The Merc reported yesterday that the NFL would like the Raiders and Niners to think about sharing a new stadium. On the face of it this makes sense. Stadiums are expensive. These are bad economic times. Teams play 10 games a year in the stadium so it's a lot of expense for a few games. A shared state of the art stadium is a good idea.
It might work. Blogger Rich Lieberman suggests putting the new stadium at Treasure Island. I doubt this could work because it makes so much sense, but it's intriguing -- halfway between Oakland and SF.
Here's my concern about a shared stadium. Al Davis always wants to dominate a situation. In his heart of hearts he might want to share with Jed York and get along. I believe he would want that. But the other part of Al wants to dominate and it's possible there would be strife about who is the primary tenant and there could be lawsuits. Al sues. So if they ever go ahead with this deal -- worth exploring -- both teams would need ironclad guarantees and rules.
It would have to happen over Al's dead body. Perhaps the two organizations could come to an agreement to bury Al in the endzone a la Jimmy Hoffa in the Meadowlands.
I think that's far too much to hope for. Both owners are self-aggrandized boobs. The only difference between the two is one once had credibility. Suddenly they're expected to coexist somehow? Oh and let's be clear we're talking about two front offices AND a fan base that, by and large, cannot friggin' stand one another. The players may be friends and buddies a la their grand ol' college days, but that's where it ends. Mix these people up and you may just get altercations that make MMA look like a day care center. Besides, in a pro sports climate where franchises battle each other for their respective markets (Giants/A's anyone?) can any professional front office be expected to share and share alike? Call me cynical, but I doubt it.
If both NY teams can do it in NJ, then SF and OAK can do it! Why not? "GoldenGate Coliseum" at Treasure Island is a Great name!
My friends and I have been talking about this for years. It's ridiculous for two cities so close to both have to bear the expense of two separate football stadiums.
The Giants and Jets do it, why not 49ers and Raiders?
Treasure Island is a horrible idea though, I like the halfway part, but traffic would be absolutely miserable getting in and out.
What are people smoking to suggest Treasure Island? It's impossible to get on and off that island. Can you imagine a Monday night game there? People would have to take a week's vacation to get there and home. And imagine what it does for commutes?
Why not have a floating stadium that can be tethered to either side of the Bay depending on which is the home team that week? Or a stadium on a gigantic hovercraft that can fly to either city? Or maybe have a powerful shrinkage ray that can fit a stadium and everyone in it wherever the Yorks/Davises want on any given Sunday?
I'm betting within the decade that for a few hundred million the Yorks replace the broken concrete at Candlestick, fix up the restrooms and put in a few skyboxes for when the economy recovers in fifty years. Maybe a new coat of paint and a few more seats. And maybe they can pave the outer parking lots and get the State to widen the access roads. Meanwhile, the Spawn of Davis will sell the team to someone in L.A. By then we'll all either get the NFL Network or we'll be watching international lacrosse deathmatches played with maces and hatchets.