(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/oseg-backs-winner-with-ottawa-fury-fc-move-to-usl-1.3824164
Analysis
OSEG backs winner with Fury FC move to USL
Failure not an option for ownership group that's committed to seeing soccer succeed in Ottawa
By Mario Carlucci, CBC News Posted: Oct 29, 2016 6:00 AM ET Last Updated: Oct 29, 2016 6:00 AM ET
Later today, Ottawa Fury FC will play its last game in the North American Soccer League.
The team announced Wednesday it will be leaving the NASL for the United Soccer League starting in 2017. The move has some fans worried, but most just aren't sure what to think. If you fall into either of those camps, here's what you need to know.
Having played three seasons in the NASL, a league that has tried and failed to parlay its heritage as the continent's original pro league into big crowds, it appears team owners Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group preferred to get going while the going was good.
Sunday, October 30, 2016
FC Cincinnati gets ready to make an impression on Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.wcpo.com/news/insider/fc-cincinnati-gets-ready-to-make-an-impression-on-major-league-soccer-commissioner-don-garber
FC Cincinnati gets ready to make an impression on Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber
Laurel Pfahler | WCPO contributor
8:00 AM, Oct 29, 2016
CINCINNATI -- FC Cincinnati already has left an impression on Major League Soccer -- enough so that its commissioner scheduled a visit to check out in person what could be one of the league’s next potential expansion markets.
However, less than a month before Don Garber’s scheduled tour of Cincinnati on Nov. 29, the second-year United Soccer League club, city and local supporters are busy trying to make sure he leaves with a lasting impression.
http://www.wcpo.com/news/insider/fc-cincinnati-gets-ready-to-make-an-impression-on-major-league-soccer-commissioner-don-garber
FC Cincinnati gets ready to make an impression on Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber
Laurel Pfahler | WCPO contributor
8:00 AM, Oct 29, 2016
CINCINNATI -- FC Cincinnati already has left an impression on Major League Soccer -- enough so that its commissioner scheduled a visit to check out in person what could be one of the league’s next potential expansion markets.
However, less than a month before Don Garber’s scheduled tour of Cincinnati on Nov. 29, the second-year United Soccer League club, city and local supporters are busy trying to make sure he leaves with a lasting impression.
Fury end frustrating season with loss, anxious for move to USL next season
(Follow link for full article.)
http://ottawacitizen.com/sports/soccer/fury-end-frustrating-season-with-loss-anxious-for-move-to-usl-next-season
Fury end frustrating season with loss, anxious for move to USL next season
Ken Warren, Ottawa Citizen
More from Ken Warren, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: October 29, 2016 | Last Updated: October 29, 2016 5:58 PM EDT
Strikers 1, Fury 0
Big changes were looming in the cool air, but France Dufour was playing the role of diehard Ottawa Fury fan Saturday afternoon.
http://ottawacitizen.com/sports/soccer/fury-end-frustrating-season-with-loss-anxious-for-move-to-usl-next-season
Fury end frustrating season with loss, anxious for move to USL next season
Ken Warren, Ottawa Citizen
More from Ken Warren, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: October 29, 2016 | Last Updated: October 29, 2016 5:58 PM EDT
Strikers 1, Fury 0
Big changes were looming in the cool air, but France Dufour was playing the role of diehard Ottawa Fury fan Saturday afternoon.
MLS math doesn't always add up
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/la-sp-soccer-baxter-20161029-story.html
MLS math doesn't always add up
Kevin Baxter / On Soccer
Major League Soccer says it drew more than 7.37 million spectators this season, breaking its attendance record for the third straight season.
What MLS won’t say publicly, however, is how many paid to get in — or how many even bothered to show up at all. And that could be a problem for a league that depends on the local fortunes of its teams to build and fund its growing success throughout the U.S. and Canada.
MLS, like the NBA, NHL and even the English Premier League, bases crowd figures on the number of tickets distributed, a practice that has become an industry standard. Major League Baseball measures the number of tickets sold.
But none of the top North American leagues use an old-school turnstile count, meaning none of the attendance figures they release reflect the number of people who actually attend the events.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/la-sp-soccer-baxter-20161029-story.html
MLS math doesn't always add up
Kevin Baxter / On Soccer
Major League Soccer says it drew more than 7.37 million spectators this season, breaking its attendance record for the third straight season.
What MLS won’t say publicly, however, is how many paid to get in — or how many even bothered to show up at all. And that could be a problem for a league that depends on the local fortunes of its teams to build and fund its growing success throughout the U.S. and Canada.
MLS, like the NBA, NHL and even the English Premier League, bases crowd figures on the number of tickets distributed, a practice that has become an industry standard. Major League Baseball measures the number of tickets sold.
But none of the top North American leagues use an old-school turnstile count, meaning none of the attendance figures they release reflect the number of people who actually attend the events.
Soccer | Crew: Precourt talks stadium as MLS teams build theirs
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/sports/2016/10/30/crew-sc--precourt-talks-stadium-as-mls-teams-build-theirs.html
Soccer | Crew: Precourt talks stadium as MLS teams build theirs
By Adam Jardy The Columbus Dispatch • Sunday October 30, 2016 8:46 AM
There is a growing facilities race in Major League Soccer, one that started here 17 years ago with the completion of Crew Stadium, as it was known then.
With expansion fees rising to record levels and the demand for new teams at an all-time high, the search for the latest and greatest is drawing a thicker line between the haves and the have-nots.
It’s one reason that Crew SC investor-operator Anthony Precourt, as he surveyed happenings around the league, recently authorized a survey determining interest for a new stadium in Columbus as part of the team’s long-term planning.
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/sports/2016/10/30/crew-sc--precourt-talks-stadium-as-mls-teams-build-theirs.html
Soccer | Crew: Precourt talks stadium as MLS teams build theirs
By Adam Jardy The Columbus Dispatch • Sunday October 30, 2016 8:46 AM
There is a growing facilities race in Major League Soccer, one that started here 17 years ago with the completion of Crew Stadium, as it was known then.
With expansion fees rising to record levels and the demand for new teams at an all-time high, the search for the latest and greatest is drawing a thicker line between the haves and the have-nots.
It’s one reason that Crew SC investor-operator Anthony Precourt, as he surveyed happenings around the league, recently authorized a survey determining interest for a new stadium in Columbus as part of the team’s long-term planning.
Rowdies end season with loss
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.tampabay.com/sports/soccer/rowdies-end-season-with-loss/2300680
Rowdies end season with loss
Sunday, October 30, 2016 7:14pm
"The two goals that we conceded in about a minute, that's extremely frustrating," Rowdies coach Stuart Campbell said. "The second goal came from a set piece that we should have defended better, and then we just didn't click back on in time for the third goal, and it cost us."
The Rowdies were hindered by some key absences. Tampa Bay's top three offensive players — Joe Cole (family issue), Georgi Hristov (suspension) and Eric Avila (broken leg) — were unavailable, as was right back Darnell King (suspension).
"We made a lot of changes, but I still expected to go out there and get the result we wanted," Campbell said.
The game was the Rowdies' last in the NASL. It moves to the USL next year.
http://www.tampabay.com/sports/soccer/rowdies-end-season-with-loss/2300680
Rowdies end season with loss
Sunday, October 30, 2016 7:14pm
"The two goals that we conceded in about a minute, that's extremely frustrating," Rowdies coach Stuart Campbell said. "The second goal came from a set piece that we should have defended better, and then we just didn't click back on in time for the third goal, and it cost us."
The Rowdies were hindered by some key absences. Tampa Bay's top three offensive players — Joe Cole (family issue), Georgi Hristov (suspension) and Eric Avila (broken leg) — were unavailable, as was right back Darnell King (suspension).
"We made a lot of changes, but I still expected to go out there and get the result we wanted," Campbell said.
The game was the Rowdies' last in the NASL. It moves to the USL next year.
FC Cincy to host MLS' Don Garber at Woodward Theater
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati/2016/10/28/fc-cincy-host-mls-don-garber-woodward-theater/92886812/
FC Cincy to host MLS' Don Garber at Woodward Theater
http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati/2016/10/28/fc-cincy-host-mls-don-garber-woodward-theater/92886812/
FC Cincy to host MLS' Don Garber at Woodward Theater
Woodward Theater Selected As Site To Host FCC Town Hall Event
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.fccincinnati.com/news_article/show/714588?referrer_id=2584136
Woodward Theater Selected As Site To Host FCC Town Hall Event
By Fumi Kimura, 10/28/16, 1:30PM EDT
CINCINNATI, OH --- FC Cincinnati and the Queen City will host Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber, Tuesday, Nov. 29 with the club hosting a town hall event at the Woodward Theater from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
http://www.fccincinnati.com/news_article/show/714588?referrer_id=2584136
Woodward Theater Selected As Site To Host FCC Town Hall Event
By Fumi Kimura, 10/28/16, 1:30PM EDT
CINCINNATI, OH --- FC Cincinnati and the Queen City will host Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber, Tuesday, Nov. 29 with the club hosting a town hall event at the Woodward Theater from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Second site, this one near downtown St. Louis, emerges for potential pro soccer stadium
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/another-site-this-one-near-downtown-st-louis-emerges-for/article_bed96aca-b2cb-5cd5-9612-a4a5fb5f3bc4.html
Second site, this one near downtown St. Louis, emerges for potential pro soccer stadium
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/another-site-this-one-near-downtown-st-louis-emerges-for/article_bed96aca-b2cb-5cd5-9612-a4a5fb5f3bc4.html
Second site, this one near downtown St. Louis, emerges for potential pro soccer stadium
Los Angeles Galaxy Open Talks With Manchester United For Wayne Rooney
(Follow link for full article.)
http://mlsmultiplex.com/2016/10/28/los-angeles-galaxy-open-talks-with-manchester-united-for-wayne-rooney/
Los Angeles Galaxy Open Talks With Manchester United For Wayne Rooney
http://mlsmultiplex.com/2016/10/28/los-angeles-galaxy-open-talks-with-manchester-united-for-wayne-rooney/
Los Angeles Galaxy Open Talks With Manchester United For Wayne Rooney
Tim Leiweke could play role in redevelopment of Seattle’s KeyArena
(Follow link for full article.)
http://nhl.nbcsports.com/2016/10/28/tim-leiweke-could-play-role-in-redevelopment-of-seattles-keyarena/
Tim Leiweke could play role in redevelopment of Seattle’s KeyArena
http://nhl.nbcsports.com/2016/10/28/tim-leiweke-could-play-role-in-redevelopment-of-seattles-keyarena/
Tim Leiweke could play role in redevelopment of Seattle’s KeyArena
Group interested in KeyArena renovation
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.yakimaherald.com/sports/professional_sports/group-interested-in-keyarena-renovation/article_061c2e8c-9cc6-11e6-83a0-8f0fe0b2880a.html
Group interested in KeyArena renovation
Leiweke-led company would try to attract an NBA and/or NHL team to venue
http://www.yakimaherald.com/sports/professional_sports/group-interested-in-keyarena-renovation/article_061c2e8c-9cc6-11e6-83a0-8f0fe0b2880a.html
Group interested in KeyArena renovation
Leiweke-led company would try to attract an NBA and/or NHL team to venue
Friday, October 28, 2016
Cosmos’ Savarese laments defection of rival Tampa Bay Rowdies
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.empireofsoccer.com/cosmos-savarese-laments-defection-of-rival-tampa-bay-rowdies-55068/
Cosmos’ Savarese laments defection of rival Tampa Bay Rowdies
By Dave Martinez on 10/26/2016
One bridge between the original NASL and its current iteration has been the rivalry between the New York Cosmos and the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Both teams have played to several contentious battles since 2013, adding a new and exciting chapter to their storied history.
