(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.cltampa.com/news-views/local-news/article/21094623/five-questions-for-tampa-mayor-jane-castor
Five questions for Tampa mayor Jane Castor
"If the Rays come over, they’ll bring the Rowdies with them."
Q: What’s the reaction to your recent call to revive talks about a new major league baseball stadium in Tampa Bay?
CASTOR: I think the reaction has been positive. I believe that, as a community, we want the Rays to stay in the Tampa Bay area. The Rays want to stay in the Tampa Bay area, so we just need to start those discussions again to see what it takes to keep them in the area. There are so many opportunities. The appetite for citizens to pay for a stadium is gone. That’s not going to happen. Matter of fact, the governor and I just had this conversation yesterday about that. And the same thing that he said, is that there isn’t going to be taxpayer-funded stadiums. … But some creative measures, like making the stadium smaller, making the stadium multi-purpose. If the Rays come over, they’ll bring the Rowdies with them. So you’ll have soccer. You’ll have baseball. And what other things can we have that will activate a stadium year-round, make it profitable? Opportunity zones, to be able to look for funding for a stadium through an opportunity zone is an option as well. There are so many things that we need to look at, but I really in my heart feel that we’re too big of an area to lose a major sporting franchise, and the Tampa Bay area wants to keep the Rays.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/article236777428.html
This MLS veteran midfielder expected to join Inter Miami soon; coach search continues
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/celebrity/gallery/behind-scenes-david-beckhams-whisky-20744079
Behind-the-scenes David Beckham's whisky campaign
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/10/28/vlatko-andonovski-introduced-new-coach-us-womens-national-team/
Soccer
Vlatko Andonovski introduced as new coach of U.S. women’s national team
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nashvillesc/2019/10/29/mls-move-nashville-sc-focus-usl-playoffs/2484402001/
With the move to MLS looming, Nashville SC tries to stay focused on USL playoffs
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/10/29/mls-monitoring-air-quality-near-banc-california-stadium-due-getty-wildfire
MLS monitoring air quality near LAFC's Banc of California Stadium due to Getty fire
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/10/29/mesut-ozil-transfer-mls-here-are-four-potential-landing-spots-arsenal-star
Mesut Ozil transfer to MLS? Here are four potential landing spots for the Arsenal star
(Follow link for full article.)
https://sharpside.com/mls-cup-betting-odds-4/
Major League Soccer Betting: Updated 2019 MLS Cup Odds for Conference Finals
(Follow link for full article.)
https://soccer.nbcsports.com/2019/10/29/cryptic-zlatan-ibrahimovic-hints-at-return-to-spain/
Cryptic Zlatan Ibrahimovic hints at return to Spain
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.si.com/soccer/2019/10/29/frank-de-boer-atlanta-united-mls-cup-playoffs
De Boer Shows Resilience, Flexibility in Maintaining Atlanta's Place Among MLS's Elite
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/atlanta-united-nwsl-expansion-franchise-ambse
Atlanta United owner confirms NWSL expansion franchise interest
AMBSE says there is “no definitive timetable” for joining women’s soccer league.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/10/29/atlanta-united-fans-have-history-jozy-altidore-michael-bradley
Atlanta United fans have a history with Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/ybor-citys-ghost-tour-shows-the-scarier-side-of-tampas-history/67-798e5084-43fe-450d-a12d-640b7408c7b1
Ybor City's Ghost Tour shows the scarier side of Tampa's history
The 2-hour outing takes those who dare through some of the city’s oldest, downright darkest locations.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.tampabay.com/arts-entertainment/fun/2019/10/29/top-things-to-do-in-tampa-bay-for-wednesday-oct-30/
Top things to do in Tampa Bay for Wednesday, Oct. 30
Cabaret Comedy Night at the Lion’s Den, Ybor City Wine Bar does a pairing with holiday candy and Ghost Hunting 101 at the Safety Harbor Library.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.wkrg.com/haunted-history/do-you-know-8-most-haunted-spots-in-tampa-bay/
Do you know 8 most-haunted spots in Tampa Bay?
TAMPA (WFLA) – Yes, Tampa Bay has its share of ghostly tales and not just during Halloween. The city of Tampa was called “the damnedest city this side of Hell,” but that was more because of rum runners and bootleggers than it was for other spirits.
Some of these haunted locations are rated among the best in the country.
Ybor City is a historic downtown Tampa neighborhood founded in the late 1800s by cigar manufacturers. Today there are shops and nightclubs lining the brick street, but there is still a feeling of stepping back in time.
It has a long history of haunted happenings, including ghosts of soldiers who died in 1908 during the great fire.
1. But probably the most haunted location is the Cuban Club. It was built in 1917 with a ballroom, cantina, library, bowling lanes, pool and two-story theater.
There were two deaths dating back to the 1920s. An actor committed suicide on stage and a member of the board was murdered during an argument. They are said to still appear in the building.
But many reported seeing a lady ghost in a misty dress that comes down the stairs. Pianos will also play with no one around and the elevators run at odd times. Others said they see a young boy playing ball.
“One year I was setting up camera equipment to take prom pictures on stage! No one was around and all of a sudden the big door on the side of the auditorium started shaking then I heard noise above the stage! I slowly walked up the stairs and saw a shadow! At that point I decided to wait till later to finish setting up equipment,” Leary Short told WFLA.com.
The Travel Channel named the Cuban Club one of its Top 10 Most Haunted Places.
2. There is also a drunken Cuban ghost at the Florida Brewery Company. It is now the Swope, Rodante P.A. on East 5th Avenue, but the first night it opened as a bar, there was free beer. Of course, a fight broke out and a man was killed when he hit his head. Now the drunken man can be heard talking in Spanish and walking around in the law firm’s building at night. The story is that he fought over a beer and still hasn’t let it go.
3. The Old Tampa Book Company at 507 North Tampa Street used to be a tailor’s storefront. The bookstore’s owners kept the chairs from the old shop and now they are said to move on their own. The owners also found a pair of bloody scissors on the floor. Passers-by who said they took pictures of the shop see a man in a top hat and a woman who seems to be in pain.
4. “Tampa Theatre is haunted all year-round, not just October,” Director of Marketing Jill Witecki said.
Statues and gargoyles guard the 1926 Tampa Theatre at 711 North Franklin Street. Foster “Fink” Finley, who spent 20 years as the theater’s projectionist, died and he never left. Staff members hear doors slam, and the power turns off without anyone around. They hear his footsteps and chains rattling in the hallway behind the stage.
He is also said to enjoy a cigarette. Sightings include cigarette smoke billowing out of the projection booth when the door is opened and the back two rows of the balcony nearest the projection booth smelling like smoke.
Rosa Rio who played the organ until she died at 107 may still be hanging around, too. A theater manager accidentally stepped back into the orchestra pit. She should have fallen directly on top of the organ, but the manager said that Rosa guided her fall so as to not damage the instrument. Some still hear organ music and believe Rosa continues to play today.
“People in the lobby have heard keys rattling up here like someone is trying to find the right key to fit into the lock,” said Witecki.
One of the most intriguing haunts, however, is contained to a single seat – number 308 – where a man has been seen wearing a fedora.
“I have always questioned the validity of that story until we had some of our paranormal investigators come in and spend some time in that area of the building and they captured all kinds of interesting things. Both video and audio lead us to believe there is someone in seat 308,” said Witecki.
Read more about the Theatre ghost here.
5. Plant Hall at the University of Tampa at 401 W. Kennedy used to be the 500-room Tampa Bay Hotel. It was built by railroad tycoon Henry Plant in 1891 to accommodate passengers traveling to Florida. Theodore Roosevelt and Babe Ruth stayed there. The building is open and safe – students have reported seeing an apparition from the windows outside. The servants are said to haunt the science wing.
A ghost known as “The Brown Man” who is said to have glowing red eyes haunts Plant Hall. Some say it is Henry Plant himself, wearing his brown suit and has long white hair. Word is that if anyone acknowledges his presence, he’ll rush up to their face and then disappear. Professors and staff said they avoid making eye contact with him.
There have also been visions of a tall gentleman in bib overalls and work boots pushing a janitor’s cart through the museum’s hallways. And students studying in empty classrooms hear someone joining them: an open door, the sound of footsteps in the room and someone sitting down, only to turn around and find no one there.
6. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge that crosses the Tampa Bay region is considered to be haunted. The 5.5-mile bridge connects St. Petersburg, which is located in Pinellas County and Terra Ceia that is in Manatee County. The current bridge was dedicated Feb 7, 1987.
Many things have happened to the bridge over the years. The previous Sunshine Skyway Bridge was hit by a freighter in 1980, collapsing part of it and taking several cars and a Greyhound bus into the Bay. Thirty-five people plunged to their deaths. Only one man survived. The ghost bus is seen by folks visiting the fishing pier, which is part of the old bridge. Many said they feel an actual breeze and even catch a whiff of the gasoline from the moving bus.
More than 200 people have jumped from highest point of the Skyway to kill themselves. And some motorists report “a weird unexplained light phenomenon” in the water under the bridge.
The best story is that late at night motorists have slowed down and some have even stopped to help what appears to be a woman standing alone on the bridge. She has a history of climbing into cars before disappearing from the passenger’s seat.
Toll booth workers and motorists would see the woman hitchhiking around midnight. Many motorists picked her up and expressed the fact that she become extremely nervous in the car, wanting to get to the other side. But she would vanish soon afterward.
7. The most haunted hotel in Tampa Bay has to be the Don CeSar Hotel, built in 1928 at 3400 Gulf Blvd. at St. Pete Beach.
Employees and guests see the ghost of owner Thomas Rowe and the love of his life Lucinda. The couple met in London but her parents split them up and sent her back to Spain. Thomas returned home and never saw her again. He built the pink palace to look like one where they met. He died in 1940 and now they can be seen walking hand in hand on the beach.
8. The Britton Theatre in South Tampa on Dale Mabry Highway is an old movie theatre that is still open. Both employees and guests have reported unusual occurrences, even though no one died there. Doors in the ladies room will shut and lock and toilets flush when no one is there. Voices are heard in the hall near auditorium No. 5 late at night. An usher heard someone call his name in auditorium No. 3 and visions seen in the balcony.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/major-league-soccer/1192215/wayne-rooney-exposes-mls-demands-pay-hike-for-american-players/
Major League Soccer
Wayne Rooney exposes MLS, demands pay hike for American players
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/mls-stadium-will-go-north-of-market-street-include-practice/article_c452cf5a-cee8-56a8-b50e-1cbdde830bb4.html
MLS stadium will go north of Market Street, include practice fields near Union Station in expanded plan
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.stltoday.com/sports/soccer/renderings-proposed-mls-stadium-in-st-louis-will-be-built/collection_7fc70197-85b8-5007-96dc-5bad4a0154a3.html
Renderings: Proposed MLS stadium in St. Louis will be built along Market Street
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/ben-frederickson/benfred-st-louis-mls-stadium-will-be-a-testament-to/article_a35210e7-623f-539f-a3d3-ed9906e423bb.html
BenFred: St. Louis' MLS stadium will be a testament to ownership group's mission
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Take-a-Look-Around-Site-of-Inter-Miamis-First-Home-in-South-Florida-564066541.html
Take a Look: Site of Inter Miami's First Home in South Florida, Where Lockhart Stadium Once Stood
It's a massive project, with roughly 300 workers on the site seven days a week, at least 12 hours a day.
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Football transfer rumours: Mesut Özil to DC United or Inter Miami?
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/oct/28/football-transfer-rumours-mesut-ozil-to-dc-united-or-inter-miami
Football transfer rumours: Mesut Özil to DC United or Inter Miami?
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.hartfordbusiness.com/article/hartford-athletic-coach-nielsen-part-ways-after-inaugural-season
Hartford Athletic, coach Nielsen part ways after inaugural season
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/charleston-battery-no-longer-moving-downtown-set-to-play-season/article_57424a06-f684-11e9-8ef5-c33ef7f6bf1c.html
Charleston Battery no longer moving downtown, set to play 2020 season in Mount Pleasant
As it turns out, The Charleston Battery soccer club won’t be moving downtown.
The Battery has agreed to play its 2020 season at College of Charleston’s Ralph Lundy Field at Patriots Point.
The Battery is finalizing an agreement with the college to play all of its home games through 2023 at the Mount Pleasant facility.
Charleston Battery principal owner Eric Bowman and B Sports Entertainment sold MUSC Health Stadium on Daniel Island – the club’s home for the past two decades – in May to Holder Properties for $6.4 million.
The Battery trounced Bethlehem Steel FC 5-1 in the club’s final regular-season game at MUSC Health Stadium on Oct. 19. The stadium is set to be demolished in the next few months to make way for commercial or residential development by the Atlanta-based company.
MUSC Health Stadium (copy) (copy) (copy)
The Charleston Battery soccer team has played at MUSC Health Stadium on Daniel Island since 1999. File/Staff
File/Staff
When Tony Bakker sold the team and its facilities to Bowman and B Sports Entertainment for more than $8.5 million in 2016, the new owner made no secret of his desire to eventually move the franchise downtown to take advantage of Charleston’s growing millennial demographic.
“When soccer first started in this country most of the stadiums that were getting built ended up in suburban America because the perception was that was where the fans were,” Charleston Battery president Mike Kelleher said during the summer. “It was marketed toward the soccer moms and soccer families. As the game has grown, I think you’re starting to see soccer move toward the cities because that’s where the fans are.”
Top 10 soccer moments at Charleston Battery's soon-to-be-demolished MUSC Health Stadium
SPORTS
Top 10 soccer moments at Charleston Battery’s soon-to-be-demolished MUSC Health Stadium
By Andrew Miller apmiller@postandcourier.com
Initially, the club wanted to move the team back to Stoney Field, which had been the Battery’s original home from 1993-99. Stoney Field, which is used by Burke High School and the city of Charleston recreation department, is undergoing renovations and wouldn’t be ready for use until the fall of 2020, city officials said.
The Battery then shifted its focus to playing at Johnson Hagood Stadium, The Citadel’s 11,000-seat a facility across the street from Stoney Field. However, issues with the installation of new turf on field for the 2020 Citadel football season forced the Battery to look elsewhere.
Charleston Battery moving downtown for larger audience, but issues abound with new stadium
SPORTS
Charleston Battery moving downtown for larger audience, but issues abound with new stadium
By Andrew Miller apmiller@postandcourier.com
7 min to read
When it was originally built in 1999, then Blackbaud Stadium was the first soccer-specific facility in the United States. Over the next 20 years, teams from Europe, Central America and the Caribbean would travel thousands of miles to the Lowcountry to play at Blackbaud Stadium. Daniel Island would host the U.S. women’s national soccer team three times, featuring the game’s most popular player Mia Hamm.
But soccer wasn’t the only use for the venue. The Southern Ground Music and Food Festival, headlined by the Zac Brown Band, found a home on Daniel Island. The stadium has also hosted the U.S. national rugby team and professional wrestling along with countless beer and music festivals.
The Battery was eliminated from the USL Championship playoffs with a 3-1 loss to Nashville on Saturday.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.ajc.com/sports/nwsl-franchise-owned-blank-atlanta-possibility/REwoy2VIp0YgDb7lnJWq3L/#
NWSL franchise owned by Blank in Atlanta a possibility
Arthur M. Blank Sports and Entertainment is considering starting a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) franchise in Atlanta, though there is no specific timetable for doing so, according to Brett Jewkes, chief communications officer for AMBSE.
Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated reported on Sunday that Atlanta United could bring an NWSL franchise to the city as early as 2021, but that it was waiting on information about U.S. Soccer’s role with the league. NWSL held its championship game on Sunday. There were reports earlier this season about Atlanta United’s possible interest in an NWSL franchise.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.tampabay.com/arts-entertainment/food/2019/10/28/review-7th-grove-is-part-yummy-southern-eatery-part-nightclub/
Review: 7th + Grove is part yummy Southern eatery, part nightclub
Contemporary Southern cuisine gets the limelight at Ybor City’s restaurant and nightclub hybrid | Restaurant review
Fried boneless chicken thighs, baked mac n cheese, collards and watermelon cubes are served at 7th + Grove, a new restaurant and nightclub in Ybor City. [LUIS SANTANA | Times]
TAMPA — It was love at first crouton.
I was dining at 7th + Grove, a new restaurant and nightclub hybrid in Ybor City. The dish was a charred Caesar salad ($12), a plate of grilled romaine spears...
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.cigarjournal.com/cigar-heritage-festival-in-yborcity-fl-dec-8-2019/
EVENTS
Cigar Heritage Festival in Ybor City, FL | Dec 8, 2019
CIGAR HERITAGE FESTIVAL IN YBOR CITY, FL | DEC 8, 2019
The Cigar Heritage Festival will take place Sunday, December 8th 2019 from 11 am – 5 pm at Centennial Part, Ybor City.
Program:
Premium hand-rolled cigars available from the biggest cigar makers in the world by some of the best brick-and-mortars in Florida
Meet & Greet with the Arturo Fuente Cigars Family, The J.C. Newman Cigar Family and Nestor Maranda of the Miami cigar company
Beer and wine available from 30`beer truck with 8 beer taps
Gourmetfood trucks featuring delicious foods and desserts
Cigar rolling demonstrations & domino tables
two giant mobile cigar lounges
Art and jewelery vendors
Featuring live: Orchestra Fuego Winner of 2019 Latin Song
CIGAR HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Sunday, December 8th 2019 11 am-5pm
General Admission is FREE and pet-friendly
more information: Cigar Heritage Festival 2019
https://www.yborcitycigarfestival.com
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/sbw-fields-staggering-9-million-offer-from-toronto-wolfpack-20191028-p534zk.html
SPORT RUGBY UNION RUGBY WORLD CUP
SBW fields staggering $9 million offer from Toronto Wolfpack
Sonny Bill Williams is weighing up the richest contract in the history of either rugby code after a jaw-dropping offer to switch back to the 13-a-side game from Super League-bound club Toronto Wolfpack.
