Interesting article from Miami after they had that big "We're making it official because we have locked down Overtown as our stadium site!" press conference: Miami Herald The new plan for a David Beckham soccer stadium may not fit on the Overtown site Two of the three sites mentioned are places they tried to get a deal at before and failed: Some old boat yard by the Miami River, and land near Marlins Park. The 3rd site though sounds VERY much like what they are targeting: Curious if Garber and the MLS brass would approve these new developments, or if they're stuck in Overtown, but not wanting to be in Overtown anymore, meaning yet another prolonged delay for MLS in Miami (or possibly the Miami area now)
I've always thought that the big press conference had more to do with kicking Silva and his Miami FC team in the nuts than actually announcing a stadium decision.
New developments, indeed. Not surprising given their business, but it sure looks like the Mas brothers are in this as much (if not more) for the chance to create a new development as they are for soccer.
That was OnGoal's reason for buying the Wizards. Seems to have worked out okay ----- Also this is just smart negotiating. When you're focused on 1 plan with no backup, everyone you're negotiating with has you over a barrel. Whether they're serious about the other two options or not, the key is to appear to be serious.
MLS gave Beckham's group the OK on the franchise because of bringing in more investors and because of the Overtown site. Is MLS going to be keen on abandoning the Overtown site for a site out at the edge of the Everglades simply because the Mas brothers want to make some more money on a development? Admittedly, I have no idea whether MLS can dictate to Backham's group where the stadium is built, but it is entirely possible, if not probable. What are they still negotiating? They have purchased 6 acres of land and have an agreement with the city of Miami to purchase another adjoining 3 acres. Granted, there is a lawsuit filed about the process by which the agreement came about, and Overtown residents are none too pleased about the stadium, but neither the lawsuit nor the issues with the Overtown residents is going to be negotiated. Each would be happy about Backham's group dropping their plans
Why not just have the Miami club play at the Dolphins stadium for a few years until a soccer stadium is built? Somewhere in South Florida.
I saw an article that said that MLS has to approve a location change, because the franchise agreement that Beckham signed stipulates a downtown location. I believe the issue with the extra 3 acres near Overton is that the County has to approve a bunch of stuff related to those 3 acres. Sorry I don't remember where I read all this...
Except for in this negotiation they have are already bought the first location. Negotiation is great but at some point you have to nail down a location and move forward. they have been in negotiation mode for 4 years now.
If the 9 acre Overtown location is too small then why in God's name are they bringing up the Marlins stadium location again. That was going to be one of the most crammed stadium sites in the world with the other stadium's roof literally hanging over the top. Talk about top notch. haha
Because NYCFC was only supposed to play at Yankee Stadium for three years until they found a stadium site "somewhere" in the 5 boroughs, for starters. "Somewhere" is not a viable situation.
Remembering that NYCFC and Miami get unlimited time, while MNUFC was threatened with losing the team if the Loons didn't have a stadium plan within 90 days of the franchise announcement in 2015. Not that I'm bitter about all that angst or anything, Mr. Garber.
Bingo. I have a LOT of criticism for this league, but I respect the fact they have learned a BIT from their incredibly boneheaded mistake in NYC.
Not really true. If you've been watching these stadium deals since Columbus was looking at Dayton, you'd know that. OnGoal actually owned the Three Trails site and was actively clearing the remains of old Bannister Mall and doing site prep for the stadium they planned to build there - they still ended up across state line next to the Kansas Speedway. And they still owned the Three Trails site - eventually building a commercial complex there.
What's wrong with NYCFC? The fact that they play in their co-owned Yankee Stadium and don't appear any closer to their own stadium as either the Seattle Sounders or New England Revolution? What was their attendance last season? What's the problem again? Having to play one game in Connecticut? Really?
Of course I know what you're referring to. I don't see how it's a problem. Sure, the groupthink thinks it is. I don't.
What isn't really true about my post. Serious question. I said they already own the Overtown land (majority) and they have been negotiating for 4 years. Also, at some point you have to actually build...ya know...a stadium. So at some point you have to stop negotiating. Are these things not true? I may not be as smart as you but I have been along for the ride since '96. Was SJ preparing a different site too. Can't remember, but seems like they started out demo'ing another site than where they ended up.