Cyrous Bagheri

July 17, 2006

What We Really Need Around Here Is…

A Professional Sports Team

            Anybody who knows me knows that I am a strong advocate that we live in one of the best places in America.  I love Virginia and, I love Hampton Roads.  In fact York County where I live has recently been ranked as the thirty second best place to live in America.  Our area just about has it all; beaches, amusement parks, nice homes, shopping malls, parks, history, and much more.  However one thing it is missing is a professional sports team.  I refuse to count the Hampton Roads Admirals or the Norfolk Tides as a professional sports team; I am talking about a team from one of the four major sports leagues (National Football League, Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, and the National Hockey League). 

            Some would say that this is not a legitimate argument; I would have to disagree.  For whatever reason many do not think that a professional sports team would work out in our area.  I happen to think there are plenty of reasons why it would work out.  For starters the city of Norfolk is the biggest city in America without a professional sports team; unfortunately it has been beaten out in the past by other cities less populated.  Our area has also proven that it can show a great deal of support for the minor league teams in our area.  Our area has also grown a lot throughout the years and continues to grow.  There is no doubt that having a professional sports team would help aid in this growth.  I would also bring up the argument that the Hampton Roads area deserves a professional sports team; we have very knowledgeable fans, and have athletes who have contributed to college and professional athletics for a long time now.  Because of our area’s gifted athleticism we have had the advantage of following a handful of athletes throughout their careers from high school to the pros.  I think this helps us feel more connected to the world of professional sports; which sometimes we feel like we are on the outside looking in due to the fact that we have no professional team.        

            I am aware of some of the problems and reasons why we do not yet have a sports team.  First of all I know that many owners of sports teams would not be willing to take a risk on bringing a sports team to our area; it would just not be worth it.  No matter what we are still not considered a very large city compared to other cities with sports teams.  We also have not had the proper cooperation needed from the different cities that makeup the Hampton Roads area.  Because our area is made up of so many different cities this cooperation is vital if our area is ever going to get a professional team.  Another very obvious reason why Hampton Roads does not yet have a pro team is because there is no major venue to occupy a team; rather we have two minor venues both of which would never be able to hold professional sports events.  Every time I drive by the Hampton Coliseum I shake my head in disappointment, and can’t help but to think what might have been if we would have waited until we could have made a larger venue. 

            In doing research on this paper I came across a 2001 article from the Virginian-Pilot that talked about professional sports in Hampton Roads.  The article talked about how our area is doing several things to try and attract an existing franchise.  Some things in the works would include expanding Harbor Park to temporarily occupy a Major League Baseball team, and finishing up with all the renovations of local highways.  The article also gave readers good news saying that Hampton Roads had made it onto a “short list” for existing team’s move.  One thing that I have regularly heard come up was also included in the article; our area does not have enough corporate sponsorship for a professional team.  Being a huge sports fan I remain optimistic that one day my beloved Hampton Roads will be able to enjoy the fun of having a Professional sports franchise. 

 

Works Cited

Minium, Harry . "Area Makes "Short List" for Existing Team's Move." The Virginian-    Pilot 19 JUL 2001 1-3. 19 JUL 2006    <http://www.facilityplanners.com/news/pdf/Professional%20Sports%20in%20Ha          mpton%20Roads.pdf>.