City Council To Vote Thursday On Rowdies Stadium Referendum

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http://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/post/city-council-vote-thursday-rowdies-stadium-referendum#stream/0

City Council To Vote Thursday On Rowdies Stadium Referendum

By Morgan Blauth

On Valentine’s Day 42 years ago, the Tampa Bay Rowdies played their first soccer game in St. Petersburg. This Thursday, the City Council will vote on ballot language for a referendum that could allow the team to stay at Al Lang Stadium for 25 years instead of five.

The additional time is necessary because Rowdies owner Bill Edwards proposed $80 million in privately-funded renovations to Al Lang Stadium. The renovations are an effort to improve the team's recent bid to be one of four Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion teams.

Tampa Bay Business Journal reporter Janelle Irwin said that the additional time at the stadium would allow the Rowdies to successfully upgrade the venue.

“[The ordinance] would…create a 25-year lease, which is necessary for the team to undergo $80 million worth of stadium renovations that are part of their process to try to turn the Rowdies into a Major League Soccer team,” she explained.

Improvements include new locker rooms, concession areas and about 10,000 more seats, none of which will change the footprint of the existing stadium.

However, the renovations are contingent upon the Rowdies earning the MLS franchise.

The lease expansion ordinance will still need a second vote and a public hearing before voters can weigh in.

Zeoli said that the city has a unique opportunity to improve both the downtown and the sports scene.

“St. Petersburg does have a long history with the Rowdies,” he said. “We’re very excited about the chance to preserve this unique team for St. Petersburg.”

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http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/corporate/whats-in-a-name-bill-edwards-hopes-to-sell-naming-rights-to-everything/2313249

What's in a name? Bill Edwards hopes to sell naming rights to everything inside, around Mahaffey Theater

Charlie Frago, Times Staff Writer

Wednesday, February 15, 2017 5:30am
   
ST. PETERSBURG — The name on the outside of the Mahaffey Theater isn't changing, but the names of nearly everything inside and around it is up for sale.

St. Petersburg City Council members heard the details of a plan on Feb. 2 to sell naming rights to a dozen spaces on the 98,000-square-foot performing arts venue.

For $100,000 a year for five years, a company could hang its moniker on the theater's 2,000-seat main hall.

Too steep a price? Naming rights for the art gallery are a mere $5,000 a year.

Last year, the city signed a new five-year agreement with Big 3 Entertainment, a management company owned by Bill Edwards, to manage the Mahaffey. Edwards is a Treasure Island businessman who owns the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Unlike the previous deal, the new agreement doesn't offer a direct city subsidy to cover the venue's operating deficit, which averaged $663,000 the previous five years.

To close that financial gap, Big 3 obtained the right to seek revenue from naming rights.

The first $250,000 will go to Big 3, the city will receive the next $75,000 and the two entities split any revenue above $325,000.

The City Council has final approval over the naming rights. Big 3 has already identified 350 companies and corporations it will pursue, said Joseph Jimenez, managing director of the Edwards Group.

Now comes the pitch to persuade them to start writing checks.

"We tell the story of why their company, their association, will benefit by being part of this great waterfront downtown asset," Jimenez said.

Big 3 developed its plan after studying performing arts centers and sports stadiums in similar markets, he said.

"Obviously, there are no two markets that are alike," Jimenez told the City Council. "But this gave us a good benchmark on how to go about it and how to assign fees and timelines to the assets that are most requested and most valuable."

An average of 210,000 people a year walked through the doors of the Mahaffey over the past four years. That's a lot of eyeballs found lingering at the line at the box office ($50,000) or at the parking garage ($75,000).

Big 3's market study showed that both spots are highly coveted, Jimenez said.

If all of the proposed naming rights sell, it would net the city nearly $100,000 year.

That will help offset some of the city's continuing costs. Big 3 receives $250,000 in yearly management fees and as well as a $15,000 incentive fee each time a top act is lured to the theater. Those incentives are capped at $150,000 a year. The city is also responsible for up to $400,000 a year in capital improvements.

