THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 12, 1997 TAG: 9701110003
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 87 lines
As a lifelong resident of Hampton Roads, I am insulted at the propaganda campaign being put forth by George Shinn and supported by the Hampton Roads Partnership promoting the Rhinos hockey team. The focus of their effort has been the constant reference to making the region ``major league'' and achieving ``more respect.'' Hampton Roads does not need an NHL hockey team represented by a dumb rhinoceros to enhance its image.
Our region is the cradle of American history and representative democracy. Because of Newport News Shipbuilding, the Thomas Jefferson Lab, NASA, Canon, Gateway 2000 and many other businesses and industries, our region is recognized as an emerging center for advanced technology.
Our colleges and universities are well-respected as outstanding educational institutions. Hampton Roads has the world's greatest harbor, and the Virginia Port Authority has made progress in competing to become the world's greatest port facility.
Finally, Hampton Roads is headquarters to the backbone of the finest military operation in the world. Amazingly, all of this was accomplished without a major-league sports franchise.
Hampton Roads is an outstanding region because of its hard-working people. While George Shinn and the Hampton Roads Partnership may consider Hampton Roads a second-class region, their scheme for a professional sports franchise is nothing more than creating a new ``cash cow'' for the wealthy at the expense of the rest of us.
MIKE HAZLEWOOD
Newport News, Jan. 3, 1997
In attempting to bring in a pro hockey team, the salivating fat cats who stand to profit are appealing to our American inclination to think that bigger is better.
Some years ago I decided to boycott the greed, inconvenience, cost and sleaze of pro sports. Since that time I have greatly enjoyed attending minor-league sports events such as those offered by our wonderful baseball Tides and hockey Admirals. Our guys play the game without the hubris of the pros, and in doing so give us more pure sport and excitement, closer up and for less cost.
Our sports teams are accessible even to those of modest means. By bringing in the high-priced Rhinos, the poorer fans are being told to take a walk. Does anyone care? If they bring in the Rhinos, we will lose the Admirals and all that comes with such a great minor-league team.
You may win the battle, but you will lose the war. You will pour millions (including your tax dollars) into them now, and later both teams will have moved on, taking your money with them.
Wake up, Hampton Roads! We should treat this proposal as we would any rhino found walking in the streets of Norfolk: Shoot it with an anesthetic dart and move this endangered species to another part of the world.
The Rev. RUSSELL C. BURCHARD
Virginia Beach, Jan. 3, 1997
``The $58 million question: Will Charlotte build Shinn a new arena?'' (Sports, Jan. 2), has firmly convinced me that bringing the NHL Rhinos to Hampton Roads is a big mistake. I do not think that the taxpayers of this area need another money pit.
With the MacArthur Mall lurking over the horizon, let us take our disasters one at a time. I am sure that the citizens of Charlotte are overjoyed to know that Mr. Shinn will tap them for $58 million to make sure the NBA stays.
W. H. THOMAS
Norfolk, Jan. 2, 1997
After listening to the media blitz about the Hampton Roads area petitioning the NHL for a franchise, I would like to offer some questions. Those who favor this proposal see the area gaining national stature. We would be on the major TV networks. They argue that this would give the region more visibility than an SMA without a major sports team. Moreover, business that would normally bypass the area would relocate here because of the presence of a national hockey team. Jobs would be created.
True, hockey fever is high in the region with the Hampton Roads Admirals drawing sellout crowds and winning division titles, but I ask: Is hockey the best sport for this region?
Professional basketball, football and baseball are more popular and more culturally diverse in terms of fans and players. Where are the African Americans, Hispanics and Asians in hockey? Is ice hockey a growing sport in this region where kids dream of making it into the big leagues? Do the area colleges and universities have ice hockey teams that compete in the NCAA? I see very few, if any, people in this area donning a pro hockey jacket or cap.
Before signing your check for a luxury box, think about the broader implications of national exposure and cultural diversity. Basketball, football or baseball would be a better alternative.
RICHARD L. STATON
Virginia Beach, Jan. 3, 1997