Marty Forbes "Edmontonians"
for March 2008



As I mentioned in last months’ column, I headed down to Phoenix for some R + R time, which included some great motorcycle riding, the Super Bowl and the FBR Phoenix Open Golf Championship. I traveled with my wife Kim, and our Team 1260 Sports Director Bryn Griffiths. Bryn got the two of us media accreditation so we didn’t have to pay the exorbitant prices that Joe Public did for some of these amazing events. Tickets for Super Bowl XLII were being scalped from about $2500 to $4000 each… Entry fee to the exclusive Playboy Party, $2,000… John Travolta and Snoop Dog’s party, $1500…

                                                          Kim and Marty Forbes

The NFL wives fashion show, $750. The biggest freebie was a live Counting Crows concert, followed by a major fireworks show that was held at Tempe Town, smack dab in the middle of the University area.

At the FBR Classic, they broke a one-day attendance record: 178,000 people. That would be like putting the population of Regina on a golf course. Sitting on the side of the famous 16th hole,—where the raucous crowd cheers and boos and the likes of The Press Gallery Bernie Robitaille and Pete Kozial held court—you could watch private jets landing at the Scottsdale airport virtually every two minutes.

These two events have a massive impact on the Phoenix economy, and projected to bring in approximately $400 million that week. Hotel rooms charged around $500 a night, with a four-night minimum. Taxi rides from Scottsdale to the Super Bowl and back set you back $125 so you can see it’s a rich man’s week.

By the way, as we continue to discuss Edmonton’s potential downtown arena—or, as I prefer to call it, the ‘entertainment complex’—it should be noted that Phoenix has four major league teams in the area including NFL, NHL, baseball and NBA franchises. Each has its own individual stadium.

The baseball stadium actually has a swimming pool behind the outfield wall. The $500-million NFL stadium, which is on university land, has a grass field that is on a moving tray. The field is moved out onto the parking area all week long to be maintained and then moved in to the stadium for NFL or university games. The roof not only opens but also can be adjusted sideways so that the sun doesn’t beat down on patrons during a game. The hockey arena has a fabulous centre court with tons of
restaurants, a stage for live bands, two hotels, a convention centre, shopping area, massive fountains, and probably the best sports bar I’ve ever seen.

The economic impact of these teams and their facilities is obviously huge to the city, and they say that the Super Bowl will, most likely, be awarded to Phoenix about every sixth or seventh year. Weather was described as ‘chilly’ at 60º F when I left Phoenix, and I stepped off the plane to minus 30 C. Ouch. Upon return I treated my daughter Lauren to a birthday dinner at Ruth’s Chris in the World Trade Centre Edmonton. If you haven’t been to this gem of a restaurant, you’re missing a fine experience. General Manager Brian Welsh and his staff know the meaning of first class—a truly wonderful place to spend an evening or do lunch.

During dinner we were talking about old friends, and the name Bobby Curtola popped into my mind. Kim worked with Bobby for several years. As we stepped out of the restaurant guess who we bumped into? Yup: Bobby’s just moved back to town after a few years in Halifax. He always has interesting opportunities on the go. I’ll update you on what he’s involved with now in a later column.

Last month I told you about the upcoming CRTC hearings for another FM licence in our city. The process is now closed and a few well-known local media types threw their hats into the fray this time around.
Don Kay has been working in media for many, many years, having toiled for my father at CHED early on in his career. Another Edmonton/Phoenix gentleman who has applied is John Yerxa. John owns and runs a well respected research company and is also a radio brat. His father, the late Hal Yerxa, was the owner of CFCW and CKRA.

As I run competitive properties here in town, I certainly have to be cautious with my thoughts; however as a columnist for Edmontonians, I think you can see where my allegiance would fall if the CRTC awards another licence. The hearing should be later this summer, with a decision in the fall, and potential on-air date about this time next year.

Finally, from my trip down south, I found out where our Alberta ducks go when they fly south for the winter.

Marty Forbes is VP and general manager of The Bear, EZRock and The TEAM 1260 Sports Radio.
Contact
marty@edmontonians.com

http://www.edmontonians.com

I like reading Marty's comments on Edmonton's radio industry -- lots of information, and he is very fair, considering his position in the market.

Quoted from cdl

I like reading Marty's comments on Edmonton's radio industry -- lots of information, and he is very fair, considering his position in the market.

True...though he does manage to hit his stations in some way in every article.  Competitive guy at heart and a true cheerleader of radio.  We should all hope our careers are as successful.  He can go out at the top whenever he wants.