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http://www.tampabay.com/sports/soccer/mls-holds-its-version-of-spring-training-in-pinellas-county/2313170

MLS holds its version of spring training in Pinellas County

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http://www.tucsonlocalmedia.com/news/article_ca9010ce-f2e0-11e6-a423-67ea7bde494d.html

MLS Red Bulls practice, play in Oro Valley

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http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/article132822539.html

MLS team hiring a Chief Tattoo Officer

If David Beckham ever gets his Major League Soccer team going in Miami, perhaps he will consider following the lead of the Philadelphia Union, which this week is advertising for a Chief Tattoo Officer.

Yes, that’s right. The team is seeking a “CTO” to handle all the team’s tattoo needs.

The advertisement reads: "Tattoos are a vital part of sport, fan and supporter culture. Just as tattoos are for life, fans choose a club to passionately support for life. As our club grows, players and staff are joining the Union from geographies outside of Philadelphia. Given their love for tattoos and unfamiliarity with their new city, they often look for guidance in seeking a new, local artist.

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http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170215005719/en/D.C.-United-Soccer-Stadium-Named-Audi-Field

New D.C. United Soccer Stadium to be Named Audi Field

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http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2017/02/15/phoenix-rising-mls-expansion-usl-diplo

MLS expansion city profile: Phoenix

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http://www.sacurrent.com/the-daily/archives/2017/02/15/to-score-an-mls-team-bexar-county-taxpayers-might-need-to-wait-for-it-pony-up-more-taxes

To Score an MLS Team, Bexar County Taxpayers Might Need to – Wait for It – Pony Up More Taxes

The Spurs are pumped. City of San Antonio officials are stoked. Even a local judge can’t tamp his excitement.

That's because San Antonio is in the running for a Major League Soccer expansion franchise. Eleven other cities, including San Diego, Phoenix, St. Louis, Nashville, and Charlotte, are vying for four spots. MLS officials could announce the winning bids as soon as the summer.

The entry cost, somewhere between $150 and $200 million, isn’t cheap. But Spurs Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Spurs franchise, would pick up a majority of the associated costs — but only if they can successfully lure the MLS to town.

All that’s left for Bexar County residents is to cross all fingers and toes. And maybe even fork over some tax money.

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http://www.burgundywave.com/2017/2/15/14594854/colorado-rapids-in-mls-advantages-benefits-fans

4 Advantages for fans of MLS teams

We should be glad the Colorado Rapids are in MLS.

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https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-02-15/audi-said-to-buy-naming-rights-to-d-c-united-soccer-stadium

Audi Gets Naming Rights to D.C. United Soccer Stadium

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http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/sportsextralatest/tulsa-roughnecks-secure-affiliation-with-major-league-soccer-franchise-chicago/article_6924552b-7091-50c9-bcb4-8d73b587f521.html

Tulsa Roughnecks secure affiliation with Major League Soccer franchise Chicago Fire

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http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/dc-united-strike-naming-rights-deal-with-audi-of-america

DC United strike naming rights deal with Audi of America

MLS club's new stadium to be known as Audi Field.

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http://www.phillyvoice.com/union-notes-chester-ink-gold-cup-conflicts-and-escalating-interest/

Union notes: Chester ink, Gold Cup conflicts and escalating interest

No romance for the Philadelphia Union, who spent Valentine's Day on a plane to Florida.

The club returned to Clearwater for phase three of the preseason, which involves participation in the Suncoast Invitational tournament. The Union will face NASL hosts Tampa Bay on Saturday, then MLS rivals D.C. United and Montreal Impact next week.

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http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article132931609.html

New MLS replay system overturns call against Sporting KC

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http://www.espnfc.com/atlanta-united-fc/story/3061723/major-league-soccer-atlanta-united-fc-has-sold-40k-of-55k-seats-for-regular-season-opener

Atlanta United FC has sold 40k of 55k seats for regular-season opener

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http://www.twincities.com/2017/02/15/mls-commissioner-don-garber-confident-uniteds-stadium-will-get-done/

MLS Commissioner Don Garber confident United’s stadium will get done

Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber said Wednesday that possible concerns on the construction timeline for Minnesota United’s new stadium in St. Paul won’t be remembered in five years.

