Dallas Host 2010 NBA All-Star Weekend

[uptown]

This may be kind of old, but I just found out.

Houston awarded 2006 NBA All-Star game

Commissioner David Stern made the announcement with Rockets owner Leslie Alexander and Houston Mayor Bill White at the Toyota Center, home of the Houston Rockets and site of the Feb. 19 game.

"Houston has distinguished itself as a sports center," Stern said. "A number of events have been held here, and held here in fine fashion."

The city has already hosted the Super Bowl and baseball's All-Star game this year.

The NBA All-Star game was last held in Houston in 1989 before a record crowd of 44,735 at the Astrodome. Utah's Karl Malone was MVP of that game, scoring 28 points. Seattle's Dale Ellis won the 3-point shootout, and New York's Kenny Walker beat hometown favorite Clyde Drexler in the finals of the slam dunk contest.

Houston and the Rockets had been considered favorites for the 2006 event for some time.

Last season, Stern said he had been "beaten down" by the Rockets' lobbying effort and that events would eventually be sent to Houston. At the time, Stern would not commit to which season the three days of activities would fill the George R. Brown Convention Center and Toyota Center.

"We get a chance to show off everything Houston has to offer," White said. "We can do these great sports events with the eyes of the world on us just right."

The NBA's All-Star weekend begins on Friday with the Rookie Challenge, a game between the league's top first- and second-year players, and on Saturday includes a shooting competition, a skills challenge, the 3-point contest and the dunk contest.

The weekend concludes with the All-Star game on Sunday.

"For that period time," Stern said, "Houston will be the basketball capital of the world."

[gc]

Good for H-town.

[2112]

I'm really down on H-town today. This weekend, I ran into 3 people, THREE PEOPLE, who were complete total strangers, who had the following to offer:

1. How can you live in this cess-pool?

2. I dont know how you can stand living in this congested hell-hole.

3. Don't take this the wrong way, but there are too many Latinos, Asians, and foreingers in Houston.


After a while, that famous rude, defensive, Houstonian type that you all are so used to seeing....becomes worn out, and just wants to be left alone....

[gc]

^ Fugettaboutit 2112. I visited some friends in Houston two weeks ago and remembered why I liked living there when I did. It is a great city IMO.

[2112]

^ Fugettaboutit 2112. I visited some friends in Houston two weeks ago and remembered why I liked living there when I did. It is a great city IMO.

<sigh>

:)

[Geaux Tigers]

^Sorry, 2112.

Back on the subject of an All-Star Game, I wonder when N. Texas will get to play host to the next one? When was the last time? I can only remember The Ballpark playing host to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game back around 1995.

[2112]

It will come soon enough. Soon after the new stadium is built. When is that going to happen? Where is it going to be built again?

[St-T]

And, I know this will stir up the stadium talks, etc. But why would you want to have an All-Star game in a suburb when there is a lot of great stadiums in downtowns w/ tons of stuff to do.

I think that is the biggest issue w/ the stadiums in the metroplex... everything is too spread out. If I was scouting for sites I would pick Houston over Dallas... even smaller cities like Cincy have all of their sports complexes downtown on the river. No offense, but Arlington doesn't have much to offer.... unless you drive 30 minutes to Dallas.

[2112]

I once saw an article state that one of the attributes about Fort Worth was its proximity to Dallas. Sorry, it sorta makes me laugh when I think about that. Simply because FW just can't seem to kick that identity problem, or rather, outsiders' perception of FW as "essentially" West Dallas. I know it bothers alot of FW'ians. FW has so much to offer in its own right, great arts and museums, the cliburn foundation, etc. etc. But it's still kinda funny. Nothing against FW, it's just commical how those innuendows just keep popping up, kinda like that pink duracell bunny rabbit. Anyways. Cheers.

