St. Petersburg City Council Sets Al Lang Stadium Special Election for May 2

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http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/764118

St. Petersburg City Council Sets Al Lang Stadium Special Election for May 2

By Rowdies Communications, 03/02/17, 10:35AM EST

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (March 2, 2017) – Earlier today, St. Petersburg City Council voted to approve and set the Al Lang Stadium special election for May 2. This is another positive step in bringing Major League Soccer to St. Petersburg.

The May 2 voting will allow residents of St. Petersburg to vote on giving City Council the authority to negotiate a long-term use agreement for Al Lang Stadium.

The use agreement, which can’t exceed 25 years, would allow Al Lang Stadium’s primary purpose to be the home field for a potential Major League Soccer team.

Rowdies owner Bill Edwards will cover the entire cost of the May 2 election.

The Tampa Bay Rowdies appreciate St. Petersburg City Council for approving the May 2 Referendum and allowing the club to continue its aspirations of bringing another major league sports team to the city.

About #MLS2StPete

The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced their #MLS2StPete campaign in December 2016, only to be named as one of the 12 candidates in the running for an MLS 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.

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http://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2017/03/02/rowdies-get-key-decision-from-st-pete-city-council.html

Rowdies get key decision from St. Pete City Council in quest to go major league

Mar 2, 2017, 11:27am EST Updated Mar 2, 2017, 8:10pm EST

Voters will now get to decide whether St. Petersburg can negotiate a long-term agreement with Tampa Bay Rowdies owner Bill Edwards to lease Al Lang Stadium, after City Council voted unanimously Thursday to move forward with a special election.

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http://www.tampabay.com/news/news-at-noon-northside-applying-for-trauma-status-ferry-numbers-up-rowdies/2315089

News at Noon: Northside applying for trauma status; ferry numbers up; Rowdies vote set; pressure on Sessions grows

Thursday, March 2, 2017 11:42am

Here are the latest headlines and updates on tampabay.com.

FERRY RIDERSHIP UP AFTER TICKET PRICES SLASHED

After a bumpy start, the Cross-Bay Ferry linking the downtowns of St. Petersburg and Tampa had a good month of February, carrying more than 6,000 paying customers. The increase was helped by slashing weekday ticket prices in half. Weekend ridership also set a record; those ticket prices were not cut.

MAY 2 SET FOR VOTE ON ROWDIES' STADIUM EXPANSION

The Rowdies bid to make the jump to Major League Soccer took a leap forward today when the St. Petersburg City Council unanimously approved a May 2 citywide vote on the team's plans to expand Al Lang Stadium. Residents will vote on whether the city can negotiate up to a 25-year lease with Rowdies owner Bill Edwards.

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/763479

Rowdies Sign VfL Wolfsburg Legend Schäfer

Arrives in Tampa Bay after recording club record 256 appearances in Bundesliga

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https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2017/03/01/13/54/20170301-news-usoc-2017-lamar-hunt-us-open-cup-format-announced

2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Format Unveiled

Modern Era Record 99 Teams to Participate in 2017 Tournament; Remaining Open Division Local Qualifiers Advance to First Round, Set for May 10

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http://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/mls-best-xi-vs-nasl-team-of-all-time-legends

Legendary XIs, NASL vs. MLS: Who had the bigger stars?

It's a game that can never happen, and would be too good for us if it could.

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https://global.handelsblatt.com/companies-markets/victoria-beckham-i-have-very-very-big-plans-717284

Victoria Beckham: ‘I Have Very, Very Big Plans’

Victoria Beckham, celebrated fashion designer and former Spice Girl, is on track for global expansion. In a rare interview, she told Handelsblatt, “My priority is to take the brand and the team to the next level. There are lots of things I want to do.”

Thomas Tuma

02. March 2017, 15:12

Victoria Beckham, celebrated fashion designer and former Spice Girl, is on track for global expansion: “My priority is to take the brand and the team to the next level. There are lots of things I want to do,” she told Handelsblatt Magazine in one of her rare interviews. “I do want this company to be big. I have very, very big plans.”

Germany is “a very, very important market” for her. “It always has been. Even with the Spice Girls, Germany was always a very important market. Unfortunately it is one of those countries I don’t really get the opportunity to go to often enough.”

Breaking into the U.S. market, Ms. Beckham recently announced the cooperation of her brand with U.S. cosmetic giant Esteé Lauder. And she is also launching her own less expensive designer clothes range in collaboration with U.S. budget fashion retailer Target, “which is something I wanted to do for a long time,” Ms. Beckham said. “So I am reaching women in America that can either not afford designer prices or don’t want to  pay designer prices. So again that’s a new customer that will come on board. So I would say that more and more different customer types are joining the gang, if you like.”

Victoria Beckham, 42, manages her brand and global company in partnership with her husband, the former soccer star David Beckham and British music manager Simon Fuller. “The fashion brand, even though it has my name on it, is owned jointly by David, Simon and me – likewise with David’s brand. It is owned as much by David, Simon and me. Regarding my business, obviously the last few years and now is the time for investment. And so as we are a group we need to take my brand to the next level together. We are having to invest.”