Williams' tilt at another Rugby World Cup triumph with New Zealand was stopped in its tracks by Eddie Jones's England in Japan on Saturday and the 34-year-old is now preparing to turn out for the All Blacks in the tournament's third-place play-off against Wales.
Sonny Bill Williams is set to become the highest paid player in the history of rugby and rugby league. CREDIT:GETTY IMAGES
The former NRL premiership winner appeared set to hang up the boots this year but it has emerged the cross-code star has received contract offers in recent weeks which would top any pay packet he has earned throughout his 16-year career.
The Canadian team are prepared to pay Williams as much as $9 million over two years, according to a source with knowledge of the contract negotiation.
If he puts pen to paper on the staggering deal, it would make him the highest paid player in the history of either code.
Williams would be signed as a Super League marquee player and according to the rules of that competition only $300,000 of a marquee player's annual wage counts under the salary cap.
Williams has been part of the All Blacks fold for the last five years. CREDIT:AAP
The remainder does not count under the cap, allowing cashed-up clubs to pay big-name players exorbitant salaries.
Williams has also received multi-year, multi-million dollar offers from overseas rugby clubs which would still make him one of the highest paid players in the history of either sport.
The enormous sums being offered to Williams will blow any NRL suitors out of the water despite some clubs having registered interest in the All Blacks star in recent months.
Williams is set to play on in 2020. CREDIT:GETTY IMAGES
Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis met with Williams' agent, Khoder Nasser, earlier this month but the glamour club will not be able to compete with the money being thrown at the two-time NRL premiership winner.
However, Politis is interested in bringing Williams back to the club in a coaching or other capacity once his playing days are finally behind him.
The Wolfpack are funded by Australian mining billionaire David Argyle, who confirmed interest in bringing Williams to Toronto earlier this year.
RELATED ARTICLE
England coach Eddie Jones with Canberra NRL coach Ricky Stuart ahead of the World Cup.
RUGBY WORLD CUP
NRL referees, coaches could learn from the Rugby World Cup
"We are working towards making Sonny Bill Williams a Wolfpack player for 2020. We would love to have him join the Wolfpack family and we will pay whatever it takes to make that happen," Argyle told Fox Sports in February.
"The excitement he would bring to the sport of rugby league in this country would be incredible."
Argyle compared the potential Williams signing to the move made by David Beckham to LA Galaxy from Real Madrid in 2007.
"Having someone of his talent join the Wolfpack would greatly raise the profile of the club, but also help move the game forward globally," he said at the time.
"Sonny is a phenomenal athlete. He is rugby’s LeBron James and we see his recruitment as bigger than when David Beckham joined LA Galaxy. He is box office and puts bums on seats."
Williams is still in Japan with the All Blacks as they prepare to face Wales in Friday's third-place play-off in Tokyo.
Outgoing All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has copped criticism from New Zealand media in the days after the loss to England for not starting Williams in the centres.
Toronto will feature in the England-based Super League for the first time next year, having earned promotion by beating Featherstone Rovers in the Million Pound Game in Ontario earlier this month.
The club only played their first professional match three years ago, with former Leeds coach Brian McDermott taking the reins and leading the club to Super League promotion in his first season in charge.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://7news.com.au/sport/rugby-league/torontos-9m-league-play-for-sbw-report-c-528404
Sonny Bill Williams weighs up record-breaking rugby league contract
The Rugby World Cup-winner could soon become the highest-paid player in the history of both rugby league and union. Credit: Getty
Ambitious English Super League newcomers Toronto Wolfpack have reportedly made a $9 million play to lure Sonny Bill Williams back to the 13-a-side game.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the 34-year-old superstar is weighing up a two-year deal.
In the video above: NRL star investigated over brawl
Williams is contracted to New Zealand rugby until the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup in Japan - with the All Blacks preparing to face Wales on Friday in the third-place playoff.
He came off the bench in the All Blacks' semi-final defeat to England on Saturday.
It is believed that a host of rugby clubs have already made a play for Williams while back-to-back NRL premiers Sydney Roosters appear to be priced out of the race for the services of their former back-rower.
Sonny Bill Williams has no shortage of suitors as his New Zealand Rugby contract winds down. Credit: AP
The Wolfpack were established in 2016 and will be the first North American team to compete in Super league after they won promotion to the top-tier via the Million Pound Game on October 5.
They are funded by Australian mining and resources billionaire David Argyle, who has previously revealed his interest in snaring Williams as their marquee signing.
More on 7NEWS.com.au:
Rugby Australia urged to bring back Eddie Jones
Paul Gallen brands his own fight with Barry Hall 'embarrassing'
Manly Sea Eagles ramp up Trbojevic chat as brothers wait
Toronto coach Brian McDermott told the PA news agency earlier this month that they wanted to bring in a David Beckham-type player to raise their profile, much like the former soccer icon did for Los Angeles Galaxy and the MLS, and that Williams fits the bill.
"Our club would want to have a name that's absolutely international that everybody would recognise and help the profile of our game, very much like David Beckham did for Major League Soccer," McDermott said.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/david-beckham-children-la-galaxy-statue_uk_5db6d707e4b05df62ec27956
David Beckham Is A Proud Dad As Kids Visit His LA Galaxy Statue For The First Time
"Very proud moment," he wrote on Instagram, alongside a photo of Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/sonny-bill-williams-receives-richest-contract-offer-in-nrl-rugby-union-history/news-story/438964c51815b0315973c42a17f254be
Sonny Bill Williams receives richest contract offer in NRL, rugby union history
Sonny Bill Williams has reportedly been offered the chance to be the highest paid player in the history of rugby league and union.
Sonny Bill Williams has received an offer to be the highest paid player in the history of rugby league and union, just days after his All Blacks were eliminated from the Rugby World Cup.
According to a report, Williams has ben tabled a record $9 million deal to return to rugby league with the Toronto Wolfpack in the English Super League.
Fairfax Media reports the deal is worth a staggering $4.5 million per season for two years.
It comes after Toronto’s head coach Brian McDermott revealed earlier this month that his team had received word that Williams was interested in joining the team.
The Toronto team is on the lookout for big-name signings following their promotion from the second-tier Championship and are keen on signing the All Blacks star.
The record deal would see Williams earn around four times the wages paid to NRL superstar Daly Cherry-Evans ($10 million over eight seasons) and AFL superstar Lance Franklin ($10 million over nine seasons).
Williams’ future remains clouded following the All Blacks’ shock semi-final defeat at the hands of England, but his contract with New Zealand Rugby expires after the All Blacks’ third-place play-off against Wales on Friday night.
Sonny Bill Williams is going to make it rain.
Sonny Bill Williams is going to make it rain.Source:Getty Images
The Sydney Roosters have reportedly ruled themselves out of the race for Williams’ signature after conceding they could not compete with the record offer from Toronto.
Williams has also reportedly fielded several other multi million-dollar offers from overseas rugby franchises.
Toronto has a competitive advantage of being able to sign Williams as a Super League marquee player where just $300,000 of his salary will be included in the team’s salary cap.
McDermott said recently his team wanted to bring in a David Beckham-type player to do for the Wolfpack what the former Manchester United favourite did for LA Galaxy — and that Williams fits the bill.
“Sonny Bill Williams has shown interest in us and that’s what it is at the moment,” McDermott said.
“He’s currently busy with the World Cup so I wouldn’t ever dare to suggest that he is more than interested in coming but the answer wasn’t a ‘no’ once we made contact so that’s something we’d like to follow up.”
Sonny Bill Williams has likely played his final game for the All Blacks.
Sonny Bill Williams has likely played his final game for the All Blacks. Source:AP
The two-time World Cup winner fronted an All Blacks press conference yesterday in Japan and when asked to reveal his sporting future Williams said: “Soon bro, soon, we’re just trying to finalise that.”
The Canadian franchise is funded by Australian mining billionaire David Argyle and will make its debut in the Super League next year after winning promotion by beating Featherstone Rovers.
Meanwhile, a push for a new rugby league team based out of New York is expected to come too late for Williams, but is arriving just in time for the new franchise to snap up some of the NRL’s biggest stars, The Daily Telegraph reported last week.
A New York consortium has already identified veteran NRL stars, including Benji Marshall (34 years old), Kieran Foran (29), Brett Morris (33), Josh Morris (33), Darius Boyd (32), Sia Soliola (33), Aiden Tolman (30), Matt Prior (32), Jesse Bromwich (30), James Tamou (30) and James Graham (34), as potential marquee signings for when the team enters the third tier of the English Super League in 2021.
The New York club reportedly wants to win back-to-back promotion to play in the Super League by 2023.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://upnewsinfo.com/2019/10/28/what-is-the-net-worth-of-david-beckham-and-what-guarantees-does-it-have/
What is the net worth of David Beckham and what guarantees does it have?
The withdrawal of football has done nothing to weaken the mark of David Beckham; In any case, the former England captain has become even more popular since he hung up his boots and began focusing solely on his life off the field.
Always a popular face among advertisers, Beckham's appeal has become an empire in recent years. He has directed his hand to fashion, food and drink, television, entertainment and more, and continues to reap the rewards.
He has shown few signs of slowing down and recently launched another new project, the Major League Soccer franchise based in Inter Miami, Miami, indicating his intention to make it one of the best teams in the United States.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2019/10/28/five-questions-with-tampa-mayor-jane-castor.html
Five questions with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor
Jane Castor worked her way up through the ranks of her hometown police department before retiring at the top, making history as Tampa’s first female police chief.
What’s the reaction to your recent call to revive talks about a new Major League Baseball stadium in Tampa Bay?
CASTOR: I think the reaction has been positive. I believe that, as a community, we want the Tampa Bay Rays to stay in the Tampa Bay area. The Rays want to stay in the Tampa Bay area, so we just need to start those discussions again to see what it takes to keep them in the area. There are so many opportunities. The appetite for citizens to pay for a stadium is gone. That’s not going to happen. Matter of fact, the governor and I just had this conversation yesterday about that. And the same thing that he said, is that there isn’t going to be taxpayer-funded stadiums. … But some creative measures, like making the stadium smaller, making the stadium multipurpose. If the Rays come over, they’ll bring the Tampa Bay Rowdies with them. So you’ll have soccer. You’ll have baseball. And what other things can we have that will activate a stadium year-round, make it profitable? Opportunity zones, to be able to look for funding for a stadium through an opportunity zone is an option as well. There are so many things that we need to look at, but I really in my heart feel that we’re too big of an area to lose a major sporting franchise, and the Tampa Bay area wants to keep the Rays.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/heres-how-david-beckhams-kids-reacted-when-they-saw-his-statue-at-the-legends-plaza
Here's how David Beckham's kids reacted when they saw his statue at the Legends Plaza
The former LA Galaxy player shared an adorable picture with his kids on Instagram where all of them can be seen posing with the long statue.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://asumetech.com/david-beckham-shares-lovely-image-of-his-little-ones-meeting-his-la-galaxy-statue/
David Beckham Shares Lovely Image of His Little ones Meeting His LA Galaxy Statue
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.goal.com/en-ug/news/what-is-david-beckhams-net-worth-and-what-endorsements-does/rn0i9g1tuc9k1us86m07nh20n
What is David Beckham's net worth and what endorsements does he have?
(Follow link for full article.)
https://en.as.com/en/2019/10/28/football/1572289052_836664.html
MLS
Atlanta United already among world's 10 best-supported clubs
A club who are only in their third season in Major League Soccer, Atlanta United have been a success story both on the pitch and in the stands.
In just their third season as a Major League Soccer franchise, Atlanta United are not only in contention to win what would already be their second American soccer title, but are pulling in attendances to rival Europe's best-supported clubs.
Atlanta crowds higher than most Champions League clubs
Quoting statistics compiled by the CIES Football Observatory, World Football Summit notes that Atlanta had the 10th-highest attendance figures in global club football between 2013 and 2018, with their 51,547 average gate - the biggest outside of Europe - putting them in a leading group occupied by century-old powerhouses such as Real Madrid, Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
Indeed, the average crowd boasted by the Five Stripes - who, on their way to winning the 2018 MLS Cup, registered no fewer than eight attendances of over 70,000 at their stunning Mercedes-Benz Stadium last year - beats 28 of the 32 teams in this term's Champions League group stage.
Atlanta "one of the great stories" in MLS history
"It really is quite incredible to think that a club that's only in its third season, in America which has traditionally been thought of as not a soccer country, could be pulling those types of crowds," Atlanta president Darren Eales told the 2019 World Football Summit in Madrid in September.
Described by MLS commissioner Don Garber as "one of the great stories in the history of our league", Atlanta face Toronto FC in Wednesday's Eastern Conference final, with the victors progressing to November's MLS Cup final against either Los Angeles FC or Seattle Sounders.
MLS the world's eighth-best attended league
Atlanta's meteoric rise since they joined MLS in 2017 comes against the backdrop of the competition's impressive overall growth, WFS also points out, with a 34% increase in attendances since 2013 now making the American league the eighth-best attended in the world.
What's more, the rising enthusiasm for football in the States is illustrated by a 2018 Gallup poll that showed a 4% increase in the number of Americans who see soccer as their favourite sport, coupled with a decrease in respondents who chose traditional US games such as American football, basketball and baseball.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.constructionspecifier.com/inter-miami-cf-facilities-on-track-for-march-2020/
Inter Miami CF facilities on track for March 2020
The Fort Lauderdale (Florida) stadium and training complex of the Inter Miami CF team is steadily rising. More than 200 construction professionals are onsite fulltime bringing South Florida’s fútbol team to life for its opening season in Major League Soccer (MLS).
In March 2020, Inter Miami CF will take the field in a new 18,000-capacity stadium anchoring the Club’s 19-ha (46-acre) facilities in Fort Lauderdale.
To date, the stadium has gone vertical with all steel columns on the east side and half along the west. The crew will begin installing components of the secondary frame of the metal building next week, along with the horizontal structural members that will provide lateral support for wall panels.
The training facilities at Fort Lauderdale include a full kitchen and cafeteria, lounge and classroom, weight room and performance lab, hydrotherapy and treatment rooms as well as tactics rooms and boot rooms.
Construction is progressing on the training facilities for the Inter Miami CF team.
Photo courtesy Inter Miami CF
(Follow link for full article.)
https://stv.tv/news/entertainment/1441958-behind-the-scenes-of-david-beckham-s-scottish-whisky-tour/
Behind-the-scenes of David Beckham's Scottish whisky tour
Earlier this month, the former Manchester United legend visited Cambus Cooperage.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/article236777428.html
This MLS veteran midfielder expected to join Inter Miami soon; coach search continues
See a graphic rendering of the new stadium David Beckham's Inter Miami soccer team will play in. BY ASSOCIATED PRESS
Construction of Inter Miami’s soccer complex in Fort Lauderdale is well underway, scheduled to be ready enough for training camp in mid-January; and the team’s inaugural roster is also being built, slowly but surely.
The Inter Miami roster is expected to double from five players to 10 — maybe more — in the coming weeks with the addition of Major League Soccer players through transfers and the Expansion Draft. Among the players expected to sign with David Beckham’s new club is FC Cincinnati midfielder Victor Ulloa, whose contract was up for renewal.
Ulloa, a 27-year-old Mexican-American, is a seasoned MLS veteran who can help new players adapt to the league. He came up through the FC Dallas academy, played eight years with Dallas and was traded to Cincinnati before the 2019 season. He started 22 games for last-place Cincinnati, scored one goal and had two assists. He bid farewell to Cincinnati on Twitter and sources confirmed he is likely headed to Miami.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.nbcmiami.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Beckham-Group-Rebuilding-Lockhart-Stadium_Miami-564066742.html
Beckham Group Rebuilding Lockhart Stadium
The site of where the Lockhart Stadium once stood is now being rebuilt for David Beckham's soccer team Inter Miami. NBC 6's Ari Odzer takes a look around. (Published Tuesday, Oct 29,...
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/top-stories/fresno-foxes-soccer-club-almost-certainly-leaving-fresno/
Fresno Foxes Soccer Club ‘almost certainly’ leaving Fresno
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/10/29/reports-atlanta-united-mulling-nwsl-team-could-launch-soon-2021
Reports: Atlanta United mulling NWSL team, could launch as soon as 2021
(Follow link for full article.)
https://gritdaily.com/life-death-nasl/
The Glorious Life and Painful Death of the NASL
(Follow link for full article.)
https://gvwire.com/2019/10/29/owner-fresno-foxes-pro-soccer-team-is-folding/
Owner: Fresno Foxes Pro Soccer Team Is Folding
(Follow link for full article.)
https://pittnews.com/article/152077/sports/sportscolumns/column-riverhounds-could-benefit-from-relegation/
Column: Riverhounds could benefit from relegation
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article236788128.html
Without a stadium, Fresno FC owner says soccer club is ‘almost certain’ to relocate
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/oct/28/football-transfer-rumours-mesut-ozil-to-dc-united-or-inter-miami
Football transfer rumours: Mesut Özil to DC United or Inter Miami?
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.hartfordbusiness.com/article/hartford-athletic-coach-nielsen-part-ways-after-inaugural-season
Hartford Athletic, coach Nielsen part ways after inaugural season
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/charleston-battery-no-longer-moving-downtown-set-to-play-season/article_57424a06-f684-11e9-8ef5-c33ef7f6bf1c.html
Charleston Battery no longer moving downtown, set to play 2020 season in Mount Pleasant
As it turns out, The Charleston Battery soccer club won’t be moving downtown.
The Battery has agreed to play its 2020 season at College of Charleston’s Ralph Lundy Field at Patriots Point.
The Battery is finalizing an agreement with the college to play all of its home games through 2023 at the Mount Pleasant facility.
Charleston Battery principal owner Eric Bowman and B Sports Entertainment sold MUSC Health Stadium on Daniel Island – the club’s home for the past two decades – in May to Holder Properties for $6.4 million.
The Battery trounced Bethlehem Steel FC 5-1 in the club’s final regular-season game at MUSC Health Stadium on Oct. 19. The stadium is set to be demolished in the next few months to make way for commercial or residential development by the Atlanta-based company.
