Two Coasts: Two Arenas. Two Ways of Approaching New Buildings...
Hey!
Two sides of the stadium story today with:
The pieces contrast the two different paths that can be taken.
From my POV, the Intuit Dome has a lot of great things going for it:
Steve Ballmer’s idea of a “Heads Up Experience”.
The focus is on creating and leading the market, not chasing what is going on now.
On the Northern VA project:
We’ve got a lot less certainty on costs, plans, and lack of access.
An example of teams and the importance of teams as fixtures of downtowns.
A plan that has received a lot of backlash in the community.
The Intuit Dome stands out:
Steve Ballmer’s focus is on creating the ultimate basketball home, but then turning to “Feedback! Feedback! Feedback!”
This fits with Steve Jobs’ view on research. Big leaps require courage, but after you’ve leaped, you talk to your customers.
Driving people into their seats and making their phones unnecessary.
The example of the hologram and Ballmer saying that once you’ve done it, you’ve done it.
But creating an experience at the game where you are always keeping your eyes up.
This matters because the assumption is that people are going to want to have a two-screen experience or will always just default to their phones.
The question seems to be: ‘What would have to be true to change that?’
Also, Steve Ballmer nails a clear POV for the project.
That’s the key to any great strategy.
Also, Steve Ballmer is privately financing the arena.
The Monumental Project on the other hand:
Living in DC this has been wild:
The Washington Post’s look at the situation doesn’t leave anyone really looking too great.
The VA legislature has not been friendly to the governor and his plan.
The AFL-CIO came out against the project.
Traffic and the plans to facilitate arena traffic are getting more attention.
Why does this matter to you?
I’ve found that the teams and owners that invest in their arenas, infrastructure, and teams privately are more innovative and run much more sustainable businesses.
Some of the subsidies for sports come at the expense of the arts, infrastructure, and other things that make these events attractive and possible. I think there needs to be a balance.
Steve Ballmer and the Clippers have the right approach by setting the market, not reacting. Most of the buildings I’ve visited lately could be anywhere. Having a unique POV is worth it.
What do you think?
Let me know in the ‘Talking Tickets’ Slack Channel.
This doesn’t even get into my commute to go to anything in DC!
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Mark your calendar for the last week of June in London!
I’m coming for Pearl Jam at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and I’m going to make my summer residency international this year.
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Drop me a note!
What are you thinking about?
What are you reading?
What are you interested in learning more about?
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You’ve made it to the bottom!
You rock!
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