[St-T]

I once saw an article state that one of the attributes about Fort Worth was its proximity to Dallas. Sorry, it sorta makes me laugh when I think about that. Simply because FW just can't seem to kick that identity problem, or rather, outsiders' perception of FW as "essentially" West Dallas. I know it bothers alot of FW'ians. FW has so much to offer in its own right, great arts and museums, the cliburn foundation, etc. etc. But it's still kinda funny. Nothing against FW, it's just commical how those innuendows just keep popping up, kinda like that pink duracell bunny rabbit. Anyways. Cheers.
I'm confused on what this has to do w/ the All Star game. :)

[2112]

Well, its the perception thing. As long as the stadium is built in a Dallas suburb, or preferably DT, then all is good. I guess it finally dawned on me that "Dallas" really describes the whole area, so just build the stadium, even it is not as close to DT as would be prefered. And that just reminded me of FW and how it is trying to move away from that idea and be its own thing. But to everyone else, it is the "Dallas area". The most important thing is to just build it, in other words.

[St-T]

ahhhh......gotya.

I think we will be bypassed for All-Star games because of this perception. And, we will get 1 Super Bowl but after that I doubt we will be in the loop for others. As far as Final Fours--the committee has said that they like to be in a compact area with entertainment, dining, etc close by. That is why San Antonio keeps getting Final Fours... you have the AlamoDome DT and the river walk close by.

In Arlington you have an On The Border...

[2112]

What's a "On the border"?

[St-T]

^ LOL--chain mexican restaurant. www.ontheborder.com

[rantanamo]

I still don't know why the AAC hasn't gotten the NBA or NHL all-star game. It is an excellent host for the Big XII tourney. So much so, that Kansas City has been really pushing a downtown arena to compete. Maybe once this phase of Victory is open the NBA and NHL will finally come. Or maybe they haven't been bidding.

I'd agree that I'd pick Houston over Dallas for these type events. Everything is in a good spot and is very convenient. Only the AAC and a renovated Cotton Dome have a chance to compete for all-star type games or Final Fours. Arlington will get the Superbowl, but it will be just like Glendale where the biggest advertising will be for Phoenix itself.

[St-T]

I would be very disappointed to come from out of town to a Super Bowl advertised as being in "Dallas" and have to drive (no mass transportation available) to Arlington. It will be a one time event for Arlington--promised to JJ by the NFL (but only once). Too bad............

[2112]

^ LOL--chain mexican restaurant. www.ontheborder.com

I checked out their site. I never heard of them! I mean, they are everywhere in Texas, everywhere except Houston that is. Well, they are not in The Valley, either. But then that makes sense: Why would you want an “On The Border”, on the, well, border. Why are they not in Houston? Maybe the 4,000 taco stands scattered throughout the city is just too much competition. Yes, it’s true. There were over 4,000 taco stand permits issued or re-issued last year in Harris County. Anyways, is the grub “on the border” pretty good stuff?

[2112]

In a related story....

http://www.click2houston.com/news/4188094/detail.html

[SpaceCityDood]

What does that have to do with the all star game and or Houston?

[2112]

Nothing. Nothing at all. That story just made me happy.
:)

[St-T]

I checked out their site. I never heard of them! I mean, they are everywhere in Texas, everywhere except Houston that is. Well, they are not in The Valley, either. But then that makes sense: Why would you want an “On The Border”, on the, well, border. Why are they not in Houston? Maybe the 4,000 taco stands scattered throughout the city is just too much competition. Yes, it’s true. There were over 4,000 taco stand permits issued or re-issued last year in Harris County. Anyways, is the grub “on the border” pretty good stuff?

Not one of my favorites.

[Geaux Tigers]

I still don't know why the AAC hasn't gotten the NBA or NHL all-star game. It is an excellent host for the Big XII tourney. So much so, that Kansas City has been really pushing a downtown arena to compete. Maybe once this phase of Victory is open the NBA and NHL will finally come. Or maybe they haven't been bidding.

I'd agree that I'd pick Houston over Dallas for these type events. Everything is in a good spot and is very convenient. Only the AAC and a renovated Cotton Dome have a chance to compete for all-star type games or Final Fours. Arlington will get the Superbowl, but it will be just like Glendale where the biggest advertising will be for Phoenix itself.
I'm with you. I don't know why the AAC hasn't been chosen to host the NBA or NHL (if there still is such a thing) all-star game. For that matter, why couldn't the AAC host a political party convention? I seriously doubt the Democratic Convention would ever come to Texas (well, maybe Austin), but once W's term is up, I wonder if he would have the pull to bring the Republican Convention to Dallas? We'd be talking MAJOR media coverage not only around the country, but around the world!