MUSC Health Stadium (copy) (copy) (copy)
The Charleston Battery soccer team has played at MUSC Health Stadium on Daniel Island since 1999. File/Staff
File/Staff
When Tony Bakker sold the team and its facilities to Bowman and B Sports Entertainment for more than $8.5 million in 2016, the new owner made no secret of his desire to eventually move the franchise downtown to take advantage of Charleston’s growing millennial demographic.
“When soccer first started in this country most of the stadiums that were getting built ended up in suburban America because the perception was that was where the fans were,” Charleston Battery president Mike Kelleher said during the summer. “It was marketed toward the soccer moms and soccer families. As the game has grown, I think you’re starting to see soccer move toward the cities because that’s where the fans are.”
Top 10 soccer moments at Charleston Battery's soon-to-be-demolished MUSC Health Stadium
SPORTS
Top 10 soccer moments at Charleston Battery’s soon-to-be-demolished MUSC Health Stadium
By Andrew Miller apmiller@postandcourier.com
Initially, the club wanted to move the team back to Stoney Field, which had been the Battery’s original home from 1993-99. Stoney Field, which is used by Burke High School and the city of Charleston recreation department, is undergoing renovations and wouldn’t be ready for use until the fall of 2020, city officials said.
The Battery then shifted its focus to playing at Johnson Hagood Stadium, The Citadel’s 11,000-seat a facility across the street from Stoney Field. However, issues with the installation of new turf on field for the 2020 Citadel football season forced the Battery to look elsewhere.
Charleston Battery moving downtown for larger audience, but issues abound with new stadium
SPORTS
Charleston Battery moving downtown for larger audience, but issues abound with new stadium
By Andrew Miller apmiller@postandcourier.com
7 min to read
When it was originally built in 1999, then Blackbaud Stadium was the first soccer-specific facility in the United States. Over the next 20 years, teams from Europe, Central America and the Caribbean would travel thousands of miles to the Lowcountry to play at Blackbaud Stadium. Daniel Island would host the U.S. women’s national soccer team three times, featuring the game’s most popular player Mia Hamm.
But soccer wasn’t the only use for the venue. The Southern Ground Music and Food Festival, headlined by the Zac Brown Band, found a home on Daniel Island. The stadium has also hosted the U.S. national rugby team and professional wrestling along with countless beer and music festivals.
The Battery was eliminated from the USL Championship playoffs with a 3-1 loss to Nashville on Saturday.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.ajc.com/sports/nwsl-franchise-owned-blank-atlanta-possibility/REwoy2VIp0YgDb7lnJWq3L/#
NWSL franchise owned by Blank in Atlanta a possibility
Arthur M. Blank Sports and Entertainment is considering starting a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) franchise in Atlanta, though there is no specific timetable for doing so, according to Brett Jewkes, chief communications officer for AMBSE.
Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated reported on Sunday that Atlanta United could bring an NWSL franchise to the city as early as 2021, but that it was waiting on information about U.S. Soccer’s role with the league. NWSL held its championship game on Sunday. There were reports earlier this season about Atlanta United’s possible interest in an NWSL franchise.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.tampabay.com/arts-entertainment/food/2019/10/28/review-7th-grove-is-part-yummy-southern-eatery-part-nightclub/
Review: 7th + Grove is part yummy Southern eatery, part nightclub
Contemporary Southern cuisine gets the limelight at Ybor City’s restaurant and nightclub hybrid | Restaurant review
Fried boneless chicken thighs, baked mac n cheese, collards and watermelon cubes are served at 7th + Grove, a new restaurant and nightclub in Ybor City. [LUIS SANTANA | Times]
TAMPA — It was love at first crouton.
I was dining at 7th + Grove, a new restaurant and nightclub hybrid in Ybor City. The dish was a charred Caesar salad ($12), a plate of grilled romaine spears...
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.cigarjournal.com/cigar-heritage-festival-in-yborcity-fl-dec-8-2019/
EVENTS
Cigar Heritage Festival in Ybor City, FL | Dec 8, 2019
CIGAR HERITAGE FESTIVAL IN YBOR CITY, FL | DEC 8, 2019
The Cigar Heritage Festival will take place Sunday, December 8th 2019 from 11 am – 5 pm at Centennial Part, Ybor City.
Program:
Premium hand-rolled cigars available from the biggest cigar makers in the world by some of the best brick-and-mortars in Florida
Meet & Greet with the Arturo Fuente Cigars Family, The J.C. Newman Cigar Family and Nestor Maranda of the Miami cigar company
Beer and wine available from 30`beer truck with 8 beer taps
Gourmetfood trucks featuring delicious foods and desserts
Cigar rolling demonstrations & domino tables
two giant mobile cigar lounges
Art and jewelery vendors
Featuring live: Orchestra Fuego Winner of 2019 Latin Song
CIGAR HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Sunday, December 8th 2019 11 am-5pm
General Admission is FREE and pet-friendly
more information: Cigar Heritage Festival 2019
https://www.yborcitycigarfestival.com
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/sbw-fields-staggering-9-million-offer-from-toronto-wolfpack-20191028-p534zk.html
SPORT RUGBY UNION RUGBY WORLD CUP
SBW fields staggering $9 million offer from Toronto Wolfpack
Sonny Bill Williams is weighing up the richest contract in the history of either rugby code after a jaw-dropping offer to switch back to the 13-a-side game from Super League-bound club Toronto Wolfpack.
Williams' tilt at another Rugby World Cup triumph with New Zealand was stopped in its tracks by Eddie Jones's England in Japan on Saturday and the 34-year-old is now preparing to turn out for the All Blacks in the tournament's third-place play-off against Wales.
Sonny Bill Williams is set to become the highest paid player in the history of rugby and rugby league. CREDIT:GETTY IMAGES
The former NRL premiership winner appeared set to hang up the boots this year but it has emerged the cross-code star has received contract offers in recent weeks which would top any pay packet he has earned throughout his 16-year career.
The Canadian team are prepared to pay Williams as much as $9 million over two years, according to a source with knowledge of the contract negotiation.
If he puts pen to paper on the staggering deal, it would make him the highest paid player in the history of either code.
Williams would be signed as a Super League marquee player and according to the rules of that competition only $300,000 of a marquee player's annual wage counts under the salary cap.
Williams has been part of the All Blacks fold for the last five years. CREDIT:AAP
The remainder does not count under the cap, allowing cashed-up clubs to pay big-name players exorbitant salaries.
Williams has also received multi-year, multi-million dollar offers from overseas rugby clubs which would still make him one of the highest paid players in the history of either sport.
The enormous sums being offered to Williams will blow any NRL suitors out of the water despite some clubs having registered interest in the All Blacks star in recent months.
Williams is set to play on in 2020. CREDIT:GETTY IMAGES
Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis met with Williams' agent, Khoder Nasser, earlier this month but the glamour club will not be able to compete with the money being thrown at the two-time NRL premiership winner.
However, Politis is interested in bringing Williams back to the club in a coaching or other capacity once his playing days are finally behind him.
The Wolfpack are funded by Australian mining billionaire David Argyle, who confirmed interest in bringing Williams to Toronto earlier this year.
RELATED ARTICLE
England coach Eddie Jones with Canberra NRL coach Ricky Stuart ahead of the World Cup.
RUGBY WORLD CUP
NRL referees, coaches could learn from the Rugby World Cup
"We are working towards making Sonny Bill Williams a Wolfpack player for 2020. We would love to have him join the Wolfpack family and we will pay whatever it takes to make that happen," Argyle told Fox Sports in February.
"The excitement he would bring to the sport of rugby league in this country would be incredible."
Argyle compared the potential Williams signing to the move made by David Beckham to LA Galaxy from Real Madrid in 2007.
"Having someone of his talent join the Wolfpack would greatly raise the profile of the club, but also help move the game forward globally," he said at the time.
"Sonny is a phenomenal athlete. He is rugby’s LeBron James and we see his recruitment as bigger than when David Beckham joined LA Galaxy. He is box office and puts bums on seats."
Williams is still in Japan with the All Blacks as they prepare to face Wales in Friday's third-place play-off in Tokyo.
Outgoing All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has copped criticism from New Zealand media in the days after the loss to England for not starting Williams in the centres.
Toronto will feature in the England-based Super League for the first time next year, having earned promotion by beating Featherstone Rovers in the Million Pound Game in Ontario earlier this month.
The club only played their first professional match three years ago, with former Leeds coach Brian McDermott taking the reins and leading the club to Super League promotion in his first season in charge.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://7news.com.au/sport/rugby-league/torontos-9m-league-play-for-sbw-report-c-528404
Sonny Bill Williams weighs up record-breaking rugby league contract
The Rugby World Cup-winner could soon become the highest-paid player in the history of both rugby league and union. Credit: Getty
Ambitious English Super League newcomers Toronto Wolfpack have reportedly made a $9 million play to lure Sonny Bill Williams back to the 13-a-side game.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the 34-year-old superstar is weighing up a two-year deal.
In the video above: NRL star investigated over brawl
Williams is contracted to New Zealand rugby until the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup in Japan - with the All Blacks preparing to face Wales on Friday in the third-place playoff.
He came off the bench in the All Blacks' semi-final defeat to England on Saturday.
It is believed that a host of rugby clubs have already made a play for Williams while back-to-back NRL premiers Sydney Roosters appear to be priced out of the race for the services of their former back-rower.
Sonny Bill Williams has no shortage of suitors as his New Zealand Rugby contract winds down. Credit: AP
The Wolfpack were established in 2016 and will be the first North American team to compete in Super league after they won promotion to the top-tier via the Million Pound Game on October 5.
They are funded by Australian mining and resources billionaire David Argyle, who has previously revealed his interest in snaring Williams as their marquee signing.
More on 7NEWS.com.au:
Rugby Australia urged to bring back Eddie Jones
Paul Gallen brands his own fight with Barry Hall 'embarrassing'
Manly Sea Eagles ramp up Trbojevic chat as brothers wait
Toronto coach Brian McDermott told the PA news agency earlier this month that they wanted to bring in a David Beckham-type player to raise their profile, much like the former soccer icon did for Los Angeles Galaxy and the MLS, and that Williams fits the bill.
"Our club would want to have a name that's absolutely international that everybody would recognise and help the profile of our game, very much like David Beckham did for Major League Soccer," McDermott said.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/david-beckham-children-la-galaxy-statue_uk_5db6d707e4b05df62ec27956
David Beckham Is A Proud Dad As Kids Visit His LA Galaxy Statue For The First Time
"Very proud moment," he wrote on Instagram, alongside a photo of Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/sonny-bill-williams-receives-richest-contract-offer-in-nrl-rugby-union-history/news-story/438964c51815b0315973c42a17f254be
Sonny Bill Williams receives richest contract offer in NRL, rugby union history
Sonny Bill Williams has reportedly been offered the chance to be the highest paid player in the history of rugby league and union.
Sonny Bill Williams has received an offer to be the highest paid player in the history of rugby league and union, just days after his All Blacks were eliminated from the Rugby World Cup.
According to a report, Williams has ben tabled a record $9 million deal to return to rugby league with the Toronto Wolfpack in the English Super League.
Fairfax Media reports the deal is worth a staggering $4.5 million per season for two years.
It comes after Toronto’s head coach Brian McDermott revealed earlier this month that his team had received word that Williams was interested in joining the team.
The Toronto team is on the lookout for big-name signings following their promotion from the second-tier Championship and are keen on signing the All Blacks star.
The record deal would see Williams earn around four times the wages paid to NRL superstar Daly Cherry-Evans ($10 million over eight seasons) and AFL superstar Lance Franklin ($10 million over nine seasons).
Williams’ future remains clouded following the All Blacks’ shock semi-final defeat at the hands of England, but his contract with New Zealand Rugby expires after the All Blacks’ third-place play-off against Wales on Friday night.
Sonny Bill Williams is going to make it rain.
Sonny Bill Williams is going to make it rain.Source:Getty Images
The Sydney Roosters have reportedly ruled themselves out of the race for Williams’ signature after conceding they could not compete with the record offer from Toronto.
Williams has also reportedly fielded several other multi million-dollar offers from overseas rugby franchises.
Toronto has a competitive advantage of being able to sign Williams as a Super League marquee player where just $300,000 of his salary will be included in the team’s salary cap.
McDermott said recently his team wanted to bring in a David Beckham-type player to do for the Wolfpack what the former Manchester United favourite did for LA Galaxy — and that Williams fits the bill.
“Sonny Bill Williams has shown interest in us and that’s what it is at the moment,” McDermott said.
“He’s currently busy with the World Cup so I wouldn’t ever dare to suggest that he is more than interested in coming but the answer wasn’t a ‘no’ once we made contact so that’s something we’d like to follow up.”
Sonny Bill Williams has likely played his final game for the All Blacks.
Sonny Bill Williams has likely played his final game for the All Blacks. Source:AP
The two-time World Cup winner fronted an All Blacks press conference yesterday in Japan and when asked to reveal his sporting future Williams said: “Soon bro, soon, we’re just trying to finalise that.”
The Canadian franchise is funded by Australian mining billionaire David Argyle and will make its debut in the Super League next year after winning promotion by beating Featherstone Rovers.
Meanwhile, a push for a new rugby league team based out of New York is expected to come too late for Williams, but is arriving just in time for the new franchise to snap up some of the NRL’s biggest stars, The Daily Telegraph reported last week.
A New York consortium has already identified veteran NRL stars, including Benji Marshall (34 years old), Kieran Foran (29), Brett Morris (33), Josh Morris (33), Darius Boyd (32), Sia Soliola (33), Aiden Tolman (30), Matt Prior (32), Jesse Bromwich (30), James Tamou (30) and James Graham (34), as potential marquee signings for when the team enters the third tier of the English Super League in 2021.
The New York club reportedly wants to win back-to-back promotion to play in the Super League by 2023.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://upnewsinfo.com/2019/10/28/what-is-the-net-worth-of-david-beckham-and-what-guarantees-does-it-have/
What is the net worth of David Beckham and what guarantees does it have?
The withdrawal of football has done nothing to weaken the mark of David Beckham; In any case, the former England captain has become even more popular since he hung up his boots and began focusing solely on his life off the field.
Always a popular face among advertisers, Beckham's appeal has become an empire in recent years. He has directed his hand to fashion, food and drink, television, entertainment and more, and continues to reap the rewards.
He has shown few signs of slowing down and recently launched another new project, the Major League Soccer franchise based in Inter Miami, Miami, indicating his intention to make it one of the best teams in the United States.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2019/10/28/five-questions-with-tampa-mayor-jane-castor.html
Five questions with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor
Jane Castor worked her way up through the ranks of her hometown police department before retiring at the top, making history as Tampa’s first female police chief.
What’s the reaction to your recent call to revive talks about a new Major League Baseball stadium in Tampa Bay?
CASTOR: I think the reaction has been positive. I believe that, as a community, we want the Tampa Bay Rays to stay in the Tampa Bay area. The Rays want to stay in the Tampa Bay area, so we just need to start those discussions again to see what it takes to keep them in the area. There are so many opportunities. The appetite for citizens to pay for a stadium is gone. That’s not going to happen. Matter of fact, the governor and I just had this conversation yesterday about that. And the same thing that he said, is that there isn’t going to be taxpayer-funded stadiums. … But some creative measures, like making the stadium smaller, making the stadium multipurpose. If the Rays come over, they’ll bring the Tampa Bay Rowdies with them. So you’ll have soccer. You’ll have baseball. And what other things can we have that will activate a stadium year-round, make it profitable? Opportunity zones, to be able to look for funding for a stadium through an opportunity zone is an option as well. There are so many things that we need to look at, but I really in my heart feel that we’re too big of an area to lose a major sporting franchise, and the Tampa Bay area wants to keep the Rays.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/heres-how-david-beckhams-kids-reacted-when-they-saw-his-statue-at-the-legends-plaza
Here's how David Beckham's kids reacted when they saw his statue at the Legends Plaza
The former LA Galaxy player shared an adorable picture with his kids on Instagram where all of them can be seen posing with the long statue.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://asumetech.com/david-beckham-shares-lovely-image-of-his-little-ones-meeting-his-la-galaxy-statue/
David Beckham Shares Lovely Image of His Little ones Meeting His LA Galaxy Statue
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.goal.com/en-ug/news/what-is-david-beckhams-net-worth-and-what-endorsements-does/rn0i9g1tuc9k1us86m07nh20n
What is David Beckham's net worth and what endorsements does he have?
(Follow link for full article.)
https://en.as.com/en/2019/10/28/football/1572289052_836664.html
MLS
Atlanta United already among world's 10 best-supported clubs
A club who are only in their third season in Major League Soccer, Atlanta United have been a success story both on the pitch and in the stands.
In just their third season as a Major League Soccer franchise, Atlanta United are not only in contention to win what would already be their second American soccer title, but are pulling in attendances to rival Europe's best-supported clubs.
Atlanta crowds higher than most Champions League clubs
Quoting statistics compiled by the CIES Football Observatory, World Football Summit notes that Atlanta had the 10th-highest attendance figures in global club football between 2013 and 2018, with their 51,547 average gate - the biggest outside of Europe - putting them in a leading group occupied by century-old powerhouses such as Real Madrid, Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
Indeed, the average crowd boasted by the Five Stripes - who, on their way to winning the 2018 MLS Cup, registered no fewer than eight attendances of over 70,000 at their stunning Mercedes-Benz Stadium last year - beats 28 of the 32 teams in this term's Champions League group stage.
Atlanta "one of the great stories" in MLS history
"It really is quite incredible to think that a club that's only in its third season, in America which has traditionally been thought of as not a soccer country, could be pulling those types of crowds," Atlanta president Darren Eales told the 2019 World Football Summit in Madrid in September.
Described by MLS commissioner Don Garber as "one of the great stories in the history of our league", Atlanta face Toronto FC in Wednesday's Eastern Conference final, with the victors progressing to November's MLS Cup final against either Los Angeles FC or Seattle Sounders.
