problem plus that is why they invented retractable roofs for stadiums which there is amole land to build and plenty of wealthy and corporate support in the city to support their two professional teams and more. Richmond, VA, USA has potential. Virginia’s capital generally supports Washing- ton, D.C., sports, but that being said Richmond is becoming its own major market and within striking distance of the Hampton Roads region, which has become something of a pro baseball factory. Aside from the city’s interest in baseball, Richmond also has more than 1.3 million people, and about 3 million if you include Norfolk, Newport News and Virginia Beach — which are each within 90 miles of Richmond. We have Memphis, TN, USA on out list It was a toss up between Nashville or Memphis for us but we went with Memphis and it was not because of King. Memphis is without a doubt a major league town, as the NBA’s Grizzlies have proven. With1.3 million people in its metro region, is big enough to support another major league team. Plus, Memphis has been a Triple-A city, as the home of the Cardinals’ Triple-A affiliate since 1998. You have to put Oklahoma City, OK, USA Oklahoma City is another great minor league
baseball market, and the NBA’s Thunder have proven that Oklahoma City can support major professional sports. The city has about 1.5 million people and is growing thanks to a robust corporate community, specifically in the energy sector. Oklahoma City has supported Triple-A baseball since 1962, but there is no doubt baseball fans would flock to the big leagues. The Big Easy, yes New Orleans, LA, USA would also make out list Some say why would the MLB go to the Big Easy, as New Orleans has enough trouble supporting both their NBA and NFL teams. We believe that there is opportunity in New Orleans, well you know Ellen will be a support of the team and just look at how the city reacts to the Saints. Put that fan energy into a league that does not directly complete with the NFL season and good things will happen. Plus, that to the Saints, the Big Easy has something many others on this we have listed do not and that is a suitable stadium option to play in with the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Then take into consideration that between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, about 80 miles to the west, you have more than 2 million people in a region that continues to grow. Last but not least you have Albuquerque, NM, USA Yes, New Mexico is not represented in any major league professional sports, but that couldmake Albu- querqueagoodentrancepoint, especially inbaseball. The Albuquerque Isotopes Triple-A team drew about 8,000 fans per game in 2018. The city has more than 1 million in its metro area, especially if you include nearby Santa Fe, and is 400 miles from its nearest major league compe- tition, but that could also be a concern as travel would be an issue.
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APRIL 2019 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
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