Hollywood Park Another Horse Racing Casualty

         It’s been a tough year for Los Angeles area landmarks.  The Santa Monica Civic is closing for good this summer.  The Gibson (formerly Universal) Amphitheater is set to be demolished at the end of the year.  Now comes the not so stunning news that Hollywood Park will hold their last horse races in December.  Its going to be razed for the dreaded “mixed use residential and commercial development.”  There’s plenty of empty homes and storefronts in Inglewood right now.  I don’t think this will help the economy in that troubled area.

         I know the sport of kings is on a death watch.  Horse racing in general is facing increased scrutiny for untimely deaths on the tracks and illegal steroids in the barns.  Owners have been desperate to have a Triple Crown winner since 1978. The gambling take has been hurt by the proliferation of nearby Indian casinos.  Even those who play the ponies regularly can do so from home with internet sites and TV broadcasts.  Attendance is down at most tracks, especially ones in areas like Inglewood, which isn’t exactly a garden spot.

         Yet Hollywood Park is still a special place, if only for its history.  Built in 1938 by a consortium of Hollywood moguls, it used to be the place to be for celebrities as well as “rail birds” who visited every day.  Citation won the Hollywood Gold Cup there in his final start in 1951.  Laffit Pincay, Bill Shoemaker and current hot-shot jockey Rafael Bejarano have all raced there.  It’s a shame it has to close.

         What’s also a shame is that horse racing as a sport has been left out of the gambling equation in general.  One of my favorite things to do in Las Vegas is place a couple of bets on the ponies and then play video poker in-between the races.  I’ve even done this at Fantasy Springs Casino in the Palm Springs area.  My favorite Indian casino also has off-track betting.  For just a few bucks I have a chance at winning some decent money between the racing and video poker.  Its an exciting way to spend a couple of hours even if I come out empty-handed.

         Despite efforts by track owners to pass some laws, slot machines and video poker are not allowed at the racetracks in California.  That’s why I expect more tracks to be shutting down.  Sure, the beautiful places like Del Mar will continue to operate, if only for their tourist appeal.  Horse racing as a way of life in general is definitely on the way out.

         The downward spiral that’s affected Hollywood Park will continue if they continue to ban other forms of gaming at the parks.

         I have to admit a certain selfish desire to keep Hollywood Park open.  Its just down the road from where I live, a straight shot drive from the beach to Inglewood and I don’t have to get on a freeway to get there.  I saw the Gin Blossoms play a free show on Memorial Day after the races and went to one of the best bachelor parties ever at Hollywood Park.  I’m on the mailing list that often sends out free admission coupons.  I usually bet $2 exacta boxes (two horses on one bet) and sometimes I’ve won major bucks.  Like all forms of gambling, if I stay within my budget, I don’t mind losing because its still a fun way to spend the day.

         Sadly, those days are about to end.  Not just for Hollywood Park but probably horse racing in general.  The solution is obvious.  Allow other forms of gambling.  I don’t think that’s going to happen.

 

   

Dodgers & NFL Do The Stadium Dance

          Here we go again. The Dodgers are getting ready to start a new season at Chavez Ravine, their home for over 50 years.  Everyone’s minds should be on baseball, but lots of people are talking about football, including building an NFL stadium next to Dodger Stadium.

We’ve been down this road before and its not an easy one to travel. In 1996, Dodgers owner Peter O'Malley met with NFL officials to discuss the possible construction of a football-only stadium on Dodger-owned property surrounding Dodger Stadium. His plan offered solutions to a number of problems faced by the NFL in locating a team in Los Angeles, following the departure of both the Rams and the Raiders.

          First, it provided for scarce, centrally-located land. Second, the proposal came attached to highly-regarded, established sports franchise management via the O'Malley involvement. Third, like Dodger Stadium, the new facility would be privately financed, and thus not entangled in lengthy municipal funding debates. Fourth, the plan called for alignment with an expansion team, meaning that no existing franchise would have to be moved.

