Texas-based entrepreneur Tim Barton, who bought Italian Serie A club Bari in August for $35.8 million, has already experienced the passionate relationship between Italian fans and club. Landing in Bari last month to finalize the deal, Barton witnessed 1,500 fans surge past security to greet him on the tarmac outside the airport. The melee temporarily closed down the southern city’s airport. “Only European football can create passion like that,” Barton said, recalling that his Aug. 17 arrival coincided with his birthday. “There’s nothing like having 1,500 fans singing ‘Happy Birthday.”‘
Barton chose to buy Bari for both economic and personal reasons. While Serie A clubs totaled $2 billion in cumulative operating losses over the 10-year span ending in 2007-08, Barton sees opportunity in his investment. “There’s no doubt that there’s an economic crisis right now but if you work a little harder and stay a little longer, it’s a great time to gain an advantage,” Barton said. “It’s a challenging time but these are the times when great things are made.” Barton bought Bari for a fraction of the price he might have paid for an English Premier League club. “We looked at the UK market but in terms of pricing, cost of entry and some other factors I think there were more advantages in the Italian market for strategic development,” he said. “It’s really wonderful to see the passion and culture these people have. It’s a lot of fun and that all comes together with the sport.”
Barton’s Roman Catholic roots also added to his attraction to Bari. His JMS Holding company, which specializes in buying and managing luxury properties, bares initials that stand for Jesus, Mary and Joseph. “I wanted to have a constant reminder of where I came from,” he said. “I find it very fitting that San Nicola is the patron saint of Bari, and I believe he brought me to this city because the fans have been so welcoming.” San Nicola is also the name of Bari’s stadium-a 60,000-seat facility designed by Renzo Piano for the 1990 World Cup. “It’s a great stadium in Bari. The size and the quality are tremendous, but certainly some things can be added to it,” Barton said. “We’re talking to the city about things we can do. We’re reviewing everything right now and once the deal is closed in October we’ll start implementing.” Like most team owners in Italy, Barton won’t control the stadium, which is run by the city.