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FW Cats/LaGrave For Sale


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#51 Jeriat

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Posted 03 April 2016 - 11:25 PM

While at Open Streets today, I spoke to someone at the Vaqueros booth. 

 

Don't take what I'm saying as a solid fact, but he basically told me that the ballpark is supposed to be demolished by the end of this year. 

 

Just letting you know... 


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#52 Jimmy

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Posted 09 February 2017 - 11:10 AM

I heard a rumor that the financial issues with LaGrave Field may be headed toward a resolution, and that another new Cats franchise may be in the works.  



#53 Doohickie

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Posted 09 February 2017 - 12:02 PM

That would be awesome.  It might come at a good time, as the development in that part of town is on the cusp.


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#54 JBB

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Posted 24 March 2017 - 08:11 PM

Not sounding good for the Cats or La Grave:

http://www.star-tele...e140685063.html

#55 elpingüino

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Posted 24 March 2017 - 08:33 PM

Gordon Dickson reports on LaGrave's disrepair (to put it mildly) in the Star-Telegram: http://www.star-tele...e140685063.html

#56 John T Roberts

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Posted 24 March 2017 - 08:47 PM

There were two threads on the same topic, so I merged them.  However, it created a double post and double link to the Star-Telegram article.



#57 JBB

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Posted 24 March 2017 - 09:21 PM

Sorry. I knew there had to be a more recent thread on the Cats, but the search feature only gave me the one that was 5 years old.

#58 David_H

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Posted 24 March 2017 - 09:26 PM

I remember walking by LaGrave at then end of last summer and being surprised at the poor condition - especially since the team hat not been gone for very long at that point.

I love minor league baseball so would be thrilled to see the stadium hosting a team again - the Cats folded just before we moved here so we never got to see a game.

#59 Doohickie

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Posted 24 March 2017 - 10:31 PM

I remember taking my son to the game on July 4 many years back.  They set the attendance record for LaGrave Field at about 10,000 people I think.  We were on the levy just outside the stadium.  They actually allowed fans into left field with a ground rule that if the ball fell in crowd it was counted as a double.  It was hot as hell that day and we bought ice cream from a non-sanctioned Mexican ice cream vendor walking the levy.  It was terrible!  (Who thought chile flavored ice cream was a good idea?  :P)

 

Anyway, I wouldn't mind if they played again, but it's not high on my priority list.


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#60 JBB

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Posted 26 July 2017 - 08:56 PM

There were a few social media reports of a decent size fire tonight in one of the LaGrave Field concession stands.



#61 John T Roberts

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Posted 26 July 2017 - 09:40 PM

I saw photographs of the fire on social media and on the news, all courtesy of Brian Luenser.



#62 AndyN

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Posted 27 July 2017 - 08:04 AM

Demolition by neglect.
Www.fortwortharchitecture.com

#63 John T Roberts

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Posted 27 July 2017 - 08:33 AM

I agree.



#64 Austin55

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Posted 27 July 2017 - 09:13 AM

 Alright I'm gonna get all conspiracy theory here.

 

Can an owner still get insurance pay outs using demolition by neglect? 



#65 JBB

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Posted 27 July 2017 - 09:39 AM

I doubt anyone has any insurance on LaGrave field.



#66 AndyN

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Posted 27 July 2017 - 02:06 PM

 Alright I'm gonna get all conspiracy theory here.

 

Can an owner still get insurance pay outs using demolition by neglect? 

I don't think so. If you're specifically talking about the concept / practice of demolition by neglect, I'd think lack of maintenance would cause the insurance to be cancelled. I've had my agent threaten to cut my policy over the age of the roof.

 

As for the fire specifically, I would imagine that the fire might be a covered loss, but I am not an insurance professional and I can't help but wonder if their lack of maintaining fences and security might cause the underwriter to pause before cutting that check. As I recall, the stadium is currently owned by investor/speculator people who are basically threatening to tear it down if nobody comes to buy them out at their price.

 

My comment about demolition by neglect wasn't specifically about the fire, but the general lack of maintenance and security over the past few years.


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#67 Austin55

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Posted 28 July 2017 - 04:58 PM

NBC did a bit on it

 

 

http://www.nbcdfw.co...lowTwt_DFWBrand



#68 JBB

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Posted 25 August 2017 - 01:39 PM

Some good news. I hope this plan comes together:

http://www.star-tele...e169328632.html

#69 Austin55

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Posted 25 August 2017 - 01:49 PM

My understanding is that is exactly what the ballpark owner wants - empty land in PI. A swap could work out, crossing my fingers.

#70 Doohickie

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Posted 26 August 2017 - 08:40 PM

If they manage to pull it off, I would kind of like to see the name of the team revert to the original "Panthers" name, to go with the Panther Island theme.  They could still be called the Cats as a nickname.  Of course I'm getting ahead of things....


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#71 Jeriat

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Posted 26 August 2017 - 11:57 PM

I'm just hoping for a Uniform Design contest... 