MLS the world's eighth-best attended league
Atlanta's meteoric rise since they joined MLS in 2017 comes against the backdrop of the competition's impressive overall growth, WFS also points out, with a 34% increase in attendances since 2013 now making the American league the eighth-best attended in the world.
What's more, the rising enthusiasm for football in the States is illustrated by a 2018 Gallup poll that showed a 4% increase in the number of Americans who see soccer as their favourite sport, coupled with a decrease in respondents who chose traditional US games such as American football, basketball and baseball.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.constructionspecifier.com/inter-miami-cf-facilities-on-track-for-march-2020/
Inter Miami CF facilities on track for March 2020
The Fort Lauderdale (Florida) stadium and training complex of the Inter Miami CF team is steadily rising. More than 200 construction professionals are onsite fulltime bringing South Florida’s fútbol team to life for its opening season in Major League Soccer (MLS).
In March 2020, Inter Miami CF will take the field in a new 18,000-capacity stadium anchoring the Club’s 19-ha (46-acre) facilities in Fort Lauderdale.
To date, the stadium has gone vertical with all steel columns on the east side and half along the west. The crew will begin installing components of the secondary frame of the metal building next week, along with the horizontal structural members that will provide lateral support for wall panels.
The training facilities at Fort Lauderdale include a full kitchen and cafeteria, lounge and classroom, weight room and performance lab, hydrotherapy and treatment rooms as well as tactics rooms and boot rooms.
Construction is progressing on the training facilities for the Inter Miami CF team.
Photo courtesy Inter Miami CF
(Follow link for full article.)
https://stv.tv/news/entertainment/1441958-behind-the-scenes-of-david-beckham-s-scottish-whisky-tour/
Behind-the-scenes of David Beckham's Scottish whisky tour
Earlier this month, the former Manchester United legend visited Cambus Cooperage.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/article236777428.html
This MLS veteran midfielder expected to join Inter Miami soon; coach search continues
See a graphic rendering of the new stadium David Beckham's Inter Miami soccer team will play in. BY ASSOCIATED PRESS
Construction of Inter Miami’s soccer complex in Fort Lauderdale is well underway, scheduled to be ready enough for training camp in mid-January; and the team’s inaugural roster is also being built, slowly but surely.
The Inter Miami roster is expected to double from five players to 10 — maybe more — in the coming weeks with the addition of Major League Soccer players through transfers and the Expansion Draft. Among the players expected to sign with David Beckham’s new club is FC Cincinnati midfielder Victor Ulloa, whose contract was up for renewal.
Ulloa, a 27-year-old Mexican-American, is a seasoned MLS veteran who can help new players adapt to the league. He came up through the FC Dallas academy, played eight years with Dallas and was traded to Cincinnati before the 2019 season. He started 22 games for last-place Cincinnati, scored one goal and had two assists. He bid farewell to Cincinnati on Twitter and sources confirmed he is likely headed to Miami.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.nbcmiami.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Beckham-Group-Rebuilding-Lockhart-Stadium_Miami-564066742.html
Beckham Group Rebuilding Lockhart Stadium
The site of where the Lockhart Stadium once stood is now being rebuilt for David Beckham's soccer team Inter Miami. NBC 6's Ari Odzer takes a look around. (Published Tuesday, Oct 29,...
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/top-stories/fresno-foxes-soccer-club-almost-certainly-leaving-fresno/
Fresno Foxes Soccer Club ‘almost certainly’ leaving Fresno
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/10/29/reports-atlanta-united-mulling-nwsl-team-could-launch-soon-2021
Reports: Atlanta United mulling NWSL team, could launch as soon as 2021
(Follow link for full article.)
https://gritdaily.com/life-death-nasl/
The Glorious Life and Painful Death of the NASL
(Follow link for full article.)
https://gvwire.com/2019/10/29/owner-fresno-foxes-pro-soccer-team-is-folding/
Owner: Fresno Foxes Pro Soccer Team Is Folding
(Follow link for full article.)
https://pittnews.com/article/152077/sports/sportscolumns/column-riverhounds-could-benefit-from-relegation/
Column: Riverhounds could benefit from relegation
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article236788128.html
Without a stadium, Fresno FC owner says soccer club is ‘almost certain’ to relocate
Sunday, October 27, 2019
City of Miami commissioner falls; key Freedom Park vote delayed
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.local10.com/sports/soccer/inter-miami-cf/city-of-miami-commissioner-falls-key-freedom-park-vote-delayed
INTER MIAMI CF
City of Miami commissioner falls; key Freedom Park vote delayed
Commissioner Reyes goes to hospital, postpones vote on Inter Miami CF's new home
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Inside-David-Beckhams-Major-League-Soccer-Team-Stadium-As-Vote-For-Park-Is-Postponed--563843221.html
Inside David Beckham’s Major League Soccer Team Stadium As Vote For Park Is Postponed
(Follow link for full article.)
https://news.yahoo.com/votes-melreese-development-postponed-223339117.html
Votes On Melreese Development Postponed
David Beckham, Jorge Mas and Miami soccer fans will have to wait for another day to find out if and when a soccer stadium can be constructed on the site the Melreese golf course.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/article236589158.html
Miami soccer stadium needs better answers before it scores with skeptical residents | Editorial
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article236621358.html
Accident at Miami City Hall delays debate on Beckham soccer complex
(Follow link for full article.)
https://wsvn.com/news/local/vote-on-proposed-mls-stadium-site-in-miami-postponed/
Vote on proposed MLS stadium site in Miami postponed
(Follow link for full article.)
https://953wdae.iheart.com/featured/florida-news/content/2019-10-23-plans-for-mls-stadium-at-miami-freedom-park-under-spotlight-at-city-hall/
Plans For MLS Stadium at Miami Freedom Park Under Spotlight At City Hall
(Follow link for full article.)
https://hypebeast.com/2019/10/inter-miami-david-beckham-freedom-park-stadium-project-plans-video-renderings
David Beckham's Inter Miami Unveils $966M USD Stadium Plans
The budding club makes its MLS debut next season.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2859753-zlatan-ibrahimovic-says-nobody-will-remember-mls-if-he-leaves-la-galaxy
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Says 'Nobody Will Remember' MLS If He Leaves LA Galaxy
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.egcitizen.com/sports/a-look-back-at-elk-grove-s-quest-for-major/article_309e063a-f75e-11e9-a68a-d3a636644383.html
A look back at Elk Grove’s quest for Major League Soccer
With the Oct. 21 announcement that the Sacramento Republic will become Major League Soccer’s (MLS) 29th team, the timing is right for reflection in Elk Grove.
Six years have passed since then-Elk Grove Mayor Gary Davis began promoting a project to attract the MLS to this city.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.theunion.com/sports/in-the-wake-of-the-week-mls-comes-to-sac-kings-secure-heild/
IN THE WAKE OF THE WEEK: MLS comes to Sac; Kings secure Heild
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/news/2019/10/24/what-sacramentos-new.html
NOW WHAT?
What Sacramento’s new MLS status means for the region
The addition of a second top-level sports team could catalyze development and change the way the region is viewed.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://theathletic.com/1321876/2019/10/24/playoff-success-holds-a-different-type-of-importance-for-mls-stadium-workers/
Playoff success holds a different type of importance for MLS stadium workers
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-pinellas/al-lang-stadium-transforms-into-stadium-of-screams-haunted-house-and-fall-festival
Al Lang Stadium transforms into 'Stadium of Screams' haunted house and fall festival
Event being held October 25 and October 27
(Follow link for full article.)
https://patch.com/florida/southtampa/trick-or-treating-stone-crabs-crafts-fairs-tap-weekend
Trick-Or-Treating, Stone Crabs, Crafts Fairs On Tap This Weekend
Wondering what to do this weekend? Patch Has some suggestions.
Stadium Of Screams And Fall Festival
The Stadium of Screams and Fall Festival will open Friday, Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. with an adult-oriented scare zone featuring some of Hollywood's most horrific creations at Al Lang Stadium, 230 1st St. S.E., St. Petersburg.
Come dressed in your favorite costume and enjoy spooky signature cocktails served up by the Tipsy Trotter, music by DJ5DayForecast and favorite beer in the beer garden. General admission includes a haunted house, cornhole, trashcan beer pong and a silent auction.
There will be a kid-friendly event at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27 with Halloween family classic movies on the field, face painting, a pumpkin patch, Pete the Pelican and soccer drills.
The events benefit the St. Petersburg Free Clinic and the Tampa Bay Rowdies Soccer Fund. The cost is $8 for adults, $5 for kids and free for 2 and younger free.
Fantasma Fest
The eighth annual Fantasma Fest and Little Monster's Promenade and Pumpkin Patch will take place Saturday, Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Centro Ybor, 1600 8th Ave., in Ybor City.
Kids will choose from more than 3,000 pumpkins to decorate and show off their costumes while trick-or-treating with Ybor City merchants down 7th Avenue.
The Big Monster's Bed Race will take place down 7th Avenue from 3:30 to 6 p.m. This fun-spirited, family-friendly race has grown over the years. Spectators are encouraged to come out to cheer on their favorite team as they race at breakneck speeds and dress to impress.
Adults can stick around for the arrival of the legendary Pumpkin King for the second annual costumed march down 7th Avenue from 7 to 9 p.m.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/dnnq1t/sigh/
Post-Match Thread ...sigh...
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/dn4z4i/braving_the_beep_test_and_how_the_tampa_bay/
Braving the ‘beep test’ and how the Tampa Bay Rowdies use sports science to practice better, not harder
(Follow link for full article.)
https://theathletic.com/1321531/2019/10/25/braving-the-beep-test-and-how-the-tampa-bay-rowdies-use-sports-science-to-practice-better-not-harder/
Braving the ‘beep test’ and how the Tampa Bay Rowdies use sports science to practice better, not harder
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It was one of the early matches this season, and Tampa Bay Rowdies coach Neill Collins was approached by the manager of the other club.
The relentless Rowdies are known for their aggressive, attacking style. Striker Juan Tejada, for example, is like the Energizer Bunny.
“With two minutes to go, their coach goes, ‘What are you feeding these boys?'” Collins recalled. “I took it as a compliment. Because it wasn’t just physical fitness. It was the hunger to go.”
Collins told this story in late August as we sat around a circular table in the bowels of Al Lang Stadium. I’m trying to give our readers at The Athletic an inside look at how the professional soccer club trains and to explain its use of sports science to get an edge. (The Rowdies were among the top teams in the United Soccer League early in the season, finishing fifth in the Eastern Conference. Their playoff opener is Saturday at two-time...
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/dn2hs7/one_last_jimmys_watch_party/
One last Jimmy's watch party?
Anyone planning on watching at Jimmy's?
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/dmmcnc/primed_for_a_leap_18_usl_players_that_should_be/
Primed for a leap: 18 USL players that should be on the radar of MLS clubs (Malik Johnson on the list)
(Follow link for full article.)
https://theathletic.com/1321842/2019/10/24/
Primed for a leap: 18 USL players that should be on the radar of MLS clubs
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/dmgvye/collins_remains_confident_ahead_of_quarterfinal/
Collins Remains Confident Ahead of Quarterfinal Trip to Louisville
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2019/10/23/collins-remains-confident-ahead-of-quarterfinal-trip-to-louisville/4571
Collins Remains Confident Ahead Of Quarterfinal Trip To Louisville
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/dmgucr/ralphs_mob_1st_round_playoff_pregame_and_watch/
Ralph's Mob: 1st Round Playoff Pregame and Watch Party
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.ralphsmob.com/post/1st-round-playoff-pregame-and-watch-party
1st round playoff pregame and watch party
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0bkPtlf7do
Cocktails with Collins: Episode 7
Tampa Bay Rowdies
On the latest episode of Cocktails with Collins, Coach Collins talks playoffs, preparation, and PKs.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTy3AIyJbzQ
Rowdies Highlights at Louisville City FC - October 26, 2019
Tampa Bay Rowdies
🎥 FULL HIGHLIGHTS of tonight's season-ending loss to Louisville City FC in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://oaklandnewsnow.com/2019/10/25/las-vegas-allegiant-stadium-construction-update-etfe-roof-supports-move-up/
Las Vegas Allegiant Stadium Construction Update: ETFE Roof Supports Move Up
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.tampabay.com/arts-entertainment/food/bar-breweries/2019/10/24/in-ybor-city-its-always-halloween-at-hidden-spookeasy/
BARS & BREWERIES
At Ybor City’s SpookEasy, it’s always Halloween
Tampa’s booze-free bar spills the tea on kava and kratom. | Bar review
SpookEasy Lounge is in a room above The Stone Soup Company. [Photos courtesy of Geneva Johnson]
Halloween season is coming to an end, giving us just one more week of binging Type O Negative albums, catching up on our annual rewatching of classic horror films and selecting from the deluge of...
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2019/10/24/here-are-the-20-tampa-bay-zip-code-areas-where-prices-have-shot-up-the-most/
BUSINESS
Here are the 20 Tampa Bay ZIP code areas where prices have shot up the most
You might be surprised by some of the ZIPs with the biggest price gains.
This house in Crystal Beach in northern Pinellas County sold in June for $1,085,000. [Google Earth]
Anyone looking to buy a house near downtown Tampa or downtown St. Petersburg knows all too well that sale prices have soared in recent years. Some of the biggest increases recently, however, have...
(Follow link for full article.)
https://wflanews.iheart.com/content/2019-10-24-kurt-schleicher-tom-degorge-8th-annual-fantasma-fest/
Kurt Schleicher & Tom Degorge-8th Annual Fantasma Fest
Kurt Schleicher & Tom Degeorge, S3media, joined AM Tampa Bay to discuss the 8th annual Fantasma Fest happening in Ybor City this weekend.
Centro Ybor will be magically turned into a Pumpkin Patch for All Children, Young and Old, to celebrate Halloween.
Children can pick from 2,000 pumpkins in a fenced pumpkin patch and then head to the decorating area.
There is also a ‘Little Monster Promenade’ for kids to show off their costumes.
The event is free and will take place on October 26th from 11 AM-3 PM.
You can also watch local bars and businesses dress up and team up to race beds down 7th Ave in Historic Ybor City.
The Bed Races are also free and will be happening on October 26th from 3:00 PM - 6 PM.
The Legend of the Pumpkin King Parade is free, and all ages are welcome.
The parade will happen on October 26th from 8 PM-10 PM.
There will also be a classic car show on October 27th from 1-5 PM.
Click here to learn more information on the event
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.theledger.com/news/20191025/tampa-foodie-destinations-to-join-lakeland-food-hall
Tampa foodie destinations to join Lakeland food hall
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/investigations/10-investigates/fbi-probe-hillsborough-county-commissioner-ken-hagan/67-0b9dde66-c25a-4a68-bc0d-1cd8b4c4ebe5
FBI investigating Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan
The FBI launched its investigation into Hagan after 10News aired a series of stories exposing the commissioner's connections to lobbyist Beth Leytham.
TAMPA, Fla. — 10Investigates has confirmed the existence of an ongoing FBI probe into Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan, investigating whether the commissioner broke the law in leveraging his considerable influence inside the county center to benefit developers he was connected to.
The active criminal investigation was confirmed through interviews with three different individuals approached by the FBI for information, as long ago as October 2018 and as recently as this week. The bureau responded that it does not confirm or deny the existence of investigations, but that completed investigations are typically handed off to the U.S. Attorney, who would make a decision about prosecution.
The individuals interviewed by the FBI - all of whom asked not to be identified - said they answered investigators' questions regarding various land deals in Hillsborough County, including at least one where Hagan's father was paid to help private land owners sell property to the county for approximately five times its assessed value. The commissioner's attempt to facilitate a Rays stadium in Ybor City was also one of numerous other land deals discussed.
The FBI launched its investigation into Hagan after 10News aired a series of stories exposing the commissioner's connections to lobbyist Beth Leytham, his failure to turn over public records, and secret dealings with the Tampa Bay Rays. However, the probe was launched prior to 10Investigates' November 2018 story about campaign donations Hagan received from property developers who stood to benefit from inside information about the commissioner's work on an Ybor City ballpark.
RELATED: 10Investigates: Hagan campaign donor got secret Rays stadium info
RELATED: The Gatekeeper: Tampa's political kingmaker
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.theledger.com/news/20191025/florida-brewery-set-to-debut-downtown-restaurant-and-taproom-in-polk
Florida Brewery set to debut downtown restaurant and taproom in Polk
Crave and Copper, a new restaurant and taproom from Florida Brewery, is set to open Sunday in downtown Auburndale.
AUBURNDALE – Resplendent in his virgin chef’s jacket, Matt Oakley ticks off items from his newly minted menu, pausing to emphasize how the food at Crave and Copper will, as often as possible, showcase local products.
First and foremost is the beer, which will be made onsite as well as down the street at the brewpub’s parent, the Florida Brewery, known for core products like Polar pilsner.
As executive chef, Oakley is charged with developing a menu that not only will pair with the brewery’s burgeoning line of craft lagers and ales, but also incorporate beer into recipes such as the beer cheese burger.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/309594-ken-hagan-implicated-in-fbi-investigation-over-land-deals
Ken Hagan implicated in FBI investigation over land deals
Hagan says he knows nothing about the investigation.
Another Hillsborough County Commissioner is under investigation by the FBI, according to a published report from WTSP-TV in Tampa Bay.
The report indicates longtime Commissioner Ken Hagan, who has been at the center of stadium talks with the Tampa Bay Rays in recent years — as well as investigative stories from the television station — has been the focus of an FBI public corruption probe since at least October 2018.
“The active criminal investigation was confirmed through interviews with three different individuals approached by the FBI for information,” WTSP reported. The FBI did not provide any comment on the story, and Hagan told the television station he had “absolutely no idea what you’re talking about, and no one from law enforcement has contacted me.”
The report indicated the FBI was interviewing individuals about Hagan’s history with different land deals, including at least one where his father worked as a broker on a sale to the county. It appears Hagan’s dealings with the Rays — and developers interested in getting a new stadium built in Ybor City — were also topics of FBI questions.
