Dear Bob
By urbanhoustonian at February 3, 2008 | 2:00 PM | Print
Dear Mr. McNair,
I know this is a pretty busy week for you what with the Super Bowl and all the pomp that comes with it. I did hear that you are pushing to bring another Big Game in 2012. You’ve got yourself a pretty big order to fill. I mean, I don’t think the NFL will be open to a Texas Two-Step after the 2011 game hits Dallas in the house that Jerry built. No, they reserve those back-to-back for their dear friends on Florida.
Tell me, didn’t you just love watching last year’s Super Bowl with all that rain? I couldn’t help but chuckle as the rain dribbled all over Peyton’s jersey, although I must admit I was a big concerned they were going to get Prince electrocuted at halftime. Yeah, that outdoor stadium in Miami didn’t really protect the players from the elements like the ol’ roof at Reliant, did it?
But let’s be honest, you were partly responsible for Houston losing out to Tampa for the 2009 game, right? You did make enemies of the Tampa and Miami owners with your stance on revenue sharing. You are more of a George Steinbrenner in the NFL than a Drayton McLane. I am not sure if you were going all Mr. Burns on them, or if you were just protecting your well earned Texans revenue. In any case, you have made it rather hard for Houston to secure another Super Bowl.
That is why I am writing you this morning. I would like to help you get that next Super Bowl for Reliant Stadium. I think it’s pretty simple, but you and your friends over at the Rodeo seem to be against the idea. Yes, I am talking about the Astrodome redevelopment.
“In terms of providing the NFL with everything they want and more, we believe Reliant Park delivers their wants and desires unlike any other facility in the country,” said Shea Guinn, president of SMG-Reliant Park. “The feedback we received from the NFL regarding our facilities in 2004 was extremely positive, and we have even more to add for the 2012 bid.”
So Reliant Park is the end-all be-all facility, but it lacks hard core entertainment options. Sure, the NFL and its sponsors bring all the great fun that comes with the NFL Experience, but what about a hotel, restaurants and bars? What about putting all of that in one of the most architecturally identifiable buildings in the country?
You became a local hero when you brought the NFL back to Houston. In fact, I think many people do not give you all the credit you deserve for literally pulling the rug out from under those silly California boys. You saw an opportunity when they couldn’t get their act together, and you stuck Achilles in the proverbial heel. Where is that can do spirit today?
If you need some inspiration, get your friend Robert Kraft on the phone. He’s the guy who owns that little team from New England. You know, the ones that may be adding their fourth Lombardi Trophy this evening? He’s got a nice blueprint for you at Patriot Place.
You stand to benefit most from that kind of development. If you have one of the premiere facilities for the Super Bowl, imagine what that would do for your other blossoming little property, the Texas Bowl. With the Texans finally becoming a respectable team, and the continued rise of the Texas Bowl, a redeveloped Astrodome would make you the envy of the NFL owner’s club. I know you’re probably tired of Kraft having all the bragging rights, take them away from him!
I know this is easier said than done, but let’s be honest, you’re Bob McNair, you’ve got the clout to make it happen. Besides, the County is open to other ideas. Personally, I’d like it if you allowed the Astrodome Redevelopment Corporation to do their thing, but if not, please do something to keep the Dome alive and well. I don’t need to tell you that Mr. Jones is going to do everything he possibly can to keep the Big Game coming to Dallas. You have the trump card of all trump cards in the Astrodome, it’s about time you played it.
After that, you can tell Mr. Huzienga to stick those yachts where the sun don’t shine. And we know from last year’s Super Bowl, that isn’t Miami, FL.
Sincerely,
An Urban Houstonian
