tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17840477607230168822024-03-05T04:10:14.756-05:00Cleveland Needs a DomeFor 20 years now, I have been saying to myself that Cleveland needs a dome/retractable roof for all-weather sports and entertainment. It probably won't happen for years or decades, but someday, the powers that be will get it right. And, when they do, April 13, 2007, the date this blog was started, will be celebrated as Dome Day. There are probably hundreds, thousands, of reasons that Cleveland needs a dome and I plan to keep adding to my list until the dome comes home.Gregg LaBarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10401716965404449335noreply@blogger.comBlogger402125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784047760723016882.post-59563605594159862122012-10-16T08:51:00.002-04:002012-10-16T08:51:30.833-04:00Reason #421 - New Owner Loves a RoofThe Browns' new owner Jimmy Haslam likes a roof in his other businesses. Check out all of those Pilot and Flying J stations - a roof over every set of gas pumps. Why? Because customers prefer that in bad weather. Sounds like a good reason to me.Gregg LaBarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10401716965404449335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784047760723016882.post-20835900825404136482012-09-26T12:02:00.002-04:002012-09-26T12:02:40.235-04:00Reason #420 - Clueless Opposition to the IdeaOne of the oft-cited reasons for opposition to a retractable roof on Browns Stadium is because of the home field advantage the Browns have in the cold-weather outdoors. Seriously, people? The @OfficialBrowns are 68-143 since their return in 1999. Home field competitive advantage - seriously?!?!Gregg LaBarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10401716965404449335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784047760723016882.post-21144649920908745252012-09-25T22:21:00.002-04:002012-09-25T22:22:44.234-04:00Reason #419 - New OwnershipBrowns owner-in-waiting Jimmy Haslam says it deserves consideration. Smart businessman who sees growth potential. That's about the best reason I can think of, aside from sheer desperation, of course.Gregg LaBarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10401716965404449335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784047760723016882.post-12477924287573089132009-09-16T09:03:00.002-04:002009-09-16T09:06:35.337-04:00Reason #418 - Twins' New StadiumThe Twins' new roof-less ballpark opens next April. They can't wait to leave the Metrodome, which is horrible. But there will be lots of bad weather in the Upper Midwest - maybe worse than Cleveland's. What were they thinking? Let's show Cleveland they're not the only ones with no foresight? Indians play a night game there on April 20. It better be parka giveaway night.Gregg LaBarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10401716965404449335noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784047760723016882.post-27537284648414215422009-09-16T08:55:00.004-04:002009-09-16T09:02:54.778-04:00Reason #417 - 2010 ScheduleThe Indians 2010 schedule is <a href="http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090914&content_id=6966114&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle">out</a> and they play the first six games on the road. Not good for a team that always seems to struggle in April. And, yet, the team's own Web site heralds this schedule as "a 2010 schedule that mercifully includes just seven home dates in the often cold and cruel month of April..." Brutal honesty, I guess, for some brutally cold and frustrated fans. Good luck selling tickets to those seven games.Gregg LaBarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10401716965404449335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784047760723016882.post-3148423567287275002009-08-13T08:22:00.002-04:002009-08-13T08:26:00.330-04:00Reason #416 - SustainabilityI admit I've been looking for some new reasons lately. This week, I've found one, at Cleveland's Sustainability Summit, which is charged with developing plans for revitalizing our economy and city by 2019. It's a fact that a retractable roof on Browns Stadium would make Cleveland a much better all-weather city, and that's sustainable. New jobs in adding the roof, new year-round jobs, new events, more downtown visitors and tourists, greater use of public transportation, more civic pride, an improved lakefront, etc.Gregg LaBarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10401716965404449335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784047760723016882.post-11538728096423199492009-04-30T12:32:00.002-04:002009-04-30T12:35:19.812-04:00Reason #415 - Slow Starts in AprilThe Indians finished 8-14 in April - another bad first month for the team. Same thing every year. Many want to blame the manager, Eric Wedge. I think the cool, rainy weather is a major factor - it's been with us every year just like the manager. So, I say, blame the lack of a retractable roof. Instead of firing the manager, how about hiring a retractable roof contractor?Gregg LaBarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10401716965404449335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784047760723016882.post-5426160928015426322009-04-28T21:06:00.002-04:002009-04-28T21:08:41.477-04:00Reason #414 - Walk-Up CrowdThe Cleveland Indians need a big walk-up crowd many nights to make their budget for the year. Tonight would have been a perfect night - Red Sox in town, half-price tickets and dollar dogs. Only problem is it's 42 degrees and damp. A retractable roof is the only answer to our problems.Gregg LaBarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10401716965404449335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784047760723016882.post-48110390838790137682009-04-21T19:47:00.002-04:002009-04-21T19:49:00.809-04:00Reason #413 - Rain and Sleet in AprilI can see the stands of Progressive Field from my office window. Seven minutes before game time tonight, there weren't more than about 1,000 people in the stands. At the risk of stating the obvious, I think the occasional downbursts of rain and sleet might be keeping the fans away.Gregg LaBarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10401716965404449335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784047760723016882.post-74036735948706664992009-04-10T13:33:00.003-04:002009-04-10T13:38:47.881-04:00Reason #412 - TodayToday is opening day, and, of course, we have rain and 44 degrees. According to the Plain Dealer, since 1968, the Indians are 3-4 in openers when the temperature is in the 30s and 5-7 when it's in the 40s. And those stats don't include the 2007 opener that had to be played indoors in Milwaukee due to a blizzard in Cleveland. I don't know what's worse - the Indians' opening day record in cold weather or the number of cold opening days we've had since 1968.Gregg LaBarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10401716965404449335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784047760723016882.post-58851423039306633642009-04-08T10:37:00.003-04:002009-04-08T10:38:59.372-04:00Reason #411 - Opening Day 2009Friday's forecast is for 42 degrees and showers. Yes, it seems to rain, sleet or snow every year at this time. Definition of insanity - doing what you've always done and expecting a different result.Gregg LaBarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10401716965404449335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784047760723016882.post-50994171672187712092009-04-06T08:48:00.001-04:002009-04-06T08:50:34.589-04:00Reason #410 - Winter Storm in the AreaThe only way the Cleveland Indians avoided another opening day snowout was by opening the season today in Texas. That's embarrassing - again.Gregg LaBarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10401716965404449335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784047760723016882.post-6119325803150158632009-04-01T21:31:00.002-04:002009-04-01T21:33:13.265-04:00Reason #409 - Final FourDetroit's Ford Field is hosting the NCAA Men's Final Four - expect record crowds and record revenues. In Detroit. In early April. Because they have a roof on their stadium. Did I mention that even Detroit is able to host a Final Four? Cleveland, no roof, no chance.Gregg LaBarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10401716965404449335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784047760723016882.post-82533431241416668902009-03-30T13:42:00.002-04:002009-03-30T13:44:37.568-04:00Reason #408 - Rock Hall Induction CeremoniesThe Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies are in Cleveland this week because this is where they belong because this is where the Rock Hall is. Unfortunately, the ceremonies are in old Public Hall and they won't be back in town for several more years. A dome on Cleveland Stadium, which just happens to be next to the Rock Hall, would make that the ideal venue for the ceremonies every year.Gregg LaBarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10401716965404449335noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784047760723016882.post-67076310452005358942009-03-29T20:28:00.003-04:002009-03-29T20:30:50.218-04:00Reason #407 - Longer NFL SeasonThe NFL is considering an 18-game regular season by 2010 - that means more regular-season games in summer or winter, or both. Better start working on the roof immediately.Gregg LaBarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10401716965404449335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784047760723016882.post-91203024215015677902009-03-17T10:41:00.003-04:002009-03-17T10:42:43.562-04:00Reason #406 - Sports Fans Like RoofsI recently attended 12 basketball games in six days - and I never worried about the weather. Roofs are wonderful, and they work just fine for baseball and football, too.Gregg LaBarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10401716965404449335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784047760723016882.post-57865878197906679902009-03-11T09:24:00.003-04:002009-03-11T09:30:54.433-04:00Reason #405 - Great Sports DaysYesterday was one of the best days in Cleveland sports history - Cleveland State qualified