Former WTSP reporter Noah Pransky spent years publishing investigative stories on Hagan, regarding his close ties to lobbyist Beth Leytham, public records that were in his possession, and his behind-the-scenes work on a Rays stadium. Hagan threatened to sue WTSP and Pransky over a November 2018 stadium story, but no lawsuit was ever filed.
Hagan appears to be at least the third Hillsborough Commissioner under investigation by the FBI in the last ten years; former Commissioner Kevin White served a three year federal sentence for corruption, while former Commissioner Jim Norman avoided jail time after failing to disclose a $500,000 gift to his wife from a developer with business before the county.
In 1983, three sitting commissioners went to prison following a large-scale FBI racketeering probe that resulted in dozens of arrests.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.tampabay.com/arts-entertainment/fun/2019/10/26/top-things-to-do-in-tampa-bay-for-sunday-oct-27/
Top things to do in Tampa Bay for Sunday, Oct. 27
Celebrate Henry Plant’s 200 birthday in Tampa, do galactic bowling for a cause at Seminole Lanes and watch singer Sabrina Claudio perform in Ybor City.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://gritdaily.com/nasl-soccer-origin/
The Origin of the NASL and America’s First Soccer Boom
This is the first piece in a three-part series on the history of the NASL and its influence on MLS and soccer in America. Parts two and three will be published later this week.
Soccer is and has been on the rise in the US, and it has earned its place as a major American sport.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/10/27/7-best-phoenix-clubs-in-world-football/
7 Best Phoenix Clubs in World Football
From the A-League's sole New Zealand representatives Wellington Phoenix to MLS side Seattle Sounders, HITC Sevens takes a look at some of the best phoenix clubs in world football / soccer.
The cyclically reborn phoenix bird is one of the best known stories of Greek mythology. Phoenix famously rises from the ashes of its predecessor, and references from Pope Clement 1, Dante and William Shakespeare have left the tale enshrined in European culture today. Sport, and particularly association football, has borrowed the term in recent times to describe teams who spring-up upon the death of another club.
Phoenix clubs are technically new teams but in essence they are the same team as the one that has folded, typically for financial reasons. Phoenix clubs will often share very similar names to their predecessors, they will tend to have a similar badge, retain much of the former clubs support and often move into the same stadium. The term has also been used to describe protest clubs like FC United of Manchester, who were formed as an alternative club for Manchester United fans following the unpopular arrival of Malcolm Glazer. Strictly speaking, FC United of Manchester aren’t a phoenix club, and only bonafide phoenix clubs will be considered for this seven. There are also cases of clubs like Fiorentina, Napoli and Rangers who, following severe financial problems, were declared bankrupt and had to re-apply to play at a lower level as a new corporate entity. However, most footballing authorities consider those three to still be the same clubs over the years, so again I won’t be including them in this seven.
I created a shortlist of 18 of the best known and best ranked phoenix clubs in world football when researching for this video, and picking out who are the seven ‘best’ wasn’t easy. The logic I have used, is in an 18 team league of those clubs that I picked out, how do I think the top seven of that division would look at the end of a season? You may disagree with my rankings, so I will list some honourable mentions between first and second place.
Here are 7 of the best phoenix clubs in world football:
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.tampabay.com/opinion/2019/10/27/e-scooters-already-in-tampa-coming-to-st-pete-are-we-ready-for-this/
E-scooters: already in Tampa, coming to St. Pete. Are we ready for this?
Sure they’re fun, says Sue Carlton, but there’s been flagrant flaunting of scooter etiquette already.
A Bird electric scooter is seen along the Tampa Riverwalk. Riders are forbidden from riding along the path through downtown. [CHRIS URSO | Tampa Bay Times]
This really happened.
I’m driving out of downtown Tampa at that time of day when work is done and people are walking dogs and strolling to dinner. Stopped at the light at Kennedy Boulevard, I see him:...
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.tampabay.com/arts-entertainment/2019/10/27/top-things-to-do-in-tampa-bay-for-the-week-of-oct-28-nov3/
Top things to do in Tampa Bay for the week of Oct. 28-Nov.3
It’s Halloween week, plus Cirque du Soleil brings a new ice show to Amalie and Spooky Empire, “the dark side of comic con” haunts the convention center.
Cirque du Soleil's newest show, Axel, is performed on ice and hits Amalie Arena on Oct. 31-Nov. 3. [MARIE-ANDREE LEMIRE | Amalie Arena]
Cirque du Soleil: Axel: The international troupe’s latest show is on ice, called Axel, and it incorporates acrobatics, visual effects and a mix of popular and original music. $44-$135....
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.theunion.com/sports/in-the-wake-of-the-week-mls-comes-to-sac-kings-secure-heild/
IN THE WAKE OF THE WEEK: MLS comes to Sac; Kings secure Heild
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2019/10/27/david-beckham-shows-his-kids-statue-at-la-galaxy/
David Beckham shows his kids statue at LA Galaxy
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.cladglobal.com/CLADnews/architecture_design/Arquitectonica-and-HOK-reveal-stadium-designs-for-David-Beckhams-Miami-MLS-franchise/343456?source=sport
Arquitectonica and HOK reveal stadium designs for David Beckham's Miami MLS franchise
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.givemesport.com/1515830-david-beckhams-inter-miami-release-stunning-plans-for-state-of-the-art-750-million-stadium
David Beckham's Inter Miami release stunning plans for state of the art £750 million stadium
(Follow link for full article.)
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2859666-mesut-ozil-is-open-to-an-mls-move-but-will-not-hand-in-arsenal-transfer-request
Mesut Ozil Is Open to an MLS Move but Will Not Hand in Arsenal Transfer Request
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1196064/Arsenal-Mesut-Ozil-transfer-news-MLS-LA-Galaxy-Inter-Miami-David-Beckham
Arsenal must help finance Mesut Ozil exit as Emirates outcast offered fresh start in MLS
Arsenal will have to pay a portion of Mesut Ozil’s in order to offload him to one of three MLS clubs.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.forbes.com/sites/ianquillen/2019/10/27/zlatan-ibrahimovic-has-a-point-but-paying-aging-stars-is-mls-cup-suicide/#437940535ebf
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Has A Point, But Paying Aging Stars Is MLS Cup Suicide
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.kentucky.com/sports/other-sports/article236610928.html
Stadium site floated for proposed pro soccer team in Lexington
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/oct/28/football-transfer-rumours-mesut-ozil-to-dc-united-or-inter-miami
Football transfer rumours: Mesut Özil to DC United or Inter Miami?
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.justarsenal.com/there-is-still-a-chance-that-mesut-ozil-will-depart-arsenal-for-usa/226923
There is still a chance that Mesut Ozil will depart Arsenal for USA
https://www.local10.com/sports/soccer/inter-miami-cf/city-of-miami-commissioner-falls-key-freedom-park-vote-delayed
INTER MIAMI CF
City of Miami commissioner falls; key Freedom Park vote delayed
Commissioner Reyes goes to hospital, postpones vote on Inter Miami CF's new home
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Inside-David-Beckhams-Major-League-Soccer-Team-Stadium-As-Vote-For-Park-Is-Postponed--563843221.html
Inside David Beckham’s Major League Soccer Team Stadium As Vote For Park Is Postponed
(Follow link for full article.)
https://news.yahoo.com/votes-melreese-development-postponed-223339117.html
Votes On Melreese Development Postponed
David Beckham, Jorge Mas and Miami soccer fans will have to wait for another day to find out if and when a soccer stadium can be constructed on the site the Melreese golf course.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/article236589158.html
Miami soccer stadium needs better answers before it scores with skeptical residents | Editorial
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article236621358.html
Accident at Miami City Hall delays debate on Beckham soccer complex
(Follow link for full article.)
https://wsvn.com/news/local/vote-on-proposed-mls-stadium-site-in-miami-postponed/
Vote on proposed MLS stadium site in Miami postponed
(Follow link for full article.)
https://953wdae.iheart.com/featured/florida-news/content/2019-10-23-plans-for-mls-stadium-at-miami-freedom-park-under-spotlight-at-city-hall/
Plans For MLS Stadium at Miami Freedom Park Under Spotlight At City Hall
(Follow link for full article.)
https://hypebeast.com/2019/10/inter-miami-david-beckham-freedom-park-stadium-project-plans-video-renderings
David Beckham's Inter Miami Unveils $966M USD Stadium Plans
The budding club makes its MLS debut next season.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2859753-zlatan-ibrahimovic-says-nobody-will-remember-mls-if-he-leaves-la-galaxy
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Says 'Nobody Will Remember' MLS If He Leaves LA Galaxy
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.egcitizen.com/sports/a-look-back-at-elk-grove-s-quest-for-major/article_309e063a-f75e-11e9-a68a-d3a636644383.html
A look back at Elk Grove’s quest for Major League Soccer
With the Oct. 21 announcement that the Sacramento Republic will become Major League Soccer’s (MLS) 29th team, the timing is right for reflection in Elk Grove.
Six years have passed since then-Elk Grove Mayor Gary Davis began promoting a project to attract the MLS to this city.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.theunion.com/sports/in-the-wake-of-the-week-mls-comes-to-sac-kings-secure-heild/
IN THE WAKE OF THE WEEK: MLS comes to Sac; Kings secure Heild
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/news/2019/10/24/what-sacramentos-new.html
NOW WHAT?
What Sacramento’s new MLS status means for the region
The addition of a second top-level sports team could catalyze development and change the way the region is viewed.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://theathletic.com/1321876/2019/10/24/playoff-success-holds-a-different-type-of-importance-for-mls-stadium-workers/
Playoff success holds a different type of importance for MLS stadium workers
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-pinellas/al-lang-stadium-transforms-into-stadium-of-screams-haunted-house-and-fall-festival
Al Lang Stadium transforms into 'Stadium of Screams' haunted house and fall festival
Event being held October 25 and October 27
(Follow link for full article.)
https://patch.com/florida/southtampa/trick-or-treating-stone-crabs-crafts-fairs-tap-weekend
Trick-Or-Treating, Stone Crabs, Crafts Fairs On Tap This Weekend
Wondering what to do this weekend? Patch Has some suggestions.
Stadium Of Screams And Fall Festival
The Stadium of Screams and Fall Festival will open Friday, Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. with an adult-oriented scare zone featuring some of Hollywood's most horrific creations at Al Lang Stadium, 230 1st St. S.E., St. Petersburg.
Come dressed in your favorite costume and enjoy spooky signature cocktails served up by the Tipsy Trotter, music by DJ5DayForecast and favorite beer in the beer garden. General admission includes a haunted house, cornhole, trashcan beer pong and a silent auction.
There will be a kid-friendly event at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27 with Halloween family classic movies on the field, face painting, a pumpkin patch, Pete the Pelican and soccer drills.
The events benefit the St. Petersburg Free Clinic and the Tampa Bay Rowdies Soccer Fund. The cost is $8 for adults, $5 for kids and free for 2 and younger free.
Fantasma Fest
The eighth annual Fantasma Fest and Little Monster's Promenade and Pumpkin Patch will take place Saturday, Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Centro Ybor, 1600 8th Ave., in Ybor City.
Kids will choose from more than 3,000 pumpkins to decorate and show off their costumes while trick-or-treating with Ybor City merchants down 7th Avenue.
The Big Monster's Bed Race will take place down 7th Avenue from 3:30 to 6 p.m. This fun-spirited, family-friendly race has grown over the years. Spectators are encouraged to come out to cheer on their favorite team as they race at breakneck speeds and dress to impress.
Adults can stick around for the arrival of the legendary Pumpkin King for the second annual costumed march down 7th Avenue from 7 to 9 p.m.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/dnnq1t/sigh/
Post-Match Thread ...sigh...
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/dn4z4i/braving_the_beep_test_and_how_the_tampa_bay/
Braving the ‘beep test’ and how the Tampa Bay Rowdies use sports science to practice better, not harder
(Follow link for full article.)
https://theathletic.com/1321531/2019/10/25/braving-the-beep-test-and-how-the-tampa-bay-rowdies-use-sports-science-to-practice-better-not-harder/
Braving the ‘beep test’ and how the Tampa Bay Rowdies use sports science to practice better, not harder
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It was one of the early matches this season, and Tampa Bay Rowdies coach Neill Collins was approached by the manager of the other club.
The relentless Rowdies are known for their aggressive, attacking style. Striker Juan Tejada, for example, is like the Energizer Bunny.
“With two minutes to go, their coach goes, ‘What are you feeding these boys?'” Collins recalled. “I took it as a compliment. Because it wasn’t just physical fitness. It was the hunger to go.”
Collins told this story in late August as we sat around a circular table in the bowels of Al Lang Stadium. I’m trying to give our readers at The Athletic an inside look at how the professional soccer club trains and to explain its use of sports science to get an edge. (The Rowdies were among the top teams in the United Soccer League early in the season, finishing fifth in the Eastern Conference. Their playoff opener is Saturday at two-time...
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/dn2hs7/one_last_jimmys_watch_party/
One last Jimmy's watch party?
Anyone planning on watching at Jimmy's?
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/dmmcnc/primed_for_a_leap_18_usl_players_that_should_be/
Primed for a leap: 18 USL players that should be on the radar of MLS clubs (Malik Johnson on the list)
(Follow link for full article.)
https://theathletic.com/1321842/2019/10/24/
Primed for a leap: 18 USL players that should be on the radar of MLS clubs
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/dmgvye/collins_remains_confident_ahead_of_quarterfinal/
Collins Remains Confident Ahead of Quarterfinal Trip to Louisville
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2019/10/23/collins-remains-confident-ahead-of-quarterfinal-trip-to-louisville/4571
Collins Remains Confident Ahead Of Quarterfinal Trip To Louisville
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/dmgucr/ralphs_mob_1st_round_playoff_pregame_and_watch/
Ralph's Mob: 1st Round Playoff Pregame and Watch Party
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.ralphsmob.com/post/1st-round-playoff-pregame-and-watch-party
1st round playoff pregame and watch party
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0bkPtlf7do
Cocktails with Collins: Episode 7
Tampa Bay Rowdies
On the latest episode of Cocktails with Collins, Coach Collins talks playoffs, preparation, and PKs.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTy3AIyJbzQ
Rowdies Highlights at Louisville City FC - October 26, 2019
Tampa Bay Rowdies
🎥 FULL HIGHLIGHTS of tonight's season-ending loss to Louisville City FC in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://oaklandnewsnow.com/2019/10/25/las-vegas-allegiant-stadium-construction-update-etfe-roof-supports-move-up/
Las Vegas Allegiant Stadium Construction Update: ETFE Roof Supports Move Up
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.tampabay.com/arts-entertainment/food/bar-breweries/2019/10/24/in-ybor-city-its-always-halloween-at-hidden-spookeasy/
BARS & BREWERIES
At Ybor City’s SpookEasy, it’s always Halloween
Tampa’s booze-free bar spills the tea on kava and kratom. | Bar review
SpookEasy Lounge is in a room above The Stone Soup Company. [Photos courtesy of Geneva Johnson]
Halloween season is coming to an end, giving us just one more week of binging Type O Negative albums, catching up on our annual rewatching of classic horror films and selecting from the deluge of...
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2019/10/24/here-are-the-20-tampa-bay-zip-code-areas-where-prices-have-shot-up-the-most/
BUSINESS
Here are the 20 Tampa Bay ZIP code areas where prices have shot up the most
You might be surprised by some of the ZIPs with the biggest price gains.
This house in Crystal Beach in northern Pinellas County sold in June for $1,085,000. [Google Earth]
Anyone looking to buy a house near downtown Tampa or downtown St. Petersburg knows all too well that sale prices have soared in recent years. Some of the biggest increases recently, however, have...
(Follow link for full article.)
https://wflanews.iheart.com/content/2019-10-24-kurt-schleicher-tom-degorge-8th-annual-fantasma-fest/
Kurt Schleicher & Tom Degorge-8th Annual Fantasma Fest
Kurt Schleicher & Tom Degeorge, S3media, joined AM Tampa Bay to discuss the 8th annual Fantasma Fest happening in Ybor City this weekend.
Centro Ybor will be magically turned into a Pumpkin Patch for All Children, Young and Old, to celebrate Halloween.
Children can pick from 2,000 pumpkins in a fenced pumpkin patch and then head to the decorating area.
There is also a ‘Little Monster Promenade’ for kids to show off their costumes.
The event is free and will take place on October 26th from 11 AM-3 PM.
You can also watch local bars and businesses dress up and team up to race beds down 7th Ave in Historic Ybor City.
The Bed Races are also free and will be happening on October 26th from 3:00 PM - 6 PM.
The Legend of the Pumpkin King Parade is free, and all ages are welcome.
The parade will happen on October 26th from 8 PM-10 PM.
There will also be a classic car show on October 27th from 1-5 PM.
Click here to learn more information on the event
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.theledger.com/news/20191025/tampa-foodie-destinations-to-join-lakeland-food-hall
Tampa foodie destinations to join Lakeland food hall
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/investigations/10-investigates/fbi-probe-hillsborough-county-commissioner-ken-hagan/67-0b9dde66-c25a-4a68-bc0d-1cd8b4c4ebe5
FBI investigating Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan
The FBI launched its investigation into Hagan after 10News aired a series of stories exposing the commissioner's connections to lobbyist Beth Leytham.
TAMPA, Fla. — 10Investigates has confirmed the existence of an ongoing FBI probe into Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan, investigating whether the commissioner broke the law in leveraging his considerable influence inside the county center to benefit developers he was connected to.
The active criminal investigation was confirmed through interviews with three different individuals approached by the FBI for information, as long ago as October 2018 and as recently as this week. The bureau responded that it does not confirm or deny the existence of investigations, but that completed investigations are typically handed off to the U.S. Attorney, who would make a decision about prosecution.
The individuals interviewed by the FBI - all of whom asked not to be identified - said they answered investigators' questions regarding various land deals in Hillsborough County, including at least one where Hagan's father was paid to help private land owners sell property to the county for approximately five times its assessed value. The commissioner's attempt to facilitate a Rays stadium in Ybor City was also one of numerous other land deals discussed.