Looking to the future, would Victoria Beckham be prepared to hand over responsibility for her label at some point? “We’re not for sale. As I said, as a shareholder with David and Simon, we’ll continually evaluate the best strategic direction.”

Victoria Beckham was born in 1974 as Victoria Adams in Harlow. As member of the girl band Spice Girls from 1996 to 2001, she became famous worldwide. In 1999 she married the British football player David Beckham and the couple has four children. Since establishing herself as a fashion designer in 2006 she has become a style icon. In 2011 she won the British Fashion Award as designer brand of the year. This year she was awarded the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II.

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https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/2992373/freddy-adu-new-club-polish-second-division/

freddy set go Freddy Adu’s new club set to be Sandecja Nowy Sacz… who play in the Polish second division

Former child prodigy - now 27 - is a free agent after his deal with the Tampa Bay Rowdies ran out

He signed a pro deal with DC United aged just 14 and was wanted by Chelsea and Manchester United

FREDDY Adu’s disastrous career has hit a new low… with the one-time child prodigy set to sign for a club in the Polish second division.

Adu was dubbed the ‘new Pele’ when he turned professional at the age of 14 but his career fizzled out before it ever got going.

He failed to land a contract last month after a trial with the Portland Timbers and is now weighing up an offer from minnows Sandecja Nowy Sacz from the Polish second division.

Reports from Poland claim he is due to undergo a medical this week and will sign for the club once that has been completed.

The side play their home gamea st the Father Wladyslaw Augustynka stadium, which has a capacity of just 5,000.

They are currently seventh in the Polish second division.

However football website Goal.com claim the former USA international is also considering an offer from an unspecified club in Asia.

Adu began his professional career at age 14 with MLS side DC United, and was immediately hailed as the first superstar of football in America.

MLS marketing men dubbed him the ‘new Pele’ and for a while it seemed he would justify the hype, winnning his first cap at the age of 16 years in January 2006.

In November that year Adu had a trial with Manchester United for a fortnight, but he was not able to gain a work permit and so could not play in any competitive games.

However it turned sour quickly for the young midfielder.

He was sold to Real Salt Lake, then joined Benfica in 2007 for just £1.5million.

Since then he has been around the block several times, at Monaco, Philadelphia Union, Brazilian side Bahia, Portugal’s Belenenses, Turkish club Caykur Rizespor, Serbian club FK Jagodina and Kuopion Pallosuera in Finland among others.

He signed with the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the NASL in 2015, but after a promising first season with the club, Adu was left on the bench in favour of former Chelsea and England star Joe Cole for the 2016 season.

He left the Rowdies having just played 13 league matches for the club

Adu spent a few weeks on trial with the Portland Timbers at the end of January, but didn’t do enough to earn a contract.

Adu admitted in an interview with Goal.com a year ago that he has no one but himself to blame for failing to fulfil the potential he showed.

"I’ve had some tough times in my career. I’ve had some great times as well," he said.

"In the end, I can’t control what people say. It wasn’t my choice or decision to be compared to Pele when I came into the league.

"Everything that I’ve been through and everything that hurt my career, I brought it on myself because I didn’t dedicate enough time to it.

"You can say, ‘Oh, I had a lot too early,’ or say whatever you want.

"But at the end of the day we all need to grow up at some point.

"I’ve looked back on these past few years and I’ve wasted a lot of time, wasted years of my career, just not dedicating the time I should have to the sport.

"That’s time wasted. Lucky for me, I started so early that time wasted doesn’t mean I’m 33 or 34 and it’s too late for me.

"I’m only 26 and I can change and correct the things I’ve done wrong, and that’s what I’m focused on right now."

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/03/02/cheez-it-and-pringles-named-official-snacks-major-league-soccer

Cheez-It and Pringles named the official snacks of Major League Soccer

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https://www.forbes.com/sites/chrissmith/2017/03/02/mls-kicks-off-2017-season-with-new-sponsorship-from-kelloggs/#23a4ed4a374f

MLS Kicks Off 2017 Season With New Sponsorship From Kellogg's

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/03/01/wiebe-why-your-team-will-win-mls-cup

Wiebe: Why your team will win MLS Cup

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https://www.stripes.com/sports/american-who-grew-up-in-kaiserslautern-will-play-in-mls-1.456686#.WLjGO25y3ql

American who grew up in Kaiserslautern will play in MLS

By STARS AND STRIPES Published: March 2, 2017

Josh Smith, an American who grew up in a military family in Kaiserslautern, Germany, has signed a contract with Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution.

The Revolution selected Smith with the 75th overall pick in the 2017 MLS Super Draft on Jan. 17. The fourth-round pick played 297 minutes in six preseason appearances for the club and performed well enough to earn a roster spot as a center defensive back.

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http://finance.yahoo.com/news/cheez-pringles-named-official-snacks-140100569.html

Cheez-It® & Pringles® Named Official Snacks Of Major League Soccer

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http://www.the42.ie/irish-players-major-league-soccer-3267406-Mar2017/

Much more than Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle: the Irish history in Major League Soccer

From Paul Keegan to Chris McCann and everyone in between.