Aside from a ceremonial groundbreaking in December, the 20,000-seat stadium proposed for the corner of Snelling Avenue and Interstate 94 in the Midway neighborhood has had hiccups in acquiring two acres on the north side of the site, where Rainbow Foods sits.

But St. Paul Port Authority President Lee Krueger told the Pioneer Press he has plans to present a development agreement to the port authority’s board on Feb. 28. The agreement will state that a developer will partner with the authority to effectively gain control of the Midway Shopping Center, which includes Rainbow Foods, and therefore speed up construction.

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http://www.denverpost.com/2017/02/15/rapids-benefit-video-replay-var/

Rapids benefit in their first match played with video replay

Colorado Rapids were awarded a penalty kick following a Video Assistant Referee review

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http://www.npsl.com/news_article/show/758006?referral=rss&referrer_id=2168389

Atlantic Conference Alignment Announced

The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) is proud to announce the new alignment for the Northeast Region’s Atlantic Conference. 

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http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/preseason-position-battles-heat-up-as-union-continue-to-prep-for-2017/zsJqbo---M2SzV4HIOuwtQ/

Preseason, position battles heat up as Union continue to prep for 2017

Valentine’s Day marked the beginning of the Union’s 2017 season as the team boarded a plane headed to Clearwater, Florida, where the Union will face off in their first preseason matchup against the NASL’s Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday.

“It’s an exciting time,” Union manager Jim Curtin said. “It’s good to get into warm weather and get onto good fields that aren’t frozen. Everyone’s excited and we’re really optimistic about this year. We got a taste of the playoffs last year and the guys are hungry for more.”

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http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/02/15/complete-list-mls-usl-affiliations-partnerships-2017

February 15, 201712:47PM EST

The complete list of MLS-USL affiliations, partnerships for 2017

LS continues to enjoy deep ties to the United Soccer League, with 10 MLS teams set to operate their own USL club in 2017, while 12 others – including 2018 expansion side LAFC – will have a USL side as an affiliate.

Minnesota United are currently the only MLS team not to have announced a USL affiliate, although Fifty Five One reported in January that they were exploring Rochester, Minnesota as a potential location for their USL reserve affiliate.

USL’s 2017 season will begin on Saturday, March 25, with a slate of 13 matches set for opening weekend; the league has grown to 30 teams for 2017. The regular season will conclude on Oct. 15, with 14 matches set to be played over the season’s final few days. The full schedule can be found here. The USL Cup Playoffs will begin the following weekend with the Eastern and Western Conference quarterfinals.
List of MLS-owned/affiliated USL teams

Atlanta United FC – Charleston Battery (affiliate)
Chicago Fire – Tulsa Roughnecks FC (affiliate)
Colorado Rapids – Charlotte Independence (affiliate)
Columbus Crew SC – Pittsburgh Riverhounds (affiliate)
D.C. United – Richmond Kickers (affiliate)
FC Dallas – OKC Energy FC (affiliate)
Houston Dynamo – Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (hybrid affiliate)
LAFC* – Orange County SC (affiliate)
LA Galaxy – LA Galaxy II
Minnesota  United FC – TBD
Montreal Impact – Ottawa Fury FC (affiliate)
New England Revolution – Rochester Rhinos (affiliate)
New York City FC  – San Antonio FC (affiliate)
New York Red Bulls – New York Red Bulls II
Orlando City – Orlando City B
Philadelphia Union – Bethlehem Steel FC
Portland Timbers – Portland Timbers 2
Real Salt Lake – Real Monarchs SLC
San Jose Earthquakes – Reno 1868 FC (hybrid affiliate)
Seattle Sounders FC – Seattle Sounders FC 2
Sporting Kansas City – Swope Park Rangers
Toronto FC – Toronto FC II
Vancouver Whitecaps FC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2

•=LAFC will begin play in MLS in 2018

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http://jacksonville.com/sports/2017-02-14/after-dark-winter-armada-kicks-preseason-camp

After dark winter, Armada kicks off preseason camp

Jacksonville Armada head coach Mark Lowry looks on from the sidelines during a 2016 North American Soccer League game. The Armada kicked off training for its third season Tuesday. (The Florida Times-Union/Bob Self)

