Rowdies put on a show with MLS expansion presentation

Tampa Bay Rowdies definitely putting on the biggest show with their MLS expansion bid presentation today; deadline is tomorrow (Jan. 31st.). 

Detroit is talking again about buying land for stadium. If this actually happens that changes my MLS expansion calculations a bit. 

And in last minute move, Indy Eleven announces that they are submitting a bid for MLS expansion. This makes 12 teams now; 13 if you count Miami. I don't know if this bid should count as a serious bid or not, as Indy Eleven were not one of the original 10 expansion markets that MLS announced, nor were they invited by MLS to submit a bid at the last minute as was done with Phoenix Rising. So, not sure what to make of this and whether Indy Eleven changes the MLS expansion race or not. 

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.empireofsoccer.com/rowdies-put-on-a-show-with-mls-expansion-presentation-57489/

Rowdies put on a show with MLS expansion presentation

by JAKE NUTTING on 01/30/2017

The odds of Tampa Bay Rowdies Owner Bill Edwards simply delivering the team’s application to become one of the next franchises in Major League Soccer in a nondescript folder and calling it a day were always slim.

With 11 other bidders submitting applications to the league this week, Edwards wanted to be sure he found a way to make an impression with his presentation.

So on Monday morning Edwards, team executives and a handful of other team staff members boarded a private plane for New York City with the intention of delivering their application with some flair.

The first stop after touching down at Teterboro Airport was to meet up with leaders of the supporters group Ralph’s Mob in Times Square, where a large electronic billboard has been displaying the team’s hashtag #MLS2StPete since Wednesday.

Edwards acknowledged the plan for Monday came together quickly, as did the application after MLS surprised all bidders by setting the short deadline last month.

“We’ve had less than 30 days to get [the application] done,” Edwards told EoS. “We’re here, we made it. The ink is probably still drying on that application. We were working on it yesterday afternoon to get every aspect together.”

Pedestrians looked on and gave curious glances as the soccer team from Central Florida quickly organized for a photo session in front of the billboard. Hired dancers in sequin outfits lined up alongside team officials for pictures and then scrambled for their heavy coats as refuge from the frigid air. Steps away from where knockoff Elmo and assorted Disney characters typically pose for pictures with tourists, Rowdies mascot Pete the Pelican got dressed for the event out in the open. Thankfully no children were present to have the illusion ruined for them.

Included with the formal application presented to MLS President and Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott was an iPad loaded with one video highlighting the unique scenery of the region and another outlining the rich tradition of the Rowdies in Tampa Bay. Packaged along with the bid materials were over 200 letters of support from politicians, prominent local figures and supporters.

Following the meeting with Abbott, pediatric cancer survivor Cole Eicher and his family met with MLS WORKS, Major League Soccer’s community outreach initiative, to discuss his experience working with the Rowdies to fight childhood cancer. Eicher signed an honorary contract with the Rowdies when he was battling cancer back in 2014. Now cancer free, Eicher has worked with the Rowdies the last two years to raise over $200,000 to fund pediatric cancer research through the Go Gold initiative.

The Rowdies also came bearing gifts to the MLS office staff, as a few crates of fresh Florida oranges were left in the staff cafeteria. MLS employees seemed to get a kick out of the demonstration. A handful even made sure to grab a selfie with Pete the Pelican.

The question is whether the Rowdies showmanship will have any impact on their MLS bid.

MLS is hardline when it comes to maintaining a sense of objectivity in analyzing expansion markets. The production of value will garner some attention, but the final decision will still come down to the merits of their bid.

Edwards is confident the details of the team’s bid, particularly the proposal to privately-finance a 10,000-seat expansion to their existing venue, is enough to give them an edge over other markets that are looking for funding or land deals to build from the ground up.

“I think being the 11th biggest market, and being one of the oldest teams in the country, and having our own stadium are important,” he said. “There’s a lot of other guys who don’t have a place to play yet. They’ve got plans. Our plans are to expand, not to fund an entire stadium or figure out land issues. So I think we’re a lot further ahead than a lot of people. I think that gives us a little bit of an edge.”

The Rowdies are also making strides toward an academy in a new partnership with Tampa Bay United, a well-established youth program in the region. Former U.S. U-17 Assistant Coach Keith Fulk has been tapped as the director of the newly-combined U.S. Soccer Development Academy teams for the Rowdies and Tampa Bay United. Edwards didn’t offer many details of the team’s academy plans except to say it should be a wonderful thing for the community.

The St. Petersburg magnate was also tight-lipped about the investment group he’s assembling for the team’s MLS push. Earlier in the month, Edwards stated he’d had talks with a long list of investors, both local and non-local, about joining the ownership group. Those discussions are still ongoing, but are likely to advance now that the work of completing the exhaustive MLS application is done.

“Right now it’s a matter of who do we want to let in and how do we want to go about it,” he stated. “There’s a lot of people in New York that have contacted me, but I’m talking to local investment first because I like keeping things local. It’s part of our town. It’s better to have people who are local to work with, not necessarily totally, but local investment is nice to have.”

