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NFL In LA: Stadium Battle Continues, New York Notices
Interior, Gensler (Gensler/AEG)
The New York Times has weighed in on the mounting hysteria surrounding two opposed proposals to build a stadium in L.A. for a pro-football team. Notes the NYT, "Los Angeles has not had an N.F.L. team since the Raiders and the Rams left town 16 years ago. But now it may have the next best thing: a bruising fight over how to reclaim the game."
Majestic Realty Company is proposing a 78,000-seat, $800 million stadium east of Los Angeles in the City of Industry with picturesque views of snowy peaks and rolling hills, while AEG proposes a 65,000-seat, $1.2 billion hometurf in downtown with a retractable dome. These sports moguls, once partnered to build the Staples Center, are now in competition as harsh rivals.
Reports the NYT, John H. Semcken III, a VP of Majestic, said "the A.E.G. plan would come with traffic jams and exorbitant parking fees and would cost taxpayers millions of dollars. And forget about tailgating." Timothy J. Leiweke, the president of A.E.G., "dismissed the criticisms, saying downtown Los Angeles had shown it could handle the traffic of big events."
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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