The start of the NFL season is here, and I can’t lie – I’m not as enthused as I normally am.
Opening day of the NFL season usually feels like Christmas to me. The anticipation of the national anthem, player introductions, all the pregame hype, and so forth. The buzz around the stadium, the sound of music blasting, burgers simmering on a grill near a mancave made that seven-month break a mere afterthought.
But for those in the St. Louis region who love the St. Louis Rams, this opening day could be the last one we ever see. It’s just a fact that we have to live with.
I’m hopeful things will work out in St. Louis’ favor. The sources that I’ve had the pleasure of knowing since January have consistently told me that there will be football in St. Louis. Attorney Bob Blitz told me back in April this year at a presser at the MAC in Des Peres that there will be football in St. Louis in 2016.
Before the St. Louis Rams’ final preseason game, Mayor Francis Slay spoke before an energized crowd and emphatically yelled, “Are you ready for some football?” And, to be honest, I expected to hear some boos.
Then Blitz took to the stage, and he received a very warm ovation that lasted almost 20 seconds. Then Dave Peacock took the stage, and the crowd at the pep rally erupted in an ear-piercing cheer. I had to talk with Peacock after the pep rally. You can hear that exclusively on our Twitter site as well as him addressing the crowd at the pep rally.
One thing I did take away from our conversation is just his razor-sharp focus through this entire stadium ordeal. He has a single-minded focus on St. Louis and nothing else. I’m sure he’s aware about what is going on in Inglewood and Carson, but he only knows about what’s going on in St. Louis.
I asked him about the public vote, and he was more than confident that the stadium deal would pass with a public vote. He told me the only reason they took this step was because of the sensitive timeline of the NFL. And I know a lot of people don’t want to hear that.
Some people still don’t think that’s a good enough reason and feel that the city of St. Louis should focus towards more important things besides a new stadium, such as crime, failing schools, poverty. And I know the city got itself jammed up the first time because they wanted football back.
I still haven’t heard good alternative uses for that blighted riverfront area that has been sitting abandoned before the Rams came to St. Louis. What has the City of St. Louis gotten accomplished in addressing crime, poverty and failing schools accomplished before this stadium became an issue? It’s like comparing apples to anvils.
And for those who object to the riverfront stadium project, I didn’t hear any complaining about the $100 million raised by Peacock to renovate the Arch grounds. Why stand in the way of someone trying to help the region? That makes zero sense. There is more complaining than taking a course of action to help the city repair a tarnished image.
Nor have I heard one word on how will St. Louis make up for $13 million a year lost to the city if the Rams leave St.Louis. You don’t like the idea of a new stadium? I understand. Where is the solution to replace that money lost if or when the Rams leave? Hell, if I were Mayor Slay, I’d be pulling for this too.
And I have a small news flash for those talking about taxes. You are going to pay taxes until you die. No getting around taxes. I pay taxes on the Zoo and Science Center, and I don’t feel that in my pocket. I feel my taxes at the grocery store and gas pump.
Oh, as far as the game this Sunday, I think the Seattle Seahawks will come out on top 20-9.
For more Rams Roundup, please subscribe to youtube.com/stlamericanvideo. I can also be heard on The Charlie Tuna Show on Talk1380 AM M-F 6-8 p.m. and on my weekly podcast with Arlington Lane II @NTheZone.