Even with a robust bid, MLS’ expansion race is stacked with attractive markets that tick quite a few of the boxes the league is looking for in its next four teams. San Diego turned in its application to MLS Commissioner Don Garber personally at an event one day after the city hosted the U.S. national team’s friendly against Serbia.

The remaining bidders are expected to turn in the paperwork for expansion consideration on Tuesday. Raleigh-Durhan, Charlotte, Phoenix, Detroit, San Antonio, Sacramento, Cincinnati, St. Louis and Nashville have all declared their intention to submit an application.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.tampabay.com/sports/soccer/bill-edwards-rowdies-contingent-make-in-person-mls-pitch/2311430

Bill Edwards, Rowdies contingent make in-person MLS pitch

By Darek Sharp, Times Correspondent

Monday, January 30, 2017 5:50pm

With a cleverly concocted phrase and a large show of support, Tampa Bay Rowdies owner Bill Edwards went to work in New York City.

Monday afternoon, Edwards turned in the required formal paperwork stating that his Rowdies have applied to become a member of Major League Soccer. In three months, if not sooner, MLS will announce its two newest expansion franchises.

The Rowdies could have just mailed in a few pages, as long as it was done before the Tuesday deadline for cities to submit applications.

Then again, what Edwards brought would have required some serious postage. A bulky packet filled with more than 200 letters of support from local politicians, and an entourage of about 30 co-workers and friends, found their way into the MLS headquarters.

And though there was no expectation of actually meeting with league officials, the crew sat down with league deputy commissioner Mark Abbott, who took in a video presentation touting the bid.

"We had a great time," Edwards said. "We met for about an hour, had a lot of fun. (Abbott) was very hospitable and when it was over, he even applauded."

The Rowdies have competition in the form of 10 other cities. Two more expansion towns will be added in the future but Edwards wants to get in on the first go.

Inside a package labeled "We Brought Our Pitch To You" was a video showing renderings of Edwards' proposed expansion of Al Lang into an 18,000-seat facility, were it to gain MLS designation. The Rowdies first unveiled the plans last month along with the campaign #MLS2StPete.

"We had about a month to put this together and I'm very proud of my people to come up with such a presentation," he said. "I think they appreciated the hard work we put into it."

Edwards stressed several factors that seem to favor the Rowdies. Tampa Bay is the largest media market (11th) without an MLS franchise (the Rowdies' new league, the USL, recently gained second-division status). The in-existence stadium helps, as will the promise to use only his money to fund the improvements, expected to run in the $80 million range.

Along with key Rowdies staff, the meeting featured members of the Rowdies' fan group Ralph's Mob, and honorary player Cole Eicher, a 14-year cancer survivor.

"The MLS staff were wide-eyed about the presence of the contingent for the Rowdies going through their main office," said Stephen Cundiff, president of Ralph's Mob.

Now for the next part of the equation: getting a bunch of folks through the turnstiles when the Rowdies Suncoast Invitational comes to Al Lang on Feb. 18 and 25. The Rowdies will play against MLS' Philadelphia and Montreal. Three other MLS clubs will participate, culminating with a triple-header on the 25th.

It would largely impress the league if the games are sold out.

"It is a big event," Edwards said. "One thing's for sure, MLS teams like coming here for their spring training. We need the fans to come out and show their support. Let's face it; we want to be in that league."

(Follow link for full article.)

http://saintpetersblog.com/rowdies-bill-edwards-delivers-application-mls-bosses/

Rowdies’ Bill Edwards delivers application to MLS bosses

Gary Shelton

The Tampa Bay Rowdies aren’t wasting any time in their pursuit of a bid to Major League Soccer.

A delegation headed by Rowdies’ owner Bill Edwards delivered the team’s expansion application to MLS headquarters on Monday. Edwards met with Mark Abbott, MLS President and Deputy Commissioner, for around 30 minutes and delivered the unique interactive expansion application, which included a modern rendition of “A Kick in the Grass.”

Major League Soccer was very impressed by our unique way of delivering our application,” said Edwards. “We’ve worked very hard on all fronts to cover every aspect of the application that was sent to us by MLS just over a month ago. This is a very important step in the process and I believe our application will set us apart as the top potential expansion market.”

The Rowdies’ MLS expansion application was designed to represent the Tampa Bay area and honor the club’s rich history.

The application included details and renderings of the privately funded renovation and expansion plans to Al Lang Stadium and the proposed ownership group led by Edwards. Extensive examples of community support were included in the application, highlighted by more than 200 letters of support from politicians, local celebrities, fans and more.

The Rowdies announced their #MLS2StPete campaign in December 2016, only to be named as one of the eleven candidates in the running for a Major League Soccer franchise less than two weeks later. The campaign also includes a privately funded renovation and expansion plan to Al Lang Stadium in downtown St. Petersburg.

The Rowdies’ ticket sales is designed to help show MLS its fan support. For information on how to become a 2017 Season Ticket Member, call  (727) 222-2000.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.facebook.com/TampaBayRowdies/videos/10155718683098835/?pnref=story

Tampa Bay Rowdies was live.