[rantanamo]

The RNC was at Reunion in the 80s, wasn't it?

[Mballar]

I'm with you. I don't know why the AAC hasn't been chosen to host the NBA or NHL (if there still is such a thing) all-star game.

I think as far as the NBA Allstar Game goes, Mark Cuban has made the decision that he doesn't really care to host an Allstar Game because there will be a limited number of seats available for Mavs' season ticket holders. I guess he feels that there wouldn't be much benefit to his fans if only 2,500 or so tickets would go to Mavs fans. I think that he had an opportunity to host the Allstar Game soon after the AAC was completed, but passed for the above-mentioned reason. I believe that this issue was discussed in the Morning News a few years ago.

[rantanamo]

^very interesting, but smart? Its a lost date anyway, so why not host it and reap the financial benefits of an additional date, as well as show off the city?

[Geaux Tigers]

The RNC was at Reunion in the 80s, wasn't it?
Honestly, I don't remember. But, if we think an all-star game would showcase the city, just imagine what hosting the RNC convention would do for the city! The world would be focused on Dallas-Ft. Worth for a week.

[utgf]

The RNC was at Reunion in the 80s, wasn't it?

I believe it was for Reagan's second term, at a time the city was know as city that works. I'll take Dallas of today over those times. Maybe potholes don't get fixed as fast as they used to, but the city is a hell of a lot more exciting than back then and with more variety of development than just office structures.

[freewaytincan]

I believe it was for Reagan's second term, at a time the city was know as city that works. I'll take Dallas of today over those times. Maybe potholes don't get fixed as fast as they used to, but the city is a hell of a lot more exciting than back then and with more variety of development than just office structures.

But guys, remember! Cars are the future! Cars will set us free!

[psukhu]

I still don't know why the AAC hasn't gotten the NBA or NHL all-star game.


I thought the same thing. Maybe they are waiting until Victory is built out so they can showcase it to the Nation?

[The Great Hizzy!]

The All-Star Game will be a fun weekend but I'm much more excited about the Final Four. Yeah, yeah, I know, that's six years away but that won't make those thousands of college coeds and recently graduated college women any less desirable.

(Yes, I'm depraved).

[yaga]

I thought the same thing. Maybe they are waiting until Victory is built out so they can showcase it to the Nation?

Good point. I think Cuban probably new the Victory development was forthcoming so he wanted to wait until the development around the arena was complete before he pursues a "major" event to the AAC

[rantanamo]

I guess we could just ask Cuban.

[rantanamo]

I wrote Cuban on this, and got the season ticket reason replied. I'm gonna try to convince him that the weekend would be for the good of the city/region

[gc]

^word

[tamtagon]

I wrote Cuban on this, and got the season ticket reason replied. I'm gonna try to convince him that the weekend would be for the good of the city/region

Hey, next time, tell him I said, "Sup dude?"

The season ticket reason is an easy position to take, but the evolution of the relationship between Major Sport Leagues and municipal governments demands that All Star games and the like are actively persued by the hometown team owners. AACenter got a very favorable contract out of the city, so those operating the facility need to do everything possible to bring to the city events which generate the most revenue.

[hamiltonpl]

I would choose Houston over Arlington also. After spending a couple weeks in Houston on a business trip, I envy its downtown. All the sports arenas are downtown. There are actually nice places to eat and have a drink. I walked downtown at night to get on the light rail, and I wasn't in fear for my life. There are enough non-homeless people to make it a nice walk.

The Toyota Center, their new basketball arena, was really nice. It's not as cool looking on the outside as the AA center, but the finish out inside is top-notch.

I didn't even have to use a car in DT Houston. I could walk to the restaurants or to the light rail. DT Houston is still pretty dead on the weekends. But that just means that it looks like DT Dallas on a weekday.

All this is to say: I would have picked Houston over Arlington also.

[uptown]

I didn't even have to use a car in DT Houston. I could walk to the restaurants or to the light rail. DT Houston is still pretty dead on the weekends. But that just means that it looks like DT Dallas on a weekday.
rantamo, I hope your letter was convincing, because it still leaves a queston mark in my head why American Airlines has not even been mentioned for the event.

hamiltonpl, I experienced something totally opposite when I was in Houston. The nightlife in downtown on the weekends was insane. Something you don't see in that many Texas cities, maybe Austin. Now if you are talking about the weekends in the morning, yeah downtown was pretty dead. I stayed at the Hotel Icon,and decided to go out to eat with a friend that came with me on vacation, and once I exited the hotel there was nothing but traffic with pedestrians and cars. It truly was a beautiful experience. I hear it's even more packed when there is a concert or game at the Toyota Center or a baseball game at Minute Maid Park.

