July 26, 1964 - The football Cardinals, feared by St. Louis fans to be bound for Atlanta two weeks ago, climaxed a tense two months of negotiations by announcing today that they would remain in St. Louis.
The decision, announced by Bill Bidwill, vice president of Big Red, was hailed by James Hickok, president of the Civic Center Redevelopment Corp., as “one that will be welcomed and applauded by all citizens” in the St. Louis area.
The announcement ended months of speculation that the team might move to Atlanta, Ga.
“We wanted to make the best decision for the future of the Cardinals,” the team said in a statement. “We knew how important it was, and we had to be certain in our own minds that we were doing the right thing.”
Reduced rental terms and the equivalent of a percentage of concessions, both underwritten by St. Louis business leaders, were necessary to keep the Cards in St. Louis.
Bidwill said, however, that the 30-year St. Louis lease, which probably won’t be signed for weeks because of necessity to agree on legal terms, contained an escape clause by which the Cardinals could leave the city after five years without penalty.
Before then, the football team would be assessed $100,000 a year. But, indicating a desire to make his residency permanent, Bidwill said, “We have no intention of paying the penalty.”
How close did Atlanta come to getting the football Cardinals?
According to Arthur Montgomery, chairman of the Atlanta city-county stadium authority, “They were set to come. Just 10 days ago, the Cardinal office was preparing press releases to announce their move to Atlanta. The Bidwills already had received oral approval from other owners in the league.
“And we had agreed to some minor changes in design of the stadium offices and dressing rooms to suit the new club. That’s how close it was.”
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