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August 29, 2007
Wolff's NY Times interview reveals new information about Quakes
Back in August, 2004, Jack Bell of the New York Times was one of the first national soccer writers to take an interest in SSV's efforts to keep the Quakes in San Jose. Three years later, almost to the day, he's breaking a new story regarding the future of soccer in San Jose, while simultaneously shedding new light on its past.
One thing is certain about the latest incarnation of the Earthquakes: The team will not be playing in Spartan Stadium, which opened in 1933, on the campus of San Jose State University. Wolff’s offer to finance a new stadium there was rejected. “I may never know the real reason why,” Wolff said. “And I don’t really care.”Instead it is very likely that the new, new Earthquakes will split their games for the next two seasons among Santa Clara University, Oakland and Sacramento. Wolff is pursuing a parcel of land near the San Jose airport and would like to be in the new building for the 2010 season. It is also very likely that the owners of the Sharks, the N.H.L. franchise, will purchase a part interest in the soccer team.
So, there you have it: Lew Wolff says the real reasons for the breakdown of the San Jose State deal have not been made public; the Quakes are "very likely" to be playing at Santa Clara University, Oakland (the Coliseum?), and Sacramento for the next two seasons; and the Sharks are also "very likely" to become part of the Earthquakes' ownership group.
There's more in the story about Wolff and his plans for the Quakes, so give 'em a click — they deserve a visit.
Just for fun, here is an excerpt from Bell's article on the Quakes and SSV from 2004. It was written just after SSV's first rally, which drew over 1,500 fans to Plaza de Cesar Chavez in downtown San Jose. (The entire article is available as well, but you'll have to fork over some cash to see it.)
Earthquakes' Future Remains in Doubt
By Jack BellPublished: August 24, 2004
On Saturday night, the San Jose Earthquakes went retro, wearing the red uniforms of their predecessor in the North American Soccer League, looking back because there may be nothing to look forward to. The Anschutz Entertainment Group, which operates the Earthquakes in Northern California (and four other M.L.S. teams, including the MetroStars), is prepared to move the team to San Antonio or to sell it to Club América of Mexico, which would move the team to Houston, if local investors are not found by Sept. 17.
"It's obvious to us they don't want the team," Colin McCarthy said in a telephone interview, referring to A.E.G. McCarthy is a lawyer, an Earthquakes fan and the president of the grass-roots group Soccer Silicon Valley. At a meeting last week, members of the group extracted a pledge from A.E.G. officials that will give S.S.V. less than a month to find an investor to keep the team in San Jose.
(Boy, a lot has sure changed since then. With the sale of the Fire set to finalize soon, AEG will only own two teams in MLS, the Galaxy and Houston. The MetroStars are now the Red Bulls. And, despite the tumult of the last two years, the future of the Earthquakes is looking brighter than ever.)
Posted by Jay at August 29, 2007 05:25 AM