[The Great Hizzy!]

Weekend action in DT Houston is much stronger from March to October (and yes, Astros game have something to do with it). Houstonians, however, can be pretty wussified by feeling an evening chill, so they're not as likely to hang out if they think they'll need more than a sweater/jacket.

It's a little bit busier nowadays over by Main Street Square/Houston Center shops on Saturdays but the action could still be a lot better. There are some longterm projects such as Main @ Polk that should bring in better retail in the future so here's crossing your fingers.

At night, and particularly from Thursday to Saturday, no one needs to worry about activity.

[hamiltonpl]

Yeah, I was referring to the DAYTIME in downtown. All I wanted was a burger -- and I couldn't find one. So I settled for my overpriced hotel food.
I was there for a week and a half at the Four Seasons. I didn't see "Austin-type" nightlife. But what I saw was better than what is around Arlington. I was just impressed that there were real live people on Main Street. It was during the January/February "winter." It certainly beats the sea of parking lots that choke the Arlington Ballpark.

[Geaux Tigers]

I wrote Cuban on this, and got the season ticket reason replied. I'm gonna try to convince him that the weekend would be for the good of the city/region
Ever major league sport has it's all-star game in the middle of the season (except the NFL), during what is usually a 4-5 day break in the schedule. Therefore, if the NBA all-star game was at the AAC, it wouldn't be a Mavs game, so what do the Mav's season ticket holders care if someone else uses their seats for the all-star game? This argument for Cuban not going after the NBA all-star game because of season ticket holders is stupid! If that was the case, you could argue that the AAC shouldn't host concerts or Stars games because of the Mavs season ticket holders.

[rantanamo]

I just tried to appeal to the good corporate citizen thing, and used the whole there's no game going on at the AAC anyway, so what's the loss to season ticket holders. Don't know if he'll care or not.

[rantanamo]

I'm convinced me more and more that the city was robbed with the AAC.

[Geaux Tigers]

I'm convinced me more and more that the city was robbed with the AAC.
There's always wrestling and monster truck rallies!!

[Mballar]

I'm convinced me more and more that the city was robbed with the AAC.

I think that it is wrong to look at the City's deal w/ Ross Perot Jr. as a deal for the AAC only. As a matter of fact, the deal was for the entire Victory Development Project. We must keep that in mind. As a result of that deal, we now have the W Hotel & Residences and a bunch of other mixed-use development comming online in Victory to be proud of. At the end of the day, we, the taxpayers are getting more than just the AAC in return for the increase in Hotel/Car Rental tax. The Victory Development will go a long way toward shaping a new identity/perception of Dallas, and we can't loose sight of that. I don't think the city was robbed. I think that we got what we were promised (and that's rare). . . a unique mixed-use urban development project.

[rantanamo]

Sorry, I'm just amazed that the taxpayers paid a portion of this thing, and that an even that could help the city is avoided because season ticket holders won't get a ticket. You buy tickets for the Mavs season, right? What does that have to do with the All-Star game? That's revenue and exposure that is being wasted.

[Mballar]

^rant, I agree that Cuban should change his mind on the All Star game issue, in the best interest of the Dallas community. Maybe he can't see past his own personal investment in the Mavericks to understand how an event like that could help Dallas attract more visitors/tourists. I also suspect that his own personal fued with NBA Commissioner Stern has something to do with it.

[rantanamo]

He probably thinks I'm some yahoo. I just really want to know if he thinks that is a valid answer.

[Mballar]

He probably thinks I'm some yahoo. I just really want to know if he thinks that is a valid answer.

I think you should forward him a link to this thread, so that he can see how some "Mavs fans" perceive this issue.

[rantanamo]

can do. I have invited him here before

[Fobulous]

Sports Center? give me a break H-town doesn't even have a Hockey team and AA Center is new too..what is David Stern thinking about???