HAF
03-11-2005, 05:50 AM
This is from the Tri City Americans site:
Porter Addresses Rumors
March 10, 2005
To All Fans
On behalf of the entire Tri-City Americans ownership group, I want to make a public apology for the fact our fans, players and sponsors once again find themselves dealing with instability rumors posted this past weekend in many chronicles. I want the situation understood clearly.
Three weeks ago, we were days away from signing a lease extension in the Tri-Cities. I personally thought we had a few details to be worked out but it would be completed. We sent out a letter to all our season ticket holders that in fact explained this point. The City and Compass Management have been very supportive throughout the process but they needed an iron clad assurance that we would stay long term to justify spending on building improvements required to meet WHL standards. Compass was right to ask for this assurance but it forced us to re-evaluate our position.
The NHL lockout did not end as expected so my partners’ ability to withstand financial losses took a major unexpected hit. Then a few opportunities presented themselves that were unexpected in other markets. In the end, the question is can we continue to risk financial losses or not?
We are in a decision making process at the moment. I do not know today which way this will head. We hope you will still support the players and team in the playoffs regardless but I want this decision to be yours with all the information at your disposal. The problem with relying on newspaper articles for your information is that the information gets clouded and is never totally accurate. The Vancouver stories quoted our attendance at 2500 per game, which is incorrect. The media said that our least viable option is to stay in the Tri-Cities. This comment never came from our ownership group.
In short, we have to make a decision that is best for everyone by month’s end. We will attempt to treat all people fairly while we analyze our options and make our decisions. In the meantime, we continue to push for the playoffs and our players deserve your support.
Sincerely,
Darryl Porter
Porter Addresses Rumors
March 10, 2005
To All Fans
On behalf of the entire Tri-City Americans ownership group, I want to make a public apology for the fact our fans, players and sponsors once again find themselves dealing with instability rumors posted this past weekend in many chronicles. I want the situation understood clearly.
Three weeks ago, we were days away from signing a lease extension in the Tri-Cities. I personally thought we had a few details to be worked out but it would be completed. We sent out a letter to all our season ticket holders that in fact explained this point. The City and Compass Management have been very supportive throughout the process but they needed an iron clad assurance that we would stay long term to justify spending on building improvements required to meet WHL standards. Compass was right to ask for this assurance but it forced us to re-evaluate our position.
The NHL lockout did not end as expected so my partners’ ability to withstand financial losses took a major unexpected hit. Then a few opportunities presented themselves that were unexpected in other markets. In the end, the question is can we continue to risk financial losses or not?
We are in a decision making process at the moment. I do not know today which way this will head. We hope you will still support the players and team in the playoffs regardless but I want this decision to be yours with all the information at your disposal. The problem with relying on newspaper articles for your information is that the information gets clouded and is never totally accurate. The Vancouver stories quoted our attendance at 2500 per game, which is incorrect. The media said that our least viable option is to stay in the Tri-Cities. This comment never came from our ownership group.
In short, we have to make a decision that is best for everyone by month’s end. We will attempt to treat all people fairly while we analyze our options and make our decisions. In the meantime, we continue to push for the playoffs and our players deserve your support.
Sincerely,
Darryl Porter