The FBI launched its investigation into Hagan after 10News aired a series of stories exposing the commissioner's connections to lobbyist Beth Leytham, his failure to turn over public records, and secret dealings with the Tampa Bay Rays. However, the probe was launched prior to 10Investigates' November 2018 story about campaign donations Hagan received from property developers who stood to benefit from inside information about the commissioner's work on an Ybor City ballpark.
RELATED: 10Investigates: Hagan campaign donor got secret Rays stadium info
RELATED: The Gatekeeper: Tampa's political kingmaker
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.theledger.com/news/20191025/florida-brewery-set-to-debut-downtown-restaurant-and-taproom-in-polk
Florida Brewery set to debut downtown restaurant and taproom in Polk
Crave and Copper, a new restaurant and taproom from Florida Brewery, is set to open Sunday in downtown Auburndale.
AUBURNDALE – Resplendent in his virgin chef’s jacket, Matt Oakley ticks off items from his newly minted menu, pausing to emphasize how the food at Crave and Copper will, as often as possible, showcase local products.
First and foremost is the beer, which will be made onsite as well as down the street at the brewpub’s parent, the Florida Brewery, known for core products like Polar pilsner.
As executive chef, Oakley is charged with developing a menu that not only will pair with the brewery’s burgeoning line of craft lagers and ales, but also incorporate beer into recipes such as the beer cheese burger.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/309594-ken-hagan-implicated-in-fbi-investigation-over-land-deals
Ken Hagan implicated in FBI investigation over land deals
Hagan says he knows nothing about the investigation.
Another Hillsborough County Commissioner is under investigation by the FBI, according to a published report from WTSP-TV in Tampa Bay.
The report indicates longtime Commissioner Ken Hagan, who has been at the center of stadium talks with the Tampa Bay Rays in recent years — as well as investigative stories from the television station — has been the focus of an FBI public corruption probe since at least October 2018.
“The active criminal investigation was confirmed through interviews with three different individuals approached by the FBI for information,” WTSP reported. The FBI did not provide any comment on the story, and Hagan told the television station he had “absolutely no idea what you’re talking about, and no one from law enforcement has contacted me.”
The report indicated the FBI was interviewing individuals about Hagan’s history with different land deals, including at least one where his father worked as a broker on a sale to the county. It appears Hagan’s dealings with the Rays — and developers interested in getting a new stadium built in Ybor City — were also topics of FBI questions.
Former WTSP reporter Noah Pransky spent years publishing investigative stories on Hagan, regarding his close ties to lobbyist Beth Leytham, public records that were in his possession, and his behind-the-scenes work on a Rays stadium. Hagan threatened to sue WTSP and Pransky over a November 2018 stadium story, but no lawsuit was ever filed.
Hagan appears to be at least the third Hillsborough Commissioner under investigation by the FBI in the last ten years; former Commissioner Kevin White served a three year federal sentence for corruption, while former Commissioner Jim Norman avoided jail time after failing to disclose a $500,000 gift to his wife from a developer with business before the county.
In 1983, three sitting commissioners went to prison following a large-scale FBI racketeering probe that resulted in dozens of arrests.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.tampabay.com/arts-entertainment/fun/2019/10/26/top-things-to-do-in-tampa-bay-for-sunday-oct-27/
Top things to do in Tampa Bay for Sunday, Oct. 27
Celebrate Henry Plant’s 200 birthday in Tampa, do galactic bowling for a cause at Seminole Lanes and watch singer Sabrina Claudio perform in Ybor City.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://gritdaily.com/nasl-soccer-origin/
The Origin of the NASL and America’s First Soccer Boom
This is the first piece in a three-part series on the history of the NASL and its influence on MLS and soccer in America. Parts two and three will be published later this week.
Soccer is and has been on the rise in the US, and it has earned its place as a major American sport.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/10/27/7-best-phoenix-clubs-in-world-football/
7 Best Phoenix Clubs in World Football
From the A-League's sole New Zealand representatives Wellington Phoenix to MLS side Seattle Sounders, HITC Sevens takes a look at some of the best phoenix clubs in world football / soccer.
The cyclically reborn phoenix bird is one of the best known stories of Greek mythology. Phoenix famously rises from the ashes of its predecessor, and references from Pope Clement 1, Dante and William Shakespeare have left the tale enshrined in European culture today. Sport, and particularly association football, has borrowed the term in recent times to describe teams who spring-up upon the death of another club.
Phoenix clubs are technically new teams but in essence they are the same team as the one that has folded, typically for financial reasons. Phoenix clubs will often share very similar names to their predecessors, they will tend to have a similar badge, retain much of the former clubs support and often move into the same stadium. The term has also been used to describe protest clubs like FC United of Manchester, who were formed as an alternative club for Manchester United fans following the unpopular arrival of Malcolm Glazer. Strictly speaking, FC United of Manchester aren’t a phoenix club, and only bonafide phoenix clubs will be considered for this seven. There are also cases of clubs like Fiorentina, Napoli and Rangers who, following severe financial problems, were declared bankrupt and had to re-apply to play at a lower level as a new corporate entity. However, most footballing authorities consider those three to still be the same clubs over the years, so again I won’t be including them in this seven.
I created a shortlist of 18 of the best known and best ranked phoenix clubs in world football when researching for this video, and picking out who are the seven ‘best’ wasn’t easy. The logic I have used, is in an 18 team league of those clubs that I picked out, how do I think the top seven of that division would look at the end of a season? You may disagree with my rankings, so I will list some honourable mentions between first and second place.
Here are 7 of the best phoenix clubs in world football:
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.tampabay.com/opinion/2019/10/27/e-scooters-already-in-tampa-coming-to-st-pete-are-we-ready-for-this/
E-scooters: already in Tampa, coming to St. Pete. Are we ready for this?
Sure they’re fun, says Sue Carlton, but there’s been flagrant flaunting of scooter etiquette already.
A Bird electric scooter is seen along the Tampa Riverwalk. Riders are forbidden from riding along the path through downtown. [CHRIS URSO | Tampa Bay Times]
This really happened.
I’m driving out of downtown Tampa at that time of day when work is done and people are walking dogs and strolling to dinner. Stopped at the light at Kennedy Boulevard, I see him:...
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.tampabay.com/arts-entertainment/2019/10/27/top-things-to-do-in-tampa-bay-for-the-week-of-oct-28-nov3/
Top things to do in Tampa Bay for the week of Oct. 28-Nov.3
It’s Halloween week, plus Cirque du Soleil brings a new ice show to Amalie and Spooky Empire, “the dark side of comic con” haunts the convention center.
Cirque du Soleil's newest show, Axel, is performed on ice and hits Amalie Arena on Oct. 31-Nov. 3. [MARIE-ANDREE LEMIRE | Amalie Arena]
Cirque du Soleil: Axel: The international troupe’s latest show is on ice, called Axel, and it incorporates acrobatics, visual effects and a mix of popular and original music. $44-$135....
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.theunion.com/sports/in-the-wake-of-the-week-mls-comes-to-sac-kings-secure-heild/
IN THE WAKE OF THE WEEK: MLS comes to Sac; Kings secure Heild
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2019/10/27/david-beckham-shows-his-kids-statue-at-la-galaxy/
David Beckham shows his kids statue at LA Galaxy
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.cladglobal.com/CLADnews/architecture_design/Arquitectonica-and-HOK-reveal-stadium-designs-for-David-Beckhams-Miami-MLS-franchise/343456?source=sport
Arquitectonica and HOK reveal stadium designs for David Beckham's Miami MLS franchise
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.givemesport.com/1515830-david-beckhams-inter-miami-release-stunning-plans-for-state-of-the-art-750-million-stadium
David Beckham's Inter Miami release stunning plans for state of the art £750 million stadium
(Follow link for full article.)
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2859666-mesut-ozil-is-open-to-an-mls-move-but-will-not-hand-in-arsenal-transfer-request
Mesut Ozil Is Open to an MLS Move but Will Not Hand in Arsenal Transfer Request
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1196064/Arsenal-Mesut-Ozil-transfer-news-MLS-LA-Galaxy-Inter-Miami-David-Beckham
Arsenal must help finance Mesut Ozil exit as Emirates outcast offered fresh start in MLS
Arsenal will have to pay a portion of Mesut Ozil’s in order to offload him to one of three MLS clubs.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.forbes.com/sites/ianquillen/2019/10/27/zlatan-ibrahimovic-has-a-point-but-paying-aging-stars-is-mls-cup-suicide/#437940535ebf
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Has A Point, But Paying Aging Stars Is MLS Cup Suicide
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.kentucky.com/sports/other-sports/article236610928.html
Stadium site floated for proposed pro soccer team in Lexington
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/oct/28/football-transfer-rumours-mesut-ozil-to-dc-united-or-inter-miami
Football transfer rumours: Mesut Özil to DC United or Inter Miami?
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.justarsenal.com/there-is-still-a-chance-that-mesut-ozil-will-depart-arsenal-for-usa/226923
There is still a chance that Mesut Ozil will depart Arsenal for USA
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
1st round playoff pregame and watch party
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.ralphsmob.com/post/1st-round-playoff-pregame-and-watch-party
1st round playoff pregame and watch party
The boys are in the USL Championship Playoffs this weekend and take on defending champion Louisville City FC in Louisville. As much as we would have liked to host, there's no reason we can't get together and show our support – right at our home.
1st Round Playoff Watch Party Details
Pregame (5:00-6:30)
Thirsty First, 119 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg
Watch Party, Louisville City FC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies
Al Lang Stadium
Gates open at 6:30, Kickoff 7:00
Link to Ralph's Mob Watch Party Facebook Event
Details from the Rowdies announcement:
We may be on the road, but you can still spend your Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium! Join us for the official watch party to cheer on the Rowdies as they take on Louisville City FC in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the USL Championship Playoffs.
Admission is free, and guests may bring in food and blankets to enjoy the match from the pitch! (*Beverages of any type are prohibited. Chairs will not be allowed into the stadium.)
We will be serving non-alcoholic beverages for $3 and beer for $5.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.prosoccerusa.com/usl/2019-usl-championship-playoffs-preview-how-to-watch-nashville-phoenix/
2019 USL Championship playoffs: Preview, schedule, how to watch
With Golden Boot winner Solomon Asante, Phoenix looks like the favorite. But watch out for Nashville too.
Quarterfinals, Oct. 26
Eastern Conference
No. 1 Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC will host the lower remaining Play-In Round seed at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at 7 p.m. ET.
No. 4 Louisville City FC hosts No. 5 Tampa Bay Rowdies at Slugger Field in Louisville, Kentucky at 7 p.m. ET.
No. 3 Indy Eleven hosts No. 6 New York Red Bulls II at Michael A. Carroll Field in Indianapolis, Indiana at 7:30 p.m. ET.
No. 2 Nashville SC will host the higher remaining Play-In Round seed at First Tennessee Park in Nashville, Tennessee at 8 p.m. ET.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://mlsmultiplex.com/2019/10/23/nwsl-louisville-perfect-expansion-destination/
NWSL: Louisville the perfect expansion destination
(Follow link for full article.)
https://sports.yahoo.com/david-beckhams-inter-miami-to-spend-almost-1-bn-on-new-florida-stadium-with-rooftop-bar-095935845.html
David Beckham's Inter Miami to spend almost $1bn on new Florida stadium with rooftop bar
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.espn.in/football/major-league-soccer/story/3971037/mls-commissioner-garber-calls-delays-in-beckham-miami-project-frustrating
MLS commissioner Garber calls delays in Beckham Miami project 'frustrating'
(Follow link for full article.)
https://cccadvocate.com/11427/multimedia/oakland-roots-bring-soccer-to-the-town/
Oakland roots bring soccer to the town
OAKLAND — The Roots Sport Club is a professional soccer team playing in the newly formed National Premier Soccer League (NPSL).
The upstart squad opened its season on Aug. 31 against the Cal Untied Strikers FC and just wrapped up its season’s homestand tying 1-1 against the Los Angeles Force on Saturday.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2019/10/23/a-finishing-touch-to-a-season-burgos-does-it-in-triplicate-for-the-cosmos/
A FINE FINISHING TOUCH TO A SEASON: Burgos does it in triplicate for the Cosmos
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.espn.co.uk/football/major-league-soccer/story/3971037/mls-commissioner-garber-calls-delays-in-beckham-miami-project-frustrating
MLS commissioner Garber calls delays in Beckham Miami project 'frustrating'
(Follow link for full article.)
https://sbcamericas.com/2019/10/22/sacramento-awarded-penultimate-mls-expansion-franchise/
Sacramento awarded penultimate MLS expansion franchise
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/10/22/sacramento-parties-fans-celebrate-realization-republics-mls-dream
Sacramento parties as fans celebrate realization of Republic's MLS dream
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/dlhybe/2019_ruslpro_cup_raise_your_game_bracketology_all/
2019 r/USLPRO Cup "Raise Your Game" Bracketology - All entries due Wednesday 10/23, 6PM EST
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/dm41it/rowdies_mccarthy_criticisizes_usl_for_allowing/
Rowdies' McCarthy Criticisizes USL for allowing Louisville to continue playing at Slugger Field.
https://twitter.com/jmacdaddy77/status/1187070524490502147?s=20
This Tweet has been deleted.
What did it say? The tweet has been deleted.
Yeah its gone
OFFSake McCarthy! It's literally the last mattch there, and the Rowdies own fault for having to play there.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/story/2019-10-23/lafc-galaxy-mls-playoff-game
Column: No hype is necessary to sell the LAFC vs. Galaxy rivalry
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2019/10/23/episode-226-hart-broken/4578
Podcasts
Episode 226 – Hart-Broken
Posted on October 23, 2019 AuthorMatthew Cox Comment(0)
The Rowdies fell 2-1 in Hartford and all the other results didn’t break their way, so the boys will hit the road to Louisville this weekend. We try to figure out what happened, what’s next, and what we think will happen at Slugger this weekend…
Rowdies 1-2 Hartford
Eastern Conference playoff bracket
McCarthy spits 🔥 at USL/Slugger Field
Peter Wilt to the Mothership
Al Lang Watch Party
Louisville Preview
(Follow link for full article.)
https://sports.yahoo.com/david-beckhams-inter-miami-to-spend-almost-1-bn-on-new-florida-stadium-with-rooftop-bar-095935845.html
David Beckham's Inter Miami to spend almost $1bn on new Florida stadium with rooftop bar
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.101greatgoals.com/videosfeeds/david-beckhams-inter-miami-unveil-966m-stadium-plans/
David Beckham's Inter Miami unveil $966m stadium plans
(Follow link for full article.)
https://statehornet.com/2019/10/mlssacramento/
Sacramento MLS team to positively affect Sac State, Republic FC announcer says
(Follow link for full article.)
http://hilltopmonitor.com/2019/10/arsenal-join-city-and-liverpool-in-the-race-to-sign-hickey/
Arsenal join City and Liverpool in the race to sign Hickey
Former Blackpool trainee Caleb Richards has also spent the year in the US, playing regularly in the second tier for Tampa Bay Rowdies.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/1059377
Opening Night of Championship Playoffs Produces Upsets, Late Winners
NEWCOMERS LEGION FC, BOLD FC EARN VICTORIES, FORMER TITLE-WINNERS BATTERY, REPUBLIC FC ALSO ADVANCE
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
Saturday, October 26
No. 1 Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC vs. No. 10 Birmingham Legion FC, Highmark Stadium, 7 p.m. ET
No. 4 Louisville City FC vs. No. 5 Tampa Bay Rowdies, Slugger Field, 7 p.m. ET
No. 3 Indy Eleven vs. No. 6 New York Red Bulls II, Michael A. Carroll Field, 7:30 p.m. ET
No. 2 Nashville SC vs. No. 9 Charleston Battery, First Tennessee Park, 8 p.m. ET
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/oct/24/el-trafico-los-angeles-galaxy-lafc-derby-mls-playoffs-soccer
El Tráfico: how LAFC and Galaxy built a rivalry from scratch
(Follow link for full article.)
https://sports.yahoo.com/david-beckhams-inter-miami-to-spend-almost-1-bn-on-new-florida-stadium-with-rooftop-bar-095935845.html
David Beckham's Inter Miami to spend almost $1bn on new Florida stadium with rooftop bar
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.designboom.com/architecture/david-beckham-inter-miami-soccer-mls-stadium-10-24-2019/
Miami Freedom Park- Inter Miami's future MLS stadium
david beckham's miami soccer team reveals MLS stadium plans
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/article236589158.html
Miami soccer stadium needs better answers before it scores with skeptical residents | Opinion
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/inside-david-beckham-owned-inter-20712705
Inside David Beckham owned Inter Miami's incredible stadium - including palm trees on roof
A hotel, office park and shopping centre are all proposals for the site where Inter Miami will develop their stadium
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.sportbible.com/football/news-david-beckhams-inter-miami-unveil-plans-for-750-million-stadium-20191023
David Beckham's Inter Miami Unveil Stunning Plans For £750 Million 26,000 Capacity Stadium
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/don-garber-frustrated-by-ongoing-inter-miami-stadium-delays/
Don Garber ‘frustrated’ by ongoing Inter Miami stadium delays
https://www.ralphsmob.com/post/1st-round-playoff-pregame-and-watch-party
1st round playoff pregame and watch party
The boys are in the USL Championship Playoffs this weekend and take on defending champion Louisville City FC in Louisville. As much as we would have liked to host, there's no reason we can't get together and show our support – right at our home.
1st Round Playoff Watch Party Details
Pregame (5:00-6:30)
Thirsty First, 119 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg
Watch Party, Louisville City FC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies
Al Lang Stadium
Gates open at 6:30, Kickoff 7:00
Link to Ralph's Mob Watch Party Facebook Event
Details from the Rowdies announcement:
We may be on the road, but you can still spend your Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium! Join us for the official watch party to cheer on the Rowdies as they take on Louisville City FC in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the USL Championship Playoffs.
