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One is a brilliant businessman and entrepreneur. The other was one of the best baseball players of his generation.
Together, Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez are the next owners of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx. We know this is true, and now we also know this: They will ask the local authorities to help them build a new arena in the near future.
Now they haven’t stepped outside and said exactly that on Monday when they joined majority owner Glen Taylor onstage at their practice facility in Mayo Clinic Square. When asked about the future of the franchise, A-Rod said, “We don’t plan to move. We want to be here.”
Rodriguez and Lore have both indicated that they will own residences here and that they will be around the team as much as possible. Rodriguez also said they were “optimistic” about the Twin Cities and its corporate firepower. Words won’t be enough to prevent Wolves fans from feeling a little worried about the future of the franchise when the team’s sale involves owners with no local ties. With Seattle and Las Vegas emerging as potential relocation options, there is a possible exit strategy for Lore, 50, and Rodriguez, 46, to activate.
Better to start hiring architects.
Homeowners don’t get into this game without looking for ways to maximize their income. This can be generated through a state-of-the-art facility with all the bells, whistles, and prizes. Lore and Rodriguez are no different.
Yes you are right. Target Center underwent a $ 145 million renovation that was completed in 2017. There are new seats, an updated dashboard, and a good sound system. Guess what? I can vacuum the floor of my Chevrolet and fix the cigar burns on the seats. At the end of the day, it’s still a Chevrolet. Target Center was originally built in 1990, so it’s no surprise that new owners want an upgrade.
The team’s lease to play at Target Center expires after the 2034-2035 season, with a penalty of $ 50 million if the owners choose to break it. Fifty million, however, is not a huge barrier to modern professional sports money.
For now, Lore and Rodriguez want to move wolves and lynxes to the future in all areas. That includes a new arena, as Lore brought up the topic when asked how he would leverage technology at Target Center.
“I think there is a great opportunity to eventually build a new arena and infuse it with the latest technology,” Lore said. “Some of the things that we’re really passionate about – for example, augmented reality. It could be amazing. It could infuse that into the fan experience. But, yeah, there are a lot of opportunities, but you do, you do. build it from scratch and we’re excited about it. “
When Allianz Field opened in 2019, it appeared that the proliferation of sports facilities in the Twin Cities had ceased. Since moving here in 1997, Xcel Energy Center (opened 2000), Ridder Arena (2002), Huntington Bank Stadium (2009), Target Field (2010), Siebert Field (2013), CHS Field (2015) and US Bank Stadium (2016) has changed the landscape of spectacle sports in this area. The Metrodome was gone and everyone had their own stadium.
The 2000-2020 construction cycle was remarkable. Minnesota’s first post-boom project is now in sight.
Lore, following the press conference, said handling the situation in the arena is “something behind the backs of our minds. Like, that would be nice someday.” That day will inevitably come, perhaps once they pay the final. payment of the purchase agreement with Taylor, which is scheduled for December 2023.
It will be interesting to see how Lore and Rodriguez can impact a Wolves franchise that has only made the playoffs once since 2004 and has missed numerous drafts and trades. They also get a Lynx franchise which has won four WNBA titles. Can they bring Wolves back to the playoffs while helping the Lynx maintain excellence? Can they make Minnesota a destination for the best free agents? Can Wolves win and bring fans back to Target Center, paving the way for an arena deal?
Another stadium debate is to come. The Minnesotans who want the new owners to keep their plans for the Wolves to stay here: Prepare to take out the shovels.
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