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http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/19/blog/post/3071346/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-2017-mls-season

Everything you need to know about the 2017 MLS season

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https://www.lagalaxy.com/post/2017/03/02/mls-live-back-subscribe-now-new-look-platform

MLS LIVE is back! Subscribe now to the new-look platform

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http://www.wdaz.com/sports/4227409-minnesota-united-supporters-riled-over-low-expectations-mls-debut

Minnesota United, supporters riled up over low expectations for MLS debut

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/764236?referrer_id=2364194-news-archive

USL Top 5 – MLS Offseason Signings from USL

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http://www.beloitdailynews.com/article/20170302/AP/303029719

After 1st title, Sounders prepare for encore performance

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http://www.foxsports.com/north/story/minnesota-united-fc-guide-mls-030217

Minnesota United for dummies

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/03/02/rosano-tata-martino-has-unique-chance-leave-indelible-mark-mls

Rosano: Tata Martino has a unique chance to leave an indelible mark on MLS

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http://outsideoftheboot.com/2017/03/02/mls-pros-and-cons-of-the-draft-system/

Does the MLS Draft have a place in football?

By Oliver McManus on March 2, 2017   

Oliver McManus has a look at the pros and cons of the MLS Draft system.

One of my first articles here at Outside of the Boot took a look at the MLS; well, 33 countries later, I’m back and this time I’m going to analyse their draft system.

The draft, it’s very much America personified and remains the only “Americanism” still actively used in Major League Soccer. And, on the face of it, it makes sense – it’s incredibly successful in NFL, NBA and NHL (American football, basketball and hockey for those who unacquainted with American sport).

The latest draft took place on the 13th January and, like everything in America, it was hyped up as though it were the moon landing all over again. Television coverage on ESPN was extensive and football fans, both hardcore and casual, immersed themselves in the resplendent glory that the Draft, undeniably, is.

There’s a weird affinity for college sports in America, the perception that not only does it enhance your game as a player but also develops you as a person is one shared by many, players, fans and coaches alike.

A key selling point with the Draft is that everyone who has gone through the college system has a chance of being picked up by an MLS club. And, if you think about it, that’s unique in football, in that it allows a direct, concrete route to the professional game.

I say that because, take England for example, inherently it isn’t a level playing field for youngsters – you’re either in the system or not and, if you’re not, you’re not very likely to get a second chance.

In talking about the Draft, you have to talk about the collegiate system because, let’s face it, one cannot exist without the other so. When you look at the players to have progressed through this intertwined system – Chris Wondolowski, for example – clubs aren’t just picking up a good footballer, they’re getting something a bit extra.

You see, because of the continued education that they receive, oftentimes draft picks can seem more astute mentally – thinking one step ahead, the ability to lead a team from the off. And that can only be a good thing.

Further to that, with the way the Draft works, it actively looks to create a level playing field in the MLS. The worst team of the previous season gets the first pick and so on and so forth – as a result, the teams improve relative to performance. Granted, you can trade picks with other clubs but the principle is the same. It’s almost like Sunderland (for arguments sake) being able to have the first pass on a free agent – no-one else can negotiate until Sunderland say no. Imagine that.

So, we’ve established the purpose of the draft; to both entertain and to actively increase the talent in the league.

On the face of it, the Draft supplies all MLS clubs with access to the world’s biggest youth academy – players based across America (and Canada) all being scouted in the hope that they might be the next big thing. But, as with everything, there are always some drawbacks and, unfortunately, this particular project is rather laden with them.

I don’t like being a naysayer (that’s a lie, I LOVE IT), but there is a distinct reason as to why this format hasn’t been expanded into other leagues – more than just one reason, actually.

The very reason as to why it is so successful in America is the same reason why it will never catch on elsewhere – it is aimed at a capturing interest in what is still the 5th most popular sport in the country. Elsewhere, football is very much established in the fabric of international culture so there is no real need for such an, arguably, trivial occasion.

Likewise, the route to professional football is, as standard, started off at a youth academy and progress though the ranks whilst still learning the trade.

Yes, the MLS is a different level of play but, at the end of the day, the Draft has provided more flops than it has superstars. Freddy Adu, anyone? Need I say more.

The pressure of being first pick can cause a man to crumble. You’re supposed to be the next world beater, that’s how it’s meant to work. But these talents are raw, they’re unfinished, they need nurturing. So, to go in as a teenager and sign your first professional contract with the lights already shining on you, it just heaps on the pressure.

Football being the ruthless game it is, you only need one bad game after having been dubbed the “next Messi” for it all to suddenly spiral out of control. *ahem* Freddy Adu, again.

I like the use of a draft in the NFL. I’ve spent hours trying to predict each team’s pick, it’s captivating. But it doesn’t have the same shazam in the MLS. In NFL, the Draft, essentially, is the only way for a team to pick up young talent. So the tension is heightened.

This isn’t the case in Major League Soccer – sure, the pressure is still there – but clubs have another way of bringing through youth, so they don’t particularly care as much as they, perhaps, should.

In the most spectacular attempt at shooting oneself in the foot since, well, someone actually shot themselves in the foot, the MLS “bosses” decided that each club must affiliate itself with a development team. For their youth players to progress.

Hmmm. So a club can coach a player from the age of, say, 7 to suit the style of play and make sure they get the cream of the crop but, for some reason, they’re expected to fall head over heels about a draft prospect.