LIVE at Times Square. #MLS2StPete

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.facebook.com/TampaBayRowdies/photos/a.442996013834.230638.109366663834/10155718303813835/?type=3&theater

Tampa Bay Rowdies

On our way to New York City to visit our friends at Major League Soccer (MLS).

#MLS2StPete

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1319112228132120&set=o.263205520362852&type=3&theater

Mary Wichmanowski Karnstedt > ‎Ryan Bass WTSP

Yahoo! You covered the Rowdies and Mr. Bill Edwards in NYC to promote #MLS2STPETE! (and he's wearing one of my scarves! lol)

Thank you!

(Follow link for full article.)

https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/826107022802296832/photo/1

Tampa Bay Rowdies Verified account

@TampaBayRowdies

We've made it @TimesSquareNYC and ran into a couple friends. #MLS2StPete

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.facebook.com/TampaBayRowdies/photos/pcb.10155718962778835/10155718962723835/?type=3&theater

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Hey Major League Soccer (MLS), we brought our pitch to you.‬

‪#MLS2StPete‬

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.facebook.com/TampaBayRowdies/photos/a.442996013834.230638.109366663834/10155719350438835/?type=3&theater

Tampa Bay Rowdies

We've officially submitted our Major League Soccer (MLS) #MLS2StPete expansion application! A delegation led by Rowdies Chairman & CEO Bill Edwards, and including members of Ralph's Mob and Cole Eicher and his family, hand-delivered it to MLS headquarters in New York City today.

Read more: http://tinyurl.com/jdbrcx5

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.facebook.com/RalphsMob/photos/a.10150646243253951.396424.345399658950/10154327815883951/?type=3&theater

Ralph's Mob

2017 Membership Pre-orders are ready for you! Get yours now!

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/751490-rowdies-delegation-travels-to-new-york-city-to-deliver-major-league-soccer-expansion-application

Rowdies Delegation Travels to New York City to Deliver Major League Soccer Expansion Application

NEW YORK (January 30, 2017) – Earlier today, the Tampa Bay Rowdies took another step towards bringing Major League Soccer to downtown St. Petersburg by successfully delivering their expansion application to MLS headquarters in New York City, NY.

The trip included a stop at Times Square to check out the #MLS2StPete billboard that has been catching eyes and making waves for the past week at one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.

Rowdies Chairman & CEO Bill Edwards was at the forefront of the delegation that traveled to Manhattan on Monday morning. The group included Rowdies executives, along with members of Ralph’s Mob and pediatric cancer survivor and honorary member of the club, Cole Eicher.

Edwards met with Mark Abbott, MLS President and Deputy Commissioner, for around 30 minutes and delivered the unique interactive expansion application, which includes a modern rendition of “A Kick in the Grass.”

“Major League Soccer was very impressed by our unique way of delivering our application,” said Edwards. “We’ve worked very hard on all fronts to cover every aspect of the application that was sent to us by MLS just over a month ago. This is a very important step in the process and I believe our application will set us apart as the top potential expansion market.”

The Rowdies’ MLS expansion application was designed to represent the Tampa Bay area and honor the club’s rich history.

The application included details and renderings of the privately funded renovation and expansion plans to Al Lang Stadium and the proposed ownership group led by Edwards.

Extensive examples of community support were included in the application, highlighted by more than 200 letters of support from politicians, local celebrities, fans and more.

Along with a detailed history of the Tampa Bay Rowdies, the application featured several videos showing off the Tampa Bay area and its one-of-a-kind scenery.

While in New York City, Cole Eicher met with MLS WORKS, Major League Soccer's community outreach initiative, to share his story and talk about how Gold Together has worked with the Rowdies over the last two years to donate over $200,000 to childhood cancer awareness.

About #MLS2StPete

The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced their #MLS2StPete campaign in December 2016, only to be named as one of the eleven candidates in the running for a Major League Soccer franchise less than two weeks later. The campaign also includes a privately funded renovation and expansion plan to Al Lang Stadium in downtown St. Petersburg. For more information, visit MLS2StPete.com.

The best way to show that Tampa Bay is ready for a Major League Soccer franchise is to secure 2017 season tickets. For information on how to become a 2017 Season Ticket Member, call (727)222-2000 or click here.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/news/article.html/content/news/articles/bhsn/2017/1/30/rowdies_ceo_edwards_.html

Rowdies CEO Edwards hand delivers MLS expansion application to league

NEW YORK -- The Tampa Bay Rowdies took their bid to bring Major League Soccer to downtown St. Petersburg to the Big Apple on Monday.

Rowdies Chairman & CEO Bill Edwards led a delegation to New York City to hand deliver the team's expansion application to MLS Headquarters.

The team reported that Edwards met with Mark Abbott, MLS President and Deputy Commissioner, for about 30 minutes and that he delivered a unique interactive expansion application.

