urbanSTL

As if soccer weren't excruciating enough, you're gonna make me stand for the whole game?

Only partly joking.

^Agreed. Anything longer than a horse race requires seating, and lots of it.


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http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metr ... b0ba7.html

Steve Giegerich speculates here that Stan "The Worst" Kroenke might be planning to build an MLS stadium in Maryland Heights. As if he hasn't damaged the City of St. Louis enough. I can think of no better way to ensure that Major League Soccer is a total flop in St. Louis than to put Kroenke at the helm. I certainly would not go out to Maryland Heights and pay money so that Stan Kroenke can get richer.

^I hope you are right. Maryland Heights and Kroenke would be a huge disappointment for the MLS here.

The task force is made up of some of the same members as the football task force. Can you really see any of them working with Stan after the stunt he pulled and the insults he flung?

pattimagee wrote:Yep - Judging by some of the things I've heard/seen I would say that the task team from a month or so ago is a bit further along than most would assume.

Are we still looking at the North Riverfront location? Or has the Union Station idea been gaining steam?

The commissioner of MLS specifically said he and other league officials were looking for a downtown only stadium so whatever the devil aka kroenke wants to do let him he won't get very far.
Maryland heights seems like the type of city that wants to keep the region divided..

pattimagee wrote:This time the task force is ran by a different group, not including Kroenke - I think they are smart enough to not work with him

Dave Peacock is one of the 9 MLS2STL members.

I would venture to guess that StanK would only be involved in a 'silent' role, as part of the development of the land, not necessarily the MLS team or stadium. He may own the land, but I would assume, the stadium would be built by the investors, 'task force' and the region. Let's hope that the MLS stadium in STL is not built out there. That would be awful. As much as I like KC's venue itself, I hate the location in the middle of a giant strip mall anchored by Nebraska Furn. Mart. It is a great European-style venue, in no where close to a neighborhood-style location. I would like our venue to be in a VERY urban area, that is walkable, close to bars, close to housing and very much like a venue in Europe. That is why I've always considered the south riverfront to be the best location. I know there is a lot already there, but how cool would it be to clear the stadium into the bars in Soulard. I bet 'soccer / supporter' specific bars would open in the area. That is how it should be. Not in a flood plain or strip mall.

Back to StanK, nobody with half a brain, would involve him in a STL project and expect to get any government support, much less fan support. His name alone, is like poison. Anyone who knows the situation feels the same way about Alan Bornstein. He is scum as well. I'm not sure how he shows his face in this town.

Its been pretty quite on the expansion front - But according to Bernie things are coming together-

http://www.101sports.com/2016/07/12/upd ... ress-made/

highlights -

— A legitimate ownership group is emerging for MLS in St. Louis that includes local and out-of-town investors with regional connections.
— The group has “solid” ownership experience in professional sports.
— This St. Louis group is being taken seriously by MLS commissioner Don Garber.
— The St. Louis group has interacted with the MLS at the highest level: Garber and influential MLS franchise owners.
— Members of the STL group have met with regional political leaders.
— A soccer stadium to house an MLS franchise in St. Louis would be located downtown.
— The MLS strongly prefers a downtown soccer venue and believes a city location is imperative for success.
— It’s likely that an MLS team here would be closely aligned with Saint Louis FC, the United Soccer League franchise.
— The potential ownership group is fully committed to St Louis with plans for an extensive long-term stadium lease with no “early out” clauses. (Translation: a greedy and corrupt St. Louis Rams-style runaway wouldn’t happen.)
— If successful in securing an MLS franchise, the St. Louis group will set an ambitious goal of elevating the game throughout the community including underprivileged areas.

I don't have a good feeling about this. Maybe it's the Rams-induced cynicism...

The reason I'm very optimistic is the fact that MLS wants to be here. Now that the Rams are gone, STL moved up to the top of the list. STL sports fans are clamoring for a team to replace the Rams. STL is known for youth soccer. With the future complexes in Belleville and Creve Coeur, that will only increase. STL has always been considered a great sports town and a great soccer town. Garber knows that. With the Cardinals brass, STLFC and others involved, I think this eventually gets done.

Regarding Peacock, I know he has his critics, but he was told to get the stadium done at any cost. That was his job. He almost beat a rigged Rams to LA relocation process. That would have been an amazing accomplishment. He put together a plan in a very short amount of time. While none of us agree with some of his methods, he almost got it done. At the very least, he muddied the water, caused major in-fighting amongst NFL owners and shocked the NFL cartel with how far they got. Peacock and the "Task Force" were a major fly in ointment. While in the end they failed, it just goes to show you that he can get things done. I like having him in the MLS2STL group. Like him or not, he is connected and good at moving & shaking. Again, I think between Peacock, the Dewitts and Jim Kavanaugh, I think this gets done.

I have no doubt that we will see pro soccer downtown in five years


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Pretty solid interview with Jim Woodcock (member of the St. Louis MLS group) on the MLS progress. He seems very confident in the prospects of St. Louis getting a team.

http://www.ktrs.com/mls-to-stl-is-alive-and-well/

It's too bad it will take so long to get a time, it would've been nice to capitalize on the Rams' departure immediately, like the Seattle Sounders with the Supersonics.

MarkHaversham wrote:It's too bad it will take so long to get a time, it would've been nice to capitalize on the Rams' departure immediately, like the Seattle Sounders with the Supersonics.

The MLS is in a much different place now than in 2008.

Based on what Jim Woodcock said in the interview and the rumors swirling around, I expect to hear something concrete before the end of the year. Woodcock wants to be one of the 24 teams playing before 2020 which would be somewhat amazing considering the presumed candidate cities in front of St. Louis for expansion. (Most assume St. Louis is working for an expansion spot in teams 24-28.)

Who does the rumor mill swirl up as lead investor?