A GREAT article about the Bobcats

[Sapper]

Admittedly, I was extremely bitter when the Hornets left. Though the new arena deal really didn't make sense economically, I wanted everything to be done to keep the Hornets in Charlotte.

I was upset when they left, and though the idea of a new franchise was intriguing, I didn't like the idea of an out of town owner. I have followed them since day 1, but I don't think it was until the last couple years that I can finally say I am into them now as much as I was into the Hornets then.

[TyHillPanthers]

I think that author hit a major point that should be explored more: The diminishing local culture.

If you ask someone outside of the Carolinas to relate Charlotte to something that is unique apart from other cities in the Carolinas, they will have a heck of hard time. The most you can come up with is 'banks'. And that right there is the problem. The banks are full of these transplants with teams they already are true fans of.

I honestly think most people are over the Hornet saga, but the problem is that there isn't a distinct Charlotte way anymore. I have lived in Charlotte since 1990, and its clear that people just don't care about the Bobcats. Their is a disconnect within the city and its a mash-up of conflicting cultures (Hence the terrible drivers ) and the overall lack of city hot spots/public areas. There basically aren't general cultural hubs anymore. In the early 90s, these places included Lake Wylie, Knight's Castle, Carrowinds/Balloon Mall, The Colosseum, The Baker family waterpark, etc. They were accessible for all ages and fun. Nowadays, the city is full of young bankers who flood the lackluster bar/club scene and could care less about sports. I'm sorry to say this but the banks have diminished the culture and are really the problem. The lakes have become ritzy neighborhoods surrounding filthy water, barely anyone knows who the Knights are anymore, and of course the Colosseum is torn down.

If the Bobcats want to succeed, they need to work with the city, developers and organizations like the Panthers to create new traditions and generate excitement. We need areas where all of these different people from all over the nation can interact and generate common ideas and generate a new culture. The Cats need to use all of that season ticket holder money to do some cool stuff and become something new that can mold into a growing culture.

Personally, I like the Bobcats as a team, but not as an organization and that sentiment is evident across the board.

Hopefully that wasn't too sporadic.

Great points...also I like the sig.