"Major League Soccer was very impressed by our unique way of delivering our application," said Edwards. "We’ve worked very hard on all fronts to cover every aspect of the application that was sent to us by MLS just over a month ago. This is a very important step in the process and I believe our application will set us apart as the top potential expansion market."

The Rowdies' campaign includes a privately-funded renovation and expansion plan to Al Lang Stadium in downtown St. Petersburg.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/jan/30/mls-chinese-super-league-millions-youth

MLS can't compete with China's millions – so it should focus on youth

In the face of the lavish salaries in the Chinese Super League, MLS clubs might have to pump the brakes on ageing stars. But that could prove to be a blessing

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/manchester-united-transfer-news-rooney-12525566

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney wanted by Chinese Super League and MLS clubs

Man Utd news includes the latest on the future of Wayne Rooney amid the possibility of a transfer to the Chinese Super League or MLS.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.portada-online.com/2017/01/30/sports-marketing-bits-target-celtics-esports-audi-mls-and-more/

SPORTS MARKETING BITS: Target, Celtics, Esports, Audi, MLS, and More…

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.cw6sandiego.com/soccer-fans-rally-behind-plan-bring-pro-team-san-diego/

Soccer fans rally behind plan to bring pro team to San Diego

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2017/01/30/bill-edwards-and-rowdies-entourage-descend-on.html

Bill Edwards and Rowdies entourage descend on Major League Soccer offices with bid package

St. Petersburg business magnate Bill Edwards and an entourage of Tampa Bay Rowdies supporters on Monday descended on the Major League Soccer offices in New York City to personally deliver the city's bid for a franchise.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/34379777/nashville-committee-to-submit-bid-for-mls-team

Nashville committee to submit bid for MLS team

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/01/30/kick-us-takes-2017-bow-vs-serbia-alessandrini-his-way-la

Kick Off: US takes 2017 bow vs. Serbia | Alessandrini on his way to LA?

Battle of the Bay

In their drive to join MLS, the Tampa Bay Rowdies are prepared to duel the Major League Baseball's Devil Rays for fans in the St. Petersburg area.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Group-Holds-Rally-San-Diego-Plans-Stadium-412189083.html

San Diego Officially Applies for MLS Team

A group that hopes to bring a Major League Soccer team to San Diego had a rally on Monday to share more details.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-fire/mls-announce-2017-all-star-game-will-be-soldier-field

MLS to announce 2017 All-Star Game will be at Soldier Field

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.cbs8.com/story/34381006/investors-submit-application-to-bring-major-league-soccer-to-san-diego

Investors submit application to bring Major League Soccer to San Diego

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2017/01/30/barry-wants-mls-stadium-funding-proposal-summer/97256430/

Barry wants MLS stadium funding proposal by summer

Mayor Megan Barry hopes to finalize a funding proposal for a new Major League Soccer stadium at The Fairgrounds Nashville by the end of June.

Barry discussed that timeline with reporters Monday following a speech at the downtown Rotary Club of Nashville where she made her first major public appeal in support of Nashville’s MLS bid.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://wfla.com/2017/01/30/rowdies-deliver-expansion-application-to-mls-headquarters/

Rowdies deliver expansion application to MLS headquarters

NEW YORK (WFLA) – The Tampa Bay Rowdies officially delivered their expansion application to Major League Soccer headquarters in New York City on Monday.

Rowdies chairman and CEO Bill Edwards traveled to Manhattan along with Rowdies executives and others Monday morning.

Edwards met with MLS President Mark Abbott for a half hour and delivered the interactive expansion application.  The application was designed to represent the bay area, including multiple videos of the scenery.

Examples of community support were included in the application, including more than 2,000 letters from politicians, local celebrities and fans.

“Major League Soccer was very impressed by our unique way of delivering our application,” said Edwards.

“We’ve worked very hard on all fronts to cover every aspect of the application that was sent to us by MLS just over a month ago. This is a very important step in the process and I believe our application will set us apart as the top potential expansion market.”

The trip also included a stop at Times Square to check out the #MLS2StPete billboard.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2017/01/30/marcus-smith-mls-bid-to-continue.html

EXCLUSIVE: Marcus Smith says MLS bid to continue

The on again-off again Major League Soccer bid is a go. Speedway Motorsports executive Marcus Smith told CBJ on Monday afternoon his investment group was in the process of completing its application and would submit it to league headquarters by the end of the day.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/2017/01/30/major-league-soccer-detroit/97248172/

Detroit has plenty of competition for a Major League Soccer franchise

(Follow link for full article.)

http://wkrn.com/2017/01/30/mayor-megan-barry-discusses-vision-as-nashville-continues-to-grow/

Mayor Barry talks city’s future, property taxes, MLS, immigration

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – Nashville’s mayor discussed her vision on the future of Nashville while speaking at a meeting for the Rotary Club.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mls/2017/01/30/mls-commissioner-receives-application-for-san-diego-team/97263058/

MLS commissioner receives application for San Diego team

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/story/3049989/san-diego-officially-submits-application-for-mls-expansion-franchise

