Portland Press Conference 9/3

[harmsway01]

Starting here shortly at 9 AM, Merritt Paulson and others will be announcing/discussing bringing MLS to Portland.

Live blog here: http://timbers.theoffside.com/portland-mls-expansion/liveblog-portland-mls-press-conference.html

Courtesy of Bob at the Offside.

[Hierarchyfive]

Did you see the renderings of PGE after the renovations?

I'm at work and can't post pictures in this thread, someone who can should!

[The Marquis]

http://timbers.theoffside.com/files/2008/09/dscn0592.jpg

[iride_mybike]

http://timbers.theoffside.com/files/2008/09/dscn0592.jpg



http://mlstoportland.com/

[harmsway01]

Lents rendering, which is pretty sweet looking
www.betterbeaversbaseballpark.com

[Hierarchyfive]

www.mlstoportland.com is now live!!!!!

Modification Timeline
Phase I Changes - Among other modifications, key changes include wider concourses enabling larger crowds and development of new facilities for the MLS team.
Phase II Changes - Among other modifications, key changes include permanent stands and concessions on 18th Ave. side of PGE Park and a restaurant with a view of the playing field on the upper deck of the park's north end.


Importance of building Timbers brand at next level of soccer
Desire to keep Portland Timbers name
Build upon best features of current soccer experience, including section 107
Add amenities to enhance overall game experience for all

[arkjayback]

http://timbers.theoffside.com/files/2008/09/dscn0592.jpg



http://mlstoportland.com/
So, how many to MLS-to-Portland pushers think they can get into a renovated PGE Park? And how many people would show up?

[The Marquis]

Considering how they are going about this, there is a pretty good shot at this happening, as far as the stadium renovation. We as a city are ready for something to change. Hell, the stadium is 82 years old.

[Hierarchyfive]

I think we would average around 17k long-term through the good and bad years, however I feel that with a USL average of 9k already that number could be blown away and turned into perpetual sell-outs. This really is Soccer City USA. Hell our supporters group is already around 2k (and for the seattle game it was more of around 4-5k in the Army alone)

[j66j66]

not sure i understand the question.... are you asking about capacity? the website says 25,000. how many people will show up? depends... mexican and CCC teams have brought in the 12-15,000 range, and that's about all we have to go on, unless you factor in the '97 WC qualifier, or the '03 WWC.

[The Marquis]

Which were sell outs. We would almost certainly average around 15-17k per match. I think more is very possible.

[Hierarchyfive]

Now that I think about it, I think 17 would be the low range, more of 17-19k would be an average over the long term through good and bad years.

[The Marquis]

One thing we can be sure of, the TImbers will still get great support even if the team sucks.


SWIWS!

[The Marquis]

Interesting...

"Reporter: Merrit, which cities are you competing with?

MP: Vancover, Montreal, New York, Las Vegas, San Diego. Don’t need a full financial plan in place by October 15. Need to show some financial viability but details are not needed by then. Can be worked out after submission of bid."

[Hierarchyfive]

Interesting...

"Reporter: Merrit, which cities are you competing with?

MP: Vancover, Montreal, New York, Las Vegas, San Diego. Don’t need a full financial plan in place by October 15. Need to show some financial viability but details are not needed by then. Can be worked out after submission of bid."

Either this was a slip up.....or St. Louis is #17 and we are competing for the 18-20th slots.

[GOALSeattle]

I wonder if there was any sense that if PDX doesn't get in for 2011, they'd still like to get this all done for 2012 or 2013?

In the past Paulson has been quoted as saying he wants the 2011 slot for lower franchise fee reasons.

[The Marquis]

Right, but according to him his investor group is solid enough. No details on it, and I think whoever it is would prefer it that way. Perhaps that opened up the door for the future.

[The Marquis]

I assume Merritt is aiming at 18 and working off the assumption the St. Louis is 17 - so therefore not considered "competition" ;) :p

That was from a live blog, and consider just about all of us here in PDX figure STL to be in, I think that could be the case. Besides, perhaps he knows something we all don't.

[GOALSeattle]

What I would like to hear from Paulson for sure is that this isn't a one-time application.

If it becomes a 'no' for 2011, then keep on going for the next round.

[The Marquis]

As would I.