Look, I don’t want to be horrible but there is a reason that a footballer is in the collegiate system. More often than not, I’ll bet, it’s because they weren’t good enough to be picked up by an academy.

It’s easy for me to criticise, after all, I did come through the trusted ranks of the Herne Bay Harriers youth teams (heavy sarcasm, in case you weren’t sure). But there is a distinct yearning for change even from those within the game.

You may have read my recent interview with Johnny McKinstry but, if you didn’t, commenting on the Draft/College system, he had this to say;

“I think players (in America), should go through it and, if they make it, fantastic but, in terms of being adopted elsewhere, I think there are challenges that even the soccer fraternity in America would like to update.”

Looking to the future, then, is anything going to change? Well, no is the simple answer. Because of the overall NCAA banner that college soccer comes under (and remember, that is where the drafts talent comes from), the League is, essentially, obligated to provide an opportunity for players to make the step up.

Besides, love it or loath it, it’s here to stay for the foreseeable future. A bit like another controversial topic in the States at the moment – but that’s an entirely different story!

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http://patch.com/new-jersey/oceancity/ocean-city-noreasters-compete-countrys-most-prestigious-soccer-tournament

Ocean City Nor'easters To Compete In Country's Most Prestigious Soccer Tournament

The Nor'easters are 1 of a record 99 teams competing in this year's Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, their first trip to the tournament since 2014.

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http://www.laduenews.com/business/columns/frank-cusumano-discusses-st-louis-and-the-mls/article_84060475-c7a7-52e7-b104-016f9265d346.html

Frank Cusumano Discusses St. Louis and the MLS

In 1980, right before the U.S. hockey team hit the Olympics ice to win the gold medal and complete the “Miracle on Ice,” coach Herb Brooks delivered a spirited speech to his team. Keep in mind, this is after they’d already beat the great Soviet Union team. Just moments away from playing Finland for the gold, Brooks said, “You blow this, and you will take this to your [bleep]ing graves.” He paused, walked toward the door that led to the ice, glared back at his team and said, “Your [bleep]ing graves.”

That’s how I feel right now with our town and the chances of getting the MLS, Major League Soccer. The MLS is currently in love with our town. Right this minute. Unfortunately, love fades.

The SCSTL group has put together a quarter-of-a-billion-dollar package in private money to make this a reality. Something they won’t do again or the MLS won’t offer again. Currently, there are 11 other cities that would like these expansion teams. However, it is now up to us. It’s rather simple. If you vote yes for the stadium, the MLS will come. If you vote no, it’s over for good.

As a person who spends more than 50 hours a week in downtown St. Louis and has a family business there as well, I want more police officers, safer streets and better schools. I also think we can do two things at the same time. We can improve the city, and we can become a member of the MLS.

How do we say no to a project that will create approximately 400 construction jobs and approximately 450 permanent jobs? How do we say no to a project that will not cost city residents one dime, unless they attend a game? How do we say no to a project that will generate approximately $17 million in positive tax revenue for the city during the duration of the project? How do we say no to a project that is going to impact our community for generations?

The other day, I sent one of KSDK’s photographers to the proposed stadium location. It’s 24 acres of nothing – no jobs, no life and no reason to really care. If you vote yes, that land turns into a state-of-the-art stadium that will house not only an MLS team but also other huge sporting events. The MLS says if you build that stadium, our town will host the All-Star game and International Friendlies. The NCAA told the Sports Commission if that stadium is built, we will also host soccer national championships, small college football national championships and big lacrosse championships.

St. Louis is going to get this done. St. Louis is tired of losing to similar-sized cities at getting events. Our time has come to finally win. If we don’t, we will take it to our [bleeping] graves.

Frank Cusumano is a 17-time Emmy Award-winner on KSDK-TV; he also hosts The Pressbox on The All New 590 the Fan from 10 a.m. to noon each weekday and contributes to The Dave Glover Show on FM NewsTalk 97.1. Follow him on Twitter @frank_cusumano.

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http://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/mls-preview-2017-underdogs-sleeper-teams-analysis

Never count 'em out: 5 sleeper teams that could (sort of) shock MLS in 2017

MLS is notoriously unpredictable. Fine margins will determine these teams' fates, but they have potential.

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http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-fire/2017-mls-western-conference-preview

2017 MLS Western Conference preview

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http://www.wsbradio.com/ap/ap/top-news/expansion-lafc-selling-soccer-dreams-in-revitalize/ntrMM/

Expansion LAFC selling soccer dreams in revitalized downtown

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http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2017/03/02/mls-designated-players-changes-retirement-league

As MLS culture evolves, teams change course with DP investments

The average age of Designated Players in MLS has dropped substantially since 2008, an indication that MLS teams are going about their business in a different way.

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http://www.wakingthered.com/2017/3/2/14797208/join-waking-the-reds-mls-fantasy-league

Join Waking the Red's MLS Fantasy League

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http://www.twincities.com/2017/03/02/st-paul-timetable-unclear-for-major-league-soccer-stadium-construction/

By Frederick Melo

March 2, 2017 at 7:07 pm

St. Paul timetable unclear for Major League Soccer stadium construction

Gloria Grayum, 64, is a diehard shopper at the Rainbow Foods grocery store in St. Paul’s Midway Shopping Center. The perpetual lack of customers — which contributes to a cavernous emptiness — doesn’t bother her. In fact, she goes there two or three times a week.