Published reports indicated that O'Malley spent upwards of $1 million on an initial round of architectural renderings, land use studies and environmental impact research, and quickly garnered substantial support among NFL owners who would have to vote their approval. As meetings continued over the next year, O'Malley received a call from Mayor Richard Riordan, asking him to cease pursuit of the NFL franchise. The city had decided that the team should play in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, already over 70 years old, and absent any of the considerable amenities now standard in NFL stadiums.

          O'Malley reluctantly shelved his work and withdrew, noting that while he believed strongly in the viability of his proposal, "you can't fight City Hall."   His disappointment prompted him to sell the Dodgers to FOX and the team has not been to the World Series since.  Instead of having a gleaming new stadium with an NFL team, Los Angeles has neither.  All because of one phone call from a myopic mayor.

That phone call essentially ruined two franchises: the future NFL team in L.A. and the Dodgers. 

(Top) The "ravine" right of the scoreboard behind Dodger Stadium, (below) the view looking down at the imaginary football field

Over a decade later Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) came up with Farmers Field, a proposed football stadium in Downtown Los Angeles intended to attract an NFL team to the city.  They sought approval to begin construction of Farmers Field in 2013 for a 2016 completion which was in the process of being finalized at the time that AEG's president Tim Leiweke announced his resignation.  That’s right.  The guy behind the corporation with the best chance of bringing pro football back surprised everyone by abandoning the ship!  Once again the future of the NFL in L.A. is cloudy at best. 

Yet its quite clear if one goes to Dodger Stadium and sits in the upper deck behind home plate.  From there you can see a small valley (or ravine) in the hills behind left field.

Upon closer inspection this ravine surrounds lot 15, used for over-flow parking at sold-out games.  Standing in the middle of the lot and looking up at the sloped hillsides its easy to imagine a football field surrounded by roaring fans.  Its such a perfect fit that hardly any earth would have to be moved to make it happen.  It could have happened fifteen years ago and the NFL could be playing there right now.

The Dodgers were bought by Guggenheim Partners who have a ton of money to spend and are interested in building a football stadium.  Let's just hope they screen their phone calls. 

View from the "field" looking north and then south toward Dodger Stadium

 

   

This One's Not Going To The Dogs

       The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is coming up and I can never figure out why its covered in the sports pages of America. If you can't beat 'em, then join 'em.  Or in my case, infiltrate.

            If you are reading this you probably own a dog. Everyone around me owns a dog. 99.5% of the world population either owns or wants to own a dog. Guess who’s part of the other .5%? Me. One of the few people out of billions who’ve been kept awake countless nights by endless barking. The only guy who has been nipped at while minding his own business, the only person who ever stepped in dog poop.

            They say dogs provide unconditional love. The only person I expect that from is my mom.  Otherwise I think love, like anything else worthwhile, needs to be earned. I know I’ll never get a cat to love me.  The best I can hope for is to earn their tolerance and maybe a brief minute to pet them.  Five minutes on my lap.  Those are special times.  Knowing anyone, person or pet, was waiting for me at the door everyday  slobbering and panting would just get tiresome after awhile.

            They say there are no bad dogs, only bad owners.   Didn’t they see “Cujo?”  Seriously, dog owners do come up with some lame excuses.  “He only barks at people, that’s what dogs do.  Guard the house.”  Fine, except when you’re throwing a Christmas bash and the dog barks at every single partier who approaches the front door.  Such a nice greeting when you’re visiting someone and you’re treated like a midnight burglar. How about putting the dog in a back room? Or using a muzzle or bark collar?

            Bark collars.  Controversial devices.  Here’s a wacky idea.  If you buy a pet and you need an electronic device to keep them quiet by causing them pain you may not want that pet.  Just a thought.

            “He only barks at other dogs” is my all-time favorite.  So what?  The only thing your neighbor hears is a dog barking during prime time walking hours.

Which apparently begin at 6am in my neighborhood.  Rain or shine, cold or hot,

dog walkers are out there.  I only wish my post man was so dedicated.

            Which brings up professional “dog-walkers.” I know times are hard and if someone wants to spend all day picking up lots of dog poop that’s their prerogative.  “It’s the equivalent of a working mother having day-care,” is what they tell me.  Except the baby is a human being, not an animal.  Hopefully the mom would rather be with her children than having to grind out a paycheck.

