Ironically, there are some challenges to securing land downtown despite all of the seemingly "unused" or "aging" parcels of land: 1) HSR: whether or not it actually happens, High Speed Rail is full-steam ahead in Downtown Fresno, and quite a bit of the open land near the current railroad tracks (the ones west of the 'Chuck') is earmarked for that use. Not all of it will be used, and some of it might simply end up being used for things that could be located elsewhere (such as parking), but, at least for now, a lot of the land nearby the tracks is not available. 2) Many of the owners of the land south of the Stadium (the parts you guys are looking at) are holding onto their land, either because they want to keep their business where it is, or because they see the revitalization happening in that area and want to wait until land prices are even higher to sell. This is being fueled by the addition of multiple new loft/apartment projects along Inyo as well as 3 new breweries in the surrounding blocks. 3) Along those lines, the Fulton Mall/Street project has caused many developers to put their plans on hold, but as soon as the street opens (October/November), many of these projects will break ground, and you'll see some of that "industrial" land be taken up by those developments. All that said, I agree with you guys that the first priority should be the South Stadium area (the industrial area bordered by Inyo/H/41/L streets). This location would be good because it would be able to share parking facilities with Chukchansi Park and would be within one of the two major "hot spots" for development in Downtown Fresno right now. The second priority should be across the tracks in or near Chinatown. This area is still relatively inexpensive and underdeveloped due to the "barrier" that the railroad tracks create. There is a lot of open land there, but also a lot of historical buildings that cannot (and should not) be demolished, so that might make the task of finding a suitable parcel there a lot trickier. It's nice to see that most everyone wants to keep soccer downtown. A USL "stadium" (the word stadium used lightly, as the initial design in Fresno is more likely to be a regulation field with 4,000-5,000 bleacher seats, a couple snack stands, and perhaps a press box and a couple makeshift "suites") would not take up a lot of land, surely significantly less than Chukchansi Park does, so it should be a lot easier to "fit" within the confines of downtown. Should Fresno start drawing regular crowds equal to even half of what Sac or Cincy do, they can start taking about buying more land around the stadium for expansion. Until then, smaller is probably better and easier to fit within the downtown vision.
See above, but I just wanted to say I like your split logo idea and fully intend to steal it (with different teams, of course)! Also, who are you going to choose if Sac moves into the MLS?
If you'd asked me a few seasons ago, I'd have said 50/50. I've been to almost every home Republic game in 3 1/2 seasons, and have gotten to know a number of people involved with the current team (and MLS team). It feels like family; and I'm a Sactown homer. Sac is my #1, Quakes will be my #2. Ill only root against them when they play Sac. Wondo is my favorite player- and just a cool, down to earth dude. So I'll always root for him
This is Pittsburgh's USL stadium. 3500 seats, heavy on the supporter's section. A clone of this would be perfect...
It's possible the Fuego will remain and Fresno will have two teams. I could see this working along with the Freeze, who have a pretty good draw themselves. They already did a lot of Freeze/Fuego doubleheaders this season, I could see them continuing that at a smaller venue, or Fuego/FFC doubleheaders or even Freeze/Fuego/FFC trippleheaders at the future stadium. I know that the USL team has to be the primary tenant of a soccer stadium under the new rules, but nothing says (as far as I know) that there can't be another tenant, particularly one attached to that team and in a lower division. I would imagine a new stadium would be quite busy with Freeze + Fuego + FFC + Mexican Friendlies all using it. We will find out a lot more info this Wednesday!
USLVerified account @USL 10m10 minutes ago Watch live as Fresno is unveiled as the newest #USL club. #USL2Fresno
Why don't they just refresh Ratcliffe Stadium, it would be cheaper to bring it up to par, they could bring in seating like Sac has until it grows some, it could be the hip place to go!! They could also bring in Food Trucks to do the concessions and would support something growing in the community.
I think the ball should be like the Sun! in flames, and if they can't get the Fuego name they should just call them the Fresno Fire
Not sure if its true or not but I heard a rumor that Fresno may become the Vancouver Whitecaps new B or farm team...
Stick it out somewhere on the north east side of town. Downtown Fresno is a lost cause and I am not sure how anyone who has lived here more than a few years could think otherwise. Temp space should be Fresno state.
You obviously haven't been Downtown Fresno lately. There's a reason all the cool new restaurants, coffee shops, and bars are opening down there while so many chains in the north are closing. The team belongs downtown, and I hope you'll come down to see all the cool things that have been are are still being done!
Will there be any new MLS teams in USL next year? What about Dallas? NYCFC? Chicago Fire? Atlanta with their own team?
I know no nothing about that stadium or location , but I like the bowl wrapping around. Could focus on filling lower bowl first then if demand comes. use upper deck. be really sweet set-up if no track and stands were closer to field. But being grass and having Juco and HS football games might make pitch a mess. I love seeing all the creative ideas clubs are considering/using around the country.
http://aftn.ca/california-dreaming-...-and-outs-of-the-whitecapsfresno-partnership/ Goodbye WFC2, hello new beginnings – the ins and outs of the Whitecaps/Fresno partnership