Former Mayor Ivan Allen Jr., a strong visionary leader, changed the face of Atlanta in many ways. High on his list of accomplishments was the introduction of major league sports. Allen had the courage, foresight and civic sense to build the old Fulton County Stadium before Atlanta had a major league team.
Our city is on a short list that can claim to be truly “major league” with franchises in the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL. But we are in serious danger of losing that distinction. On Feb. 15, Atlanta Thrashers’ ownership stated there was a “sense of urgency” to find a way to keep our NHL team. Despite the urgent call, for three months there was no visible sign that our civic and business leaders had even taken note, let alone attempted to prevent real damage to our civic pride, economy and reputation as the “Sports Capital of the World,” as touted by the chamber of commerce.
Now is the time for our leaders to “lead.” Public and private sector leaders have the ability to find a solution that does not require public funds to retain our NHL team.
As proud Atlantans, we started a grass-roots campaign in mid-February and made direct appeals asking our business and civic leaders to get involved to protect Atlanta’s major-league status. We, and many fans, have contacted Mayor Kasim Reed, Gov. Nathan Deal, the Metro Atlanta Chamber and the Atlanta Sports Council to encourage them to act. Last week after the media reported the Thrashers move was imminent, the mayor and the chamber issued what appeared to be pro forma statements of concern. During the preceding 90 days there was no visible action from any of them.
In February, Deal responded by stating private sports franchises are not his “jurisdiction” and suggested we contact Thrashers’ ownership. Ironically, his response arrived the same day the Georgia World Congress Authority, whose governing members the governor appoints, agreed to a memorandum of understanding with the Falcons on plans for a $700 million stadium. The GWCC is under the state’s control, while the Atlanta-Fulton County Recreation Authority oversees Philips Arena.
We have hosted Super Bowls, Final Fours and the Olympics. Atlanta is in a class of it own. So, it’s troubling when Winnipeg, Canada, with a small fraction of Atlanta’s population, is capable of attracting the Thrashers. The loss of the Thrashers under these circumstances would deal a blow to Atlanta’s reputation and brand.
Civic pride and sense of community have long been associated with sports. Sports teams are a fundamental part of our identity; we wear their jerseys, fly their flags, and put their stickers on our bumpers. We felt our sense of unity when the Braves went from “worst-to-first” as we chanted and chopped. We celebrated when the Falcons danced into the Super Bowl via the “Dirty Bird.”
Atlanta has a history of strong leaders. They have provided us with recognition in civil rights, education, technology, transportation, music, the arts and sports. Each of these fronts was ushered in by leaders such as Henry Grady, who helped create Georgia Tech; William Hartsfield, who envisioned the airport; Martin Luther King Jr., leader of the modern civil rights movement; Ted Turner, CNN founder and former Braves owner; and Arthur Blank, Home Depot co-founder and Falcons owner.
We are concerned that Atlanta’s leaders have not lived up to the standard set by their predecessors in addressing the loss of a community asset. We are all proud of Atlanta, a city “too busy to hate”; perhaps our leaders have become “too busy to lead.”
Chris Ciovacco and Jamie Henderson are the creators of keepthethrashers.com
About the Author