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/757684?referrer_id=2364194-news-archive

Switchbacks, Weidner Partner on Naming Rights Deal

Weidner Field will become home for Colorado Springs starting with 2017 season

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https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2017/02/12/d-c-united-could-receive-final-approval-for-buzzard-point-stadium-thursday/?utm_term=.cc2f17385c49   

D.C. United could receive final approval for Buzzard Point stadium Thursday

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http://aztecpressonline.com/2017/02/major-league-soccer-roars-into-tucson/

Major League Soccer roars into Tucson

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http://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/blog/2017/01/20/walsh-bob-kraft-soccer-stadium/

Walsh Officials Secretly Negotiated with Bob Kraft on Soccer Stadium, Critics Say

Local electeds blasted the ‘behind-closed-door discussion.’

By Kyle Scott Clauss    | Boston Daily    | January 20, 2017, 10:34 a.m.

Local electeds have blasted the Walsh administration’s “behind-closed-door discussion” with UMass officials and New England Revolution owner Robert Kraft, over plans to build a soccer stadium on the former site of the Bayside Expo Center in Dorchester’s Columbia Point.

State Sen. Linda Darcena Forry, whose district includes the proposed stadium site, issued a scathing press release last week, criticized all parties for excluding abutters and community members from the conversation.

“Dorchester residents deserve a transparent process. This is not good business and not good government,” Forry said in a statement. “Acting in secret and without bringing members of the community and their elected representatives to the table, until backroom deals come to light through stories in the media, is wholly unacceptable.”

The 10-acre site is comprised of the Bayside parcel, which UMass purchased out of foreclosure, as well as the aging headquarters of the Boston Teachers Union, whose price for relocation, which would include a new facility, was reportedly too steep for Kraft according to Globe columnist Shirley Leung.

Because UMass is unencumbered by both the state’s open bidding law and the need for zoning approvals from the Boston Planning and Development Agency, negotiations over Kraft’s soccer stadium have been able to proceed without much noise—or competition. Leung’s January 11 column, which detailed efforts by both the Walsh administration and UMass to pry the BTU from the site, came as a surprise to some community leaders.

“This is against the public’s interests. I am a true believer in public and private partnerships, but I am also a strong advocate for transparent government and process,” Forry said. “State agencies acting with impunity, handpicking a singular entity to develop a public site is wrong. I expect the University of Massachusetts, our public university, to open up the process to members of the Dorchester community and have an open bidding process for this development.”

In an interview with the Bay State Banner, City Councillor-at-Large Annissa Essaibi-George, a former member of the Columbia Point Task Force, said the community’s plans for the Bayside site—developed over the course of a four-year process—included “housing, mixed-use commercial-residential, walking ways, bikeways, [and] eyesight lines to the harbor,” but no soccer stadium.

“A thorough community review involving all stakeholders is necessary to ensure that this valuable public asset is developed responsibly to maximize economic and social benefits,” South Boston Rep. Nick Collins said in a statement. “We have one shot to get this right and we need to have an open, public process that considers what’s best for UMass, the neighbors and area businesses and the city of Boston. I stand with my fellow elected leaders in calling for transparency and thoughtful planning as we consider next steps.”

A Walsh spokesperson told the Banner that the mayor was not personally involved in any negotiations with the BTU’s relocation with regard to the soccer stadium. In a statement, UMass spokesperson Jeff Cournoyer maintained the system’s transparency, and said its plans for the parcel were not yet solid enough to show lawmakers.

“The University of Massachusetts has been transparent regarding the status of a prospective development of the Bayside parcel, including in meetings and discussions with elected officials representing the Boston campus and its surrounding neighborhoods both individually and collectively as recently as Tuesday, Jan. 3,” Cournoyer said.

“While we are exploring the feasibility of a development that could generate revenue for the campus, scholarship funding for its students and unlock needed transportation infrastructure improvements in the area, for reasons including those reported we do not currently have a firm proposal to present to legislators or anyone else.”

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http://talksport.com/football/mark-clattenburg-poised-quit-premier-league-referee-move-mls-or-china-cards-170216228006

Mark Clattenburg poised to QUIT as Premier League referee with move to MLS or China on cards