But with Tampa Bay’s defection to the USL, that history is no more — and Cosmos’ head coach Giovanni Savarese laments the loss of his team’s primary rival.
“For the NASL and the history of the league, it’s definitely not a good thing that they are leaving,” Savarese tells EoS.
The Cosmos boss praised the Rowdies organization as one of the founding pillars of the modern NASL. He also spoke highly of the the unique, competitive nature of their encounters over the last several years.
But it isn’t just the on-field product that will be missed. Off the field, the Rowdies have long been admired league-wide for their strong initiatives at attracting fans and promoting the league — something Savarese feels magnifies their loss.
“Definitely it’s something that is not ideal for the NASL,” he said.
Rowdies owner Bill Edwards has been clear about his intentions to bring Tampa Bay back to the top division of American Soccer. For some time, that meant leading the NASL to rival the MLS establishment. In recent years, however, Tampa have been rumored to be flirting with a move to MLS instead. With the USL quickly becoming the vehicle for lower division clubs to make that jump, the Rowdies’ defection may speak to that larger goal.
http://www.empireofsoccer.com/cosmos-savarese-laments-defection-of-rival-tampa-bay-rowdies-55068/
Cosmos’ Savarese laments defection of rival Tampa Bay Rowdies
By Dave Martinez on 10/26/2016
One bridge between the original NASL and its current iteration has been the rivalry between the New York Cosmos and the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Both teams have played to several contentious battles since 2013, adding a new and exciting chapter to their storied history.
But with Tampa Bay’s defection to the USL, that history is no more — and Cosmos’ head coach Giovanni Savarese laments the loss of his team’s primary rival.
“For the NASL and the history of the league, it’s definitely not a good thing that they are leaving,” Savarese tells EoS.
The Cosmos boss praised the Rowdies organization as one of the founding pillars of the modern NASL. He also spoke highly of the the unique, competitive nature of their encounters over the last several years.
But it isn’t just the on-field product that will be missed. Off the field, the Rowdies have long been admired league-wide for their strong initiatives at attracting fans and promoting the league — something Savarese feels magnifies their loss.
“Definitely it’s something that is not ideal for the NASL,” he said.
Rowdies owner Bill Edwards has been clear about his intentions to bring Tampa Bay back to the top division of American Soccer. For some time, that meant leading the NASL to rival the MLS establishment. In recent years, however, Tampa have been rumored to be flirting with a move to MLS instead. With the USL quickly becoming the vehicle for lower division clubs to make that jump, the Rowdies’ defection may speak to that larger goal.
Joe Cole Reflects on First Season in Tampa Bay
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVDqguD_Yvc
Joe Cole Reflects on First Season in Tampa Bay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVDqguD_Yvc
Joe Cole Reflects on First Season in Tampa Bay
GAME 16: Rowdies Home Attendance Thread (10/22 vs. Ottawa Fury FC) (self.TampaBayRowdies)
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/594pfs/game_16_rowdies_home_attendance_thread_1022_vs/
GAME 16: Rowdies Home Attendance Thread (10/22 vs. Ottawa Fury FC) (self.TampaBayRowdies)
phat7deuce
Rachel Platten, amirite?!?
But seriously I was just talking to people the whole time during the concert. At Flo Rida, I was like, "Damn, how do I know so many Flo Rida songs?!?" This wasn't quite the same, but a nice gesture from the front office for the Adult Contemporary/Pop crowd. Maybe next year we'll get Slayer.
Anyway, on to attendance! We had 7,641 in the books for this one. The hill was full (I'm sure some people lost their lives on that hill that day.) We sit in the corner to the right of what was home plate...about 10-15 minutes into the match people were having a hard time finding a seat in GA and we had people standing in the aisle the rest of the match. (We actually had people sitting on the stairs in our section, as well.)
Below does a cumulative total and since we had one extra game this year, our total attendance growth was +14.1%. Our actual growth (average over average) was +4.0% (from 5,649 in 2015 to 5,878 in 2016). We've grown every single year of the Rowdies existence except for year 2. Pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty...good. Pretty good.
I'll throw up another one of these after the season ends to see how we stack up against everyone else when they all have their last games in the book. Looks like we'll finish 3rd in the attendance table unless Miami has a massive last home game this Friday.
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/594pfs/game_16_rowdies_home_attendance_thread_1022_vs/
GAME 16: Rowdies Home Attendance Thread (10/22 vs. Ottawa Fury FC) (self.TampaBayRowdies)
phat7deuce
Rachel Platten, amirite?!?
But seriously I was just talking to people the whole time during the concert. At Flo Rida, I was like, "Damn, how do I know so many Flo Rida songs?!?" This wasn't quite the same, but a nice gesture from the front office for the Adult Contemporary/Pop crowd. Maybe next year we'll get Slayer.
Anyway, on to attendance! We had 7,641 in the books for this one. The hill was full (I'm sure some people lost their lives on that hill that day.) We sit in the corner to the right of what was home plate...about 10-15 minutes into the match people were having a hard time finding a seat in GA and we had people standing in the aisle the rest of the match. (We actually had people sitting on the stairs in our section, as well.)
Below does a cumulative total and since we had one extra game this year, our total attendance growth was +14.1%. Our actual growth (average over average) was +4.0% (from 5,649 in 2015 to 5,878 in 2016). We've grown every single year of the Rowdies existence except for year 2. Pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty...good. Pretty good.
I'll throw up another one of these after the season ends to see how we stack up against everyone else when they all have their last games in the book. Looks like we'll finish 3rd in the attendance table unless Miami has a massive last home game this Friday.
Soundbites from Don Garber at Tampa Bay Sports Business Event at USF (x-post from r/TampaBayRowdies) (reddit.com)
1. Don Garber was extremely complimentary regarding the Tampa Bay market and Al Lang stadium. Garber did go out of his way to mention the beauty of Al Lang's waterfront view.
2. Garber mentioned MLS looking to expand to 28 teams. Sacramento, Las Vegas, San Antonio, and many others were mentioned. Miami didn't sound definite.
3. Audience question was asked about Orlando having a hold of this market. Garber said Tampa Bay is doing great things and is a prime market.
4. Don Garber also mentioned that it is pivotal that the St. Pete Mayor (Kriseman) and the other governmental bodies get behind bringing MLS to St Pete.
5. Garber mentioned Bill Edwards by name a couple of times during the discussion. As soon as the discussion finished and everyone began to mingle, Edwards was the first person Garber spoke to. Garber acknowledged the large media market we have here in Tampa Bay. He also mentioned that if Tampa had an MLS team that Orlando City's TV rights could be changed.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://np.reddit.com/r/MLS/comments/59luz2/soundbites_from_don_garber_at_tampa_bay_sports/
Soundbites from Don Garber at Tampa Bay Sports Business Event at USF (x-post from r/TampaBayRowdies) (reddit.com)
phat7deuce
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Korv13
People often forget it but Tampa Bay is the biggest TV market without a MLS team (yes, just before Phoenix and Detroit) and that it is the 5th biggest metropolitan area without a MLS team (behind Detroit, Phoenix, San Diego, St. Louis).
If Garber has good words for the market (he said it's a PRIME market), goes out of his way to speak about the stadium and is clearly inviting the political bodies to weight in for MLS expansion, it proves that, at least, MLS has a certain interest in Tampa Bay.
Now, the next times Garber will talk about expansion, let's see if he mentions Tampa Bay. If he does, it will be time for Rowdies fans to buy some tickets for the MLS expansion hype train.
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arm0redturkey
PLUS. The league is really focused on close proximity rivalries (cascadia, Ny +NYC, LA + LA2)
Giving Orlando a strong rivalry (or hell, lets see what happens with Miami, maybe 2) might really help the league cut into NFL domination of Florida. After all, its not like the jags, bucs, or dolphins have much to boast these days. These are fertile grounds.
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phat7deuce
jags, bucs, or dolphins
You could make a case that the NFL could learn a thing or two here...place these 3 in the same division with Atlanta and create some better pro football interest in Florida...
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phat7deuce
If he does, it will be time for Rowdies fans to buy some tickets for the MLS expansion hype train.
CHOO-CHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
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dietrich14
WOOOOOOTTTT.... Woot, WoooOOOOOTTT
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UCFWayne
As an OCSC fan, I hate the Rowdies. However, I would absolutely love to see them move up to MLS. IF Beckham were ever able to get his crap together, we would have one hell of a 3 way FL rivalry. It would certainly rival the cascadia rivalry. This would only help to grow MLS.
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LionBull
I grew up a Rowdies fan. I now live in Orlando and am an OCSC STH. I am starting to hate this iteration of the Rowdies, but mostly because of the fan interaction between the two groups. I would hope that the Rowdies will eventually get into the MLS and the supporter groups will grow up so we can have a great rivalry that is mature and safe.
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phat7deuce
the supporter groups will grow up so we can have a great rivalry that is mature and safe
Agreed...I think it is calming though. As a Mob member I hate Orlando...like I hate the Cosmos or Strikers, but like with the Cosmos or Strikers supporters I'd rather be able to drink a beer before and after with Orlando supporters and just hate for the 90 minutes on the pitch.