Grayum remains opposed to the prospect of a Major League Soccer stadium elbowing out her favorite grocery store. So far, there’s no firm date when it may close.

“I think they have a few problems to work out yet,” she said.

There’s still no timeline on when actual soccer stadium construction — once slated to start last May — might begin, and St. Paul Port Authority officials have yet to finalize a joint venture with a developer interested in revamping the Midway Shopping Center containing the Rainbow grocery store.

City officials remain optimistic that earth removal will begin in May in the vacant lot near St. Anthony Avenue and Interstate 94 and that the stadium will open in 2019.

“It’s not by any means a solidified timeline,” said Mollie Scozzari, a spokeswoman with St. Paul Planning and Economic Development. “As a city we don’t know anything for sure until permits are issued.”

‘STILL WORKING ON IT’

Last week, Port Authority President Lee Krueger said he was still in discussions with a developer that could help move Midway Shopping Center tenants into place around the future stadium. Several, like Rainbow and Midway Pro Bowl bowling alley, are in the path of construction.

“I wish I could tell you that I have a done deal, but I don’t,” said Krueger, in an email. “Still working on it.”

For now the Union Park District Council is advising residents who drive on Snelling Avenue to prepare themselves for a bevy of trucks if initial site excavation and clean-up starts this summer in a vacant Metro Transit bus storage lot toward St. Anthony Avenue and I-94.

Minnesota United team owners and stadium builders Mortenson Construction have yet to apply for demolition permits. But representatives of a dozen city agencies recently met with them to go over a possible timeline for the construction of the $150 million Major League Soccer stadium off University Avenue.

A full accounting of the Feb. 14 site plan review meeting is online at the Union Park District Council’s website. Team officials showed plans that depicted Rainbow Foods demolished as soon as this May. But city officials caution not to take it too seriously.

It remains unclear when the SuperValu-owned Rainbow Foods would be removed to make room for the 20,000-seat soccer stadium. The grocer has made no announcements.

“Unfortunately, I don’t have anything new to update on this front,” said Jeff Swanson, a spokesman for Eden Prairie-based SuperValu.

Several Midway Shopping Center businesses directly impacted by future construction say they’re in the dark.

“I’ve heard so many stories, I’m confused myself. I don’t know,” said Dave Goldberg, manager of Big Top Liquors, which is located at a shopping center entrance that would be reconfigured into a real street. “Nobody has said anything to us. For us, it’s business as usual.”

A BUSY SUMMER

Team officials say earth work on Metro Transit’s vacant former bus storage lot — at the southern end of the future stadium site — is expected to begin as soon as mid-May.

Utilities will be brought onto the site this summer, and drivers should prepare for traffic disruption along Snelling Avenue, according to district council officials who attended the recent site plan review.

Some 130,000 yards of extra soil will be excavated and removed from the site in trucks, though some of that will be used on-site to fill the basement of the Rainbow Foods building once it is demolished.

Still under discussion with the city is “enhanced” infrastructure such as “flat curb” streets that can be converted into public plazas on game days. Bollards for traffic control, bicycle facilities and specialty lighting are also under consideration.

St. Paul Public Works officials suggest wider sidewalks, especially along Snelling Avenue. Stadium plans depict a publicly-accessible sidewalk to the south side of the stadium along St. Anthony Avenue, where no sidewalk presently exists.

Metro Transit has expressed concerns about traffic control, pedestrian back-ups and fare collection, which will be discussed with the city later this summer. Full stadium construction permits could be issued in September, at the earliest.

REDEVELOPMENT, WEST TO EAST

Between the strip mall, the stadium and vacant adjoining land, the Snelling-Midway “SuperBlock” spans 35 acres of development opportunity.

Discussions with private parties interested in the west and north side of the “SuperBlock” along Snelling Avenue are still underway, but officials have said the tall office towers predicted in the site’s master plan are unlikely anytime soon.

In the near term, temporary parking lots on the west side of the stadium likely are to be constructed as indicated in a site plan approved by the city last year.

Meanwhile, according to district council officials, long-term leases on the eastern side of the SuperBlock will likely prohibit development there for several years.

REAL ESTATE ISSUES UNRESOLVED

Stadium construction had once been expected to begin last May or June. Minnesota United team owners have not elaborated on the source of delay except to say that real estate issues had become complicated.

City officials and others with knowledge of discussions say the loss of Rainbow Foods would negatively impact leases held by the Midway Shopping Center’s smaller tenants. The shopping center is split into four major parcels, and private financing on the two-acre parcel that is occupied by Rainbow has made it difficult to transfer ownership to the team.

Meanwhile, industry analysts say SuperValu, which owns the Rainbow at this location, needs greater assurances that its departure would not allow another major competitor, such as Hy-Vee, to take its place within the shopping center and compete with its Cub Foods property nearby.

To keep the project moving forward, the St. Paul Port Authority recently stepped into the arrangement between Minnesota United and Midway Shopping Center owner RK Midway.

