By Ben Nicholson
September 29 – With new MLS teams cropping up around the US, and existing teams rejuvenating, the creation and expansion of stadiums has been in the forefront of minds and proposals all round country. Here is an update on the current happenings.
Orlando City:
The Lions have successfully navigated the obstacle of a defiant church, who were unwilling to sell their property to the club so that they could build a stadium on the premises, by moving a block over. Their 20,000-seater stadium will be inaugurated in 2016 – the second of Orlando’s MLS campaigns – costing around $110 million. Groundbreaking for the build is set for October 16. They will start with the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium, a stadium designed for American football, as their home for the 2015 season.
Toronto FC:
The Reds are investing CAN$115 million into their existing stadium. The money will go toward expanding the stadium size by 8,400 seats to 30,000. This is an addition to the creation of 12 new executive blocks, a new video board, a new, concourse, and a new kitchen. Operating group, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, is fronting CAN$95 million, whilst the City of Toronto will contribute CAN$10 million, and the federal and provincial governments adding the other CAN$10 million.
San Jose Earthquakes:
The Earthquakes have begun installing the seating in their new 18,000-seater stadium. They are opting for a pattern design, incorporating three shades of their trademark blue, and a smattering of red to pay homage to their NASL days. There is a coded message in the design, which renders a prize for the first person to crack it. Season ticket buyers have already secured 8,000 of these seats for 2015.
Sacramento Republic FC:
The Republic has announced plans to purchase part of a downtown rail yard in Sacramento with the intention of building a 20,000-seater stadium suitable for the MLS. The stadium is perhaps the last missing piece in the jigsaw of their MLS expansion team bid. The deal is contingent upon earning the expansion spot, but, with their established support and successful season on the pitch, their bid is looking strong.
Las Vegas:
The Cordish Cos./Findlay Sports Entertainment duo is revising their financial package in attempt to win over the councilmen of Vegas. The pair has been subject to frowns and skepticism regarding their askance of city funding. The new proposal seeks to sooth these concerns by reducing the city’s contribution from $115 million to a mere $45-$50 million.
Miami Beckham United:
All is quiet on the Floridian front.
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