Admission is free, and guests may bring in food and blankets to enjoy the match from the pitch! (*Beverages of any type are prohibited. Chairs will not be allowed into the stadium.)
We will be serving non-alcoholic beverages for $3 and beer for $5.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.prosoccerusa.com/usl/2019-usl-championship-playoffs-preview-how-to-watch-nashville-phoenix/
2019 USL Championship playoffs: Preview, schedule, how to watch
With Golden Boot winner Solomon Asante, Phoenix looks like the favorite. But watch out for Nashville too.
Quarterfinals, Oct. 26
Eastern Conference
No. 1 Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC will host the lower remaining Play-In Round seed at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at 7 p.m. ET.
No. 4 Louisville City FC hosts No. 5 Tampa Bay Rowdies at Slugger Field in Louisville, Kentucky at 7 p.m. ET.
No. 3 Indy Eleven hosts No. 6 New York Red Bulls II at Michael A. Carroll Field in Indianapolis, Indiana at 7:30 p.m. ET.
No. 2 Nashville SC will host the higher remaining Play-In Round seed at First Tennessee Park in Nashville, Tennessee at 8 p.m. ET.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://mlsmultiplex.com/2019/10/23/nwsl-louisville-perfect-expansion-destination/
NWSL: Louisville the perfect expansion destination
(Follow link for full article.)
https://sports.yahoo.com/david-beckhams-inter-miami-to-spend-almost-1-bn-on-new-florida-stadium-with-rooftop-bar-095935845.html
David Beckham's Inter Miami to spend almost $1bn on new Florida stadium with rooftop bar
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.espn.in/football/major-league-soccer/story/3971037/mls-commissioner-garber-calls-delays-in-beckham-miami-project-frustrating
MLS commissioner Garber calls delays in Beckham Miami project 'frustrating'
(Follow link for full article.)
https://cccadvocate.com/11427/multimedia/oakland-roots-bring-soccer-to-the-town/
Oakland roots bring soccer to the town
OAKLAND — The Roots Sport Club is a professional soccer team playing in the newly formed National Premier Soccer League (NPSL).
The upstart squad opened its season on Aug. 31 against the Cal Untied Strikers FC and just wrapped up its season’s homestand tying 1-1 against the Los Angeles Force on Saturday.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2019/10/23/a-finishing-touch-to-a-season-burgos-does-it-in-triplicate-for-the-cosmos/
A FINE FINISHING TOUCH TO A SEASON: Burgos does it in triplicate for the Cosmos
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.espn.co.uk/football/major-league-soccer/story/3971037/mls-commissioner-garber-calls-delays-in-beckham-miami-project-frustrating
MLS commissioner Garber calls delays in Beckham Miami project 'frustrating'
(Follow link for full article.)
https://sbcamericas.com/2019/10/22/sacramento-awarded-penultimate-mls-expansion-franchise/
Sacramento awarded penultimate MLS expansion franchise
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/10/22/sacramento-parties-fans-celebrate-realization-republics-mls-dream
Sacramento parties as fans celebrate realization of Republic's MLS dream
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/dlhybe/2019_ruslpro_cup_raise_your_game_bracketology_all/
2019 r/USLPRO Cup "Raise Your Game" Bracketology - All entries due Wednesday 10/23, 6PM EST
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/dm41it/rowdies_mccarthy_criticisizes_usl_for_allowing/
Rowdies' McCarthy Criticisizes USL for allowing Louisville to continue playing at Slugger Field.
https://twitter.com/jmacdaddy77/status/1187070524490502147?s=20
This Tweet has been deleted.
What did it say? The tweet has been deleted.
Yeah its gone
OFFSake McCarthy! It's literally the last mattch there, and the Rowdies own fault for having to play there.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/story/2019-10-23/lafc-galaxy-mls-playoff-game
Column: No hype is necessary to sell the LAFC vs. Galaxy rivalry
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2019/10/23/episode-226-hart-broken/4578
Podcasts
Episode 226 – Hart-Broken
Posted on October 23, 2019 AuthorMatthew Cox Comment(0)
The Rowdies fell 2-1 in Hartford and all the other results didn’t break their way, so the boys will hit the road to Louisville this weekend. We try to figure out what happened, what’s next, and what we think will happen at Slugger this weekend…
Rowdies 1-2 Hartford
Eastern Conference playoff bracket
McCarthy spits 🔥 at USL/Slugger Field
Peter Wilt to the Mothership
Al Lang Watch Party
Louisville Preview
(Follow link for full article.)
https://sports.yahoo.com/david-beckhams-inter-miami-to-spend-almost-1-bn-on-new-florida-stadium-with-rooftop-bar-095935845.html
David Beckham's Inter Miami to spend almost $1bn on new Florida stadium with rooftop bar
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.101greatgoals.com/videosfeeds/david-beckhams-inter-miami-unveil-966m-stadium-plans/
David Beckham's Inter Miami unveil $966m stadium plans
(Follow link for full article.)
https://statehornet.com/2019/10/mlssacramento/
Sacramento MLS team to positively affect Sac State, Republic FC announcer says
(Follow link for full article.)
http://hilltopmonitor.com/2019/10/arsenal-join-city-and-liverpool-in-the-race-to-sign-hickey/
Arsenal join City and Liverpool in the race to sign Hickey
Former Blackpool trainee Caleb Richards has also spent the year in the US, playing regularly in the second tier for Tampa Bay Rowdies.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/1059377
Opening Night of Championship Playoffs Produces Upsets, Late Winners
NEWCOMERS LEGION FC, BOLD FC EARN VICTORIES, FORMER TITLE-WINNERS BATTERY, REPUBLIC FC ALSO ADVANCE
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
Saturday, October 26
No. 1 Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC vs. No. 10 Birmingham Legion FC, Highmark Stadium, 7 p.m. ET
No. 4 Louisville City FC vs. No. 5 Tampa Bay Rowdies, Slugger Field, 7 p.m. ET
No. 3 Indy Eleven vs. No. 6 New York Red Bulls II, Michael A. Carroll Field, 7:30 p.m. ET
No. 2 Nashville SC vs. No. 9 Charleston Battery, First Tennessee Park, 8 p.m. ET
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/oct/24/el-trafico-los-angeles-galaxy-lafc-derby-mls-playoffs-soccer
El Tráfico: how LAFC and Galaxy built a rivalry from scratch
(Follow link for full article.)
https://sports.yahoo.com/david-beckhams-inter-miami-to-spend-almost-1-bn-on-new-florida-stadium-with-rooftop-bar-095935845.html
David Beckham's Inter Miami to spend almost $1bn on new Florida stadium with rooftop bar
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.designboom.com/architecture/david-beckham-inter-miami-soccer-mls-stadium-10-24-2019/
Miami Freedom Park- Inter Miami's future MLS stadium
david beckham's miami soccer team reveals MLS stadium plans
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/article236589158.html
Miami soccer stadium needs better answers before it scores with skeptical residents | Opinion
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/inside-david-beckham-owned-inter-20712705
Inside David Beckham owned Inter Miami's incredible stadium - including palm trees on roof
A hotel, office park and shopping centre are all proposals for the site where Inter Miami will develop their stadium
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.sportbible.com/football/news-david-beckhams-inter-miami-unveil-plans-for-750-million-stadium-20191023
David Beckham's Inter Miami Unveil Stunning Plans For £750 Million 26,000 Capacity Stadium
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/don-garber-frustrated-by-ongoing-inter-miami-stadium-delays/
Don Garber ‘frustrated’ by ongoing Inter Miami stadium delays
Don Garber ‘frustrated’ by ongoing Inter Miami stadium delays
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/don-garber-frustrated-by-ongoing-inter-miami-stadium-delays/
Don Garber ‘frustrated’ by ongoing Inter Miami stadium delays
Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber has admitted he is “disappointed” and “frustrated” in the ongoing delays to Inter Miami’s stadium proposal, which is in real danger of being scrapped.
The expansion team, which is joining MLS in 2020, is looking to build a 25,000-seat venue as part of a $1bn development of Melreese Country Club, dubbed Miami Freedom Park.
Inter Miami, which includes David Beckham as a minority owner, is expected to play at least its first two seasons at a temporary facility in Fort Lauderdale. However the team could play at the venue for much longer or even permanently depending on votes of the Miami city commission this week.
On October 24, the commission will decide whether to cease negotiations on the lease with Miami Freedom Park LLC – the business entity attempting to develop the land on Inter Miami’s behalf – and open up development of the site to competitive bidding. Four of the five city commissioners have to approve the lease but two commissioners have made it clear they disapprove of the no-bid deal that was provisionally agreed.
“There have been continuous challenges in Miami, and it’s frustrating,” Garber told ESPN. “MLS has shown such a commitment to the City of Miami, and been so patient for so many years. We’ve done everything we said we would do. We found an unbelievable local owner in Jorge Mas and his partner Marcelo Claure. They’ve invested over $100m in a temporary facility, all based on the fact that there was public referendum that supported our path to signing a lease at the Melreese site.
“Now all of a sudden, there’s a bunch of folks that are backtracking on some of the commitments that were made. I find it frustrating and at times infuriating. It seems as if we’re getting caught up in a political mess that is not of our making. I’m very disappointed.”
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/lights/las-vegas-seeks-30th-mls-franchise-but-key-questions-remain-1876667/
Las Vegas seeks 30th MLS franchise, but key questions remain
(Follow link for full article.)
https://sbcamericas.com/2019/10/22/sacramento-awarded-penultimate-mls-expansion-franchise/
Sacramento awarded penultimate MLS expansion franchise
(Follow link for full article.)
https://madison.com/wsj/sports/soccer/peter-wilt-leaves-forward-madison-fc-managing-director-role-for/article_fa8f0a80-994c-5af1-b571-5e360e5ffd6b.html
PRO SOCCER
Peter Wilt leaves Forward Madison FC managing director role for job with USL
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.egcitizen.com/sports/major-league-soccer-awards-expansion-team-to-sacramento/article_cf0768d6-f5e0-11e9-9349-4762dc236a91.html
Major League Soccer awards expansion team to Sacramento
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.orlandoweekly.com/orlando/with-due-amici-college-park-adds-another-new-italian-restaurant-to-the-mix/Content?oid=26183285
With Due Amici, College Park adds another new Italian restaurant to the mix
Due Amici, the Ybor City pizza and pasta stalwart, made headlines in late 2016 when owner Genti Bunjaku – an avid Trump supporter – created a garish victory pie embellished with gold leaf shaped into a "T" and – try not to cackle – Russian caviar. Now the Albanian-born restaurateur is expanding his reach by opening an outpost in College Park and, I'll admit, the pizza is a winner. If there's one thing we've learned from the oaf in office, it's that winners aren't losers – they're winners! And further feeding College Park's insatiable appetite for Italian food? Well, now you're really winning. After all, there are no less than five Italian restaurants along Edgewater Drive, three – Trevi Pasta, Armando's and Adriatico – within mere feet of Due Amici. And you thought tacos were taking over the neighborhood.
They're winning the patio game, too. Kingfish Grill, the space's predecessor, expanded the outdoor footprint, but Due Amici came along and put an awning over it. They strung up lights, added some plants, gave the wall a paint job and made it look as welcoming as ... oh, I don't know ... let's just go with an impeachment inquiry. It's a fine spot (if you don't mind the occasional earsplitting siren) to enjoy the al fresco delights of the autumn season. And pizza.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.tampabay.com/arts-entertainment/food/2019/10/23/a-guide-to-tampa-bay-food-and-drink-events-this-weekend/
A guide to Tampa Bay food and drink events this weekend
Cooters Crab Fest and stone crab weekend at Frenchy’s and Palm Pavilion, plus Il Ritorno’s Midnight Chef Fight comes to a close and Pair O’ Dice Brewing turns 6.
Cooters Crab Fest will return to the Clearwater Beach restaurant and bar for its 26th year on Thursday. [Courtesy of Cooters]
STAY CRACKIN’: COOTERS CRAB FEST
The 26th annual Cooters Crab Fest welcomes the start of Florida stone crab season with a family-friendly four-day smorgasbord featuring stone crab claws as well as...
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.tampabay.com/arts-entertainment/food/2019/10/23/new-ybor-city-restaurant-barterhouse-will-focus-on-sustainability/
New Ybor City restaurant Barterhouse will focus on sustainability
Look forward to approachable, elevated dishes and bold drinks served in a speakeasy setting.
Barterhouse, which will debut in Tampa this month, has modeled its relaxed-meets-refined speakeasy atmosphere after 1920s-’50s Ybor City. [Courtesy of Barterhouse]
TAMPA — Barterhouse, the modern American restaurant that grew from popup dinners around Tampa Bay and in Charleston, S.C., is close to opening on the west side of Ybor City.
Originally dubbed the...
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.wtsp.com/article/entertainment/television/great-day-tb/spookyyborfun/67-e3b2201e-6b77-43ee-a9a7-54d755fb55dd
Spooky Fun in Ybor City
Kendall and Java will serve as ecmees for this year's Annual Fantasma Fest in Ybor.
The Annual Fantasma Fest kicks off this Saturday in Ybor City! Families are invited to come out and enjoy a Pumpkin Patch, Bed Race, Legend of the Pumpkin King Parade and much more. Kendall and Java will serve as ecmees for this year's festivities. For a full list of Fantasma fest events and times
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.tampabay.com/arts-entertainment/2019/10/23/top-halloween-parties-this-weekend-oct-24-27/
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Top Halloween parties this weekend Oct. 24-27
The last weekend before Halloween has some big costume contests and a Thriller mob scene, plus lots of trick-or-treating this weekend.
Thrill St. Pete's 2018 version of its zombie dance to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" took place at the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. There's a "Thriller" mob planned there and at Ferg's this week. [MARTHA ASENCIO RHINE | Tampa Bay Times]
Now that we are in the last weekend before Halloween, some of the biggest parties are coming up this weekend, including Entourage star Jeremy Piven hosting a big party at the Godfrey Hotel and a Thril...
(Follow link for full article.)
https://hoodline.com/2019/10/tampa-to-host-a-variety-of-halloween-events-this-week
Tampa to host a variety of Halloween events this week
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.sounderatheart.com/2019/10/23/20927696/major-link-soccer-nwsl-expanding-to-louisville
Major Link Soccer: NWSL expanding to Louisville
Dest’s decision coming soon, and problematic fans in England and Brazil
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/nwsl-louisville-expansion-franchise-2021-lynn-family-stadium
NWSL adds Louisville expansion franchise for 2021
Women’s soccer team will share Lynn Family Stadium with USL affiliate.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.sounderatheart.com/2019/10/23/20927696/major-link-soccer-nwsl-expanding-to-louisville
Major Link Soccer: NWSL expanding to Louisville
Dest’s decision coming soon, and problematic fans in England and Brazil
(Follow link for full article.)
https://krod.com/el-paso-locomotive-ranks-tenth-in-usl-attendance/
El Paso Locomotive Ranks Tenth In USL Attendance
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.india.com/photos/sports/david-beckhams-mls-team-inter-miamis-usd-966m-freedom-park-stadium-plans-152568/miami-freedom-park-stadium-plans-152572/
David Beckham's MLS Team Inter Miami's USD 966m Freedom Park Stadium Plans
(Follow link for full article.)
https://en.as.com/en/2019/10/23/album/1571825702_327300.html
MLS
David Beckham's spectacular Miami Freedom Park
Miami Freedom Park Miami Freedom Park Miami Freedom Park Miami Freedom Park Miami Freedom Park Imágenes del Miami Freedom Park estadio del inter miami Miami Freedom Park Miami Freedom Park Miami Freedom Park
Inter Miami is coming to an MLS near you soon. And the ambitious project has unveiled images of its proposed new stadium where the future stars of the league will play.
PHOTO: INTER MIAMI CF
Inter Miami is coming to an MLS near you soon. And the ambitious project has unveiled images of its proposed new stadium where the future stars of the league will play.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://video.eurosport.com/football/david-beckham-s-inter-miami-stadium-plans-revealed_vid1254562/video.shtml
FOOTBALL
VIDEO - David Beckham's Inter Miami stadium plans revealed
David Beckham's new club released the latest iteration of its future home - Club Internacional de Futbol Miami, or Inter Miami, will begin playing next season in Major League Soccer.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/five-pointer-beckham-new-miami-stadium-champions-league-nba-123348263.html
The Five Pointer: Beckham's new Miami stadium, Champions League, NBA returns
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7601077/David-Beckhams-Inter-Miami-reveal-artists-impression-brand-new-stadium-ahead-2020-MLS-entry.html
'The future': David Beckham's Inter Miami reveal artist's plans for their brand new £750m stadium ahead of entering MLS next year... including a glitzy rooftop bar!
Inter Miami have teased ambitious plans of their brand new £750million stadium
David Beckham's new MLS side posted an exciting video on their Instagram page
The spectacular new stadium includes a rooftop bar and palm trees on the roof
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.bbc.com/sport/av/football/50156563
Rooftop bar & palm trees - What Beckham's Inter Miami stadium could look like
From the section Football
David Beckham's MLS side Inter Miami have released the latest images of the club's new stadium which is set to be completed in 2022 and features its own rooftop bar and palm trees.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.themercury.com.au/sport/football/david-beckhams-inter-miami-fc-reveal-new-stadium/news-story/6ab6717ea2a1eb2f4795a4563bdc5ad6
FOOTBALL
David Beckham’s Inter Miami FC reveal new stadium
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/video/2019/oct/23/david-beckham-inter-miami-unveil-966m-stadium-plans-video
David Beckham's Inter Miami unveil $966m stadium plans – video
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.101greatgoals.com/videosfeeds/david-beckhams-inter-miami-unveil-966m-stadium-plans/
Home » Football feed videos » David Beckham's Inter Miami unveil $966m stadium plans
David Beckham's Inter Miami unveil $966m stadium plans
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.90min.com/posts/6481901-inter-miami-fc-unveil-incredible-designs-for-new-750m-freedom-park-stadium
Inter Miami FC Unveil Incredible Designs for New £750m Freedom Park Stadium
(Follow link for full article.)
https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/english-super-league-nyc-team-andrew-johns-brad-fittler/f835a2f3-154f-46d8-ae8d-d0a36c823350
Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler back New York's bold rugby league bid
League legends Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler have thrown their support behind a rugby league team to be based in New York City to compete in the English Super League.