The public agency is brokering a joint venture with an as-yet unnamed developer to become the shopping center’s lead tenant and jump start redevelopment of the strip mall hand-in-hand with stadium construction.

House lawmakers recently introduced a bill that would provide property tax exemption for the soccer stadium, as well as sales tax exemption for stadium construction materials.

The bill does not specify how many acres would be kept off the tax rolls or how much money the team would save, but lawmakers have been working under the assumption that some $3 million in property tax relief would extend to as many as 10 acres.

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http://soccer.nbcsports.com/2017/03/02/new-york-city-fc-buys-out-diskerud-rights-still-with-mls/

New York City FC buys out Diskerud, rights still with MLS

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http://sports.yahoo.com/news/mls-teams-spend-a-lot-more-than-you-think-213807623.html

MLS teams spend a lot more money than you think

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http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2017/03/02/mls-designated-players-changes-retirement-league

As MLS culture evolves, teams change course with DP investments

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http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/baybuzz/rowdies-get-their-may-2-election-on-al-lang-expansion/2315081

Tampa Bay Rowdies get their May 2 vote to expand Al Lang Stadium in MLS bid

Charlie Frago, Times Staff Writer

Thursday, March 2, 2017 10:44am

ST. PETERSBURG — The Tampa Bay Rowdies bid to make the jump to Major League Soccer took a big step forward Thursday when the City Council unanimously approved a citywide vote on the team’s plans to expand their home field to MLS standards.

The May 2 vote means that residents can weigh in on whether the city could negotiate up to a 25-year lease with Rowdies’ owner Bill Edwards for historic Al Lang Stadium. The Rowdies plan to expand the downtown stadium to 18,000 seats.

Any agreement would have to approved by the council and is contingent on the team getting one of the four MLS expansion slots that should be decided within the next few years. The first two slots should be decided this year, said former St. Petersburg mayor Rick Baker, president of the Edwards Group.

Baker said bringing an MLS team to St. Petersburg would take the city’s economic renaissance to the next level. He said adding an MLS team could be bigger for the city than the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, the annual IndyCar Series race that returns next week, or the Tampa Bay Rays, who seek to escape their current St. Petersburg home of Tropicana Field and build a new stadium, possibly in Hillsborough County.

Baker also sang the praises of Al Lang’s views of Tampa Bay’s open waters (a spot once coveted by the Rays for a new ballpark when Baker was mayor in 2007), saying it was the best location of any current or proposed MLS stadium. The Rays backed off plans to build a 34,000 seat, retractable-roof, open-air, waterfront ballpark in 2008 before the issue could be put on the ballot.

Holding the Rowdies. referendum would send a clear signal to MLS officials that the city is behind the team’s bid.

“We want to make sure that check box is filled by the time they make their decision,” Baker said.

St. Petersburg is one of a dozen cities vying for an expansion slot, including strong bids from San Diego, St. Louis, Sacramento and Phoenix.

But having the nation’s 11th-largest media market is a big advantage, Baker said, noting that the ten largest markets already have MLS teams.

Baker, a Republican, is rumored to be considering a challenge against Mayor Rick Kriseman, the Democratic incumbent, in this year’s mayoral election on Nov. 7.

Kriseman, who didn’t attend the initial vote on the referendum in February, said Thursday he liked that the proposed stadium renovation wouldn’t expand the venue’s footprint into the bay (as the Rays’ 2007 plan did) or across Bayshore Drive NE.

He also praised Edwards’ promise not to ask for any public money for the planned $80 million expansion of Al Lang.

“How many cities see that happen?” Kriseman said.

A handful of residents, most of them downtown residents, voiced concerns about the proposal, saying they feared the streets would get even more crowded and noisier from post-soccer concerts.

After the vote, Edwards said he understood their fears.

“We won’t do anything to hurt our neighbors,” he said.

Edwards' company Big3 Entertainment also runs the nearby Mahaffey Theater.

More than two dozen residents spoke overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing the referendum. Supporters, many of them clad in the Rowdies' colors of green and yellow, said acquiring an MLS team would further the city’s economic development and foster civic pride.

Edwards is footing the $270,542 bill for the election. Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Deborah Clark said mail ballots for military and overseas voters go out March 17. The rest of mailed ballots will be sent out March 28. No early voting will be held.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2017/03/02/st-pete-city-council-voices-strong-support-of-rowdies-mls-bid-sets-al-lang-referendum-for-may-2/2614

St Pete City Council Voices Strong Support of Rowdies MLS Bid, Sets Al Lang Referendum for May 2

March 2, 2017    

by JAKE NUTTING

The Tampa Bay Rowdies effort to win an expansion spot into Major League Soccer stayed on course Thursday thanks to a unanimous vote of approval from the St. Petersburg City Council which set a public referendum for May 2 to allow the team and city to negotiate a new 25-year lease agreement for Al Lang Stadium.

Rowdies Owner Bill Edwards is seeking the new use agreement as part of his proposal to expand Al Lang to 18,000 seats in order to meet the standards necessary move up to MLS. Edwards has pledged that the $80 million construction costs of the project and any fees required by MLS to join the league will be paid by the team’s ownership group.