San Diego submits application for MLS expansion franchise

(Follow link for full article.)

http://fox2now.com/2017/01/30/proposed-mls-stadium-bill-moves-forward-while-scott-trade-center-renovation-bill-runs-into-a-wall/

Proposed MLS stadium bill moves forward, while Scott trade Center renovation bill runs into a wall

ST. LOUIS (KTVI) - The proposed Major League Soccer stadium passes another hurdle, bringing it one step closer for a public vote. Meanwhile, funding for improvements at the Scott Trade Center hit another wall but it’s not dead yet.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/deadline-extended-for-city-in-mls-plan/489369443

Deadline extended for city in MLS plan

Marcus Smith, of Charlotte Motor Speedway, is submitting the bid Tuesday for a Major League Soccer team in Charlotte and said the city will have more time to consider taking on the project.

There hasn't been a change to the MLS deadline and on Tuesday, cities across the country have to apply to be in the running for an MLS expansion.

Mike Burch, chief strategy officer for Speedway Motorsports, said the talks with the city were encouraging enough that Smith is going to submit a bid even without the city's backing.

The plan calls for demolishing Memorial Stadium and replacing it with an MLS stadium.

A big task during the next couple weeks will be educating the public about the funding for the project. Smith is asking for nearly $44 million from Charlotte.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://timesofsandiego.com/sports/2017/01/30/new-stadium-mission-valley-proposed-major-league-soccer-franchise/

New Stadium in Mission Valley Proposed for Major League Soccer Franchise

A group of investors that last week proposed building a new stadium in Mission Valley submitted an application Monday for a Major League Soccer expansion franchise in San Diego to league Commissioner Don Garber.

The 24-team MLS is entertaining bids from potential ownership groups to add new members. At a news conference, Garber said he anticipates receiving a dozen applications by Tuesday’s deadline, with four to be accepted.

The local bid comes more than two weeks after the National Football League’s Chargers announced plans to move to Los Angeles after 56 seasons in San Diego.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.wbtv.com/story/34378679/marcus-smith-says-hell-bid-on-major-league-soccer-team-for-charlotte

Marcus Smith says he’ll bid on Major League Soccer team for Charlotte

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/mls-soccer-stadium-in-stl-one-step-close-to-construction/647446037

MLS Soccer Stadium in STL One Step Close to Construction

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The St. Louis Board of Aldermen has voted to advance a measure for a proposed Major League soccer stadium in downtown St. Louis.

Bill sponsor Christine Ingrassia says negotiations on how Governor Greitens is willing to help are ongoing.

Greitens has called state taxpayer money for stadiums "welfare for millionaires."

MLS soccer stadium one step closer to being built in St. Louis

"His administration is not interested in allocating tax credits, but they are amendable to a low cost or no cost lease or purchase of the property, certain infrastructure improvements and land clearance," says Ingrassia.

Ingrassia says without Governor Greitens' blessing of a land deal, the proposal is dead.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/sd-sp-mls-20170130-story.html

MLS, city leaders tout pro soccer in S.D.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2017/01/30/mls-stadium-sales-tax-hike-get-closer-to-april.html

MLS stadium, sales tax hike get closer to April ballot

A special meeting of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen on Monday saw lawmakers get closer to putting a sales tax hike and Major League Soccer stadium funding questions on the April ballot.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/34379777/nashville-committee-to-submit-bid-for-mls-team

Nashville committee to submit bid for MLS team

(Follow link for full article.)

http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2017/01/30/mls-staduim-might-happen-after-all-gilbert-to-make-offer-for-wayne-county-jail-site-report-says/

MLS Stadium Might Happen After All: Gilbert To Make Offer For Wayne County Jail Site, Report Says

DETROIT (WWJ) — Last April, billionaire Dan Gilbert revealed sparkling plans for a brand new professional soccer stadium in downtown Detroit.

He planned to build the stadium on the site of the unfinished Wayne County jail project, which has sat untouched since 2013. The only problem is: Gilbert doesn’t own the land, Wayne County does.

Wayne County Executive Warren Evans announced last week that the county was readying to resume work on the jail in the coming months. Evans said Friday that Walsh Construction will receive the request for a proposal on February 10.

But Gilbert might swoop in and make a reasonable offer for the site before that happens, the Detroit Free Press reports.

“The timing requirements put forward by County Executive Evans are clear and fully understood by our team,” Matt Cullen, head of Rock Ventures, said in a statement to the Free Press. “We have now completed enough of our initial due diligence that will allow us to submit our offer in advance of the county executive’s deadline.”

Gilbert’s plan included restaurants, offices and hotels, in addition to the 25,000-seat Major League Soccer stadium.

“The real question though for the county and the community and the people of Detroit is, you know, do we want a jail at the foot of downtown and the front door?” Gilbert said at the unveiling last year. “Or do we want a major development that’s gonna create economic, great economics for job creation, for, you know, tax roll creation and for overall optimism as you move through the city?”

Gilbert said he met with Evans, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and others to discuss a possible deal, offering $50 million for the jail site earlier last year.

