Article used in the Colts out Ravens in post
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Sources
Sources
Constable, Pamela. "Irsay rejects stadium renovation deal". Baltimore Sun. 3 April. 1982. Print.
Patterson, Ed. Football in Baltimore. Baltimore and London: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2000.
Phillips, Doug. "Baltimore Stallions". http://www.ravensnest1.com/Baltimore%20Stallions.htm. 13 Dec. 2009.
Valentine, Jeff. "The Colt-city battle over rent at the stadium". Baltimore Sun. 2 Mar. 1976. Print.
Wilson, Norman. "Stadium Lost $730,894 Last Year". Baltimore Sun. 2 Sept. 1977. Print.
Constable, Pamela. "Irsay rejects stadium renovation deal". Baltimore Sun. 3 April. 1982. Print.
Patterson, Ed. Football in Baltimore. Baltimore and London: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2000.
Phillips, Doug. "Baltimore Stallions". http://www.ravensnest1.com/Baltimore%20Stallions.htm. 13 Dec. 2009.
Valentine, Jeff. "The Colt-city battle over rent at the stadium". Baltimore Sun. 2 Mar. 1976. Print.
Wilson, Norman. "Stadium Lost $730,894 Last Year". Baltimore Sun. 2 Sept. 1977. Print.
Colts move out Ravens move in
July 13, 1972 the day that Robert Irsay took over as owner of the Baltimore Colts. It only took five games into the 1972 season for the Irsay to fire the Colts Super Bowl winning Coach Don McCafferty. At the end of the season Colts legend Johnny Unitas was traded to the San Diego Chargers. To the dismay of the fans, one by one fan favorites like John Mackey and Tom Matte were being cut or traded by Irsay and General Manager Joe Thomas. These moves left the locker room in shambles, and fans angered and confused. From 1975-1977 the new younger Colts fielded good teams, and fans were in support of the new look Colts led by quarterback Bert Jones. Even with the Colts making the AFC Championship game it didn't stop Irsay from interfering with coaching and managing decisions. Head coaches were getting fired left and right by Irsay. Many coaches were in fear of losing thier jobs because Irsay was so unpredictable. After the 1978 season everything started to go downhill. More of the same came from Irsay, trading away key players, and failing to sign certain players that would include quarterback John Elway and running back Curtis Dickey. With the constant losing and erractic drunken behavior from Irsay, fans slowly stopped showing up to games, and players voiced thier opinions about not wanting to play for the Colts. Over the years there were rumors of Irsay wanting to move the team to another city. According to Ed Patterson "First it was Phoenix in 1976, then Indianapolis in 1977, and Los Angeles in 1979" (227). It became apparent the team was probably going to move after Irsay became upset that he would not be getting a new football stadium. There are several news articles following the battle between Robert Irsay and the city of Baltimore over a new stadium.
Troubles between the owner Robert Irsay and the Baltimore Colts are documented as early as 1976. In an article from the Baltimore Sun titled "The Colt-city battle over rent at the stadium" by Jeff Valentine, negotiations over a new lease on Memorial Stadium were becoming "bitter". At the time of 1976, Memorial Stadium still had 3 years left on the lease. Baltimore was actually losing money on Memorial Stadium; the stadium was only bringing in an average of $52,172 per game compared to some other teams that averaged over $200,000 per game. Irsay was demanding upgrades for Memorial Stadium which Irsay is quoted as saying Memorial Stadium "is probably the worst in the country". With that said Baltimore city officials tended to agree with Irsay and seemed to be willing to entertain Irsays requests, yet Irsay seemed distant. This was only the beginning of things to come.
In a Baltimore Sun article printed on September 2,1977 and written by Norman Wilson the continued struggles between Robert Irsay and the city of Baltimore trying to get a new stadium built are highlighted. The stadium was said to have lost $730,894 during the 1976 season. Both a City Comptroller said the Baltimore Orioles and Colts were being payed to play "in our stadium". This is stunning considering both teams were winning ballclub's at the time. In March the teams actually agreed on a new stadium lease with options until 1983. The new lease reduced rents and the teams recieved a bigger profit from the concessions stands. So at this point in time, it would look like the Colts were making some kind of progress with the city officals.
Jumping to April 3, 1982, Pamela Constable wrote the Baltimore Sun article "Irsay rejects stadium renovation deal". With the city trying to negotiate with Irsay they offered him different options. One being a $22 million renovation plan for Memorial Stadium, $15 million going towards the Colts, and $7 million for the Orioles. The renovations would have included "13,400 new seats, 50 private lounges, a club restaurant, and a new field" as well as a contract guarantying Baltimore would have a team up to 1996. Irsay stated that interest rates and his other debts "will not permit the Colts to alone bear the immense financial responsibility" that would be required. After rejecting the plan Irsay assured the city of Baltimore that he wasn't moving the team, but he left Governor Hughes scrambling for a new plan.