It’s been smooth sailing so far for the Rowdies stadium expansion efforts. In both city council meetings addressing the matter, the majority of feedback from constituents has been positive. Former St. Petersburg Mayor and current President of the Edwards Group Rick Baker noted the backing from the community and the city sends an encouraging signal to the MLS offices, especially as other competing cities struggle to gain momentum with their stadium plans.

“What we want to make sure is that MLS is comfortable that the community is supportive and that we have the authority to go forward with this stadium,” Baker said. “So we want to make sure that tick box is filled by the time they make that decision.”

Before the vote, city council members also expressed full-throated confidence in the team’s bid and that the referendum would pass in their comments. With his colleague Council member Jim Kennedy sporting a Rowdies scarf in the seat next to him, Council member Charlie Gerdes made his certainty in the city’s MLS prospects clear.

“I’m happy to vote yes,” Gerdes stated. “This vote is gonna pass, the referendum is gonna pass, and if MLS is smart they’ll do the right thing. Let’s go.”

Even the few who voiced concerns over the team’s proposal were not against the idea of expanding Al Lang outright. Most sought assurances that the city council would keep their worries over noise from potential concerts at the venue in mind when negotiating the new use agreement with the Rowdies.

Council member Steve Kornell explained that not every possible use of an expanded Al Lang could be outlined in the 75-word referendum, but stressed that the city would work to strike a balance in the new use agreement to ensure the residents in the area aren’t overlooked.

Directly addressing one of the concerned residents, Council member Kennedy said, “We can stop noise at 10 o’clock. We can do things that address the peace and serenity and tranquility of the people who love St Petersburg. We can work that out, and we will. We will listen. I don’t want you to leave here today thinking you were not listened to.”

Mayor Rick Kriseman was also on hand to show he’s behind the May referendum passing. After commending the Rowdies on their work putting together a proposal that aligns with the vision of the city’s waterfront, the mayor underscored that the referendum is about allowing the discussion to evolve, not approving a final deal.

“This referendum does not approve an agreement,” Kriseman explained. “It simply allows that ability to negotiate an agreement. That agreement that gets negotiated then still has to come in front of city council and there will be multiple opportunities for public input regarding the terms of that agreement, and then council still has to approve that agreement with a super majority. This is simply allowing us to have the discussion and to take it to a step that otherwise we wouldn’t be able to do. I strongly encourage the public to be supportive of this referendum on May 2.”

If the message that the Rowdies are open to working with the city to take the residents around Al Lang into consideration hadn’t gotten through yet, Edwards himself made it plain that concerts will not be a frequent occurrence after the expansion.

“We’re going to do everything in our power to make everyone in the community happy with everything that’s going on here,” the Rowdies owner said. “There’s only been two concerts in the whole time we’ve had the Rowdies, just for the record. In the use agreement I have now, I have to have ten non-soccer events, so I’ve been forced to put in some things I didn’t want but maybe I needed to fill the gap. Our goal is to play soccer and use the stadium for that. We don’t want to do anything to hurt our neighbors.”

Mail ballots for the military and other overseas voters will go out on March 17. The rest of the mail ballots will go out on March 28. No  early voting will be held for the special election. The deadline to register to vote before the referendum is April 3.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.fox13news.com/news/local-news/239280638-story

MLS to St. Pete makes another dribble forward

By: Evan Axelbank, FOX 13 News

Posted:Mar 02 2017 11:00PM EST

Updated:Mar 02 2017 11:04PM EST

ST. PETERSBURG (FOX 13) - The push to bring Major League Soccer to Tampa Bay took another dribble forward on Thursday.

The St. Pete City Council set a date of May 2 to hold a special election that could give the Rowdies owner the rights to Al Lang stadium for 25 years.

The Major League Soccer League is considering bids from 12 groups around the country, with Tampa Bay among them.

Rowdies owner Bill Edwards says the team has improved both on and off the field since he bought them in 2013.

"The last couple of years has been really great, we have been building and building," Edwards said.

Thursday, the St. Pete City Council voted to hold a special election on May 2 to allow the city to negotiate a lease for Al Lang, which he says he needs to convince Major League Soccer to select the Rowdies as one of its four new teams by 2020.

"It's a situation that I think most cities would be looking for where you are not asking for city money, you're going to do it yourself," he said.

But, there are twelve cities going for the four slots, including Detroit, Phoenix and San Diego. He pitched the idea to MLS in January in Times Square, arguing that Tampa Bay is the biggest media market without a team and wouldn't need to build a stadium from scratch.

He's promising to pay $80 million to beef up the stadium, and $150 million to the league.

"It's a very warm reception," he said of the January meeting. "We pulled out all the stops when we went to New York. We rented a big board in Times Square."

For someone who has already donated to the arts, who has invested in numerous properties around St Pete and built even mundane things like parking garages, he says the Rowdies would be a lasting legacy. When he bought the team, they were drawing only about 3,500 to games. Now, they average about 6,000.

He believes that number would go much higher if the Rowdies jumped a level up to Major League Soccer.

"I think it's the best thing for the city," he said. "I am at an age now where this is my swan song."

