Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa came out before today's meeting of the Coliseum Commission to map a strategy for achieving peace between the stadium officials and their main tenant--the University of Southern California Football team.In a letter to the Commission, Villaraogosa outlines a seven point strategy to keep the Trojans from inking a deal tomorrow with the Rose Bowl Operating Company.
Sounding unlike someone who went to college in Westwood, the Bruin Mayor says, "I believe that the future of the Los Angeles Coliseum is inconceivable without USC and I, therefore, urge the Coliseum Commission to immediately negotiate a long-term agreement with the University of Southern California."
Here are the specific points along Villaraigosa's roadmap to stadium peace:
First, USC makes a long-term commitment to the Coliseum that will bring jobs and produce economic vitality in South Los Angeles long into the future.Of course, the devil will be in the details--such as how much USC puts in to the stadium improvements, what happens to the Sports Arena, and whether I get my Lawry's Prime Rib booth near tunnel 23--but at least an outline of an agreement will be necessary before USC is asked to put down a six-figure deposit on the Rose Bowl tomorrow.
Second, the Coliseum Commission and USC commit to a major renovation to bring the facility up to modern standards.
Third, the renovation efforts will give priority to necessary improvements in amenities serving the larger public, such as restrooms and concession areas.
Fourth, USC agrees to make a significant financial commitment to the restoration project.
Fifth, the Coliseum Commission and USC acknowledge that the Coliseum is a public treasure which belongs to all members of our community, and that opportunities for community access, use and enjoyment of the Coliseum in a variety of athletic, education and cultural events will be enhanced and improved.
Sixth, the Coliseum will be treated at all times as an historical landmark, and its architectural character shall be protected and preserved.
And seventh, any agreement will recognize a superseding interest in bringing the Olympic Games to the Coliseum.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-05-2007 @ 9:56PM
Bob said...
You would think that the Coliseum Commission, and the politicians would've learned the lesson a long time ago. The Rams, Raiders, and UCLA left the Coliseum. No NFL team in Los Angeles, the 2nd leding media market in the nation for over a decade. Then the only game left in town with USC, the Commission is still a tightwad! Gosh, where's the problem? When was the last Super Bowl played in the Coliseum, 72 season? The place still looks the same since then too!
Note: The Rose Bowl did their renovation a few years ago. I hope USC bolts and does play at the Rose Bowl to teach them a final lesson.
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12-05-2007 @ 11:40PM
Duffy\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ said...
I understand that one of the main stumbling blocks in the discussions is Bernard Parks. This is no surprise, the man is an ego maniac. He demonstrated no leadership qualities as Chief of the LAPD. Fired after one term. Probably the most detested chief in the history of the LAPD. His deck has only one card, Race.
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12-06-2007 @ 1:09AM
Mike said...
its a shame that a sports market as big as Los Angeles doesn't have a pro football and is now losing the only team left in this city. USC has always been associated with Los Angeles. Now its time for the city to protect its interest and keep the Trojans in L.A.
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