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LionBull
So it is really strange because the Orlando groups are very easy going and very friendly with all the other MLS team supporters groups. I think the reality is that a few of the youngest members of each group drank a little too much before one of the games and started getting into it during one of the tailgates. And, as young men influenced by alcohol will sometimes do, it just sort of escalated for no other reason than each group felt threatened by the other due to the perceived "rivalry". No reason the two groups can't just have a great pre-game tailgate and trash talk each other good naturedly just like both groups do with everyone else. Well, no reason other than testosterone and alcohol.
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Gordon13ombay
Outside observer here, but what's up with the supporters groups down there?
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dietrich14
It's a looonnnggg story, involving fire, cussing and crossing lines between sections which started a fight. Both groups are bettet at policing their own now. Icsuspect this winters expansion of Al Lang will create an opportunity to keep supporters seperated throughout the match instead of 5 sections over.
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Gordon13ombay
Wow. Were these SG's supporting the same club or problems caused when a rival visited?
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howdjadoo
Things blew up the last time Orlando came to St. Pete. ILF and Ralph's Mob do not get along unfortunately.
Also, RM is the only Rowdies SG.
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Mike-Taylor
Maybe Beckham can take a look at the Rowdies as a possibility and leave Miami to the NASL.
(My comment: that's what this blog is for.)
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phat7deuce
I imagine, just because of the pattern of how the Rowdies make announcements, that we'll have a press/supporter event sometime after the NASL season ends to talk more about the direction of the club.
On Twitter I joked that David Beckham would descend from the ceiling at that event...WWE style.
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Arkin_Longinus
No chance Miami is vastly more valuable than Tampa. They're excluding Miami because of Beckham in the article.
(My comment: this comment above makes no sense, but is typical of a certain type. Miami is not "vastly more valuable than Tampa". The Tampa Bay area is a bigger TV market than the Miami market. Miami is only "vastly more valuable" to people who don't know anything about Florida except that Miami and Orlando (Disney World) are in Florida, and that's it. It's a sexy city to foreigners who don't know anything much about Florida or the USA.
This also is utterly false and/or incoherent: "They're excluding Miami because of Beckham in the article." There is no article. Miami isn't being excluded. There is a series of tweets from someone at the Garber lecture. "They" aren't excluding Miami; Garber is indicating in his talk (see first hand accounts published here, on reddit, on Facebook, and elsewhere) that Miami doesn't look likely to happen; this is the first time that Garber hasn't made rote talk about Miami "coming along fine". Miami isn't fine. Miami isn't happening. No SSS, no billionaire investor that Beckham needs, no news. Nothing.
Miami is going to lose its place as MLS team number 24; so what does Beckham do then? He can keep trying to make something work in Miami, but if he can't do it in 3 years, he is unlikely to do it in 4 or 5 years. If Bill Edwards puts together a team of investors and a solid plan for a SSS at Al Lang together with the Mayor of St. Petersburg, he could get the Rowdies in as team number 24 in time to play in 2018 in MLS. This is possible if you read between the lines of what Garber said. Tampa Bay area is the biggest TV market that does not currently have an MLS team. Tampa Bay is an easy switch if Miami doesn't happen, as Tampa Bay is, like Miami, in Florida and in the Southeast so it builds the national footprint for MLS just as well as Miami does, if not better.
Beckham could try to wait and see if Las Vegas builds a stadium for the Raiders, but Las Vegas is a much smaller market, with poorer demographics, than the Tampa Bay area. Tampa Bay Rowdies are a team with a 41 year old brand name and are still well known in the UK. If Miami doesn't happen, as seems likely now, it would make a lot of sense for Beckham to jump on the Bill Edwards/Tampa Bay Rowdies bandwagon, assuming it is going to MLS - which seems likely now. It's simply a matter of waiting for the pieces to fall into place now. Watch.)
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dietrich14
I tread carfully on this subject, best to leave it be. It's still pretty hot all these years later. For background just search "Orlando Rowdies" on YouTube.
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arm0redturkey
Meh, I dont think theres as much hate as people bill it.
Orlando Did have a problem with fans for a while, but the organization and fanbase rose to the challenge and have built something wonderful.
Rowdies FO also made some rookie mistakes in dealing with the incident at Al Lang. All and all its just some organizational maturing.
2. Garber mentioned MLS looking to expand to 28 teams. Sacramento, Las Vegas, San Antonio, and many others were mentioned. Miami didn't sound definite.
3. Audience question was asked about Orlando having a hold of this market. Garber said Tampa Bay is doing great things and is a prime market.
4. Don Garber also mentioned that it is pivotal that the St. Pete Mayor (Kriseman) and the other governmental bodies get behind bringing MLS to St Pete.
5. Garber mentioned Bill Edwards by name a couple of times during the discussion. As soon as the discussion finished and everyone began to mingle, Edwards was the first person Garber spoke to. Garber acknowledged the large media market we have here in Tampa Bay. He also mentioned that if Tampa had an MLS team that Orlando City's TV rights could be changed.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://np.reddit.com/r/MLS/comments/59luz2/soundbites_from_don_garber_at_tampa_bay_sports/
Soundbites from Don Garber at Tampa Bay Sports Business Event at USF (x-post from r/TampaBayRowdies) (reddit.com)
phat7deuce
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Korv13
People often forget it but Tampa Bay is the biggest TV market without a MLS team (yes, just before Phoenix and Detroit) and that it is the 5th biggest metropolitan area without a MLS team (behind Detroit, Phoenix, San Diego, St. Louis).
If Garber has good words for the market (he said it's a PRIME market), goes out of his way to speak about the stadium and is clearly inviting the political bodies to weight in for MLS expansion, it proves that, at least, MLS has a certain interest in Tampa Bay.
Now, the next times Garber will talk about expansion, let's see if he mentions Tampa Bay. If he does, it will be time for Rowdies fans to buy some tickets for the MLS expansion hype train.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
arm0redturkey
PLUS. The league is really focused on close proximity rivalries (cascadia, Ny +NYC, LA + LA2)
Giving Orlando a strong rivalry (or hell, lets see what happens with Miami, maybe 2) might really help the league cut into NFL domination of Florida. After all, its not like the jags, bucs, or dolphins have much to boast these days. These are fertile grounds.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
phat7deuce
jags, bucs, or dolphins
You could make a case that the NFL could learn a thing or two here...place these 3 in the same division with Atlanta and create some better pro football interest in Florida...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
phat7deuce
If he does, it will be time for Rowdies fans to buy some tickets for the MLS expansion hype train.
CHOO-CHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
dietrich14
WOOOOOOTTTT.... Woot, WoooOOOOOTTT
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UCFWayne
As an OCSC fan, I hate the Rowdies. However, I would absolutely love to see them move up to MLS. IF Beckham were ever able to get his crap together, we would have one hell of a 3 way FL rivalry. It would certainly rival the cascadia rivalry. This would only help to grow MLS.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LionBull
I grew up a Rowdies fan. I now live in Orlando and am an OCSC STH. I am starting to hate this iteration of the Rowdies, but mostly because of the fan interaction between the two groups. I would hope that the Rowdies will eventually get into the MLS and the supporter groups will grow up so we can have a great rivalry that is mature and safe.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
phat7deuce
the supporter groups will grow up so we can have a great rivalry that is mature and safe
Agreed...I think it is calming though. As a Mob member I hate Orlando...like I hate the Cosmos or Strikers, but like with the Cosmos or Strikers supporters I'd rather be able to drink a beer before and after with Orlando supporters and just hate for the 90 minutes on the pitch.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LionBull
So it is really strange because the Orlando groups are very easy going and very friendly with all the other MLS team supporters groups. I think the reality is that a few of the youngest members of each group drank a little too much before one of the games and started getting into it during one of the tailgates. And, as young men influenced by alcohol will sometimes do, it just sort of escalated for no other reason than each group felt threatened by the other due to the perceived "rivalry". No reason the two groups can't just have a great pre-game tailgate and trash talk each other good naturedly just like both groups do with everyone else. Well, no reason other than testosterone and alcohol.
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Gordon13ombay
Outside observer here, but what's up with the supporters groups down there?
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dietrich14
It's a looonnnggg story, involving fire, cussing and crossing lines between sections which started a fight. Both groups are bettet at policing their own now. Icsuspect this winters expansion of Al Lang will create an opportunity to keep supporters seperated throughout the match instead of 5 sections over.
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Gordon13ombay
Wow. Were these SG's supporting the same club or problems caused when a rival visited?
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howdjadoo
Things blew up the last time Orlando came to St. Pete. ILF and Ralph's Mob do not get along unfortunately.
Also, RM is the only Rowdies SG.
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Mike-Taylor
Maybe Beckham can take a look at the Rowdies as a possibility and leave Miami to the NASL.
(My comment: that's what this blog is for.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
phat7deuce
I imagine, just because of the pattern of how the Rowdies make announcements, that we'll have a press/supporter event sometime after the NASL season ends to talk more about the direction of the club.
On Twitter I joked that David Beckham would descend from the ceiling at that event...WWE style.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arkin_Longinus
No chance Miami is vastly more valuable than Tampa. They're excluding Miami because of Beckham in the article.
(My comment: this comment above makes no sense, but is typical of a certain type. Miami is not "vastly more valuable than Tampa". The Tampa Bay area is a bigger TV market than the Miami market. Miami is only "vastly more valuable" to people who don't know anything about Florida except that Miami and Orlando (Disney World) are in Florida, and that's it. It's a sexy city to foreigners who don't know anything much about Florida or the USA.
This also is utterly false and/or incoherent: "They're excluding Miami because of Beckham in the article." There is no article. Miami isn't being excluded. There is a series of tweets from someone at the Garber lecture. "They" aren't excluding Miami; Garber is indicating in his talk (see first hand accounts published here, on reddit, on Facebook, and elsewhere) that Miami doesn't look likely to happen; this is the first time that Garber hasn't made rote talk about Miami "coming along fine". Miami isn't fine. Miami isn't happening. No SSS, no billionaire investor that Beckham needs, no news. Nothing.
Miami is going to lose its place as MLS team number 24; so what does Beckham do then? He can keep trying to make something work in Miami, but if he can't do it in 3 years, he is unlikely to do it in 4 or 5 years. If Bill Edwards puts together a team of investors and a solid plan for a SSS at Al Lang together with the Mayor of St. Petersburg, he could get the Rowdies in as team number 24 in time to play in 2018 in MLS. This is possible if you read between the lines of what Garber said. Tampa Bay area is the biggest TV market that does not currently have an MLS team. Tampa Bay is an easy switch if Miami doesn't happen, as Tampa Bay is, like Miami, in Florida and in the Southeast so it builds the national footprint for MLS just as well as Miami does, if not better.
