If Rowan makes this work, could we get in with Toronto?

[D-Wall]

I was thinking about the possiblities that Rowan and MLS make an amazing deal for a great stadium in S. Jersey (Philly South for all the naysayers). If an investor or group of investors looked at it and bought in, why wouldn't they try to get in the league early and play in the Linc to stoke fan interest for 2-3 years while the stadium was finalized?

I could see MLS going this route with Toronto so that there is not an odd number on teams in 2007. That would leave two years for construction and the fan base could grow for those Philly fans who are grumbling on these boards to get hooked on the product. Then the move to a beautiful new stadium wouldn't be so painful for those Montco and Bucks folks.

[WarrenWallace]

Interesting idea actually.

[FuzzyForeigner]

Garber, in the Rowan release stated that this news began a period of 4 months of discussion and planning. I assume a period also to lure in an investor. That would make for end of July. So by then, we could have a lot to talk about. I think in ternms of time that could definitely be done. If an investor is found by mid summer and ground is broken on the project my year's end, then 2007 is feasible. Play a season in some other stadium and then move into the new one a season later. The problem is, where would they play without a stadium already built?

[D-Wall]

Garber, in the Rowan release stated that this news began a period of 4 months of discussion and planning. I assume a period also to lure in an investor. That would make for end of July. So by then, we could have a lot to talk about. I think in ternms of time that could definitely be done. If an investor is found by mid summer and ground is broken on the project my year's end, then 2007 is feasible. Play a season in some other stadium and then move into the new one a season later. The problem is, where would they play without a stadium already built?

I would stick them in the Linc for a season or two to build up some recongnition with the fans and the media. Then when they move into their own place, that would push the experience to the next level. Kind of like Chicago or LA, except at a much more accelerated pace.

[SoccerPrime]

Interesting idea. Rowan Unv. has spoken to several investors already.

As it stands now, only Toronto will come in next year, with Cleveland on the cusp. But even Cleveland would have the same problem. Would they play in Browns Stadium next year waiting for the new Cleveland SSS?
If Cleveland is unable to get up and be running by 2007, then MLS has 2 options, play with 13 teams (odd number) or they bring in another team for #14.
Philly is big enough market to have a team at the Linc on the fly. Well, except for a team in Rochester I guess.

[chapka]

I agree that starting the team off in the Linc for a year or two would be a great way to get the Philly fans more on board with the eventual home in Jersey.

The problem is...MLS teams in NFL stadiums hemmorhage money. Would the Philly marketing you got from the deal be enough to make up for that?

[n4100]

I agree that starting the team off in the Linc for a year or two would be a great way to get the Philly fans more on board with the eventual home in Jersey.

The problem is...MLS teams in NFL stadiums hemmorhage money. Would the Philly marketing you got from the deal be enough to make up for that?
In the long run, quite possibly. It would help alleviate some of the psychosis those of us on the west side of the river have about crossing over (I'm using broad generalizations here) because the team would start out in Philly. Provided they put a good product out on the fied, following them over to Glassboro probably wouldn't be a problem.

ANd now I'm dreaming of having the Phillies over at the Bank, FC Whatever at the Linc, and one hell of a massive tailgate on a Saturday.

[SoccerPrime]

My guess would be that this would only work if MLS got a sweet deal on the Linc, and/or the Luries were involved OR if MLS played at some other stadium near downtown. Garber mentioned Franklin Field in January.

[DaMunk]

My guess would be that this would only work if MLS got a sweet deal on the Linc, and/or the Luries were involved OR if MLS played at some other stadium near downtown. Garber mentioned Franklin Field in January.

Maybe DCJedi can comment on this. I know those DP writers always have their ear to the ground... :)

I do know that FF is busy in the spring with LAX and Track & Field for the university. Summer months would be fine, but the fall gets busy again with pointyball. And there's the turf.

Even minus the scheduling probs, I'm curious if Penn would want to be involved.

[dcajedi]

ask and ye shall receive...

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"There are lots of facilities --Penn's a good facility and the Linc's a good facility," he said.

Although Franklin Field has a Sprinturf surface as opposed to Lincoln Financial Field's grass, Garber said that the playing surface at a stadium would not necessarily be the determining factor in where a team plays.

"FIFA has now accepted artificial surfaces, even for World Cup competitions," he said, referring to the governing body of world soccer. But he added that "we love a grass field."

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http://www.dailypennsylvanian.com/vnews/display.v/ART/43d4871270f4f?in_archive=1

[SoccerPrime]

This is the exact article I was mentioning before. I wonder if Unv. of Penn would be interested in this? I also wonder if anyone has tried to counter Rowan Unv.'s deal with one similiar to Temple, Villinova and especially Penn...?
Could be tough since these are PA schools and I am under the impression that PA is not MLS friendly.

Regardless, I do like the idea of the team starting before the stadium, perhaps in downtown area of Philly. Cart before the horse though. In this situation we have a stadium plan but no investor. No way a team forms and they start playing somewhere without a investor/operator.

[SoccerPrime]

*bump*

This seems very likely now. Great idea D-Wall!