December 22 – “Soccer-specific” stadiums seem to be spawning all across the US. In the last week D.C. United and Las Vegas both received financial backing from local councils to build their own respective stadiums.
MLS commissioner Don Garber has been seeking more soccer-specific stadiums for the MLS as the league grows in popularity in the US, both with fans and sponsors.
The Vegas stadium supports an MLS franchise bid, while the Washington stadium is a progression for one of the league’s founder members.
Las Vegas
The Las Vegas City Council voted 4-3 to provide $31.5 million on infrastructure improvements around the stadium site in addition to $25 million worth of bonds for its actual construction.
The proposed 24,000-seat stadium will rest in Symphony Park, downtown Las Vegas. Findlay Sports & Entertainment and Cordish Cos have been granted exclusive rights to build the sports venue. Total cost is put at $200 million.
The decision comes in spite of local vocal opposition. The Las Vegas public, who feared the investment would require too much monetary support for the city to handle, initially met the idea with discontent. Meeting after meeting was postponed as the city let the dust settle.
Negotiations took place, trying to lower the city’s investment, and, finally, the city made a deal for $3.5 million less than the October 1 proposal that received so much disapproval.
The city plans to borrow $90 million so as to pay the interest of the loan. $3 million per year, for thirty years, from hotel room fees will cover the cost.
All this depends, however, on whether the MLS grant Las Vegas the final expansion spot. They are competing with the likes of Sacramento, who have already pitched a well-financed and well-supported proposal to the league.
If they were granted the expansion spot, however, the MLS would make history for having the only major league professional sports team in Vegas – surely a temptation for an upstart league looking for profile and respect in the US.
D.C.
On the opposite side of the country, the District of Columbia has decided to put up more than $200 million for the construction of a new home for D.C. United in Buzzard Point, Southwest Washington. This vote, in contrast to Vegas, was unanimous.
The land where the stadium will be is not yet bought, and is expected to cost around $140 million. Despite this duly noted hiccup, ground should be broken in late 2015.
D.C. United are fronting $150 million for the construction of the stadium itself.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber was quick to congratulate the club “for creating an innovative partnership to bring a world-class soccer stadium to Washington, D.C.” He said: “This is a historic moment for Major League Soccer, as D.C. United, one of our charter clubs, will soon have a terrific venue to celebrate the beautiful game in one of America’s most passionate soccer markets.”
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734853880labto1734853880ofdlr1734853880owedi1734853880sni@n1734853880osloh1734853880cin.n1734853880eb1734853880