Beckham could try to wait and see if Las Vegas builds a stadium for the Raiders, but Las Vegas is a much smaller market, with poorer demographics, than the Tampa Bay area. Tampa Bay Rowdies are a team with a 41 year old brand name and are still well known in the UK. If Miami doesn't happen, as seems likely now, it would make a lot of sense for Beckham to jump on the Bill Edwards/Tampa Bay Rowdies bandwagon, assuming it is going to MLS - which seems likely now. It's simply a matter of waiting for the pieces to fall into place now. Watch.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
dietrich14
I tread carfully on this subject, best to leave it be. It's still pretty hot all these years later. For background just search "Orlando Rowdies" on YouTube.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
arm0redturkey
Meh, I dont think theres as much hate as people bill it.
Orlando Did have a problem with fans for a while, but the organization and fanbase rose to the challenge and have built something wonderful.
Rowdies FO also made some rookie mistakes in dealing with the incident at Al Lang. All and all its just some organizational maturing.
Soundbites from Don Garber at Tampa Bay Sports Business Event at USF (self.TampaBayRowdies)
1. Don Garber was extremely complimentary regarding the Tampa Bay market and Al Lang stadium. Garber did go out of his way to mention the beauty of Al Lang's waterfront view.
2. Garber mentioned MLS looking to expand to 28 teams. Sacramento, Las Vegas, San Antonio, and many others were mentioned. Miami didn't sound definite.
3. Audience question was asked about Orlando having a hold of this market. Garber said Tampa Bay is doing great things and is a prime market.
4. Don Garber also mentioned that it is pivotal that the St. Pete Mayor (Kriseman) and the other governmental bodies get behind bringing MLS to St Pete.
5. Garber mentioned Bill Edwards by name a couple of times during the discussion. As soon as the discussion finished and everyone began to mingle, Edwards was the first person Garber spoke to. Garber acknowledged the large media market we have here in Tampa Bay. He also mentioned that if Tampa had an MLS team that Orlando City's TV rights could be changed.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/59lgm0/soundbites_from_don_garber_at_tampa_bay_sports/
Soundbites from Don Garber at Tampa Bay Sports Business Event at USF (self.TampaBayRowdies)
phat7deuce
(h/t @sudsanity for tweeting highlights from the talk: https://twitter.com/sudsanity/status/791442295019204609)
Series of tweets below
A few Rowdies people in attendance tonight at the #TampaSportsBiz event as well as USL personnel
Don Garber was extremely complimentary regarding the Tampa Bay market and Al Lang stadium while acknowledging the attendees
Garber mentioned MLS looking to expand to 28 teams. Sacramento, Vegas, San Antonio, and many others mentioned. Miami didnt sound definite...
...he did go out of his way to mention the beauty of Al Lang's waterfront view.
Audience question was asked about Orlando having a hold of this market. Garber said Tampa Bay is doing great things and is a prime market
Don Garber also mentioned that it's pivotal that the Mayor (@Kriseman) and the other governmental bodies get behind bringing MLS to St Pete
EDIT: Added context from u/RyeToastK below:
Garber mentioned Bill Edwards by name a couple times during the discussion. As soon as the discussion finished and everyone began to mingle, Edwards was the first person Garber spoke to. Garber acknowledged the large media market we have here in Tampa Bay. He also mentioned that if Tampa had an MLS team that Orlando City's TV rights could be changed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
reanimate_me
I wanted to go to that
but I had class at that time.
Don Garber also mentioned that it's pivotal that the Mayor (@Kriseman) and the other governmental bodies get behind bringing MLS to St Pete
I love this. What sub was it the other night where someone was saying MLS wants Tampa and not St. Pete? Looks like that was wrong and I was right.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
phat7deuce
It was in r/NASLsoccer...to some extent they may prefer Tampa because it's more well known than St. Pete. MLS also wanted Minnesota United to be in Minneapolis vs. St. Paul. If it were to ever be seriously pursued I think they'd be hard pressed to find a better location in Tampa than we already have in St. Pete. And for those concerned about coming over the bridge because of the Rays struggles, as someone said in another thread it's easier to get 18k to St. Pete on a Saturday than get 30k to watch baseball game 56 of 81 on a Tuesday night against rush hour traffic.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
reanimate_me
I don't even think you'll find much support for a soccer specific stadium in Tampa until at least the Rays situation is resolved, and I somehow doubt Tampa will be eager to build another stadium right after that is completed. I wish St. Pete leadership would wake up and realize the Rays are not going to stay in St. Pete and let Tampa have them and focus on helping the Rowdies succeed in DTSP.
And for those concerned about coming over the bridge because of the Rays struggles, as someone said in another thread it's easier to get 18k to St. Pete on a Saturday than get 30k to watch baseball game 56 of 81 on a Tuesday night against rush hour traffic.
Yup. I mostly cruised on my way to Rowdies matches. Meanwhile, remember that game the Rays played where they donated all proceeds to the Orlando shooting victims fund and 40,000 people attended? It took me two hours to get there. That bridge is night and day during the week and weekend.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
phat7deuce
I used to commute home from Tampa to St. Pete on on Red Sox or Yankees game nights it was horrible because of the timing...weekends are a total different story.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EquinsuOcha
Tampa is still paying for the Bucs stadium and the Lightning, so they're pretty much tapped out as far as a tax goes. MLS is nice, but it doesn't have the pull of the other two leagues as far as average citizens are concerned. Any stadium will have to be privately financed, or may have a tax subsidy like the one in St. Paul.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
dietrich14
It was a discussion between Kartik, myself and others. They're a lot of reasons why st.P is a bad location for baseball (and one could argue hockey and basketball) but perfect for Saturday night Soccer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
reanimate_me
Right. That's the point I think I tried to make. The Rays issue are completely independent of the rowdies.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
burr11
I think it's interesting how he totally blew off the notion of Orlando's territorial rights. Basically MLS isn't going to let a thing like that stand in the way of capturing a good market.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MobEquinsuOcha
Tampa Bay is the #13 television market in the country. Orlando is #19. MLS wants that rivalry.
(My comment: Tampa Bay is now #11 TV market, the largest not in MLS.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
reanimate_me
Orlando doesn't really even deserve Tampa Bay in its territorial rights because they never advertise here and the media here never covers them in return. It's basically a waste of time.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
phat7deuce
I can't imagine they would have...I thought that was overblown when that story rose about around the stadium lease extension earlier this year...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mike-Taylor
I would love to see the Rowdies make a solid push for MLS.
2. Garber mentioned MLS looking to expand to 28 teams. Sacramento, Las Vegas, San Antonio, and many others were mentioned. Miami didn't sound definite.
3. Audience question was asked about Orlando having a hold of this market. Garber said Tampa Bay is doing great things and is a prime market.
4. Don Garber also mentioned that it is pivotal that the St. Pete Mayor (Kriseman) and the other governmental bodies get behind bringing MLS to St Pete.
5. Garber mentioned Bill Edwards by name a couple of times during the discussion. As soon as the discussion finished and everyone began to mingle, Edwards was the first person Garber spoke to. Garber acknowledged the large media market we have here in Tampa Bay. He also mentioned that if Tampa had an MLS team that Orlando City's TV rights could be changed.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/59lgm0/soundbites_from_don_garber_at_tampa_bay_sports/
Soundbites from Don Garber at Tampa Bay Sports Business Event at USF (self.TampaBayRowdies)
phat7deuce
(h/t @sudsanity for tweeting highlights from the talk: https://twitter.com/sudsanity/status/791442295019204609)
Series of tweets below
A few Rowdies people in attendance tonight at the #TampaSportsBiz event as well as USL personnel
Don Garber was extremely complimentary regarding the Tampa Bay market and Al Lang stadium while acknowledging the attendees
Garber mentioned MLS looking to expand to 28 teams. Sacramento, Vegas, San Antonio, and many others mentioned. Miami didnt sound definite...
...he did go out of his way to mention the beauty of Al Lang's waterfront view.
Audience question was asked about Orlando having a hold of this market. Garber said Tampa Bay is doing great things and is a prime market
Don Garber also mentioned that it's pivotal that the Mayor (@Kriseman) and the other governmental bodies get behind bringing MLS to St Pete
EDIT: Added context from u/RyeToastK below:
Garber mentioned Bill Edwards by name a couple times during the discussion. As soon as the discussion finished and everyone began to mingle, Edwards was the first person Garber spoke to. Garber acknowledged the large media market we have here in Tampa Bay. He also mentioned that if Tampa had an MLS team that Orlando City's TV rights could be changed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
reanimate_me
I wanted to go to that
but I had class at that time.
Don Garber also mentioned that it's pivotal that the Mayor (@Kriseman) and the other governmental bodies get behind bringing MLS to St Pete
I love this. What sub was it the other night where someone was saying MLS wants Tampa and not St. Pete? Looks like that was wrong and I was right.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
phat7deuce
It was in r/NASLsoccer...to some extent they may prefer Tampa because it's more well known than St. Pete. MLS also wanted Minnesota United to be in Minneapolis vs. St. Paul. If it were to ever be seriously pursued I think they'd be hard pressed to find a better location in Tampa than we already have in St. Pete. And for those concerned about coming over the bridge because of the Rays struggles, as someone said in another thread it's easier to get 18k to St. Pete on a Saturday than get 30k to watch baseball game 56 of 81 on a Tuesday night against rush hour traffic.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
reanimate_me
I don't even think you'll find much support for a soccer specific stadium in Tampa until at least the Rays situation is resolved, and I somehow doubt Tampa will be eager to build another stadium right after that is completed. I wish St. Pete leadership would wake up and realize the Rays are not going to stay in St. Pete and let Tampa have them and focus on helping the Rowdies succeed in DTSP.
And for those concerned about coming over the bridge because of the Rays struggles, as someone said in another thread it's easier to get 18k to St. Pete on a Saturday than get 30k to watch baseball game 56 of 81 on a Tuesday night against rush hour traffic.
