on MLS competition.
11 games this time around; at 30 points per, that's 330 points available. Two paths available in USL East and USL West; they collect at 60/105/150 points, so the highest possible score is 630 points for the round.
For those of you who have star teams left: USL East and USL West teams must be picked this round; any lower division teams do NOT have to be picked. If, somehow, you have OKC Energy FC and Tampa Bay Rowdies, it's your choice who you pick.
New players are always welcome! Scoring the house way gives us a base score of 235 points for all new players.
As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to leave a message on the post in /r/USOC_PickEm - I'll be sure to catch it there.
One last catch: the deadline. Pick'em rules dictate that picks have to be in by one hour before the first game of the round. For Round 1, that's TUESDAY, MAY 28 at 7:30 PM ET. Entries will not be accepted after that time.
Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor!
/u/WJMorris3
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/btberg/sheffield_united_striker_billy_sharp_top/
Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp (top goalscorer in English football this century) was in attendance at Rowdies game last night
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https://twitter.com/sufc_tweets/status/1132693590591844360?s=21
Sheffield United
Verified account
@SUFC_tweets
Billy Sharp was in attendance at @TampaBayRowdies yesterday ⚔️
The skipper watched Blades loanee @Jordan_Doherty1 and caught up with ex-Blade @neillycollins3 🙌🏻
#SUFC 🔴
10:02 AM - 26 May 2019
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bt7olt/was_ralphzilla_our_best_tifo_ever/
Was Ralphzilla our best Tifo ever?
Last nights tifo was frankly stunning. I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say it is world class and any supporter section in the world would be proud to fly it (obviously modified to their team).
Does anyone have pics of any of or other great tifos they think rival it? Some good ones I remember are “Ralpinator” melting away at our final game, “Fear the Beard”, Georgie’s send off, the NASL Cup, and Yoshi for Yoshitake way back when.
Thanks m8! I think the "Mob City" was up there as well. I love pushing them further and further, and want to keep getting more creative with them in the future. More pulleys, larger, multiple images, moving images, etc. Fun stuff! We have pics of each tifo up on the website at https://www.ralphsmob.com/tifo-gallery
Keep up the amazing work! Also thanks for the gallery link! COYR
I forgot about Mob City, that was for sure top 3!
It was great... but Georgi's was epic, and the Ralphinator was a close second for me!
It was the best I think. Tam’s was second and then maybe the “here’s Ralphy.”
In context of this season and last season the “We’ll be back” from the final home game last year was a really good one as well. Tells a good story even though that was a low point.
Mob City
Hristov
Ralphzilla
Moving Armada
Ralphinator
From an artwork perspective this one and GTA are really, really good.
I loved Heimdall Tam and the Fear the Beard one, as well...
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bt16cm/when_you_were_born_you_made_my_life_so_wonderful/
When you were born you made my life so wonderful!!!!
https://i.redd.it/0sg7b51j0g031.jpg
We were NOT dissapointed! Great work TIFO crew!
Here's my view of it from the end of the game!
https://i.imgur.com/L0wcDwG.jpg
So so so so hot
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PFnbMj1Toc
Helmet Questions: Episode 3
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Published on May 23, 2019
Zach and John are back at it again with a few more helmet questions! Find out what John would name his boat if he had one, and if Zach thinks a hot dog is a sandwich.
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bt78rz/rowdies_highlights_vs_swope_park_rangers_may_25/
Rowdies Highlights vs Swope Park Rangers - May 25, 2019
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtEAKtQJvpI
Rowdies Highlights vs Swope Park Rangers - May 25, 2019
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Published on May 25, 2019
🎥 FULL HIGHLIGHTS of tonight's 1-0 win over the Swope Park Rangers. Leo Fernandes scored the game-winner late.
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bt2b1h/online_shop/
Online shop
I only get to make it to 2-3 games a season, I keep checking if the online shop is up yet but it’s been under construction since the season started. Anybody know if a new one will get up and running ever?
Lotsa upboats but no replies.
This question has been asked here recently, and either no one knows the answer, or those who know can't comment.
I sent the Rowdies store an email a month ago inquiring about the online store, and have received no reply.
I guess we'll know when it is back up, when it is back up.
