So what did everyone think about the Jeff Hunt Interview (on Prime Time Sports)???
For me, the positives (feel free to correct my numbers)...
i) The go ahead with the stadium;
ii) The size of the stadium (23K with 42 (or was it 52) boxes)
iii) The costs ($1.6 annually) to fold the team;
iv) The deal they have with Lorne Chen to buy the "Rough Rider" name;
v) The 2014 scheduled start.
The negatives,
i) The suggestion that a new name is needed going forward.
When I heard this my heart sank! Bob McCown was disappointed too.
Does anyone know how I can communicate with Jeff Hunt and the other (potential) owners so I can stress my willingness, and the willingness of my friends, to contribute to the team (6 hours away) if they are named "Rough Riders".
All the Pro "Rough Riders" need to let the ownership group know our desire to see the team name returned and our willingness to make it worth the teams while - buying mechandise, tickets, etc...
From what he said, the "NO RR" groups have been much more vocal.
I am hoping he just said that so Lorne Chen doesn't grind him on the price.
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[b]Does anyone know how I can communicate with Jeff Hunt and the other (potential) owners so I can stress my willingness, and the willingness of my friends, to contribute to the team (6 hours away) if they are named "Rough Riders".
All the Pro "Rough Riders" need to let the ownership group know our desire to see the team name returned and our willingness to make it worth the teams while - buying mechandise, tickets, etc...
From what he said, the "NO RR" groups have been much more vocal.[/b]
After listening to Jeff Hunt, who seems to know what he’s doing, I’m guessing the Rough Rider name is dead.
Time to move on and I’ve got a great suggestion, how about the Ottawa Russ Jacksons. (Yes, I’m serious)
And bring back the old uniforms, the ones from the 60’s with the squares on the pant stripes and the big R
on the helmet.
Heard your interview on Prime Time Sports with Bob McCown.
I was happy with everything except your suggestion that you may not go back to the Rough Rider name. I think this is a mistake. I believe it is a revenue stream because of the nostalgia.
I live in Niagara Falls (6 hours away) but I promise you, if you bring back the name Rough Riders, I will buy season tickets EVERY year (I am only 42 with many years ahead) - even tho I may never be able to get up to Ottawa for the games. I will also buy hundreds of dollars in merchandise.
If you choose to go with another name I will not contribute to your team.
As for the concerns of the Sask Roughriders... please pay them no mind. Ask the Ticats and the Argos... the SRR will not step up to help you financially, so don't allow them to hinder a possible revenue stream for your team.
I am hoping you said what you did so Mr Chen will not grind you on the cost of the 'Rights'.
Anyway, good luck, God bless and be well. But mostly, listen to the majority (and their wallets) and bring back the Ottawa ROUGH RIDERS!!!!
Kevin[/b]
If someone would like to give me Mr. Hunts email address....I will also throw in my support for the only real logical name choice.......The Ottawa Rough Riders........This coming from a rabid Ticat fan, who actually lives in the Ottawa area
I kind of like Jeff's answer and am also leaning to renaming the team.
A new stadium, new owners and most important it could be time to forget the past.
I know I know the old saying those who do not learn from the past etc., but still the name could be a rallying cry and how about having the fans name the team. Didn't the Renegades do that?
i) see the paralels;
ii) come to the conclusion that Rough Riders is the BEST choice.
I have said before, nastalgia = revenue stream. Also the SRR should not influence the decision. If things do not go well in Ottawa the SRR will NOT step up to help - ask the Argos or Ticats. Pay them no mind.
23 K is awfully small…
I thought the CFL mandated 25K and just gave the Als a pass because the league could not go down to seven teams to remain relevent