News: Expansion Bid News - catch all thread

FYI, Someone made team name suggestions in this thread just 3 or 4 posts above this. Weird that my post with a simple link to a survey got edited.

 

Maybe he saw that post, thought it wasn't enough to say anything. Then saw your post, to a name the team survey, and assumed it would derail the thread with name suggestions. Not weird at all.

 

St. Louis MLS team in early talks with Anheuser-Busch about partnership | SportBusiness
https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/...-talks-with-anheuser-busch-about-partnership/

 

Not terribly surprising. I would think all sponsorship discussions in the STL area start with the brewery.

Disappointing that the article uses the old, curved stadium south of market, rendering though.

 

AB does have a marketing presence in STL but they really scaled back since they were acquired.

They’ll get some deal inked to defend their local market, but the days of really generous, big deals outside of the Cards are over.

 

The pioneering owner gives an update on where things stand, with St. Louis two years away from having the curtains rise on MLS in the city.

https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/02/28/carolyn-kindle-betz-st-louis-mls-expansion-2022

 

If you’re eyeing St. Louis’ preparations for MLS entry in 2022 from afar, odds are two questions are at or near the top of your list, so let’s address those first.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020...share_button&utm_campaign=social_share_button

 

I am surprised and happy that the pandemic has not affected the stadium building at any site yet and that everyone is proceeding to plan

 

So does this sound about right for the stadiums for the both the expansion teams and existing teams in terms of which stadiums open first? I tried to compile from other blogs , threads and news. Updates ,whether moving ahead faster or following behind can be added.
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1/ Cincinnati looks furthest along which is fine as the team already exists, at what exact point they move from current place into new place remains to be seen
2/ Austin is well under way and they have until 2021 so they look ok to make it in time, always good building weather in that part of Texas
3/Nashville, demo at the fairgrounds site is finally going, already have current team to jump in as soon as done. Much like Cincinnati, when do they move over- mid season or before
4/St Louis, prep work, freeway offramp removal, if work starts soon, should be ok for 2022
5/Sacramento, oddly has not really started, felt they had their plans pretty firmed up. Yes, I know there was some city prep in area already. Weather always good, so can build all year round, still should be ok for 2022
6/ Charlotte, put here, as really a modification to a stadium, see no reason not to be ready for 2021. You could make the case their project will actually be done even before Cincy or Austin, even though the team doesn't start until 2021.
7/ Miami- put last simply as the primary stadium is still on hold- you could make the case they are #1 on my list as they actually do have a newly build stadium.

 

Honestly, I hope this Covid situation doesn't stall expansion for MLS. I also hope teams won't start folding. This is kind of scary.

 

On the other hand they're employing people who otherwise would be laid off.

 

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Hope Enterprise has really deep pockets, as Hertz is flirting with bankruptcy according to media reports

 

Unfortunately, I hate it for the “new” teams to include especially Nashville and Miami. Honestly, it might be worth it to stall expansion season a year to ensure there is enough fan support again. I imagine it’s going to be something to get fans in the seats... for all teams. And those expansion years are critical.

 

Well Target seems to be doing good business and that's a big chunk of sponsorship money.

 

If this season ends in the tank, their expansion year will be next year but it could be better. I mean those teams will have another year to try and contact more foreign signings and they can plan more. That is if those players want to come over.

 

So long as the stadium construction continues as schedule and is not affected, I do not think it will affect expansion timelines.

I actually think this is prime time for potential teams 31, 32 to get their ducks in a row and really get organized.

 

One of the local sportswriters had a little MLS talk in their chat today:

https://www.stltoday.com/sports/col...cle_0a07e331-c177-5035-8bef-27b6245addc9.html

You'll have to wade thru all the Cardinals questions if you want all the details, but...

Had a little jab at Garber / MLS over all the leaks coming from the office.
Mentioned stadium sitework ongoing and Taylor's showing no signs of financial concern
and...
Name & colors decided, but expect Charlotte team and colors announced before St. Louis.

 

What's laughable are the anti-MLS comments and media histrionics while the league and the players are quietly reaching agreements both on the CBA and the Orlando tourney.

I'm sorry pro/rel truthers and europhiles but MLS isn't going to fail any time soon.

 

I think there'll be a short gap until World Cup 2026 fever leads to expansion fees lead to a stratospheric increase in expansion fees.

Phoenix has its ducks in a row, Vegas is evolving, Detroit and San Diego will sort out their stadium woes, while Indy and South Carolina are outside bets.

 

Vegas and Phoenix are my next best bets. Both have NFL stadiums that can be used.as does Indy XI.

 

Neither of them need NFL stadiums, nor does Indy.

Phoenix Rising have the financing and location close to their existing stadium on a native-American reservation.

Las Vegas Lights propose expanding their existing downtown stadium to seat 25,000.

If Eleven Stadium goes ahead in downtown Indy it will be expandable to meet MLS needs.

 

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We need fewer NFL stadiums, plastic turf and domes.
These are fine for the time it may take you to construct a proper grass field SSS or you can use the large stadium for special event games, double hitters, exhibitions etc.

Vegas and Phoenix may need mini domes, special roofing or some other methods to play in the summer.
Indy's project looks great, need roofing for rain and shade, but doesn't really need a dome, they are just down the road from Columbus and Cincy, so similar weather issues.

 

The deafening silence out of Phoenix is incredibly frustrating. Those guys have to start making noise to remain relevant.