Most of the time the mother has no choice.  Dog owners have a choice.  Don’t own one until you have the time to take care of it.

            That’s what my parents taught me. I wanted a puppy and they said you have to take care of it.  The puppy required lots of attention.  Seemed like lots of work just for a few licks on the face.  I realized I’d rather pay attention to girls who smelled like strawberries and guys who taught me how to play guitar.  So my parents gave the dog to one of their friends.  I was relieved and I learned an important lesson.  Its not a sin to admit you made a mistake.

            Yet its against the law to walk your dog without a leash.  If that law was enforced and people were thrown in jail then I would live in an empty neighborhood.  I’m pretty sure these are the same ones who use a cell phone while driving, everyone above the law like Steven Seagal.  I was feeling more like Woody Allen the other day  when an unleashed dog herded my soccer ball into the duck pond.  When I looked for the owner she was leaning against a signpost reading “all dogs must be leashed.”  I could not ask for a better way to end this story.  I only wish I’d made it up. 

             

Bruins In Holiday Bowl Bring Holiday Cheer

My first Holiday Bowl 1998 AZ upsets Nebraska 23-20

The Big Bay Balloon Parade

            Do you ever get the Christmas blues the week after the big day?  All the presents have been opened, most of the family has gone home and you’re left to clean up the mess.  In 1998 I discovered a cure for the Yuletide hangover.  Its called the Holiday Bowl and this year its happening in San Diego on December 27^th.

            I’ve been to ten games since then but this one is going to be special.  Although the match up traditionally features teams from the Pac 12 and Big 12 conferences, I’ve never seen UCLA play at Qualcomm Stadium.  They’ve finally made it and the Bruins will face the Bears from Baylor University in what promises to be a high-scoring shootout.  The Holiday Bowl has a reputation for lots of points and thrilling finishes.  Back in 1998 I saw Arizona upset Nebraska 23-20 after a furious second half and I was hooked.  Since then I’ve watched future NFL stars like Aaron Rodgers, Dez Bryant and Marshawn Lynch perform in front of roaring crowds and rocking bands.

            The game itself is just a part of the festive atmosphere that permeates the Holiday Bowl experience. The day starts at 10am with “The Big Bay Balloon Parade” held at the Port of San Diego. You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy the giant cartoon figures floating

above while marching bands provide the soundtrack below.  Unlike going to the Rose Parade, this is a stress-free affair where you can show up whenever you want as long as you take the San Diego Trolley to get there.

            The Trolley also makes it easy to get to the game.  The $5.00 pass that took you to the parade can be used all day long!  I like to spend the afternoon in the hotel pool and Jacuzzi before heading over to the stadium.  Once there, I’m treated to a bowlful of holiday cheer highlighted by a terrific halftime show with fireworks and the usual college pageantry.

            If you choose to drive to the game you will park in one of the best tailgating lots in the country.  Barbecue smoke fills the air and more importantly, porta-potties are everywhere.  I’ve strolled down aisles where fans have offered me hot dogs and beers and even free tickets.

            In 2001 I walked over to the game from the nearby Ramada Inn, hoping to buy a cheap ticket in the parking lot.  I brought food and drink with me for a pre-game meal.  The only thing I didn’t bring was my wallet.  When I realized I’d left it back at the hotel, I had a decision to make.  The Navy jets did their usual fly-over and I knew I had only a few minutes until kickoff.  If I walked back to the Ramada to get some money the round-trip would take about half an hour.

            Then I saw a guy in a Santa hat passing out a handful of tickets to a group of friends near the stadium entrance.  I walked over and told him my story.  He had free tickets given to him by his employer and ended up with an extra one.  He handed it to me and said “Merry Christmas.”  I thanked him and hugged him and danced inside where I saw one of the best Holiday Bowls ever.  Texas and Washington scored 90 points in the last three quarters with the Longhorns finally winning 47-43.  Total cost to me: zero.  Thanks to the kindness of a stranger.

