While we won’t be seeing a team on the field in the greater Los Angeles area next year, I will offer a lone prediction for 2015: It will be the year that the National Football League nails down plans for a team in Los Angeles.
While there are some that seem to pound on the drum that the NFL was a failure in Los Angeles previously and other cities deserve a shot, make no mistake, as far as new(-ish) markets go, Los Angeles is first and foremost.
Don’t get me wrong, there are other intriguing markets out there. I mean, after all, a NFL team can be profitable in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., thanks to the league’s TV deal. However, a team in Los Angeles can rake in lots of profits in Los Angeles, where there is no shortage of cash amongst the residents to scoop up tickets and, more importantly, sign on for luxury seating at to-be-constructed Farmers Field.
Also, as this piece from Forbes points out— there are residual benefits to having a team with a Los Angeles address, namely bringing the Super Bowl back to town.
Anyway, as we anticipate what The Shield (™) will do in the near future, let’s turn our attention to on-the-field action during New Year’s Day and the upcoming playoffs.
Five reasons to stay on the couch and enjoy a long weekend:
NHL: Winter Classic, Chicago Blackhawks at Washington Capitals — Thursday, 1pm(?), NBC
The annual New Year’s Day tradition that doesn’t involve college football is headed to Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., this year. The start time is a little bit in doubt due to, yes, the sun. This wouldn’t be the first time the Winter Classic has been delayed due to weather concern. The game itself should be a good one, because of the stars that will be on the ice, such as Alex Ovechkin for the Capitals, and Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews for the Blackhawks.
College football: The Sugar Bowl, Alabama vs. Ohio State — Thursday, 8:30 pm, ESPN
The inaugural College Football Playoff is here, and this semifinal is what the great Keith Jackson might call a “dandy.” It’s the Crimson Tide. It’s the Buckeyes. It’s Nick Saban versus Urban Meyer. The on-the-field tale is one of injury, it seems. Alabama’s leading rusher T.J. Yeldon might be used in a “fill-in” role, as he has battled varying injuries. On the other side, Ohio State is famously relying on Cardale Jones, formerly third on the depth chart, to lead them to victory. Can he keep up the magic of the 59-0 thumping of Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship game?
NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers — Saturday, 4:35 pm, Fox
Oh, you might scoff at this pick, but come on, you know you’re interested. Much like the Buckeyes, the quarterback injuries for the Cardinals are front and center as the team will start something called Ryan Lindley to keep the dream of playing a Super Bowl in the team’s home field alive. On the other side will be the much-maligned Panthers, the NFC South Champions with a 7-8-1 record. Despite the less-than-stellar record, the Panthers have been hitting on all cylinders with their backs against the wall.
NFL: Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys — Sunday, 4:40 pm, Fox
The team that fancies itself as “America’s Team” returns to the playoffs for the first time since 2009 on Sunday. This could be a game with lots of offense, as each team has a brand-name receiver — Dez Bryant for the Cowboys and Calvin Johnson for the Lions. The Cowboys will likely be leaning on DeMarco Murray as well, given his success running the ball this year. Also, look out for Golden Tate for the Lions, as he will also get his share of looks as the Cowboys look to stop the aforementioned Johnson. Also, while I haven’t found the answer yet, I’m scouring Vegas books for an over-under number on “Jerry Jones sightings on the sidelines,” because, you know that’s coming.
College basketball: Louisville at Wake Forest — Sunday, 8 pm, ESPNU
Louisville is quite strong this year, which is why they stayed in the top 5, despite losing to top-ranked Kentucky. This game marks Louisville’s first conference game as a member of the ACC, and they will have to travel to Tobacco Road for their baptism. While Wake Forest is hovering around the .500 mark, this could be a trap game for the Cardinals, as any game in state of North Carolina is treacherous. While the Cardinals will have bigger fish to fry going forward, it should be interesting to see their first step.
One great reason to hit the road
College football: The Rose Bowl, Oregon vs. Florida State — Thursday, 5 pm, ESPN
The other semifinal game in the College Football Playoff will be played at one of the game’s best-known settings. I’ve never attended the Rose Bowl for the game, but while out in Los Angeles earlier this year, I drove out to Pasadena, and the setting is just as gorgeous in person as it is on your HDTV. When the sun sets over the San Gabriel Mountains in the second half, it’s the first sign that your satisfying day of binging college football is coming to a close.
On the field, this is going to be a heck of a game. The two most recent Heisman Trophy winners will be under center, so to speak, for each team. Will the Seminoles have a slow start, which has been a bugaboo this season? If so, I’m thinking that it’s going to be a long night, because Oregon’s offense does not release its foot from its nitrous-laced gas pedal. Pundits have been thumbing their nose at the Ducks defense, but, it has had its moments, and only needs a few key stops to send the Ducks to Jerry World for the finals.
However, Florida State is still the champ. And as the saying goes: To be the man, you gotta beat the man.
So, great setting? Check. Two great teams with some big-name players? Check. A lot on the line? Check. Lots of other things to do in the Los Angeles area? Check and check. So, what are you waiting for?
According to StubHub, you can get in the door for $133.95. If you want to sit in the club section, well, that will run you $2,813.25.
Oh, is that too mainstream?
Premier League — Arsenal at Southampton — Thursday, 10am, PLET
These two teams are tied for fourth place on the EPL table with 33 points. Southampton comes in on a hot streak, recently drawing with first-place Chelsea. Arsenal brings lots of offensive firepower, with their attacking style wreaking havoc in recent times. However, the Saints will have the home crowd on their side. Should be an interesting New Year’s Day match.