“What was economically feasible for Wayne County has been very clearly finishing on the jail site,” Evans said after the presentation. “Not because it’s the best place, not because anybody’s heart’s in it — but because it’s the only feasible option that Wayne County had for the cheapest amount of money to the taxpayers.”

Gilbert said there was “no Plan B” if plans for the proposal go south. His proposal included a partnership with Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores.

“It is at the entrance to downtown and with Detroit growing and things happening we don’t want an eyesore sitting there unfinished,” Evans said Friday. “Whatever the final use of it turns out to be it shouldn’t be an abandoned, partially-finished jail.”

(Follow link for full article.)

http://fox5sandiego.com/2017/01/30/investors-hope-to-bring-major-league-soccer-team-to-san-diego/

Investors apply for Major League Soccer expansion team in San Diego

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2017/01/30/mayorbarry-long-road-ahead-to-fairgrounds-stadium.html

Mayor Barry: Long road ahead to fairgrounds stadium

When Mayor Megan Barry meets with Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber Tuesday, she won't have a stadium proposal to show him. Barry said Monday that no renderings exist of a potential MLS stadium at the Fairgrounds Nashville and that a formal plan for a stadium at the site is still about six months away.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://saintpetersblog.com/heres-sht-stands-just-burg-edition/

Here’s where sh*t stands – the “just about the ‘burg” edition

It will be interesting to see what role the Chamber plays in the very important discussions about the future of Rays baseball, Rowdies soccer, the building of the new St. Petersburg Pier, and so many other critical, promising issues.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/columnists/kevin-acee/sd-sp-acee-0131-story.html

Column Officials on board as San Diego launches MLS mission

(Follow link for full article.)

http://fox59.com/2017/01/30/indy-eleven-to-submit-bid-to-join-major-league-soccer/

Indy Eleven to submit bid to join Major League Soccer

Posted 10:40 PM, January 30, 2017, by FOX59 Web, Updated at 10:44PM, January 30, 2017

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Indy Eleven have set its sights on the highest level of American soccer.

Officials with the Indianapolis soccer team told our newsgathering partners at the IndyStar that they are pursuing one of the four Major League Soccer spots.

The team plans to submit paperwork to MLS headquarters in New York Tuesday afternoon. Indianapolis will become the 12th city hoping to enter the league.

This news comes less than 30 days after the team current league, the North American Soccer League, received a stay of execution.

The team’s new status would reportedly be accompanied by a new stadium between Lucas Oil Stadium and the White River

The NASL club’s president, Jeff Belskus, told Sports Illustrated the club’s MLS stadium would be a public-private partnership and that owner Ersal Ozdemir and his partners would be kicking in a “significant amount of private money.”

“We have a lot of energy for building a soccer stadium here,” Belskus told SI. “We’ve proven Indianapolis has the fan base to support soccer. It will support pro soccer and it will support Major League Soccer … It’s so logical for us.”

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2017/01/30/indianapolis-mls-expansion-application-indy-eleven-nasl?xid=socialflow_twitter_si

Indianapolis will become 12th city applying for MLS expansion

Brian Straus

Monday January 30th, 2017

On the eve of Major League Soccer’s expansion application deadline, Indy Eleven has made it 12.

The NASL club’s president, Jeff Belskus, confirmed to SI.com late Monday that the Eleven, owner Ersal Ozdemir and the city of Indianapolis are pursuing one of the four MLS expansion openings. Ozdemir will deliver the application by hand to the league office in Manhattan on Tuesday. Indianapolis is the 12th city to declare its MLS intentions. 

In mid-December, the league announced its plan to add four more teams, bringing the eventual membership to 28 (including Los Angeles FC next year and David Beckham’s quixotic Miami project). At that time, prospective investors in Charlotte, Cincinnati, Detroit, Nashville, Raleigh, Sacramento, St. Louis, San Antonio, San Diego and Tampa Bay already had come forward. An 11th applicant, the USL's Phoenix Rising, then joined the fray last week.

Indy’s absence on the original list was notable, but not entirely unexpected. The Eleven have done well at the gate and Ozdemir had met with MLS officials as far back as 2013. Indianapolis seemed like a city that was on the right trajectory. But stadium legislation stalled in 2015 when the Indiana house and senate couldn’t come to an agreement on whether to funnel usage taxes toward a new facility or use state funds to upgrade the Eleven’s current home, Carroll Stadium. So Indy’s MLS plans stalled as well.

Then last summer, they were back on track. Confident that usage taxes (or taxes generated by the existence of the new stadium) would get the political traction required at the state and city levels, the Eleven re-opened conversations with MLS. Those talks led to the decision to bid and Ozdemir’s trip to New York.

Belskus, who was the Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and CEO before running the Eleven, said the club’s MLS stadium will be a public-private partnership and that Ozdemir and his unnamed partners would be kicking in a “significant amount of private money.” Ozdemir will remain the majority owner.