Yup. I mostly cruised on my way to Rowdies matches. Meanwhile, remember that game the Rays played where they donated all proceeds to the Orlando shooting victims fund and 40,000 people attended? It took me two hours to get there. That bridge is night and day during the week and weekend.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
phat7deuce
I used to commute home from Tampa to St. Pete on on Red Sox or Yankees game nights it was horrible because of the timing...weekends are a total different story.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EquinsuOcha
Tampa is still paying for the Bucs stadium and the Lightning, so they're pretty much tapped out as far as a tax goes. MLS is nice, but it doesn't have the pull of the other two leagues as far as average citizens are concerned. Any stadium will have to be privately financed, or may have a tax subsidy like the one in St. Paul.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
dietrich14
It was a discussion between Kartik, myself and others. They're a lot of reasons why st.P is a bad location for baseball (and one could argue hockey and basketball) but perfect for Saturday night Soccer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
reanimate_me
Right. That's the point I think I tried to make. The Rays issue are completely independent of the rowdies.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
burr11
I think it's interesting how he totally blew off the notion of Orlando's territorial rights. Basically MLS isn't going to let a thing like that stand in the way of capturing a good market.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MobEquinsuOcha
Tampa Bay is the #13 television market in the country. Orlando is #19. MLS wants that rivalry.
(My comment: Tampa Bay is now #11 TV market, the largest not in MLS.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
reanimate_me
Orlando doesn't really even deserve Tampa Bay in its territorial rights because they never advertise here and the media here never covers them in return. It's basically a waste of time.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
phat7deuce
I can't imagine they would have...I thought that was overblown when that story rose about around the stadium lease extension earlier this year...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mike-Taylor
I would love to see the Rowdies make a solid push for MLS.
Taking Attendance 10/28/2016: MLS Flattens Out
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.kenn.com/the_blog/?p=8304
Taking Attendance 10/28/2016: MLS Flattens Out
http://www.kenn.com/the_blog/?p=8304
Taking Attendance 10/28/2016: MLS Flattens Out
Important MLS dates for 2016-2017
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/leagues/mls2.php?article_id=46301
October 26, 2016
CIRCLE THESE DATES
Important MLS dates for 2016-2017
NEW YORK – Major League Soccer Wednesday released its 2016-17 offseason calendar, outlining important offseason events and timetables as teams begin to make preparations for the 2017 season.
Highlighting the offseason, the MLS player combine returns to Los Angeles in January for the first time in 10 years, accompanied by the MLS SuperDraft.
Expansion clubs Atlanta United and Minnesota United FC will look to capitalize on five player acquisition mechanisms through December and January as they build competitive rosters.
http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/leagues/mls2.php?article_id=46301
October 26, 2016
CIRCLE THESE DATES
Important MLS dates for 2016-2017
NEW YORK – Major League Soccer Wednesday released its 2016-17 offseason calendar, outlining important offseason events and timetables as teams begin to make preparations for the 2017 season.
Highlighting the offseason, the MLS player combine returns to Los Angeles in January for the first time in 10 years, accompanied by the MLS SuperDraft.
Expansion clubs Atlanta United and Minnesota United FC will look to capitalize on five player acquisition mechanisms through December and January as they build competitive rosters.
Second site, this one near downtown St. Louis, emerges for potential pro soccer stadium
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/downtown-site-emerges-for-potential-mls-stadium/article_bed96aca-b2cb-5cd5-9612-a4a5fb5f3bc4.html
Second site, this one near downtown St. Louis, emerges for potential pro soccer stadium
By Mike Faulk
Another potential Major League Soccer stadium site is emerging in downtown St. Louis.
The city has secured the option to possibly purchase 30 acres owned by the state Department of Transportation near 22nd Street and Highway 40 (Interstate 64). The city has spoken with potential MLS team ownership groups about the site, “but there may be other potential uses as well,” Otis Williams, executive director of the city’s Land Clearance and Redevelopment Authority, said Thursday.
“We have had discussions but there has not been any commitment or decision on any front related to that,” Williams said.
There are at least two potential MLS ownership groups in St. Louis.
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/downtown-site-emerges-for-potential-mls-stadium/article_bed96aca-b2cb-5cd5-9612-a4a5fb5f3bc4.html
Second site, this one near downtown St. Louis, emerges for potential pro soccer stadium
By Mike Faulk
Another potential Major League Soccer stadium site is emerging in downtown St. Louis.
The city has secured the option to possibly purchase 30 acres owned by the state Department of Transportation near 22nd Street and Highway 40 (Interstate 64). The city has spoken with potential MLS team ownership groups about the site, “but there may be other potential uses as well,” Otis Williams, executive director of the city’s Land Clearance and Redevelopment Authority, said Thursday.
“We have had discussions but there has not been any commitment or decision on any front related to that,” Williams said.
There are at least two potential MLS ownership groups in St. Louis.
USL adds Tampa Bay Rowdies and Ottawa Fury to league for 2017
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.insideworldfootball.com/2016/10/28/usl-adds-tampa-bay-rowdies-ottawa-fury-league-2017/
28 October 2016 GMT: 16:12
USL adds Tampa Bay Rowdies and Ottawa Fury to league for 2017
28th October 2016
USL and Tampa
By Paul Nicholson
August 28 – The United Soccer League (USL) the third tier of the US professional game has won over two teams from the second tier of US soccer, the NASL, for the 2017 season. Tampa Bay Rowdies and the Ottawa Fury will join Reno 1868 as expansion sides.
The three new teams will push the USL to 32 teams, six teams were added for the 2016 season. Tampa Bay and Ottawa will join the Eastern Conference with the number of regular season games for the league increasing from 30 to 32.
With the NASL also losing Minnesota United – they are moving to becoming an MLS franchise – the future for the US’s oldest professional soccer league (at least in name) which still houses the New York Cosmos, arguably the most famous club brand in US football, looks under threat, though the league says it is in conversation with potentially six new franchises.
The Tampa Bay Rowdies is a name associated with US soccer since the 1970s when it boasted names like England’s mercurial forward Rodney Marsh, Oscar Fabbiani (Chile), Steve Wegerle (South Africa) and Clyde Best (Bermuda), the first black player to play in the English First Division (look at for his autobiography to be published this Christmas and ghost written by Insideworldfootball chief correspondent Andrew Warshaw).
The team won the US Soccer Bowl in its inaugural season in 1975, and again in 2012, though it had been through a few iterations and different leagues in between times. They competed in the old NASL until it folded in 1984 when they continued to play in other leagues until 1993 before being revived in 2008 as FC Tampa Bay. Rowdies Chairman and CEO Bill Edwards renamed them the Rowdies in 2011.
http://www.insideworldfootball.com/2016/10/28/usl-adds-tampa-bay-rowdies-ottawa-fury-league-2017/
28 October 2016 GMT: 16:12
USL adds Tampa Bay Rowdies and Ottawa Fury to league for 2017
28th October 2016
USL and Tampa
By Paul Nicholson
August 28 – The United Soccer League (USL) the third tier of the US professional game has won over two teams from the second tier of US soccer, the NASL, for the 2017 season. Tampa Bay Rowdies and the Ottawa Fury will join Reno 1868 as expansion sides.
The three new teams will push the USL to 32 teams, six teams were added for the 2016 season. Tampa Bay and Ottawa will join the Eastern Conference with the number of regular season games for the league increasing from 30 to 32.
With the NASL also losing Minnesota United – they are moving to becoming an MLS franchise – the future for the US’s oldest professional soccer league (at least in name) which still houses the New York Cosmos, arguably the most famous club brand in US football, looks under threat, though the league says it is in conversation with potentially six new franchises.
The Tampa Bay Rowdies is a name associated with US soccer since the 1970s when it boasted names like England’s mercurial forward Rodney Marsh, Oscar Fabbiani (Chile), Steve Wegerle (South Africa) and Clyde Best (Bermuda), the first black player to play in the English First Division (look at for his autobiography to be published this Christmas and ghost written by Insideworldfootball chief correspondent Andrew Warshaw).
The team won the US Soccer Bowl in its inaugural season in 1975, and again in 2012, though it had been through a few iterations and different leagues in between times. They competed in the old NASL until it folded in 1984 when they continued to play in other leagues until 1993 before being revived in 2008 as FC Tampa Bay. Rowdies Chairman and CEO Bill Edwards renamed them the Rowdies in 2011.
Bay Area soccer roundup: Deltas’ happy hour at Danny Coyles
(Follow link for full article.)
http://blog.sfgate.com/soccer/2016/10/28/bay-area-soccer-roundup-deltas-happy-hour-at-danny-coyles/
Bay Area soccer roundup: Deltas’ happy hour at Danny Coyles
By SFGate on October 28, 2016 at 4:00 AM
DELTAS’ HAPPY HOUR AT DANNY COYLES TONIGHT
NASL expansion club, the San Francisco Deltas, are hosting another of their Happy Hour events tonight in Lower Haight.
Members of the Deltas Operations team including CEO, Brian Andrés will be there to meet and greet fans. Halloween costumes are encouraged and a prize will be awarded for the best costume.
The first 50 people at the event taking place at Danny Coyles will get a complimentary beer courtesy of the Deltas.
The Deltas are scheduled to begin league play at Kezar Stadium in 2017, though the NASL landscape may have changed a bit by then, as the Tampa Bay Rowdies and the Ottawa Fury both announced this week, they’ll be moving to the United Soccer League (USL) for the 2017 season.
Danny Coyles has been a long-time San Francisco’s venue for watching soccer, and is home to several supporters clubs for soccer teams including the Seattle Sounders, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur.
SF DELTAS HAPPY HOUR
Friday, October 28,, 2016 – 6PM
Danny Coyles (21+ only)
668 Haight Street, San Francisco
SFSFL HOSTS ANNUAL GALA NEXT WEEK
The San Francisco Soccer Football League (SFSFL) was established in 1902, two years before FIFA, and is the oldest soccer league continuously operating in the United States.
Next week at El Rancho Inn in Millbrae, they’ll host their annual post-season gala, celebrating the past year’s accomplishments.
The event, which includes dinner, entertainment, and more, follows the completion of the league’s 114th season, which saw one league’s earliest teams, Olympic Club (founded in 1916), crowned as champions.
http://blog.sfgate.com/soccer/2016/10/28/bay-area-soccer-roundup-deltas-happy-hour-at-danny-coyles/
Bay Area soccer roundup: Deltas’ happy hour at Danny Coyles
By SFGate on October 28, 2016 at 4:00 AM
DELTAS’ HAPPY HOUR AT DANNY COYLES TONIGHT
NASL expansion club, the San Francisco Deltas, are hosting another of their Happy Hour events tonight in Lower Haight.
Members of the Deltas Operations team including CEO, Brian Andrés will be there to meet and greet fans. Halloween costumes are encouraged and a prize will be awarded for the best costume.
The first 50 people at the event taking place at Danny Coyles will get a complimentary beer courtesy of the Deltas.
The Deltas are scheduled to begin league play at Kezar Stadium in 2017, though the NASL landscape may have changed a bit by then, as the Tampa Bay Rowdies and the Ottawa Fury both announced this week, they’ll be moving to the United Soccer League (USL) for the 2017 season.