Edwards will pay $270,000 for the special election as part of a $350 million total investment. MLS could announce two of the four teams in late summer. As for the vote on May 2, a simple majority is needed to begin lease negotiations.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.cltampa.com/arts-entertainment/sports/article/20853767/in-st-pete-al-lang-expansion-will-go-on-the-ballot-in-may

In St. Pete, Al Lang expansion will go on the ballot in May

Colin O'Hara

Mar 2, 2017 1 PM

Whether it's the fate of the Tampa Bay Rays, the Pier or the city's decrepit wastewater infrastructure, in St. Pete, it's hard to find a major local issue issue on which nearly everyone agrees. Thursday was a little different.

'“This referendum is going to pass, and I think you should award St. Petersburg a franchise. That would be one of the smartest things that MLS ever did,” Councilmember Charlie Gerdes said into the news cameras in the hope Major League Soccer’s commissioner Don Garber was watching. “It’s going to pass.”

Gerdes' comments were emblematic the atmosphere and confidence shown by council minutes before they voted to unanimously pass an ordinance allowing a special referendum to take place where citizens will have the chance to vote on whether the Rowdies can take a 25-year lease on Al Lang and renovate it to meet MLS standards, renovations that would take place at no cost to taxpayers. Councilman Jim Kennedy even got up to get a Rowdies scarf to wear during the public comments. The referendum vote will be held on May 2.

Council quickly voted to pass the ordinance after listening to a slew of residents, business owners, and soccer fans heaping praise on the project. Representatives of some of the city’s largest employers, smallest employers, and public organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, all gathered Thursday morning to voice their support.

“I want to underline the community support you are receiving from throughout the Tampa Bay region and underline the economic development potential this brings to the tri-county area,” Zack Thorn of the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce said. "The market is there … and I am in full support of moving forward.”

Former St. Petersburg mayor and current president of the Edwards Group Rick Baker described the stadium project as a plan that does not overwhelm the current site and is consistent with the current waterfront plan. He also detailed a 35-foot wide sidewalk that will run along the stadium, connecting the area with Bayshore Drive, and will also make room for sidewalk cafes.

“It’s a special day for our city and community,” Baker said “Looking at our downtown, what a special place our downtown came to be. I call it a 30-year overnight success.”

But the Rowdies still have work to before breaking ground on a potential stadium. First, the referendum has to pass the voters on May 2, which it is expected to do. But the referendum itself does not allow a stadium to be built. According to Mayor Rick Kriseman, the referendum will simply allow the city to discuss potential plans with Al Lang Stadium.

“I want to remind all the voters that by approving this referendum, they are simply allowing the city to negotiate an agreement,” Kriseman said. “This referendum does not approve an agreement, it allows the ability to negotiate an agreement. That agreement still needs to come before council and council needs to approve that agreement with a supermajority. But I strongly encourage the public to be supportive of this referendum.”

All costs of the stadium and referendum are provided by Bill Edwards of the Edwards Group, and city has already received the $200,000 from Edwards needed to pay for such a referendum.

“This is a big project. It’s not just a stadium, it’s a franchise,” Edwards said after council passed the measure. “It’s a $300 million-dollar project and it’s up to the voters to decide if they want me to spend $300 million of my own money. It’s up to the voters to decide if this is something they want or don’t want and we hope they want it.”

Edwards says he’s beginning a campaign to get voters out on May 2 to support the referendum.

“I want everyone to be happy with this. You can’t please everyone, but we’re going to try our best," he said.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1110/major-league-soccer/2017/03/03/33248692/media-microscope-espn-and-fox-preview-their-2017-mls-tv

Media Microscope: ESPN and Fox preview their 2017 MLS TV coverage

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http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1110/major-league-soccer/2017/03/03/33249012/goals-predictions-for-the-2017-mls-season

Goal's predictions for the 2017 MLS season

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http://wtop.com/dc-united/2017/03/major-league-soccer-865/

Major League Soccer

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http://www.statesman.com/sports/atlanta-debuts-mls-stadium-known-for-college-football/g7XCIhMmxQhqtUftH7klVJ/

Atlanta debuts in MLS at stadium known for college football

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http://www.beloitdailynews.com/article/20170302/AP/303029768

Major League Soccer

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http://www.indiantelevision.com/node/2154179

Dsport to telecast Major League Soccer in India

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http://www.skysports.com/football/news/12096/10787119/vote-rank-the-mls-kits-for-the-2017-season

VOTE: Rank the MLS kits for the 2017 season

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http://www.pennlive.com/cityislanders/index.ssf/2017/03/jonny_mendoza_signs_with_harri.html

Jonny Mendoza Signs with Harrisburg City Islanders

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http://www.und.com/sports/m-soccer/spec-rel/030217aac.html

Irish Ready To Take On The Spring

Notre Dame men's soccer has nine games scheduled against outside opponents during spring slate

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https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/mar/03/mls-season-2017-soccer-predictions

What to watch in MLS this season: 22 teams, top talent and Tata Martino

Atlanta and Minnesota join the fun this year – and there’s plenty more besides. Our expert writers look ahead to what could be MLS’s biggest and best season

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https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/03/sports/soccer/major-league-soccer-preview-opener-2017.html?_r=0

M.L.S. Preview: Some New Crests, Some Younger Stars

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http://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/vote-which-kits-are-best-and-worst-mls-2017

VOTE: Which kits are the best (and worst) in MLS in 2017?