1983, Irsay still being offered a $15 million loan by Mayor William Schaefer still wasn't biting. In fear of losing thier team and tired of dealing with Irsay, city officials made some other suggestions. One invovled the Maryland Legislature buying the team for $40 million and selling it to Maryland investors. The other plan was the Maryland Senate having a vote to take back the team from Irsay. The voting plan actually took place with a 38-4 margin in favor of taking back the team. The vote would have to be passed by the House of Delegates. Before it could be passed Irsay came to terms with the city of Indianapolis and on March 29, 1984 moved the team in the middle of the night.
On the ESPN special "The Band That Wouldn't Die" produced by Baltimore native Barry Levinson viewers will see the impact the Colts moving had on the fans. The special focuses on the Baltimore Colts Marching Band that went to great lengths in keeping hope alive. When the Colts were leaving town in the middle of the night the only thing they weren't able to steal were the marching bands uniforms. Members of the marching band were informed of what was happening and gathered up the uniforms from the drycleaners. Members of the band went as far as hiding the uniforms in a graveyard. Eventually the band was allowed to keep the uniforms, and they went on marching at football games as the Baltimore Colts Marching Band, keeping the name and faith alive in the city of Baltimore. With the marching bands relentless effort and stron support from the city and other teams, the NFL had no choice but to notice how desperately Baltimore wanted an NFL franchise again. The Baltimore Colts Marching Band played a part in convincing the Maryland state legislature to approve funding for a new football stadium. Accompanied by Maryland Governor William Schaefer, the band played the Colts fight song in front of the Maryland State House, showing thier support for the team and lobbying for the approval of a new stadium. The Maryland state legislature would eventually approve a loan for a new football stadium to be built in Baltimore. Now the city had some hope of getting a new team, instead NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue used Baltimore as a puppet; often teasing the city with the hopes of getting a new team. In fact Baltimore was passed over in favor of Carolina and Jacksonville of all places. Even though the cit of Baltimore was more than willing to pay for a new team. Tagliabue told Baltimore to spend that money on a new museum instead, and in turn infuriating the fans of Baltimore once again.
When the Colts moved to Indanapolis the city of Baltimore felt betrayel, hate, and sadness. Even retired Baltimore Colts refused to support the new Indianapolis Colts. Baltimore fans still showed strong support for the game of football, when the NFL would allow Baltimore to host an exhibition game between two other franchises the stadium would sell out. Other football leagues took advantage of the Colts move out of Baltimore. Leagues including the CFL and the USFL both moved teams to Baltimore to play football. Both teams were also very successful, and fan support was strong. The CFL's Baltimore Stallions were first in the league in attendance in 1994, and second in the league in 1995. Cleveland Brown owner Art Modell saw an opportunity in the city of Baltimore. Modell, relocated the Browns to Balimore, the new team became the Baltimore Ravens. Unlike the Indianapolis situation, the NFL allowed Cleveland to keep their name, colors, and records.
Even though the Colts left town 2 years before I was born, I still knew all about the Colts history at an early age. Thanks to my dad and uncles, I heard all about Johnny Unitas and "The Greatest Game Ever Played", the Super Bowl vs. the Cowboys, as well as how big an "asshole" Irsay was. I still remember how excited my dad was when he found out Baltimore would be getting a team again. At the time I was only ten years old and never had a favorite football team, I just knew I was supposed to hate the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins. So when I found out Baltimore was getting a team I didnt really know how to react, it wasn't until the team took the field against the Raiders as the Baltimore Ravens that I really became a fan. While the Baltimore Ravens have been embraced by the city, as well as former Baltimore Colts like Unitas, there will always be a special spot in the hearts of Baltimoreans for the old Baltimore Colts.
Troubles between the owner Robert Irsay and the Baltimore Colts are documented as early as 1976. In an article from the Baltimore Sun titled "The Colt-city battle over rent at the stadium" by Jeff Valentine, negotiations over a new lease on Memorial Stadium were becoming "bitter". At the time of 1976, Memorial Stadium still had 3 years left on the lease. Baltimore was actually losing money on Memorial Stadium; the stadium was only bringing in an average of $52,172 per game compared to some other teams that averaged over $200,000 per game. Irsay was demanding upgrades for Memorial Stadium which Irsay is quoted as saying Memorial Stadium "is probably the worst in the country". With that said Baltimore city officials tended to agree with Irsay and seemed to be willing to entertain Irsays requests, yet Irsay seemed distant. This was only the beginning of things to come.
In a Baltimore Sun article printed on September 2,1977 and written by Norman Wilson the continued struggles between Robert Irsay and the city of Baltimore trying to get a new stadium built are highlighted. The stadium was said to have lost $730,894 during the 1976 season. Both a City Comptroller said the Baltimore Orioles and Colts were being payed to play "in our stadium". This is stunning considering both teams were winning ballclub's at the time. In March the teams actually agreed on a new stadium lease with options until 1983. The new lease reduced rents and the teams recieved a bigger profit from the concessions stands. So at this point in time, it would look like the Colts were making some kind of progress with the city officals.