Seems like they are missing opportunities for sales, though; for instance I was wearing my Rowdies hat at a recent Revs match at Gillette and was asked where on earth I had acquired it - I answered "St. Petersburg" but of course it would be a lot easier for most people in New England and elsewhere to buy a Rowdies hat from the online store, rather than flying or driving down to the Rowdies Gear store in St. Pete.
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bs6ewl/j_kings_player_form_project_week_11/
J King's Player Form Project Week 11
Player Form Sheet:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kcs5D_0BPsGORIv_Nf1HPXzxzqpphkIKNdybGRtynn4/edit#gid=0
Of all the great performances against the Red Bulls last weekend, it was actually Richards who ended up with the most positive points at 7 with a well-rounded effort on offense and defense. Poku and Tinari were at 6. Tejada and Morad at 5. The only player in the negative was Najem at a blistering -6. -5 of that came in the first half. Najem couldn't keep possession of the ball whether on the dribble or making passes.
Guenzatti and Tejada also posted high negatives because they gave up a lot turnovers dribbling but because Red Bulls are just as sloppy with their possession, that has to be factored into the performance. Giving up TO's against a team that presses hard and plays loose and sloppy isn't as bad as say giving up TO's to a Pittsburgh or Lou City that are generally better at possession.
Team defending was good as always. We've really yet to see a poor performance from the Rowdies on defense.
Passing was especially good which has been one of the facets of the game the offense has struggled with. There have been games where the Rowdies lacked creativity and making smart and thoughtful runs where now you're seeing Richards comfortably executing brilliant 1-2's and stretching the defense. Tejada and Poku had the standout passing numbers from Saturday's match.
As far as season averages go Tinari has joined Steinberger in the 5 point avg per 90 club. Tinari's done it over the course of nearly 8 full games to Steinberger's 5 (not appearances, but full 90 minutes).
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https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/05/poku-forged-in-open-cup-fires
POKU - FORGED IN OPEN CUP FIRES
TAMPA BAY ROWDIES MIDFIELDER KWADWO POKU HAS DEEP HISTORY IN (AND RESPECT FOR) THE U.S. OPEN CUP. JOIN USSOCCER.COM FOR A CLOSER LOOK.
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https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2019/05/25/another-team-reports-commisso-close-to-buying-fiorentina-for-150m/
ANOTHER TEAM: Reports: Commisso close to buying Fiorentina for $150M
Rocco B. Commisso has owned the Cosmos since 2017. (FrontRowSoccer.com Photo)
In just a few days, Rocco B. Commisso could be the owner of not one, but two soccer teams.
The Cosmos owner and billionaire reportedly is expected to complete a purchase of A.C.F. Fiorentina in Italy’s Serie A very soon.
The New York Times first reported plans of a $150 million deal Friday. Commisso has been negotiating a deal with the Della Valle family.
Shoemaking tycoons Diego and Andrea Della Valle put the club up for sale for the past year.
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https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/real-estate-news/article230697909.html
Could a Trump tax break be behind Beckham’s renewed interest in an Overtown stadium?
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https://www.rapidtvnews.com/2019052756165/dazn-ott-service-takes-mls-worldwide.html#axzz5p740IGYV
DAZN OTT service takes MLS worldwide
Live and on-demand streaming service DAZN has been awarded the broadcast TV rights to Major League Soccer (MLS) in six international markets — Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and Brazil — for four seasons from 2019 to 2022.
Starting with immediate effect, DAZN will screen MLS exclusively in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Spain, where it has the right to show every match, while Brazilian rights are non-exclusive.
The deal now means that DAZN now has rights to show global football such as the J League in Japan, Serie A in Italy, UEFA Champions League in Germany, Moto GP in Spain, Copa Sudamericana in Brazil and boxing in the US with Matchroom Boxing. DAZN also secured exclusive rights for Valencia’s Copa del Rey final victory against Barcelona on 25 May for Germany Austria, Switzerland and Japan, with non-exclusive rights for Italy.
Commenting on the new deal, DAZN chief commercial officer Jacopo Tonoli said: “MLS has a growing global audience and this agreement means we will continue to build that fandom around the world. Our multi-sport OTT proposition puts fans first, so for one affordable monthly fee, and no long-term contract, they can enjoy a huge variety of the best sport on any device, anywhere.”
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