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#72 rriojas71

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Posted 27 August 2017 - 11:39 AM

If they manage to pull it off, I would kind of like to see the name of the team revert to the original "Panthers" name, to go with the Panther Island theme.  They could still be called the Cats as a nickname.  Of course I'm getting ahead of things....


Great idea Doohickie. They could have an alternate uniform for special nights honoring the Cats. Although I would be fine with them doing the opposite and having Panthers as an alternate.

#73 elpingüino

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Posted 14 May 2019 - 06:14 PM

The Cats are closer to coming back. The Save LaGrave Foundation signed a deal to spend $3M over three years to bring the ballpark up to speed, on top of a ten-year rent payment. https://www.star-tel...e230398699.html

"Without a doubt, we would be playing in 2021, but were going to give it every effort play in 2020," he said.



#74 renamerusk

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Posted 15 May 2019 - 01:21 PM

The Cats are closer to coming back. [ LaGrave Field]


 

 

Professional Baseball is continuing last year's trend of declining attendance.  I am dubious that minor league baseball will fair much better; and this will be at least the third attempt to make baseball profitable in this location.

 

I had hoped that something different could be developed on this site, maybe a professional tennis complex, gymnastic complex, etc. 



#75 Jeriat

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Posted 20 May 2019 - 10:46 AM

 

The Cats are closer to coming back. [ LaGrave Field]


 

 

Professional Baseball is continuing last year's trend of declining attendance.  I am dubious that minor league baseball will fair much better; and this will be at least the third attempt to make baseball profitable in this location.

 

I had hoped that something different could be developed on this site, maybe a professional tennis complex, gymnastic complex, etc. 

 

 

The Cats never really had much of a problem with attendance. 

Problem wasn't with the team, it was with ownership... and the entire league the previous incarnation of the team completely folded. 

(And hard pass/disagree on replacing LaGrave with a pro tennis or gym complex.)


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#76 Lobster Eastside

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Posted 21 May 2019 - 10:38 AM

Now if Fort Worth could get an AHL or ECHL hockey team again.......



#77 Doohickie

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Posted 21 May 2019 - 10:44 AM

Now if Fort Worth could get an AHL or ECHL hockey team again.......

 

AHL would be tough; they're pretty well established.  ECHL is a bit more fluid.

 

However, one of the rumors going around is that when Seattle joins the NHL in 2021, the Phoenix Coyotes may move to Houston.  Even if they don't move they'll likely be aligned in the Central Division since there are already 8 teams in the west.  But if they do move, Houston would be a logical spot since a Dallas-Houston rivalry would be assured.  With another NHL team, the AHL might also expand, and having Houston's farm team in the Dallas market would be an interesting twist.  The downside is, assuming the new team would play in Dickies Arena, it would need to go on a 2 week road trip every year to coincide with the Stock Show... or possibly play a couple "home games" in Houston.

 

/tangent


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#78 Austin55

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Posted 21 May 2019 - 11:01 AM

It's also possible the Stars could end their ECHL agreement with the Boise based Idaho Steelheads (perhaps even transferring their rights to Seattle) and work something out closer to home. 



#79 Doohickie

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Posted 21 May 2019 - 12:01 PM

Yeah, like I said, ECHL is more fluid.  That would make a lot of sense, actually. 

 

The Texas Stars is the AHL affiliate of the Dallas Stars.  They play in Cedar Park (suburban Austin).  The Round Rock (suburban Austin) Express recently switched affiliation from the Texas Rangers to the Houston Astros.  Maybe the Houston (Coyotes) would also want their affiliate in Austin, and maybe the Stars could put their AHL affiliate in Dickies Arena.  Then the Stock Show home games could more easily be played in the NHL rink over in Dallas.  A day/night double header would be cool, where the Dallas Stars ticket holders could watch both games.


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#80 rriojas71

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Posted 21 May 2019 - 12:21 PM

I'm not sure if this would work because of field dimensions, but NYCFC plays in Yankee Stadium.... How about making La Grave the home pitch for the Vaqueros?



#81 youngalum

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Posted 21 May 2019 - 02:06 PM

I have serious doubts the Save LaGrave Foundation can actually meet their financial obligations to ever get LaGrave back to playing baseball.  



#82 Jeriat

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Posted 22 May 2019 - 06:53 AM

I'm not sure if this would work because of field dimensions, but NYCFC plays in Yankee Stadium.... How about making La Grave the home pitch for the Vaqueros?

 

They did that already... 


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#83 Doohickie

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Posted 22 May 2019 - 08:43 AM

I'm not sure if this would work because of field dimensions, but NYCFC plays in Yankee Stadium.... How about making La Grave the home pitch for the Vaqueros?

 

They did that already...


Yes, the Vaqueros original home field was LaGrave.
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#84 Jeriat

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Posted 22 May 2019 - 09:05 AM

Yeah, the Vaqueros (who I also hope grows and moves up to USL, at least) have bigger plans in mind:

5716b4b40e45f.image.png?resize=1200%2C41


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#85 rriojas71

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Posted 22 May 2019 - 11:31 AM

 

I'm not sure if this would work because of field dimensions, but NYCFC plays in Yankee Stadium.... How about making La Grave the home pitch for the Vaqueros?