Jumping to April 3, 1982, Pamela Constable wrote the Baltimore Sun article "Irsay rejects stadium renovation deal". With the city trying to negotiate with Irsay they offered him different options. One being a $22 million renovation plan for Memorial Stadium, $15 million going towards the Colts, and $7 million for the Orioles. The renovations would have included "13,400 new seats, 50 private lounges, a club restaurant, and a new field" as well as a contract guarantying Baltimore would have a team up to 1996. Irsay stated that interest rates and his other debts "will not permit the Colts to alone bear the immense financial responsibility" that would be required. After rejecting the plan Irsay assured the city of Baltimore that he wasn't moving the team, but he left Governor Hughes scrambling for a new plan.
1983, Irsay still being offered a $15 million loan by Mayor William Schaefer still wasn't biting. In fear of losing thier team and tired of dealing with Irsay, city officials made some other suggestions. One invovled the Maryland Legislature buying the team for $40 million and selling it to Maryland investors. The other plan was the Maryland Senate having a vote to take back the team from Irsay. The voting plan actually took place with a 38-4 margin in favor of taking back the team. The vote would have to be passed by the House of Delegates. Before it could be passed Irsay came to terms with the city of Indianapolis and on March 29, 1984 moved the team in the middle of the night.
On the ESPN special "The Band That Wouldn't Die" produced by Baltimore native Barry Levinson viewers will see the impact the Colts moving had on the fans. The special focuses on the Baltimore Colts Marching Band that went to great lengths in keeping hope alive. When the Colts were leaving town in the middle of the night the only thing they weren't able to steal were the marching bands uniforms. Members of the marching band were informed of what was happening and gathered up the uniforms from the drycleaners. Members of the band went as far as hiding the uniforms in a graveyard. Eventually the band was allowed to keep the uniforms, and they went on marching at football games as the Baltimore Colts Marching Band, keeping the name and faith alive in the city of Baltimore. With the marching bands relentless effort and stron support from the city and other teams, the NFL had no choice but to notice how desperately Baltimore wanted an NFL franchise again. The Baltimore Colts Marching Band played a part in convincing the Maryland state legislature to approve funding for a new football stadium. Accompanied by Maryland Governor William Schaefer, the band played the Colts fight song in front of the Maryland State House, showing thier support for the team and lobbying for the approval of a new stadium. The Maryland state legislature would eventually approve a loan for a new football stadium to be built in Baltimore. Now the city had some hope of getting a new team, instead NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue used Baltimore as a puppet; often teasing the city with the hopes of getting a new team. In fact Baltimore was passed over in favor of Carolina and Jacksonville of all places. Even though the cit of Baltimore was more than willing to pay for a new team. Tagliabue told Baltimore to spend that money on a new museum instead, and in turn infuriating the fans of Baltimore once again.
When the Colts moved to Indanapolis the city of Baltimore felt betrayel, hate, and sadness. Even retired Baltimore Colts refused to support the new Indianapolis Colts. Baltimore fans still showed strong support for the game of football, when the NFL would allow Baltimore to host an exhibition game between two other franchises the stadium would sell out. Other football leagues took advantage of the Colts move out of Baltimore. Leagues including the CFL and the USFL both moved teams to Baltimore to play football. Both teams were also very successful, and fan support was strong. The CFL's Baltimore Stallions were first in the league in attendance in 1994, and second in the league in 1995. Cleveland Brown owner Art Modell saw an opportunity in the city of Baltimore. Modell, relocated the Browns to Balimore, the new team became the Baltimore Ravens. Unlike the Indianapolis situation, the NFL allowed Cleveland to keep their name, colors, and records.
Even though the Colts left town 2 years before I was born, I still knew all about the Colts history at an early age. Thanks to my dad and uncles, I heard all about Johnny Unitas and "The Greatest Game Ever Played", the Super Bowl vs. the Cowboys, as well as how big an "asshole" Irsay was. I still remember how excited my dad was when he found out Baltimore would be getting a team again. At the time I was only ten years old and never had a favorite football team, I just knew I was supposed to hate the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins. So when I found out Baltimore was getting a team I didnt really know how to react, it wasn't until the team took the field against the Raiders as the Baltimore Ravens that I really became a fan. While the Baltimore Ravens have been embraced by the city, as well as former Baltimore Colts like Unitas, there will always be a special spot in the hearts of Baltimoreans for the old Baltimore Colts.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Baltimore Sun article
This is the "Colt-city battle over rent at the stadium" article thats mentioned in the Colts out Ravens in postThursday, November 19, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
memorial staduim
Today I went to Enoch Pratt library, and found several old articles on the Baltimore Colts and Memorial Stadium. Most of the articles deal with the Colts and Orioles trying to get a new stadium lease. It was interesting, because the Orioles negotiations were going much more smoother than the Colts. I could start to see where the Colts and Baltimore were falling out. Later i will post some of the articles
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