12,666 People Have to Agree.

Now that 12,666 people have seen it again and realized how disappointing it truly is, can we reopen discussions about tearing down the Veterans Memorial Coliseum?

 

The venue is small outdated and quite frankly an eyesore. It will do nothing to generate revenue for the city or its owners where as a new state of the art 20,000 seat baseball stadium would.

 

The location is perfect and the water front is beautiful on summer days. This is a chance to make the Rose Garden year round destination. Imagine a north facing stadium where home run balls could splash into the Willamette.

 

I know tearing down a memorial for veterans is symbolic gesture that people are reluctant to be a part of, but we can always name the baseball stadium in honor of veterans. I served in Iraq and in the United States Army during OIF1 and I appreciate the respect given, but I would appreciate being able to enjoy what was meant to honor me and my comrades.

 

There is also the nostalgia to contend with. Last night more than a few fans must have shed a tear remembering the triumphs that place has brought all of our fandom. From Harry Glickman and Bill Walton to Clyde Drexler and Bill Schoneley the Coliseum was the center of the universe.

 

Things change and grow old just like we do. Now the Rose Garden is home to Brandon’s .08 second shot and Rudy Fernandez’s record setting rookie season. It is now the center of Portland and will be for the time to come.

 

It is, beyond a doubt, time to put that piece of real estate back to work for the people of this great city.

 

-Kurt Valentine