When you read the name 'General Motors Place', one would assume it as an NBA arena in Detroit, MI. But it isn't. Unlike most former NBA arenas, General Motors Place is still standing today but under a different name; Rogers Arena. Completed in 1995 at a cost of 160 million dollars, it would serve as home to the both the NHL's Canucks and the NBA's Grizzlies. General Motors had paid 18.5 million for the naming rights to the arena which has a capacity of nearly 19,000.
The Grizzlies only played six seasons in Vancouver. After failing to reach the NBA playoffs in all six seasons and having not one winning season, the attendance was extremely poor compared to most NBA arenas. When the lockout of 1999 hit, the Grizzlies were put into an even bigger hole and owner Orca Bay Sports and Entertainment sold the team to Memphis, TN.
From the get go, it had been apparent that hockey crazed Vancouver wasn't too crazy about the idea of professional basketball.The franchise was required to sell 12,500 season tickets prior to the beginning of 1995. With only 10,000 season tickets sold, a Canadian pharmacy chain gave the franchise a boost when they purchased the remaining 2,000 or so tickets. The Vancouver Canucks had also struggled to sell tickets upon their initial entrance into the league in 1989.
As previously stated, the 1999 lockout season was detrimental to the Grizzlies chances of staying in Vancouver. Averaging just over 13,000 fans per game, the Canadian dollar also began to weaken. In late 1999, the Grizzlies were sold for 200 million to Mr. Bill Laurie, owner of the NHL's St. Louis Blues. Laurie had the intentions of moving the Grizzlies to St. Louis but David Stern and other NBA officials did not approve of the move.
Rogers Arena was financed privately which meant no burdensome taxes on the Vancouver citizens. The arena is a beautiful venue with the North shore Mountains and the Strait of Georgia in the surrounding area. If you are hockey fan hoping to visit this former NBA arena, one can do so by visiting 800 Griffiths Ways in beautiful downtown Vancouver.
NBA Arenas
Rogers Arena Seat Reviews
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