If built, the new stadium would be located in downtown Indianapolis between the Colts’ Lucas Oil Stadium and the White River.

“We have a lot of energy for building a soccer stadium here,” Belskus said. “We’ve proven Indianapolis has the fan base to support soccer. It will support pro soccer and it will support Major League Soccer … It’s so logical for us.”

Sponsors are lined up, he added, and Ozdemir’s investor group “is committed. They want to see this work. The want to see it work for this community.”

 (Follow link for full article.)

https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/mls-commissioner-receives-application-san-diego-team-230429044--mls.html

MLS commissioner receives application for San Diego team

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/2017/01/31/major-league-soccer-expansion-detroit-bid/97248108/

Detroit to bid for Major League Soccer expansion team

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.mlssoccer.com/topic/expansion/2017/expansion-cities-bids

Expansion Tracker: Latest cities submitting bids before Jan. 31 deadline

Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg

Submission announced: 3:00 PM ET - Monday, Jan. 30

The Tampa Bay Rowdies delivered their expansion application to MLS headquarters in New York City on Monday afternoon. Their interactive expansion application, featuring more than 200 letters of support from politicians and local celebrities among others, included a modern rendition of “A Kick in the Grass.”

Also part of the application were details and renderings of the privately funded renovation and expansion plans to Al Lang Stadium and the proposed ownership group led by Rowdies Chairman & CEO Bill Edwards, who led the delegation that traveled to Manhattan on Monday morning.

San Diego

Submission announced: 2:30 PM ET - Monday, Jan. 30

Mike Stone, the leader of a prospective MLS ownership group, hand-delivered San Diego's expansion application bid to MLS Commissioner Don Garber in an event held on Monday afternoon on the deck of the USS Midway in San Diego. The city's mayor, Kevin Faulconer, and MLS legend Landon Donovan also attended the event.

The bid's stadium plan calls for a privately-financed 30,000-seat facility on the Mission Valley site where Qualcomm Stadium sits.

The local ownership group includes: former Qualcomm President Steve Altman, technology entrepreneurs Massih and Masood Tayeb, Padres owner and local investor Peter Seidler and sports media executive Juan Carlos Rodriguez.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.ibj.com/articles/62274-indy-eleven-to-make-bid-for-major-league-soccer-expansion

Indy Eleven to make bid for Major League Soccer expansion

The Indy Eleven soccer team, with cooperation from the city of Indianapolis, is planning to apply for one of four expansion openings in Major League Soccer, Sports Illustrated reported Monday night, citing team President Jeff Belskus as its source.

Jumping from the North American Soccer League—the second-tier professional soccer league in the United States—to the top league would require the Indy Eleven to pay a franchise expansion fee of at least $150 million and would involve construction of downtown stadium.

Belskus told SI that the application will include a plan for a downtown stadium that would be built between Lucas Oil Stadium and the White River as part of a public-private partnership.

Indy Eleven owner Ersal Ozdemir and his partners would kick in a “significant amount of private money” to fund the stadium, said Belskus, the former CEO of Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Team officials have made several unsuccessful attempts with lawmakers over the past few years to gain support for a downtown stadium that would seat as many as 18,500 people.

Belskus told SI that Ozdemir planned to submit the application by hand to MLS headquarters in New York City on Tuesday, the deadline for applications.

The Eleven would join 11 other teams that are vying for the four available openings in the 22-year-old league. Two successful applicants would join MLS by the 2020 season as the league’s 25th and 26th teams.

Teams 27 and 28 would begin playing at a “later” but undetermined date, the league said.

The league said it expects to announce the first two winners in the second or third quarter of this year.

The MLS set the fee for expansion teams 25 and 26 at $150 million and said the fee for the other two teams would be announced later.

The price for clubs 27 and 28 will be announced in conjunction with the announcement of the timeline for the selection of clubs 27 and 28.

The local team faces tough competition. Other cities applying for the opening include San Diego, Detroit, St. Louis, Tampa Bay, Phoenix and Cincinnati.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.sportal.co.in/football/investors-apply-for-major-league-soccer-expansion-team-in-san-diego-fox5sandiego-com/

Investors apply for Major League Soccer expansion team in San Diego – fox5sandiego.com

SAN DIEGO — A group of investors who last week proposed building a new stadium in Mission Valley submitted an application Monday for a Major League Soccer expansion franchise in San Diego to league Commissioner Don Garber.

The 24-team MLS is entertaining bids from potential ownership groups to add new members. At a news conference, Garber said he anticipates receiving a dozen applications by Tuesday’s deadline, with four to be accepted.

“We would like nothing more than to deliver the world’s most popular sport to one of the world’s greatest cities,” said businessman Mike Stone, whose proposal also includes a soccer academy to foster young talent.  “Our goal is to make San Diego the epicenter of soccer in the United States.”

The local bid comes more than two weeks after the National Football League’s Chargers announced plans to move to Los Angeles after 56 seasons in San Diego.

City officials are determining how long to keep open Qualcomm Stadium, which is far too large for the MLS and the San Diego State University football team. The Aztecs have a lease through the 2018 season, and are negotiating a two-year extension to provide time to find a new home.