Danny Coyles has been a long-time San Francisco’s venue for watching soccer, and is home to several supporters clubs for soccer teams including the Seattle Sounders, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur.
SF DELTAS HAPPY HOUR
Friday, October 28,, 2016 – 6PM
Danny Coyles (21+ only)
668 Haight Street, San Francisco
SFSFL HOSTS ANNUAL GALA NEXT WEEK
The San Francisco Soccer Football League (SFSFL) was established in 1902, two years before FIFA, and is the oldest soccer league continuously operating in the United States.
Next week at El Rancho Inn in Millbrae, they’ll host their annual post-season gala, celebrating the past year’s accomplishments.
The event, which includes dinner, entertainment, and more, follows the completion of the league’s 114th season, which saw one league’s earliest teams, Olympic Club (founded in 1916), crowned as champions.
Indy Eleven planning for 2017 despite league defections, questions
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.ibj.com/blogs/4-the-score/post/60973-indy-eleven-planning-for-2017-despite-league-defections-questions
Indy Eleven planning for 2017 despite league defections, questions
October 27, 2016
Anthony Schoettle
Indy Eleven owner Ersal Ozdemir remains bullish on the North American Soccer League despite the defection of two of its teams to the rival United Soccer League this week.
On the team’s Facebook page, Ozdemir said he’s not only looking forward to the team’s playoff run—which begins Nov. 5 at IUPUI’s track and soccer stadium—but already planning for the 2017 NASL season.
To that end, Eleven officials are putting next year's season tickets on sale Friday morning.
On Tuesday, owners of the NASL teams in Tampa Bay and Ottawa announced they are leaving the 12-team league for the USL, which is affiliated with Major League Soccer.
Those defections, coupled with the plans of the league’s Minnesota club to join the MLS next season and serious financial difficulties plaguing NASL teams in Fort Lauderdale and Oklahoma City, have many wondering about the stability of the league.
http://www.ibj.com/blogs/4-the-score/post/60973-indy-eleven-planning-for-2017-despite-league-defections-questions
Indy Eleven planning for 2017 despite league defections, questions
October 27, 2016
Anthony Schoettle
Indy Eleven owner Ersal Ozdemir remains bullish on the North American Soccer League despite the defection of two of its teams to the rival United Soccer League this week.
On the team’s Facebook page, Ozdemir said he’s not only looking forward to the team’s playoff run—which begins Nov. 5 at IUPUI’s track and soccer stadium—but already planning for the 2017 NASL season.
To that end, Eleven officials are putting next year's season tickets on sale Friday morning.
On Tuesday, owners of the NASL teams in Tampa Bay and Ottawa announced they are leaving the 12-team league for the USL, which is affiliated with Major League Soccer.
Those defections, coupled with the plans of the league’s Minnesota club to join the MLS next season and serious financial difficulties plaguing NASL teams in Fort Lauderdale and Oklahoma City, have many wondering about the stability of the league.
John Pugh: USL can make sure Ottawa has a pro soccer team for many years to come
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/10/27/john-pugh-usl-can-make-sure-ottawa-has-a-pro-soccer-team-for-man/
John Pugh: USL can make sure Ottawa has a pro soccer team for many years to come
Bob Williams
27 October 2016 • 6:33pm
John Pugh, the Ottawa Fury FC president, says the club's forthcoming move from the NASL to the USL will help bring "stability and sustainability" to the franchise.
The North American soccer scene was rocked earlier this week with the announcement that Ottawa and the Tampa Bay Rowdies will be switching leagues next season.
The dual departure will leave the NASL with just 10 clubs next season, though it could even be fewer with the futures of Rayo OKC and the Fort Lauderdale Strikers still in doubt.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/10/27/john-pugh-usl-can-make-sure-ottawa-has-a-pro-soccer-team-for-man/
John Pugh: USL can make sure Ottawa has a pro soccer team for many years to come
Bob Williams
27 October 2016 • 6:33pm
John Pugh, the Ottawa Fury FC president, says the club's forthcoming move from the NASL to the USL will help bring "stability and sustainability" to the franchise.
The North American soccer scene was rocked earlier this week with the announcement that Ottawa and the Tampa Bay Rowdies will be switching leagues next season.
The dual departure will leave the NASL with just 10 clubs next season, though it could even be fewer with the futures of Rayo OKC and the Fort Lauderdale Strikers still in doubt.
NASL: Rayo OKC in position for postseason
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.oneworldsports.com/stories/nasl-rayo-okc-position-postseason
NASL: Rayo OKC in position for postseason
http://www.oneworldsports.com/stories/nasl-rayo-okc-position-postseason
NASL: Rayo OKC in position for postseason
In Wake of “Departure Day,” Several Teams Reaffirm Commitment to NASL
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.empireofsoccer.com/in-wake-of-departure-day-several-teams-reaffirm-commitment-to-nasl-55072/
In Wake of “Departure Day,” Several Teams Reaffirm Commitment to NASL
By Jake Nutting on 10/27/2016
Tuesday was about as bad a day as the modern NASL has ever had since its resurrection in 2010.
The league officially lost the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Ottawa Fury FC to the USL after weeks of speculation, leaving it to face the reality of a ten-team season next year. The mass exodus has prompted fans to dub Tuesday as “Departure Day.”
And the future is still dubious for other NASL sides. The league number only holds at ten if the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and Rayo OKC are able to resolve their financial issues or if the league steps in to facilitate a return.
In the face of this uncertainty, NASL owners have largely remained quiet over the past month. However, with rumors continuing to surface of even more teams contemplating joining Tampa Bay and Ottawa in the USL, some front offices are breaking their silence.
http://www.empireofsoccer.com/in-wake-of-departure-day-several-teams-reaffirm-commitment-to-nasl-55072/
In Wake of “Departure Day,” Several Teams Reaffirm Commitment to NASL
By Jake Nutting on 10/27/2016
Tuesday was about as bad a day as the modern NASL has ever had since its resurrection in 2010.
The league officially lost the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Ottawa Fury FC to the USL after weeks of speculation, leaving it to face the reality of a ten-team season next year. The mass exodus has prompted fans to dub Tuesday as “Departure Day.”
And the future is still dubious for other NASL sides. The league number only holds at ten if the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and Rayo OKC are able to resolve their financial issues or if the league steps in to facilitate a return.
In the face of this uncertainty, NASL owners have largely remained quiet over the past month. However, with rumors continuing to surface of even more teams contemplating joining Tampa Bay and Ottawa in the USL, some front offices are breaking their silence.
Group headed by Tim Leiweke interested in KeyArena renovation for NBA, NHL
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/nba/group-headed-by-tim-leiweke-interested-in-keyarena-renovation-for-nba-nhl/
Group headed by Tim Leiweke interested in KeyArena renovation for NBA, NHL
Originally published October 27, 2016 at 11:29 am Updated October 27, 2016 at 8:38 pm
A City Hall source has confirmed that the Los Angeles-based Oak View Group, founded in a partnership between Leiweike and entertainment mega-manager Irving Azoff, is interested in developing KeyArena into a multipurpose facility that could handle NBA or NHL teams.
A powerful, new Los Angeles-based company headed by sports executive Tim Leiweke and concert kingpin Irving Azoff wants to renovate KeyArena and make it compatible for NBA and NHL use.
“We believe in the KeyArena location,” Leiweke, CEO of the 11-month-old Oak View Group, told The Seattle Times in an interview Thursday night. “We believe that the studies have proven — and we will continue to do additional studies as we go through this process — that there is a chance to renovate and make that arena work for music and sports.
“And the economics are such that if the right private-public partnership can be established, that it will stand alone on its own two feet without the rest of the land around it having to be developed.’’
Mayor Ed Murray confirmed late Thursday an earlier Seattle Times report that the Oak View Group has expressed interest in the 54-year-old former home of the NBA’s Sonics.
Murray also confirmed that Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), a major arena builder and manager that handles marketing for KeyArena, is interested in a renovation.
Murray said in a statement that the city will issue a Request for Proposals in January.
http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/nba/group-headed-by-tim-leiweke-interested-in-keyarena-renovation-for-nba-nhl/
Group headed by Tim Leiweke interested in KeyArena renovation for NBA, NHL
Originally published October 27, 2016 at 11:29 am Updated October 27, 2016 at 8:38 pm
A City Hall source has confirmed that the Los Angeles-based Oak View Group, founded in a partnership between Leiweike and entertainment mega-manager Irving Azoff, is interested in developing KeyArena into a multipurpose facility that could handle NBA or NHL teams.
A powerful, new Los Angeles-based company headed by sports executive Tim Leiweke and concert kingpin Irving Azoff wants to renovate KeyArena and make it compatible for NBA and NHL use.
“We believe in the KeyArena location,” Leiweke, CEO of the 11-month-old Oak View Group, told The Seattle Times in an interview Thursday night. “We believe that the studies have proven — and we will continue to do additional studies as we go through this process — that there is a chance to renovate and make that arena work for music and sports.
“And the economics are such that if the right private-public partnership can be established, that it will stand alone on its own two feet without the rest of the land around it having to be developed.’’
Mayor Ed Murray confirmed late Thursday an earlier Seattle Times report that the Oak View Group has expressed interest in the 54-year-old former home of the NBA’s Sonics.
Murray also confirmed that Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), a major arena builder and manager that handles marketing for KeyArena, is interested in a renovation.
Murray said in a statement that the city will issue a Request for Proposals in January.
Report: Tim Leiweke group takes interest in Seattle arena
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/report-tim-leiweke-group-takes-interest-seattle-arena/
Report: Tim Leiweke group takes interest in Seattle arena
Luke Fox October 27, 2016, 3:58 PM
Last seen as CEO of Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment, Tim Leiweke is reportedly considering a return to big-league sport.
The Los Angeles-based Oak View Group, which is headed by Leiweke and influential entertainment manager Irving Azoff, is interested in overhauling Seattle’s KeyArena so it can handle NBA or NHL games, reports The Seattle Times.
Founded in November, the Oak View Group took on Madison Square Garden Company as one of its clients and has been in contact with city officials regarding the project, which could help lure an NBA or NHL franchise back to Seattle.
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/report-tim-leiweke-group-takes-interest-seattle-arena/
Report: Tim Leiweke group takes interest in Seattle arena
Luke Fox October 27, 2016, 3:58 PM
Last seen as CEO of Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment, Tim Leiweke is reportedly considering a return to big-league sport.