            That’s what I love about the Holiday Bowl.  It has big-name college teams and big-time entertainment.  What it doesn’t have is the stress and cost of a big game.  The perfect cure for the holiday hangover.

             

My buddy John enjoying Holiday cheer in 2009

After the parade and before the game its pool time!

UCLA and FOX Off To Winning Start!

Gus Johnson Makes Any Game Exciting

Erin Andrews Gets Everyone Excited!

Brett Hundley: Finally The Bruins Found Their QB!

Johnathan Franklin Is A Running/Receiving Double Threat

    Did you see the UCLA Bruins beat Nebraska 36-30 at the Rose Bowl? If you watched the FOX broadcast it was hard to tell what was more exciting: the new-look, new-attitude Bruins or the TV announcer Gus Johnson.  The latter was best known for his enthusiastic play-by-play calling on the CBS March Madness NCAA basketball tournament.  That network foolishly let him go to FOX who's given him the Saturday showcase NCAA football game and Johnson is already a huge success after two games.  This guy can talk about paint drying and make it sound like the Super Bowl.  Sometimes he goes overboard but that's fine because he keeps his focus on the action.  I'm looking forward to watching all the Saturday games no matter who is playing as long as Johnson is behind the mike.
    The other big hire by FOX was former ESPN sideline reporter Erin Andrews.  I've never known what to think about this blond bombshell who first turned up at TBS in 2002.  I remember watching her during a Braves game and thinking she would soon be moving on to a national network.  At ESPN she looked much too glamorous to be roaming the sidelines.  I think she's found a perfect spot in the FOX College Football studio doing interviews and half-time updates.  She's still gorgeous but she's not as distracting as she was on the field in high-heels and skirts.  Congrats to FOX on two big hirings that's given their college football telecasts immediate impact and popularity.
    After their second win of the season UCLA has finally cracked the AP Top 25 poll with a #22 ranking.  It's been a long time since the Bruins have been relevant.  It's been even longer since the Bruins fans have had anything to get excited about and it all starts with new coach Jim Mora.  He raised eyebrows by moving his summer drills to hot and smoggy San Bernardino during one of the worst heat waves in memory.  He now looks like a genius after UCLA beat Rice 49-24 in hot and humid Houston and then the big win over Nebraska.  For the last few seasons the Bruins have been plagued by a lack of leadership, especially at quarterback.  That's been resolved by Freshman QB Brett Hundley who scored on a 72-yard rushing touchdown on his very first play from scrimmage.  Since then he's gone on to throw for over 500 yards and score 6 TDS.  Instant Heisman candidate running back Johnathan Franklin has rushed for over 400 yards and scored 4 TDS, giving the Bruins the one-two punch they've been lacking for a decade.
    Another thing caught my eye during the FOX broadcast: UCLA's new uniforms.  For their first home game the Bruins ditched the traditional powder-blue for the traditional darker blue worn by most UC schools.  I know some of the fans grumbled about the change but as long as they keep winning, they sure looked good to me!       

Packers In San Diego Is Quite A Deal!

A $260 ticket for $20! Are you kidding me?

Club level seats give you a great view. Is it worth $260? For any game?

Waiting for the Trolley which makes going to Charger games so easy!

