Maybe some of you remember - I know I do - a few years back when the NBA expanded to four cities: Charlotte, Miami, Minnesota and Orlando. All four cities had built new arenas. However, I write this article to expose a problem: three of the four are considering building or have already built new arenas.

The NBA announced expansion the league back in 1987. Charlotte and Miami would join in 1988 and Minnesota and Orlando would join in 1989. Minnesota had to butter up the NBA, as Minnesota had previously had a franchise that left for sunnier and greener pastures (the Lakers left in 1960).

Expansion then was not as rigid as it is now. Believe it or not, the NBA did not even require that either of the cities build new arenas. Wow, there's a stark contrast to things now. According to a book called "Stadium Games" written by a local Twin Citian about sports in Minnesota, the Timberwolves originally were planning on sharing the Met Center with the Minnesota North Stars.

Miami, Charlotte and Orlando were all building new buildings, though. Miami was building what would eventually be the smallest arena in the NBA (after the 14,000 seat Boston Garden disappeared, Miami's 15,100 seat arena was the smallest). Charlotte went the other direction and built a mammoth 24,000 seat arena which would set single-season NBA attendance records for years.

A problem emerged though. Minnesota was the only one ahead of the curve and built luxury suites; 67 of them to be exact. None of the other three had them. Charlotte later added six. Miami and Orlando added them later as well.

Interestingly enough however, Minnesota's Target Center is the only one of the four that is not either doomed for replacement or has already been replaced. Amazing, Minnesota actually set a "standard" in arena construction. Minnesota has been touted in some respects as being far behind the curve in arena and stadium construction. The Twins are one of the last MLB teams to get a new ballpark. The Vikings, if they eventually get a new stadium, will also be one of the last NFL teams to get stadiums replaced.

Miami has replaced the 15,000 seat Miami Arena with a stunning new arena. Charlotte Coliseum was deserted after the Hornets had had enough and moved to New Orleans in 2002; and was demolished recently. Orlando is currently in a battle to get a replacement for Amway Arena.

Minnesota still has its Target Center, however - a little behind the times compared to Saint Paul's Xcel Energy

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