The Los Angeles-based Oak View Group, which is headed by Leiweke and influential entertainment manager Irving Azoff, is interested in overhauling Seattle’s KeyArena so it can handle NBA or NHL games, reports The Seattle Times.
Founded in November, the Oak View Group took on Madison Square Garden Company as one of its clients and has been in contact with city officials regarding the project, which could help lure an NBA or NHL franchise back to Seattle.
Sports 'can bind a nation,' former Tampa Bay Lightning executive tells USF students
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/economicdevelopment/sports-can-bind-a-nation-former-tampa-bay-lightning-executive-tells-usf/2300221
Sports 'can bind a nation,' former Tampa Bay Lightning executive tells USF students
Jerome R. Stockfisch
Thursday, October 27, 2016 10:38am
Leiweke spoke at the University of South Florida Sun Dome as part of the school's Sport and Entertainment Management MBA lecture series. The talk was moderated by Abe Madkour, editor of SportsBusiness Journal. Also speaking was Don Garber, commissioner of Major League Soccer.
Leiweke had served as chief executive of the Seattle Seahawks NFL team and also was an executive with the Portland Trail Blazers basketball team and the Seattle Sounders soccer team. He was tapped by Lightning owner Jeff Vinik in June 2010 to run the day-to-day operations of the franchise and arena.
He also led Strategic Property Partners, a real estate partnership between Vinik and Bill Gates' Cascade Investment.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/economicdevelopment/sports-can-bind-a-nation-former-tampa-bay-lightning-executive-tells-usf/2300221
Sports 'can bind a nation,' former Tampa Bay Lightning executive tells USF students
Jerome R. Stockfisch
Thursday, October 27, 2016 10:38am
Leiweke spoke at the University of South Florida Sun Dome as part of the school's Sport and Entertainment Management MBA lecture series. The talk was moderated by Abe Madkour, editor of SportsBusiness Journal. Also speaking was Don Garber, commissioner of Major League Soccer.
Leiweke had served as chief executive of the Seattle Seahawks NFL team and also was an executive with the Portland Trail Blazers basketball team and the Seattle Sounders soccer team. He was tapped by Lightning owner Jeff Vinik in June 2010 to run the day-to-day operations of the franchise and arena.
He also led Strategic Property Partners, a real estate partnership between Vinik and Bill Gates' Cascade Investment.
Thursday, October 27, 2016
PD-OVG Launches Security Consulting Firm
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.venuestoday.com/news/detail/ovg-launches-security-consulting-firm-62616
PD-OVG Launches Security Consulting Firm
Bill Bratton announced as partner and chairman of the board
by Linda Deckard
Published: October 26, 2016
Prevent Advisors, a stand-alone security consulting company owned by Oak View Group and boasting Bill Bratton, well-known law enforcement leader as chairman of the board and equity partner, is off and running.
The firm, which has been hinted at previously, formed in August with two military special ops pros, Chris Robinette and Ben Tolle, as CEO and COO respectively. They have spent the past three months researching the venue industry’s needs and forming a holistic approach to the growing concerns regarding security and counterterrorism.
. . .
Tim Leiweke, OVG founder and CEO, said Prevent Advisors “is driven by our partners in the alliance and ultimately talking about a relentless commitment toward convenience and safety.” He was referring to the 24 major arenas that make up OVG’s Arena Alliance, including three primary research sites for the new firm – Madison Square Garden, New York; BB&T Center, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and the Forum, Inglewood, Calif.
http://www.venuestoday.com/news/detail/ovg-launches-security-consulting-firm-62616
PD-OVG Launches Security Consulting Firm
Bill Bratton announced as partner and chairman of the board
by Linda Deckard
Published: October 26, 2016
Prevent Advisors, a stand-alone security consulting company owned by Oak View Group and boasting Bill Bratton, well-known law enforcement leader as chairman of the board and equity partner, is off and running.
The firm, which has been hinted at previously, formed in August with two military special ops pros, Chris Robinette and Ben Tolle, as CEO and COO respectively. They have spent the past three months researching the venue industry’s needs and forming a holistic approach to the growing concerns regarding security and counterterrorism.
. . .
Tim Leiweke, OVG founder and CEO, said Prevent Advisors “is driven by our partners in the alliance and ultimately talking about a relentless commitment toward convenience and safety.” He was referring to the 24 major arenas that make up OVG’s Arena Alliance, including three primary research sites for the new firm – Madison Square Garden, New York; BB&T Center, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and the Forum, Inglewood, Calif.
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
New roof will help save jungle exhibit at Sedgwick County Zoo
Here's another article highlighting the usefulness of ETFE roof technology. Something to keep in mind when the Tampa Bay Rowdies finally start to plan to build their SSS, presumably on the Al Lang site. You can protect players and fans from rain, lightning, etc., while still keeping the outdoors feel, without huge expense.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New roof technology could benefit a new Rays stadium:
http://supportyourlocalfootballclub.blogspot.com/2016/08/new-roof-technology-could-benefit-new.html
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Forsyth Barr Stadium:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forsyth_Barr_Stadium
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ETFE:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ETFE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.kansas.com/news/local/article1261939.html
New roof will help save jungle exhibit at Sedgwick County Zoo
August 20, 2014 7:14 AM
The jungle exhibit at the Sedgwick County Zoo was in danger due to low light levels. Tropical plants weren’t growing. A new roof aims to bring in more light, which will allow the zoo to add new plants and birds.
By Deb Gruver
The jungle at the Sedgwick County Zoo is getting a facelift – and not just for aesthetics.
Tropical plants were shriveling up inside the jungle building because they weren’t getting enough sunlight.
“The jungle was in a state of dying,” said Dan Wright, operations coordinator for the zoo.
The jungle building’s roof, which was about 22 years old and made of fiberglass panels created to let in translucent light, was no longer letting enough sunshine in.
. . .
The jungle is getting a roof made from a new product developed in Germany called ETFE, short for ethylene tetrafluoroethylene. The fluorine-based plastic film is popular in Europe, Wright said. The Sedgwick County Zoo will be the second in North America to use the product.
“Big zoos in Europe have huge structures of it,” Wright said.
On a sunny day, the new roof should provide a candle power level of 5,000 to the jungle’s plants, Wright said. In general, tropical plants need a minimum level of 200, and high-light plants such as cacti need 1,000.
The new roof, scheduled to be put on the first week of October, will be a three-layer system inflated with air.
“The outer layer will have reflective dots on it, because we’ll actually have too much sun,” Wright said.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New roof technology could benefit a new Rays stadium:
http://supportyourlocalfootballclub.blogspot.com/2016/08/new-roof-technology-could-benefit-new.html
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Forsyth Barr Stadium:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forsyth_Barr_Stadium
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ETFE:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ETFE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.kansas.com/news/local/article1261939.html
New roof will help save jungle exhibit at Sedgwick County Zoo
August 20, 2014 7:14 AM
The jungle exhibit at the Sedgwick County Zoo was in danger due to low light levels. Tropical plants weren’t growing. A new roof aims to bring in more light, which will allow the zoo to add new plants and birds.
By Deb Gruver
The jungle at the Sedgwick County Zoo is getting a facelift – and not just for aesthetics.
Tropical plants were shriveling up inside the jungle building because they weren’t getting enough sunlight.
“The jungle was in a state of dying,” said Dan Wright, operations coordinator for the zoo.
The jungle building’s roof, which was about 22 years old and made of fiberglass panels created to let in translucent light, was no longer letting enough sunshine in.
. . .
The jungle is getting a roof made from a new product developed in Germany called ETFE, short for ethylene tetrafluoroethylene. The fluorine-based plastic film is popular in Europe, Wright said. The Sedgwick County Zoo will be the second in North America to use the product.
“Big zoos in Europe have huge structures of it,” Wright said.
On a sunny day, the new roof should provide a candle power level of 5,000 to the jungle’s plants, Wright said. In general, tropical plants need a minimum level of 200, and high-light plants such as cacti need 1,000.
The new roof, scheduled to be put on the first week of October, will be a three-layer system inflated with air.
“The outer layer will have reflective dots on it, because we’ll actually have too much sun,” Wright said.
Soccer notes: Plenty of elbow room for USL title game
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/mls/article110724552.html
Soccer notes: Plenty of elbow room for USL title game
By Bill Paterson
October 26, 2016 6:59 PM
The New York Red Bulls II beat the Swope Park Rangers 5-1 Sunday for the 2016 USL Cup, a match that was televised on ESPNU.
But while the match showcased the best of the USL, it also revealed the challenges for the league in having two Major League Soccer second teams playing in the championship game.
Most of the 25,000 seats at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J., were empty.
The USL announced an attendance at 5,547, unimpressive in the expansive stadium, but a huge jump over the Red Bulls II’s average regular-season attendance of 589, second-lowest in the 29-team league. The Red Bulls senior team averaged nearly 21,000 during its MLS Eastern Conference championship run.
USL independent teams, such at the Republic FC, were by far the better draws than the 11 MLS-sponsored two clubs this past season.
The top 12 clubs in attendance all were independents, led by record-setting FC Cincinnati (17,296) and Republic FC (11,514). Sacramento set a club record for attendance this season because of another expansion of Bonney Field to 11,569 seats and one additional league home game. League attendance was up 33 percent over 2015.
. . .
USL adds two teams – The Tampa Bay Rowdies and Ottawa Fury FC have departed the second-tier North American Soccer League for the third-tier USL, a league that is trying to gain second-tier status.
. . .
Tampa Bay and Ottawa will give the USL two more strong independent teams. Tampa Bay is in the 11th-largest media market and also located where the USL is headquartered. The Fury FC ownership group also owns a Canadian Football League franchise and manages the 24,000-seat TD Place stadium, which is home to both teams.
Tampa Bay had an average attendance of 5,878 and Ottawa 5,521, which would have placed them fifth and sixth, respectively, among USL teams this season.
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/mls/article110724552.html
Soccer notes: Plenty of elbow room for USL title game
By Bill Paterson
October 26, 2016 6:59 PM
The New York Red Bulls II beat the Swope Park Rangers 5-1 Sunday for the 2016 USL Cup, a match that was televised on ESPNU.
But while the match showcased the best of the USL, it also revealed the challenges for the league in having two Major League Soccer second teams playing in the championship game.
Most of the 25,000 seats at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J., were empty.
The USL announced an attendance at 5,547, unimpressive in the expansive stadium, but a huge jump over the Red Bulls II’s average regular-season attendance of 589, second-lowest in the 29-team league. The Red Bulls senior team averaged nearly 21,000 during its MLS Eastern Conference championship run.