    Sometimes you just have to go on a road trip. Even if it means budgeting your gas money down to the final penny and making sandwiches for your hotel room.  Or should I say "motel room" as in what I affectionately call the Chateau Seis.
    A couple weeks ago I drank my morning coffee and suddenly realized it was August. Which meant the NFL preseason was about to start.  I looked in the paper and saw The Packers were coming to San Diego for a Thursday night ESPN tilt.  I hadn't been to a Packer game in 10 years.  They rarely play on the West Coast and when they do its always a tough ticket. So I figured a 5pm kickoff on a weeknight in August would be my best chance to see my favorite team.
    It turned out to be a wise decision.  I spent three hours in the motel pool on a hot summer day before taking the San Diego Trolley to the stadium which I still call "The Murph."  The Trolley makes Charger games so easy to get to and saved me at least $20 in parking fees.  That $20 was given to a scalper in the parking lot for a killer seat on the Club Level! I arrived just in time to see the Navy Jet fly over.  Then Ryan Matthews of San Diego broke his clavicle on the first play!  The Chargers always seem to have the worst luck in football.  They ended up winning the game 21-13 but losing their top running back for at least six weeks.
    In the first quarter Aaron Rodgers of the Packers threw a rare interception. It reminded me of the last time I saw him play in San Diego.  At the Holiday Bowl in 2004 Rodgers looked shaky as his Cal Bears lost to Texas Tech 45-31.  This time it was a meaningless game but Rodgers still seemed irritated by the pick.  The Charger fans on the Trolley after the game could only talk about the injury to Matthews.  So it goes for the pre-season. Injuries count more than touchdowns.
    Still, the NFL is the damn NFL!  I enjoyed the action and especially my club level seat. When I made it back to my room I looked at my ticket.  The face value on it: $260!  I paid $20 making it "the greatest bargain in sports history!"  That was the face value of the Super Bowl game I attended at the same stadium 15 years ago! Of course, its ridiculous that the NFL makes season ticket holders pay full price for pre-season games.  Then again, $260 for a regular season game is also absurd.  $12 beers, $10 hot dogs, I mean who can afford the NFL? For one night I could!      

Staples Center Hosts Three Playoff Series, Unfortunately

Lakers will host OK City Thunder in Round 2

Clippers and Grizzlies Battle At Staples

Last row for a Kings playoff game, is it worth going?

I hate the Staples Center.  It should be called the Stupor Center, or Soulless Center.  It has the aura of a private golf club where only the wealthy are entertained.  The Occupy Wall Street slackers picked the wrong place to stage their protest against the wealthy.  At a typical Staples Center event 99% of the crowd are the 1 percenters everyone hates.  The other 1% of the crowd probably won their tickets on the radio.  If that happened to me I wouldn't go, not even with free tickets.  They are going to be in the upper deck, perhaps the worst seats in any arena in the USA.  You are so far away you need a telescope, forget the binoculars.  The upper level is so high each seat comes with an oxygen mask.  The pay phones in the top level have a different area code than the ones on the bottom.

I've been to this big barn and had some good times to be sure.  I was there opening night Oct. 17, 1999 for the ribbon-cutting Bruce Springsteen show.  The one where he had to ask people to come out of their luxury boxes to watch the show.  Since that engagement Bruce has never returned, opting to play the decrepit Sports Arena just a few miles away in the bad part of town.  I had comp tickets in the upper level, so far away I needed someone to show me where to find the stage.  I snuck down to the floor which was the only way I could enjoy the Boss and the E Street Band.  Since then I've turned down free seats in the top level.  its just not worth going.  The reason is those damn luxury boxes.  I understand the need for a row of them to generate extra revenue, but the three tiers of luxury suites is unprecedented in American sports arenas.

I am not whining about the rich people who sit in those boxes.  I've sat there a few times and its nice to be pampered.  Its just that their presence creates such a huge divide between the "lower bowl" seats and the upper deck that it reminds me of ancient Rome.  There's no middle ground at the Staples Center.  You either have great seats or crappy ones.  The escalator taking you to the top level doesn't even stop at the lower levels.  You rise past glimpses of sumptuous buffets and silver dessert carts that you'll never taste or even smell.  In the past such extravagance was behind closed doors.  Now its thrust in your face before the escalator dumps you above the ozone layer in the top deck.

The Pac 12 basketball tournament is moving from Staples Center to the MGM Grand in Las Vegas where there's truly not a bad seat in the house.  I will make the 300 mile drive to root for UCLA.  I live 20 miles from the Staples Center but have never been to the tournament at Staples.  That place is the antithesis of what college basketball is all about.  Judging by the empty seats for most of the games there are others who agree with me.

So the fact that the Lakers, Clippers and Kings are in the playoffs at the same time leaves me with mixed feelings.  There will be six games played at Staples Center in four days.  Obviously a good thing for the people who work there and the businesses in downtown L.A.  The building will be filled with people who have enough money to afford expensive playoff tickets.  Even the upper deck will be filled.  I don't know why.