for the NCAA Tournament, the first-place Cavs made an amazing comeback on the road to win their 50th game, and Cleveland hosted the thrilling first round of the MAC Tournament. But we still don't have a roof on our stadiums - and that, and only that, can keep the good times rolling all year round.Gregg LaBarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10401716965404449335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784047760723016882.post-62217089479479741012009-03-01T18:08:00.002-05:002009-03-01T18:13:46.346-05:00Reason #404 - Blanket GiveawayIndians single-game tickets are now on sale. Everything you need to know about the risk you're taking in buying tickets in advance in Cleveland is right here - the giveaway if you buy four or more tickets is a Grady Sizemore Fleece Blanket.Gregg LaBarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10401716965404449335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784047760723016882.post-54302231423415205532009-02-27T13:53:00.002-05:002009-02-27T13:56:08.820-05:00Reason #403 - Winslow TradeThe Browns paid Kellen Winslow tens of millions of dollars and have nothing to show for it - don't even know WHICH draft picks or WHEN. Proves my point again - spend your money on overpriced, enigmatic players and you get nothing. Spend your money on a roof, and you have comfort ... and value ... and a place that quality free agents will want to play. Admit it, it's all starting to make sense now.Gregg LaBarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10401716965404449335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784047760723016882.post-1117768983827334202009-02-22T11:05:00.002-05:002009-02-22T11:09:39.695-05:00Reason #402 - $500 Million to SpendToday's Plain Dealer asks what the $500 million in additional sales tax could be used for if the medical mart-convention center plan falls apart. The answer is, and has been for the last two years, right here - add roofs to the Indians and Browns stadiums to turn them into year-round attractions and economic growth drivers. Total cost of about $200 million, which means $300 million left over for schools, wind farms, green technology, tax rebate, etc.Gregg LaBarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10401716965404449335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784047760723016882.post-25212928599041808382009-02-12T10:26:00.001-05:002009-02-12T10:28:17.697-05:00Reason #401 - Browns Season TicketsJust got the notice that Browns season tickets are now on sale. I might be more interested if I would have a roof over my head as I watch overpaid athletes underperform. Otherwise, I pass. <a href="http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/tickets/seasontickets.php">http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/tickets/seasontickets.php</a>Gregg LaBarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10401716965404449335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784047760723016882.post-31211032220766546632009-02-02T08:45:00.002-05:002009-02-27T14:23:02.246-05:00Reason #400 - Super Bowl Hopes and DreamsCleveland is the only NFL city to neither play in, nor host, a Super Bowl. Ever. 43 years and counting. Given the state of the Browns, adding a roof so Cleveland could be considered a host city is more realistic than expecting the team to get there. Yes, it worked in lowly Detroit.Gregg LaBarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10401716965404449335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784047760723016882.post-58006277280268460622009-01-23T09:45:00.004-05:002009-01-23T10:25:10.725-05:00Reason #399 - New Convention CenterAfter years of delay, Cleveland is moving ahead with developing a new downtown convention center and medical mart. Shouldn't a roof-ed Browns Stadium be part of the solution?Gregg LaBarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10401716965404449335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784047760723016882.post-26648341534083329112009-01-21T09:13:00.003-05:002009-01-21T09:14:42.788-05:00Reason #398 - Staying PowerIt's been two months since I've posted a reason. But I still know I'm right about this. After all, we have two relatively new open-air stadiums that haven't been used since mid-December. And you wouldn't want to be there - with no days above freezing since sometime last year.Gregg LaBarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10401716965404449335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784047760723016882.post-67119472655679905362008-11-23T18:14:00.002-05:002008-11-23T18:17:50.683-05:00Reason #397 - Arlington, TexasDallas' new roof-ed stadium will host the 2010 NBA All-Star Game, 2011 Super Bowl, and 2014 Final Four. Why? Because it can seat 93,000 comfortable, dry people. Cities like Cleveland have no chance to attract such events when bigger cities, who already have an advantage, close the deal with a roof. A roof on Browns Stadium and/or Progressive Field is our only chance.Gregg LaBarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10401716965404449335noreply@blogger.com0