Officials of the NYC bid team are confident of being granted a place in the English Super League third tier and would more than likely follow the same path of the Toronto Wolfpack from the 2021 season.
NRL players at the end of their careers have already been sounded out over their possible interest in playing for the first ever professional rugby league team in the United States.
The NYC team would begin their Super League journey in the third-tier League One but with some former big names from the NRL, the club would be expected to gain a promotion into the second-tier RFL Championship in 2022 before an anticipated rise into the top-flight Super League by 2023.
Time for Kangaroos renewal: Cordner
Reports state members of the bid team have already compiled a list of NRL players they'd like to recruit, with the likes of Benji Marshall, Brett and Josh Morris brothers, Darius Boyd and Jesse Bromwich among several players that have been identified as potential targets.
Any player looking to make the leap to the US would have to keep in mind how the seven-hour flight from New York to London would impact their bodies, yet Nine commentator and rugby league Immortal Johns says most players would jump at the chance to play footy and live in a city like New York.
"Could you imagine finishing your career at 32, being single (and playing in New York)," Johns told Wide World of Sports' Freddy and the Eighth.
"In between that you'd be doing stints in the north of England or if you've got a young family go over there and live for two years and experience living in New York and still play footy. I think it's sensational.
Kangaroos v Kiwis: Test Match Preview
"There's lots of ex-pats in New York, who knows, you could build a real fan base there."
Fittler agreed with Johns' assessment and said players would be interested in living in the US and continuing their careers but the success of the club would depend on their strategy surrounding recruitment.
The Toronto Wolfpack are on the lookout for big-name signings following their promotion from the second-tier Championship and are keen on signing All Blacks star Sonny-Bill Williams.
The Wolfpack have spent big on players and wish to bring in a David Beckham-type player to do for the Wolfpack what the former Manchester United favourite did for LA Galaxy.
For the NYC team to hit the ground running, Fittler believes the US team would need to adopt the same approach.
"If the people in New York have heard their name and they're not from Australia, England or New Zealand and they've heard of Benji Marshall or Sonny-Bill," he said.
"I think it would be awesome it's the biggest town in the world if we can get a footprint in there it would be a great start."
The New York bid hasn't announced a logo but is in negotiations to lock down a home ground, with the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey touted as a possible destination. The stadium is already home to Major League Soccer franchise New York Red Bulls.
It's said bid officials are already in discussions with Virgin Atlantic and Hilton Hotels to form partnerships with the team.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.tampabay.com/arts-entertainment/2019/10/23/top-things-to-do-in-tampa-bay-this-weekend-oct-25-27/
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Top things to do in Tampa Bay this weekend: Oct. 25-27
Big Halloween parties, the second weekend of the Hillsborough County Fair, a rodeo and the return of the SPIFFS folk fair.
The Hillsborough County Fair, shown here in 2012, will continue in Dover with the popular demolition derby on Sunday. [Times (2012)]
HALLOWEEN: BIG PARTY WEEKEND
Since Halloween falls on a Thursday, this weekend is the big one for parties.
Emmy-winning Entourage star Jeremy Piven (who is also trailed by sexual misconduct...
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city/norwich-city-transfer-rumours-aaron-hickey-1-6336887
Norwich City transfer rumours: Hearts left-back on the radar after first-team emergence
Former Blackpool trainee Caleb Richards has also spent the year in the USA, playing regularly in the second tier for Tampa Bay Rowdies. The 21-year-old is under contract until 2021 at Norwich, with the option for a further year.
https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/don-garber-frustrated-by-ongoing-inter-miami-stadium-delays/
Don Garber ‘frustrated’ by ongoing Inter Miami stadium delays
Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber has admitted he is “disappointed” and “frustrated” in the ongoing delays to Inter Miami’s stadium proposal, which is in real danger of being scrapped.
The expansion team, which is joining MLS in 2020, is looking to build a 25,000-seat venue as part of a $1bn development of Melreese Country Club, dubbed Miami Freedom Park.
Inter Miami, which includes David Beckham as a minority owner, is expected to play at least its first two seasons at a temporary facility in Fort Lauderdale. However the team could play at the venue for much longer or even permanently depending on votes of the Miami city commission this week.
On October 24, the commission will decide whether to cease negotiations on the lease with Miami Freedom Park LLC – the business entity attempting to develop the land on Inter Miami’s behalf – and open up development of the site to competitive bidding. Four of the five city commissioners have to approve the lease but two commissioners have made it clear they disapprove of the no-bid deal that was provisionally agreed.
“There have been continuous challenges in Miami, and it’s frustrating,” Garber told ESPN. “MLS has shown such a commitment to the City of Miami, and been so patient for so many years. We’ve done everything we said we would do. We found an unbelievable local owner in Jorge Mas and his partner Marcelo Claure. They’ve invested over $100m in a temporary facility, all based on the fact that there was public referendum that supported our path to signing a lease at the Melreese site.
“Now all of a sudden, there’s a bunch of folks that are backtracking on some of the commitments that were made. I find it frustrating and at times infuriating. It seems as if we’re getting caught up in a political mess that is not of our making. I’m very disappointed.”
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/lights/las-vegas-seeks-30th-mls-franchise-but-key-questions-remain-1876667/
Las Vegas seeks 30th MLS franchise, but key questions remain
(Follow link for full article.)
https://sbcamericas.com/2019/10/22/sacramento-awarded-penultimate-mls-expansion-franchise/
Sacramento awarded penultimate MLS expansion franchise
(Follow link for full article.)
https://madison.com/wsj/sports/soccer/peter-wilt-leaves-forward-madison-fc-managing-director-role-for/article_fa8f0a80-994c-5af1-b571-5e360e5ffd6b.html
PRO SOCCER
Peter Wilt leaves Forward Madison FC managing director role for job with USL
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.egcitizen.com/sports/major-league-soccer-awards-expansion-team-to-sacramento/article_cf0768d6-f5e0-11e9-9349-4762dc236a91.html
Major League Soccer awards expansion team to Sacramento
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.orlandoweekly.com/orlando/with-due-amici-college-park-adds-another-new-italian-restaurant-to-the-mix/Content?oid=26183285
With Due Amici, College Park adds another new Italian restaurant to the mix
Due Amici, the Ybor City pizza and pasta stalwart, made headlines in late 2016 when owner Genti Bunjaku – an avid Trump supporter – created a garish victory pie embellished with gold leaf shaped into a "T" and – try not to cackle – Russian caviar. Now the Albanian-born restaurateur is expanding his reach by opening an outpost in College Park and, I'll admit, the pizza is a winner. If there's one thing we've learned from the oaf in office, it's that winners aren't losers – they're winners! And further feeding College Park's insatiable appetite for Italian food? Well, now you're really winning. After all, there are no less than five Italian restaurants along Edgewater Drive, three – Trevi Pasta, Armando's and Adriatico – within mere feet of Due Amici. And you thought tacos were taking over the neighborhood.
They're winning the patio game, too. Kingfish Grill, the space's predecessor, expanded the outdoor footprint, but Due Amici came along and put an awning over it. They strung up lights, added some plants, gave the wall a paint job and made it look as welcoming as ... oh, I don't know ... let's just go with an impeachment inquiry. It's a fine spot (if you don't mind the occasional earsplitting siren) to enjoy the al fresco delights of the autumn season. And pizza.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.tampabay.com/arts-entertainment/food/2019/10/23/a-guide-to-tampa-bay-food-and-drink-events-this-weekend/
A guide to Tampa Bay food and drink events this weekend
Cooters Crab Fest and stone crab weekend at Frenchy’s and Palm Pavilion, plus Il Ritorno’s Midnight Chef Fight comes to a close and Pair O’ Dice Brewing turns 6.
Cooters Crab Fest will return to the Clearwater Beach restaurant and bar for its 26th year on Thursday. [Courtesy of Cooters]
STAY CRACKIN’: COOTERS CRAB FEST
The 26th annual Cooters Crab Fest welcomes the start of Florida stone crab season with a family-friendly four-day smorgasbord featuring stone crab claws as well as...
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.tampabay.com/arts-entertainment/food/2019/10/23/new-ybor-city-restaurant-barterhouse-will-focus-on-sustainability/
New Ybor City restaurant Barterhouse will focus on sustainability
Look forward to approachable, elevated dishes and bold drinks served in a speakeasy setting.
Barterhouse, which will debut in Tampa this month, has modeled its relaxed-meets-refined speakeasy atmosphere after 1920s-’50s Ybor City. [Courtesy of Barterhouse]
TAMPA — Barterhouse, the modern American restaurant that grew from popup dinners around Tampa Bay and in Charleston, S.C., is close to opening on the west side of Ybor City.
Originally dubbed the...
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.wtsp.com/article/entertainment/television/great-day-tb/spookyyborfun/67-e3b2201e-6b77-43ee-a9a7-54d755fb55dd
Spooky Fun in Ybor City
Kendall and Java will serve as ecmees for this year's Annual Fantasma Fest in Ybor.
The Annual Fantasma Fest kicks off this Saturday in Ybor City! Families are invited to come out and enjoy a Pumpkin Patch, Bed Race, Legend of the Pumpkin King Parade and much more. Kendall and Java will serve as ecmees for this year's festivities. For a full list of Fantasma fest events and times
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.tampabay.com/arts-entertainment/2019/10/23/top-halloween-parties-this-weekend-oct-24-27/
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Top Halloween parties this weekend Oct. 24-27
The last weekend before Halloween has some big costume contests and a Thriller mob scene, plus lots of trick-or-treating this weekend.
Thrill St. Pete's 2018 version of its zombie dance to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" took place at the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. There's a "Thriller" mob planned there and at Ferg's this week. [MARTHA ASENCIO RHINE | Tampa Bay Times]
Now that we are in the last weekend before Halloween, some of the biggest parties are coming up this weekend, including Entourage star Jeremy Piven hosting a big party at the Godfrey Hotel and a Thril...
(Follow link for full article.)
https://hoodline.com/2019/10/tampa-to-host-a-variety-of-halloween-events-this-week
Tampa to host a variety of Halloween events this week
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.sounderatheart.com/2019/10/23/20927696/major-link-soccer-nwsl-expanding-to-louisville
Major Link Soccer: NWSL expanding to Louisville
Dest’s decision coming soon, and problematic fans in England and Brazil
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/nwsl-louisville-expansion-franchise-2021-lynn-family-stadium
NWSL adds Louisville expansion franchise for 2021
Women’s soccer team will share Lynn Family Stadium with USL affiliate.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.sounderatheart.com/2019/10/23/20927696/major-link-soccer-nwsl-expanding-to-louisville
Major Link Soccer: NWSL expanding to Louisville
Dest’s decision coming soon, and problematic fans in England and Brazil
(Follow link for full article.)
https://krod.com/el-paso-locomotive-ranks-tenth-in-usl-attendance/
El Paso Locomotive Ranks Tenth In USL Attendance
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.india.com/photos/sports/david-beckhams-mls-team-inter-miamis-usd-966m-freedom-park-stadium-plans-152568/miami-freedom-park-stadium-plans-152572/
David Beckham's MLS Team Inter Miami's USD 966m Freedom Park Stadium Plans
(Follow link for full article.)
https://en.as.com/en/2019/10/23/album/1571825702_327300.html
MLS
David Beckham's spectacular Miami Freedom Park
Miami Freedom Park Miami Freedom Park Miami Freedom Park Miami Freedom Park Miami Freedom Park Imágenes del Miami Freedom Park estadio del inter miami Miami Freedom Park Miami Freedom Park Miami Freedom Park
Inter Miami is coming to an MLS near you soon. And the ambitious project has unveiled images of its proposed new stadium where the future stars of the league will play.
PHOTO: INTER MIAMI CF
Inter Miami is coming to an MLS near you soon. And the ambitious project has unveiled images of its proposed new stadium where the future stars of the league will play.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://video.eurosport.com/football/david-beckham-s-inter-miami-stadium-plans-revealed_vid1254562/video.shtml
FOOTBALL
VIDEO - David Beckham's Inter Miami stadium plans revealed
David Beckham's new club released the latest iteration of its future home - Club Internacional de Futbol Miami, or Inter Miami, will begin playing next season in Major League Soccer.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/five-pointer-beckham-new-miami-stadium-champions-league-nba-123348263.html
The Five Pointer: Beckham's new Miami stadium, Champions League, NBA returns
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7601077/David-Beckhams-Inter-Miami-reveal-artists-impression-brand-new-stadium-ahead-2020-MLS-entry.html
'The future': David Beckham's Inter Miami reveal artist's plans for their brand new £750m stadium ahead of entering MLS next year... including a glitzy rooftop bar!
Inter Miami have teased ambitious plans of their brand new £750million stadium
David Beckham's new MLS side posted an exciting video on their Instagram page
The spectacular new stadium includes a rooftop bar and palm trees on the roof
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.bbc.com/sport/av/football/50156563
Rooftop bar & palm trees - What Beckham's Inter Miami stadium could look like
From the section Football
David Beckham's MLS side Inter Miami have released the latest images of the club's new stadium which is set to be completed in 2022 and features its own rooftop bar and palm trees.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.themercury.com.au/sport/football/david-beckhams-inter-miami-fc-reveal-new-stadium/news-story/6ab6717ea2a1eb2f4795a4563bdc5ad6
FOOTBALL
David Beckham’s Inter Miami FC reveal new stadium
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/video/2019/oct/23/david-beckham-inter-miami-unveil-966m-stadium-plans-video
David Beckham's Inter Miami unveil $966m stadium plans – video
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.101greatgoals.com/videosfeeds/david-beckhams-inter-miami-unveil-966m-stadium-plans/
Home » Football feed videos » David Beckham's Inter Miami unveil $966m stadium plans
David Beckham's Inter Miami unveil $966m stadium plans
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.90min.com/posts/6481901-inter-miami-fc-unveil-incredible-designs-for-new-750m-freedom-park-stadium
Inter Miami FC Unveil Incredible Designs for New £750m Freedom Park Stadium
(Follow link for full article.)
https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/english-super-league-nyc-team-andrew-johns-brad-fittler/f835a2f3-154f-46d8-ae8d-d0a36c823350
Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler back New York's bold rugby league bid
League legends Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler have thrown their support behind a rugby league team to be based in New York City to compete in the English Super League.
Officials of the NYC bid team are confident of being granted a place in the English Super League third tier and would more than likely follow the same path of the Toronto Wolfpack from the 2021 season.
NRL players at the end of their careers have already been sounded out over their possible interest in playing for the first ever professional rugby league team in the United States.
The NYC team would begin their Super League journey in the third-tier League One but with some former big names from the NRL, the club would be expected to gain a promotion into the second-tier RFL Championship in 2022 before an anticipated rise into the top-flight Super League by 2023.
Time for Kangaroos renewal: Cordner
Reports state members of the bid team have already compiled a list of NRL players they'd like to recruit, with the likes of Benji Marshall, Brett and Josh Morris brothers, Darius Boyd and Jesse Bromwich among several players that have been identified as potential targets.
Any player looking to make the leap to the US would have to keep in mind how the seven-hour flight from New York to London would impact their bodies, yet Nine commentator and rugby league Immortal Johns says most players would jump at the chance to play footy and live in a city like New York.
"Could you imagine finishing your career at 32, being single (and playing in New York)," Johns told Wide World of Sports' Freddy and the Eighth.
"In between that you'd be doing stints in the north of England or if you've got a young family go over there and live for two years and experience living in New York and still play footy. I think it's sensational.
Kangaroos v Kiwis: Test Match Preview
"There's lots of ex-pats in New York, who knows, you could build a real fan base there."
Fittler agreed with Johns' assessment and said players would be interested in living in the US and continuing their careers but the success of the club would depend on their strategy surrounding recruitment.
The Toronto Wolfpack are on the lookout for big-name signings following their promotion from the second-tier Championship and are keen on signing All Blacks star Sonny-Bill Williams.
The Wolfpack have spent big on players and wish to bring in a David Beckham-type player to do for the Wolfpack what the former Manchester United favourite did for LA Galaxy.
For the NYC team to hit the ground running, Fittler believes the US team would need to adopt the same approach.
"If the people in New York have heard their name and they're not from Australia, England or New Zealand and they've heard of Benji Marshall or Sonny-Bill," he said.
"I think it would be awesome it's the biggest town in the world if we can get a footprint in there it would be a great start."
The New York bid hasn't announced a logo but is in negotiations to lock down a home ground, with the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey touted as a possible destination. The stadium is already home to Major League Soccer franchise New York Red Bulls.
It's said bid officials are already in discussions with Virgin Atlantic and Hilton Hotels to form partnerships with the team.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.tampabay.com/arts-entertainment/2019/10/23/top-things-to-do-in-tampa-bay-this-weekend-oct-25-27/
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Top things to do in Tampa Bay this weekend: Oct. 25-27
Big Halloween parties, the second weekend of the Hillsborough County Fair, a rodeo and the return of the SPIFFS folk fair.
The Hillsborough County Fair, shown here in 2012, will continue in Dover with the popular demolition derby on Sunday. [Times (2012)]
HALLOWEEN: BIG PARTY WEEKEND
Since Halloween falls on a Thursday, this weekend is the big one for parties.
Emmy-winning Entourage star Jeremy Piven (who is also trailed by sexual misconduct...
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city/norwich-city-transfer-rumours-aaron-hickey-1-6336887
Norwich City transfer rumours: Hearts left-back on the radar after first-team emergence
Former Blackpool trainee Caleb Richards has also spent the year in the USA, playing regularly in the second tier for Tampa Bay Rowdies. The 21-year-old is under contract until 2021 at Norwich, with the option for a further year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)