USL independent teams, such at the Republic FC, were by far the better draws than the 11 MLS-sponsored two clubs this past season.
The top 12 clubs in attendance all were independents, led by record-setting FC Cincinnati (17,296) and Republic FC (11,514). Sacramento set a club record for attendance this season because of another expansion of Bonney Field to 11,569 seats and one additional league home game. League attendance was up 33 percent over 2015.
. . .
USL adds two teams – The Tampa Bay Rowdies and Ottawa Fury FC have departed the second-tier North American Soccer League for the third-tier USL, a league that is trying to gain second-tier status.
. . .
Tampa Bay and Ottawa will give the USL two more strong independent teams. Tampa Bay is in the 11th-largest media market and also located where the USL is headquartered. The Fury FC ownership group also owns a Canadian Football League franchise and manages the 24,000-seat TD Place stadium, which is home to both teams.
Tampa Bay had an average attendance of 5,878 and Ottawa 5,521, which would have placed them fifth and sixth, respectively, among USL teams this season.
Colorado Rapids extend USL affiliation agreement with Charlotte Independence
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.denverpost.com/2016/10/26/colorado-rapids-charlotte-independence-usl-affiliation-agreement-2017/
Colorado Rapids extend USL affiliation agreement with Charlotte Independence
http://www.denverpost.com/2016/10/26/colorado-rapids-charlotte-independence-usl-affiliation-agreement-2017/
Colorado Rapids extend USL affiliation agreement with Charlotte Independence
Summary of Garber's comments about Tampa Bay pro soccer (Reminder: NFL, MLS represented at USF lecture series):
This is good ammunition to throw at the silly fan boys repeating the FUD that "Tampa Bay Rowdies can't get into MLS because Orlando City has territorial rights".
It also is more evidence that Miami Beckham United isn't happening; at least not in Miami nor in South Florida: no news, no stadium, no billionaire investor. And now, no positive mention from Garber in a context that would demand it if something were really happening.
Tampa Bay Rowdies could take Miami's place as MLS team number 24, or could be MLS team number 25-28, if Bill Edwards plays his cards right, presumably with additional investors, and a solid SSS plan for the Al Lang site. David Beckham and his partners (Simon Fuller, Tim Leiweke, etc.) could be part of that Tampa Bay Rowdies MLS ownership group, as I have suggested in my open letters, but who knows what will ultimately happen.
Garber recognizes the importance of local and regional rivalries in helping to grow MLS. This makes Orlando City being in MLS a big plus for the chances of getting the Tampa Bay Rowdies into MLS, not a minus, as many people assume.
Also of note is that yes indeed, the Tampa Bay area is now the biggest market not in MLS (11th TV market as of January 1st this year, ahead of Phoenix and Detroit). Why wouldn't Garber want the biggest TV market not yet in MLS, to get into MLS? National TV footprint is important for future MLS growth.
Links to comments in Facebook groups below (I presume I do not need permission for this as this is just a summary of what happened at a public lecture); this being from Facebook groups it may not be accessible to everyone. Anyway, summary from an attendee is below.
1. Garber said that MLS recognizes that the Tampa Bay region is the largest market without a team in MLS, in the country.
2. Markets with two teams are incredibly successful. Garber pointed to LA and NYC; he was implying that Tampa and Orlando are so close that it would encourage an intense rivalry.
3. Garber was skeptical of Miami making it happen (Garber DID NOT mention Beckham).
4. MLS will probably not grow beyond 28 teams in the foreseeable future.
5. Garber implied that Orlando City ownership group would not stop MLS from expanding to Tampa Bay.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Link below to original story about lecture at USF:
Reminder: NFL, MLS represented at USF lecture series
http://supportyourlocalfootballclub.blogspot.com/2016/10/reminder-nfl-mls-represented-at-usf.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comments below from someone who was at the lecture, summarizing Garber's comments; copy and pasted verbatim (leave = league):
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary of Garber's comments about Tampa Bay pro soccer (Reminder: NFL, MLS represented at USF lecture series):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/802920053077146/1103146116387870/?ref=notif¬if_t=group_activity¬if_id=1477423054360822
Just came from the interview with Commissioner Garber University of South Florida and here are the most salient point ref. Tampa Bay Pro soccer:
1. MLS recognizes the Tampa Bay region is the largest market without a team, in the country
2. Markets with two teams are incredibly successful (pointed to LA and NY... he was implying Tampa and Orlando are so close it would encourage an intense rivalry)
3. He was still skeptical of Miami making it happen (he DID NOT mention Beckham)
4. Leave will probably not grow beyond 28 teams in the foreseeable future.
5. He implied Orlando ownership group would not stop MLS from expanding to Tampa Bay.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
https://www.facebook.com/groups/tampabaysoccer/1224731060926253/?notif_t=group_activity¬if_id=1477530490607455
Ok, most salient point ref. Tampa soccer, other than the fact everyone I mentioned and more were in attendance (I will update the list of awesome above):
1. MLS recognizes the Tampa Bay region is the largest market without a team, in the country
2. Markets with two teams are incredibly successful (pointed to LA and NY... he was implying Tampa and Orlando are so close it would encourage an intense rivalry)
3. He was still skeptical of Miami making it happen (he DID NOT mention Beckham)
4. Leave will probably not grow beyond 28 teams in the foreseeable future.
5. He implied Orlando ownership group would not stop MLS from expanding to Tampa Bay.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
https://www.facebook.com/MLStoTampaBay/posts/957111854394130?pnref=story
Just attended the Don Garber interview from the Sport & Entertainment MBA Lecture series University of South Florida and here are the most salient bits for the audience of this group:
Ok, most salient point ref. Tampa soccer, other than the fact everyone I mentioned and more were in attendance (I will update the list of awesome above):
1. MLS recognizes the Tampa Bay region is the largest market without a team, in the country
2. Markets with two teams are incredibly successful (pointed to LA and NY... he was implying Tampa and Orlando are so close it would encourage an intense rivalry)
3. He was still skeptical of Miami making it happen (he DID NOT mention Beckham)
4. Leave will probably not grow beyond 28 teams in the foreseeable future.
5. He implied Orlando ownership group would not stop MLS from expanding to Tampa Bay.
It also is more evidence that Miami Beckham United isn't happening; at least not in Miami nor in South Florida: no news, no stadium, no billionaire investor. And now, no positive mention from Garber in a context that would demand it if something were really happening.
Tampa Bay Rowdies could take Miami's place as MLS team number 24, or could be MLS team number 25-28, if Bill Edwards plays his cards right, presumably with additional investors, and a solid SSS plan for the Al Lang site. David Beckham and his partners (Simon Fuller, Tim Leiweke, etc.) could be part of that Tampa Bay Rowdies MLS ownership group, as I have suggested in my open letters, but who knows what will ultimately happen.
Garber recognizes the importance of local and regional rivalries in helping to grow MLS. This makes Orlando City being in MLS a big plus for the chances of getting the Tampa Bay Rowdies into MLS, not a minus, as many people assume.
Also of note is that yes indeed, the Tampa Bay area is now the biggest market not in MLS (11th TV market as of January 1st this year, ahead of Phoenix and Detroit). Why wouldn't Garber want the biggest TV market not yet in MLS, to get into MLS? National TV footprint is important for future MLS growth.
Links to comments in Facebook groups below (I presume I do not need permission for this as this is just a summary of what happened at a public lecture); this being from Facebook groups it may not be accessible to everyone. Anyway, summary from an attendee is below.
1. Garber said that MLS recognizes that the Tampa Bay region is the largest market without a team in MLS, in the country.
2. Markets with two teams are incredibly successful. Garber pointed to LA and NYC; he was implying that Tampa and Orlando are so close that it would encourage an intense rivalry.
3. Garber was skeptical of Miami making it happen (Garber DID NOT mention Beckham).
4. MLS will probably not grow beyond 28 teams in the foreseeable future.
5. Garber implied that Orlando City ownership group would not stop MLS from expanding to Tampa Bay.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Link below to original story about lecture at USF:
Reminder: NFL, MLS represented at USF lecture series
http://supportyourlocalfootballclub.blogspot.com/2016/10/reminder-nfl-mls-represented-at-usf.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comments below from someone who was at the lecture, summarizing Garber's comments; copy and pasted verbatim (leave = league):
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary of Garber's comments about Tampa Bay pro soccer (Reminder: NFL, MLS represented at USF lecture series):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/802920053077146/1103146116387870/?ref=notif¬if_t=group_activity¬if_id=1477423054360822
Just came from the interview with Commissioner Garber University of South Florida and here are the most salient point ref. Tampa Bay Pro soccer:
1. MLS recognizes the Tampa Bay region is the largest market without a team, in the country
2. Markets with two teams are incredibly successful (pointed to LA and NY... he was implying Tampa and Orlando are so close it would encourage an intense rivalry)
3. He was still skeptical of Miami making it happen (he DID NOT mention Beckham)
4. Leave will probably not grow beyond 28 teams in the foreseeable future.
5. He implied Orlando ownership group would not stop MLS from expanding to Tampa Bay.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
https://www.facebook.com/groups/tampabaysoccer/1224731060926253/?notif_t=group_activity¬if_id=1477530490607455
Ok, most salient point ref. Tampa soccer, other than the fact everyone I mentioned and more were in attendance (I will update the list of awesome above):
1. MLS recognizes the Tampa Bay region is the largest market without a team, in the country
2. Markets with two teams are incredibly successful (pointed to LA and NY... he was implying Tampa and Orlando are so close it would encourage an intense rivalry)
3. He was still skeptical of Miami making it happen (he DID NOT mention Beckham)
4. Leave will probably not grow beyond 28 teams in the foreseeable future.
5. He implied Orlando ownership group would not stop MLS from expanding to Tampa Bay.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
https://www.facebook.com/MLStoTampaBay/posts/957111854394130?pnref=story
Just attended the Don Garber interview from the Sport & Entertainment MBA Lecture series University of South Florida and here are the most salient bits for the audience of this group:
Ok, most salient point ref. Tampa soccer, other than the fact everyone I mentioned and more were in attendance (I will update the list of awesome above):
1. MLS recognizes the Tampa Bay region is the largest market without a team, in the country
2. Markets with two teams are incredibly successful (pointed to LA and NY... he was implying Tampa and Orlando are so close it would encourage an intense rivalry)
3. He was still skeptical of Miami making it happen (he DID NOT mention Beckham)
4. Leave will probably not grow beyond 28 teams in the foreseeable future.
5. He implied Orlando ownership group would not stop MLS from expanding to Tampa Bay.
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