In the category of breaking news at inopportune time goes to the arbitrators overseeing the CVC/St. Louis Rams. Thanks. (Not really.)

The arbitrators have sided with the St. Louis Rams saying that the Edward Jones Dome does need vast improvements to comply with the league’s definition of a first-tier facility.

From Greg Smith, the Husch Blackwell attorney representing the CVC via the St. Louis Business Journal report:

The arbitrators determined that due to several structural deficiencies in the size and dimensions of the Edward Jones Dome that only the Rams’ May 2012 plan for demolishing and rebuilding the facility will make it First Tier under the terms of the existing lease between the parties.

The CVC proposed a $200 million renovation package. The Rams submitted a nearly $700 million remodel option which on paper looks like a great idea except for the fact that they didn’t outline where the $700 million would come from.

» Continue reading “Arbitrators Rule In Favor Of The St. Louis Rams”

Week 8 is finally here and honestly I’m not sure how I feel about it. Kind of a mixed bag of emotions. On one hand, like many other local St. Louis fans, I’m upset that we’ve lost a home game and the advantages that come along with playing in the Edward Jones Dome. It also would have been nice to watch certain New England Patriots play in person. Of course I’m talking about Danny Woodhead. Who else?

On the other hand, what a great opportunity for the Rams fans in the UK and abroad. I have many tweeps in the UK that are just thrilled to be able to see their cherished team in the flesh. Some have been counting down the days and hours since the announcements were made January 2012.

Here is a long time Rams UK tweep @PFF_RossMiles. See the joy on his face. Almost makes it worth losing that home game. Almost…

St. Louis Rams great Torry Holt and Ross Miles (Ross’ personal photo.)

Ultimately, this weekend is about the match up between your beloved Rams and the New England Patriots. If my research is correct, quarterback Tom Brady is the only remaining Patriot from that Super Bowl XXXVI squad. But I digress.

Five Things I’ll be watching for in Week 8

1) Can Rams quarterback Sam Bradford live up to the pre-grame hype?

With everyone and their third cousin’s uncle poo-pooing the Patriots secondary the pressure is on Bradford to put up some big time numbers on Sunday.

New England is giving up an average of 23.3 points per game (19th in the league) and their passing defense is giving up on average 290 yards per game (29th) to opposing teams.

» Continue reading “New England Patriots At St. Louis Rams Week 8 Preview”

Edward Jones Dome (Courtesy STLouisRams.com)

Although the full disclosure is not scheduled to happen until Monday we were given a small glimpse into the Rams proposal to the CVC via the local FOX 2 news.  Surprise!

When the teaser said something to the effect of “raising the roof” I had a feeling.  I had a bad feeling.  The more appropriate two R-words would have been “retractable” and “retrofit.”

Fox 2 Gets Exclusive Details On Dome Deal

Sources tell Fox 2 News that the biggest part of what the Rams want, involves tearing out the current roof on the dome and installing a retractable roof.

Construction experts have told us in the past that putting in such a roof would be almost impossible without major structural changes to the dome building itself, very expensive changes.

Since we don’t have all the details it is not certain what this roof make-over will cost other than it’s going to be more hundreds of millions.  *Dr. Evil voice…

My gut reaction to the news was that the Rams are asking for way over the top knowing full well that the CVC and the city would not and could not accept this specific proposal.  I hope I’m wrong.

» Continue reading “Pigskin Cover 3: EJD Roof, Scouting Changes And Bell Retires”

Edward Jones Dome (Courtesy STLouisRams.com)

Ignorance is bliss.  Not that Rams fans or the public have a choice in the matter.  For what it’s worth it’s probably a good thing.  Rams fans, who are used to the ups and downs that are associated with this team, would be taken on a motion sickness inducing roller coaster ride if we covered the play-by-play of the stadium negotiations.

The CVC and the Rams are doing the correct thing by keeping all this in house.

» Continue reading “Pigskin Cover 3: EDJ Lease, Brown To Jets And Eric LeGrand A Buc”

I wonder what Ram Man thinks about all this. (Personal Photo)

On January 20, 2012 Stan Kroenke and the NFL worked out this fantabulous deal where the St. Louis Rams will be playing one game a year in the UK’s Wembley Stadium for the next three seasons.  UK fans rejoiced as they were happy to see more live NFL games on their turf.

The Rams and the NFL are happy.  And the UK/European NFL fans seem happy.

So what’s the big problem?  The games they offered up to the league were three HOME games.  That left a very bad taste in the mouth of local fans and the St. Louis Conventions and Visitors Commission (CVC) who manage the Edward Jones Dome.

Statement from Rams owner Stan Kroenke:

We’ve seen first-hand the increased popularity of the NFL not only in London but throughout Europe.  To play a role in that growth over the next three years will be incredible and is a testament to the many good things happening not only in the NFL but also in the St. Louis Rams organization.

» Continue reading “But What About The Local Rams Fans?”

The good OLD Edward Jones Dome. (Courtesy STLouisRams.com)

Friday the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission (CVC) not so kindly informed the Rams they were in violation of their stadium lease agreement.  As if the Rams didn’t know the terms when they decided to sign up for three visits in three years to jolly old England, please.  Of course they were fully aware and don’t anyone think otherwise.

Here’s the media release from the CVC:

Having the Rams play a game in London will elevate an awareness of St. Louis on the global stage, much as the Saint Louis Symphony’s upcoming tour will do.

That said, our lease with the Rams requires that the Rams play all their home games in the Edward Jones Dome. We immediately brought this to the Rams’ attention and are awaiting their reply.

Oops.  Someone sounds displeased.

Yes, the Rams are being compensated upwards of $5 million per game played in the UK but what really irks the CVC is what the city will lose.  Fans lose home games.  Local businesses lose income.  Neither the NFL or the Rams will likely make up for the lost tourism dollars.

Also lost is the notion of doing things in good faith.  Does that even exist anymore?  Gone are the days of business done with hand shakes.  Heck, even a signed lease agreement doesn’t mean much these days.  Guess I’m just old school to go along with the old dome.

» Continue reading “Edward Jones Dome: They Said, They Said”