 

They did that already...


Yes, the Vaqueros original home field was LaGrave.

 

Oh ok.  I must not have moved back here yet when they did that.



#86 Jeriat

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Posted 30 May 2019 - 02:25 PM

Something to think about, how about holding a college baseball conf. tournament?

 

Maybe the Sunbelt would be the best bet since its current park holds about the same capacity as LaGrave... and perhaps in the future, if the park expands, we could host bigger conference tournaments like the AAC? 
 


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#87 Austin55

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Posted 30 May 2019 - 02:47 PM

Which tournament is it that OKC's bricktown hosts?

#88 JBB

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Posted 30 May 2019 - 02:47 PM

Non-major conference tournaments don't get a tremendous amount of attendance.  My friend's son played in the AAC tournament championship in Clearwater, FL on Sunday and the game was on televised on one of the ESPN channels.  Attendance was around 800 for the championship game in a stadium that held 8000, but it looked like there were never more than 200 in the stands.  It's a fun idea and the exposure would be good, but college baseball isn't a sport where fans travel like they do for other sports and it doesn't help that the tournaments are outside of the school year, on a holiday weekend, and in the middle of the busy end-of-school/graduation season.  Maybe a conference like the Sun Belt would work better since some of the schools are in-state or in adjacent states.



#89 JBB

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Posted 30 May 2019 - 02:51 PM

Which tournament is it that OKC's bricktown hosts?


It's hosting Oklahoma State's regional this weekend because the field in Stillwater is a swamp.

#90 Jeriat

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Posted 30 May 2019 - 03:39 PM

Which tournament is it that OKC's bricktown hosts?

 

Big XII

 

 

 Maybe a conference like the Sun Belt would work better since some of the schools are in-state or in adjacent states.

 

Which is exactly why I suggested it.

Of course, the AAC I feel would be more ideal. Just don't know if the capacity would need to be higher.


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#91 JBB

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Posted 30 May 2019 - 03:47 PM

Reported attendance of 800 at the championship game.  I don't think capacity would be any problem.



#92 Austin55

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Posted 22 February 2020 - 06:11 PM

This feels like it really fizzled. The FB page has made 3 posts since last May and none with any substance. They had 18 months according to the agreement, we're halfway there and nothing new. 



#93 txbornviking

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Posted 24 February 2020 - 07:59 AM

This feels like it really fizzled. The FB page has made 3 posts since last May and none with any substance. They had 18 months according to the agreement, we're halfway there and nothing new. 

:cry:



#94 Doohickie

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Posted 24 February 2020 - 08:49 AM

Gah.


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#95 elpingüino

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Posted 24 February 2020 - 10:42 AM

Meanwhile, Dallas is moving forward with plans to renovate its 1920s ballpark, possibly for minor league baseball.

https://ballparkdige...-moves-forward/

#96 txbornviking

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Posted 24 February 2020 - 01:08 PM

I really want Panther Island to succeed.

I really want minor league baseball to be a success on Panther Island.

I really want the Encore project to be a pioneer on what becomes a truly great walkable neighborhood adjoining downtown.

 

But until the bridges are complete and the canals are ACTUALLY being dug, I don't see why developers would want to walk into a hornets nest of unknowns.



#97 rriojas71

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Posted 26 February 2020 - 01:57 PM

I really want Panther Island to succeed.

I really want minor league baseball to be a success on Panther Island.

I really want the Encore project to be a pioneer on what becomes a truly great walkable neighborhood adjoining downtown.

 

But until the bridges are complete and the canals are ACTUALLY being dug, I don't see why developers would want to walk into a hornets nest of unknowns.

I couldn't agree more with this statement. Well said Viking.



#98 renamerusk

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Posted 26 February 2020 - 02:08 PM

 

I really want Panther Island to succeed.....I really want minor league baseball to be a success on Panther Island.

 

I couldn't agree more with this statement. Well said Viking.

 One of the aspects that seem to me to be a flaw in the offerings at PI is whether there is a true and viable nostalgia for "minor league baseball".  With Arlington so near to Fort Worth, it seems to me MLB would clearly be the choice of most baseball fans. 

 

I love the idea of the ice skating rink and would prefer more "X-treme" sporting attractions so that PI is a destination for a unique experience.



#99 JBB

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Posted 26 February 2020 - 02:22 PM

MLB is in the process of restructuring and contracting more than an entire level of minor league baseball teams.  Getting a new affiliated team in Fort Worth or anywhere else is going to be a tall order.  The best bet is going to be starting up another independent league team like the Cats or the teams in Grand Prairie or Cleburne.



#100 elpingüino

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Posted 19 October 2020 - 08:33 AM

The water district board voted to end the agreement with the Save LaGrave Foundation to rehabilitate the stadium. Luke Ranker reports,
The Fort Worth Cats were supposed to be playing ball at LaGrave soon. What happened?




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