If we are ever to reach the top of the pro soccer heap mates it all comes down to when/if we get that MLS stadium built. That being said give me your most realistic and or hopeful stadium location ideas. Go!
I mentioned on Twitter, when I saw the piece about the Aztex ownership meeting with MLS, that I'd rather us stay in USL-Pro forever than build a stadium in the suburbs. It has to be a central (or at least rail-connected) location, and I don't have a clue where that would be. I think it's reckless to have these ambitions, personally, and could lead to a variety of disasters, as it has done in the past. There's nothing wrong with being a 2nd/"3rd" division team. Don't get me wrong, I'd be thrilled if we got a central stadium and joined MLS, but since I think the chances of that are just barely above zero, I kinda wish van de Zande wouldn't talk about it so much.
My dream location would be where Austin High is. Central, relatively easy access, and by the river. Granted, there are a TON of reasons why this will never happen, but it sure would be cool if it did.
I'm right there with you. I'm trying to calm myself with the argument that it's nice for every organization to have a cheerleader. The only place that I can think of that might fit the bill is east on 290. I know that Elgin has been making noise for a second commuter rail line toward them. There's a good bit of open space still out that direction. Hm. Might be able to squeeze it in there somewhere. But, yeah, ton of reasons why it won't. The one that's been lurking around in the back of my head lately is -- what's going to happen to the Faulk Library property? It would be a very tight squeeze. The obvious way to get enough space would require closing Guadalupe and using the parking garage property on the east side of Guadalupe, plus the property to the north of Faulk that has the Austin History Center in it. Not sure what is in the property to the NE of Faulk. But really, closing Guadalupe is probably just a unrealistic as using Austin High. I wonder what's on those properties to the west of Faulk? San Antonio only runs for one more block, so losing it probably wouldn't be a loss. ...ah, had to zoom in a little closer. Guess those aren't likely to go away. ...Huh. There's still empty parking lots between 7th & 9th, and Trinity and Neches. Well, there's my contribution. Fun game. As nice as our new investors are, besides the stadium, we still don't have an MLS-level investor. So, it will be a while.
what about east of 35, near either the MLK or Plaza Saltillo stations? that whole area of town is undergoing gentrification like crazy, including the Plaza Saltillo station which is being redeveloped by the folks who made the Domain. I feel like that's the most likely place a stadium could go anywhere near downtown.
As soon as the Statesman closes down in 2016 (might as well start that unfounded rumor now), that property will make a beautiful location for the new mixed-use stadium development. There's already a concept drawing.
Is the proposed Roma stadium really gonna have Austin-based contractors? Holy crap that really helps Austin if we ever want to develop a legit SSS.
Sorry, I'm mostly just screwing with your hopes and dreams. But, yes, Roma's ownership is partly Austin-based, and my understanding was that the project (if it's still on track) will be largely managed from here by Raptor Accelerator.
I think most of that already has plans. If we had gotten to this point five years ago, maybe it would have been a nice target, but I'm pretty sure that ship has sailed. Anyone know what Steve Adler's stance on MLS in Austin is? (We already know Sheryl Cole's and Mike Martinez's)
What's Mike Martinez's? I'm about to vote for him, and the MLS thing most likely won't change my mind, but I'm curious.
Well, he's made it out to Aztex events at the Tavern, and he and Sheryl were at the announcement for going pro. They have both been solid verbal supporters of going to MLS. I'm not privy to what sort of actual work they've done in support of it... though I think the 'MLS in Austin' council resolution was put forth by Cole.
Garber says he's in advanced discussions with Detroit, St. Louis, San Diego, San Antonio, and Austin for expansion — Evan Ream (@EvanReam) April 14, 2016
not exactly Aztex related...but worth a mention here: Barcelona to open third U.S. training academy in Austin, Texas http://www.espnfc.us/barcelona/stor...pen-third-us-training-academy-in-austin-texas
Crew headed to Austin??? https://www.socceramerica.com/publi...aign=17943&hashid=6YravZalrGQnCVikplb6CsfOqks