SDSU has been discussing options with the local MLS group, led by investor Mike Stone and Juan Carlos Rodriguez, the president of Univision Deportes. School officials have also been in touch with the Padres about making renovations that would allow football to be played at Petco Park.

At the news conference, Mayor Kevin Faulconer said the city wants to take advantage of an opportunity to remake the 166-acre Qualcomm Stadium property.

“It’s an opportunity to create jobs, it’s an opportunity to revitalize Mission Valley and become an economic driver that will help us pave streets, keep our neighborhoods safe and do all the things we do in this great city,” Faulconer said.

The proposal for the property includes building a stadium of undetermined but smaller seating capacity, tearing down Qualcomm Stadium, creating a park along the San Diego River, and constructing residential and commercial buildings. Backers of the plan said no public money would be required.

They also said they would engage the public by collecting signatures that will be delivered to the City Council — which could either approve the project or place it before voters.

Rodriguez said there will be other ways for the public to be involved.

“We have the financial resources, but the most important thing, that we have to make sure, is that we have all San Diegans be part of the process of creating the DNA of the team,” Rodriguez said. “It is very important for us that you join us in the process of finding the name, finding the logo, finding the colors, the songs and all the DNA that we’re going to be creating for the team.”

He said such opportunities would be available online.

Garber said San Diego checks many of the boxes for MLS expansion, including passionate fans, a young city, a new breed of owners and the stadium vision.

US soccer legend Landon Donovan was on hand to mingle with fans.

”Soccer here in San Diego is a natural fit and I’m first and foremost a fan,” said Donovan. When asked if he would coach or play a role on the future team, Donovan played coy.

“Well just have to see what happens.”

(Follow link for full article.)

http://prorelforusa.blogspot.com/2017/01/cities-need-to-communicate-about-not.html

Cities need to communicate about, not compete for MLS

MLS recently has announced that it has opened bidding for expansion franchise slots in the league... groups have scrambled to put together stadium bids featuring quite a bit of public money. Recent reports have put the numbers at

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/2017/01/31/major-league-soccer-expansion-detroit-bid/97248108/

Detroit to bid for Major League Soccer expansion team

(Follow link for full article.)

https://twitter.com/tampabayrowdies/status/824404167473197057 

Tampa Bay Rowdies Verified account

@TampaBayRowdies

Tampa Bay heard about Times Square lighting up in green and gold today and wanted to get involved! Looking good, Suntrust! 💚💛 #MLS2StPete

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.orlandocitysc.com/post/2017/01/25/orlando-city-sc-announces-2017-preseason-schedule

Orlando City SC Announces 2017 Preseason Schedule

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.tbreporter.com/sports-and-recreation/philadelphia-union-returns-clearwater-preseason-training/

Philadelphia Union Returns to Clearwater for Preseason Training

The team will compete in the Tampa Bay Rowdies Suncoast Invitational.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.charlottefive.com/charlotte-mls-bid-tuesday/

Charlotte’s bid for a Major League Soccer team isn’t dead yet

Soccer fans, don’t lose hope yet. Marcus Smith still plans to submit a bid to bring a Major League Soccer team to Charlotte, even though the city decided not to vote on a plan that would help fund the future soccer stadium.

Smith tweeted Monday that he will send in an application today, which is the deadline for bids, and also said the city still “has time to consider investment of existing tourism $ in the project.”

(Follow link for full article.)

http://cbs4indy.com/2017/01/30/indy-eleven-plans-to-apply-to-join-major-league-soccer/

Indy Eleven plans to apply to join Major League Soccer

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Indy Eleven has set its sights on the highest level of American soccer.

Officials with the Indianapolis soccer team say they are pursuing one of the four Major League Soccer spots.

The team plans to submit paperwork to MLS headquarters in New York Tuesday afternoon. Indianapolis will become the 12th city hoping to enter the league.

This news comes less than 30 days after the team’s current league, the North American Soccer League, received a stay of execution.

A potential stumbling block for the Eleven’s chances would be its unsettled stadium situation. The Eleven play in IUPUI’s Michael Carroll Stadium and had a proposed $82 million deal for a new stadium shot down by the state legislature in 2015, according to our newsgathering partners at the IndyStar.

The NASL club’s president, Jeff Belskus, told Sports Illustrated the club’s MLS stadium would be a public-private partnership and that owner Ersal Ozdemir and his partners would be kicking in a “significant amount of private money.”

If built the new stadium would be built between Lucas Oil Stadium and the White River.

“We have a lot of energy for building a soccer stadium here,” Belskus told SI. “We’ve proven Indianapolis has the fan base to support soccer. It will support pro soccer and it will support Major League Soccer … It’s so logical for us.”

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.wthr.com/article/indy-eleven-to-pursue-mls-expansion

Indy Eleven to pursue MLS expansion

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.wxyz.com/news/will-major-league-soccer-come-to-the-motor-city

Will Major League Soccer come to the Motor City?