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| Last Gasp: S.A.'s NFL dreams are just that |
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| Wednesday, 18 July 2007 | |
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Fortunately, the Dallas Cowboys are bringing their training camp to the Alamodome. Unfortunately, watching the Cowboys participate in some preseason drills is about as close as San Antonians are going to come to seeing some real NFL action in the Alamo City. A community that once was abuzz regarding the possibility of the New Orleans Saints relocating here permanently is now mostly silent, primarily because there's nothing else to say. We pitched ourselves to the NFL and were rebuffed. We hosted an NFL team, drew sizable crowds and showed our support for the displaced Saints. And it wasn't enough. For at least the foreseeable future, San Antonio's dreams of its own NFL franchise are nil. Here are five reasons why. Reason No. 1: NFL tickets aren't cheap. And if it isn't cheap, San Antonians don't like it. We were even ranked the stingiest city in America, according to a recent study, in regard to charitable donations. Considering the average NFL ticket in 2006 cost $62.38, that's a whole lot of charity for your typical family of four. Not to mention the cost of hot dogs, sodas, beer and other concessions once you arrive at the game. Reason No. 2: San Antonio already (sort of) has an NFL team. Jerry Jones is bringing the Cowboys' training camp to San Antonio for a reason. And that reason is simple. Aside from the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area, San Antonio boasts arguably the largest Cowboys fan base in the nation. And let's not forget the Houston Texans faithful who reside in San Antonio ..... all four of them. Reason No. 3: Los Angeles still exists. And as long as it does, which I'm guessing will be awhile longer, the City of Angels is next on the list for an NFL franchise. NFL brass are pining for a team in L.A., mostly because of its large television market. Reason No. 4: The Alamodome isn't exactly up to snuff. Considering the once-proud dome has been relegated to a glorified high school football stadium and convention center, it's doubtful any NFL franchise would consider it for a permanent residence. Reason No. 5: San Antonio doesn't support mediocrity, or consistent greatness, for that matter. Before the Spurs won the David Robinson sweepstakes in the late '80s, the franchise considered moving because of poor attendance. Then, two decades later, when the Spurs were preparing to host Game 1 of the Western Conference finals, they couldn't even sell out the AT&T Center. Suffice to say, an NFL team in San Antonio would have to remain competitive to keep butts in the seats, but not too competitive, for fear of spoiling its supporters. Clint Hale | 210SA |
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