Trouble for DC United's proposed $195 million facility in PG County.
http://www.gazette.net/stories/03102009 ... 2515.shtml
http://www.gazette.net/stories/03102009 ... 2515.shtml
- 6,775
The location of Soccer Park is probably better than Collinsville. But....there are a lot of issues that would need to be addressed - highway access, no mass transit, parking and, perhaps worse of all, flooding.
Either way, I have a feeling we're gonna get stiffed again. From what I read, Vancouver is a lock, and Portland will join them if they approve a new stadium.
Either way, I have a feeling we're gonna get stiffed again. From what I read, Vancouver is a lock, and Portland will join them if they approve a new stadium.
- 3,767
I would agree that there are a lot of issues. I sure wish the SLU arena was MLS ready. I think that area is the best for the MLS team. It gives the venue more of a European feel having it in the middle of town. Just my opinion. Know it is not feasible.
Regarding Fenton, I prefer it and hope it is feasible, but flooding is not the only issue. SPACE has to be the biggest. How can you fit everything in that area, that would be needed to support this venue. Not to mention the actual venue. I noticed that a new office park went in there and they raised it a bit above 'sea level'. I think it is time they consider a major levy there, if possible, without causing more major flooding the Fenton business district. That area has always been a popular place for business. Just think, the players can shack up at the truck stop at that exit.
Regarding Fenton, I prefer it and hope it is feasible, but flooding is not the only issue. SPACE has to be the biggest. How can you fit everything in that area, that would be needed to support this venue. Not to mention the actual venue. I noticed that a new office park went in there and they raised it a bit above 'sea level'. I think it is time they consider a major levy there, if possible, without causing more major flooding the Fenton business district. That area has always been a popular place for business. Just think, the players can shack up at the truck stop at that exit.
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The Central Scrutinizer wrote:Things are getting interesting....
A-B Enters Letter of Intent to Transfer Ownership of Soccer Park to SLSU
Site to Continue Supporting Youth and Amateur Soccer;
Will Also Be Explored for Major League Soccer Stadium Use
March 11, 2009
Anheuser-Busch today announced its intent to transfer ownership of its Soccer Park facility to St. Louis Soccer United (SLSU), the local group working to bring a Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion franchise to the St. Louis area.
Over the next several months, SLSU will work with public officials to explore the feasibility of building an MLS quality, soccer-specific stadium at the site. Anheuser-Busch intends to transfer the Soccer Park location to SLSU even if the site proves to be unworkable for an MLS stadium, with the goal of ensuring it continues to serve St. Louis' amateur soccer community as it has since 1982.
"St. Louis is home to one of the strongest soccer communities in the country," said Dan McHugh, vice president of Media, Sponsorship and Activation, Anheuser-Busch Inc. "The transfer of A-B Soccer Park to SLSU is a community win-win. It supports civic efforts to bring Major League Soccer to St. Louis and preserves a community home for organized youth and amateur soccer."
In addition to leading St. Louis' candidacy to attract an MLS expansion franchise to the area, SLSU owns the St. Louis Athletica team that will begin play with a home match on April 4 in the new Women's Professional Soccer league and partners with the nation's largest youth soccer club following the merger last year between Scott Gallagher, St. Louis Soccer Club and Metro United. The newly merged club was recently named the top club in the nation for its superior youth development program by ClubRank™.
Jeff Cooper, chairman of St. Louis Soccer United, says Anheuser-Busch's donation of Soccer Park enhances St. Louis' MLS bid.
"This is the best situation we could have hoped for," said Cooper. "We have two potential locations for an MLS stadium and youth soccer complex that demonstrates the region's strong commitment to bring Major League Soccer to the undisputed soccer capital of North America."
SLSU also has agreement with the City of Collinsville, Ill., to build a soccer stadium and surrounding youth complex, pending the awarding of an MLS expansion franchise. The organization will continue to work with Collinsville officials while feasibility of the Soccer Park site is explored in the weeks to come.
At present, MLS plans to announce two expansion franchises by March 31. Three cities – Miami, Atlanta and Montreal – have withdrawn from consideration, leaving four contenders: St. Louis, Portland, Ore., Vancouver and Ottawa.
Anheuser-Busch is a charter sponsor of MLS, which began play in 1996, and sponsors each of the league's 14 U.S.-based teams.
Link: http://web.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp ... &fext=.jsp
I know it was already posted, I just didn't see a link.
Another: http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports ... enDocument
I guess this is the area it's talking about?
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&F ... &encType=1
If MLS turns down St. Louis again, I would think they're just toying with us.
http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/soccer/a ... couve.html
Hello Portland next.
In the comments:
St. Louis does not have the dough. We don't need teams that don't have strong ownership. Sorry Louis.
I don't know the whole deal, but Anheuser-Busch isn't enough of a backer?
- 622
Plenty of land that those auto plants and their suppliers will soon be vacating. 
Bernie will have Bill McDermott on the radio this afternoon in the 5 o'clock hour. Should be interesting what old Mr. Socer has to say.
Bernie will have Bill McDermott on the radio this afternoon in the 5 o'clock hour. Should be interesting what old Mr. Socer has to say.
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STLCardsBlues1989 wrote:In the comments:
St. Louis does not have the dough. We don't need teams that don't have strong ownership. Sorry Louis.
I don't know the whole deal, but Anheuser-Busch isn't enough of a backer?
AB has no money in the game, as far as I know.
- 597
I'm probably in the minority here, but I can't see myself going to South County if they chose that site.
I remember going to see a game there when I was 10. It was a Japanese team playing a team from Germany, very cool..
I wish they could build the stadium somewhere in the city too. Fenton... i'd almost rather have it on the IL side. how about a HUGE stadium where the Casino Queen sits?! or one that faces the river/ arch, right on top of that lame "ramp tower" and fountain..
I wish they could build the stadium somewhere in the city too. Fenton... i'd almost rather have it on the IL side. how about a HUGE stadium where the Casino Queen sits?! or one that faces the river/ arch, right on top of that lame "ramp tower" and fountain..
I actually prefer the Collinsville location. Fenton would just add to our continuing Westward sprawl.
I believe most future growth in the St. Louis region will occur in Illinois, so Collinsville would be more central in the long run. Plus, it would reinforce Downtown as the region's core. BTW, which is closer to Downtown; Collinsville or Fenton?
(also, I don't believe in developing flood plains)
I believe most future growth in the St. Louis region will occur in Illinois, so Collinsville would be more central in the long run. Plus, it would reinforce Downtown as the region's core. BTW, which is closer to Downtown; Collinsville or Fenton?
(also, I don't believe in developing flood plains)
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Framer wrote:I actually prefer the Collinsville location. Fenton would just add to our continuing Westward sprawl.
I believe most future growth in the St. Louis region will occur in Illinois, so Collinsville would be more central in the long run. Plus, it would reinforce Downtown as the region's core. BTW, which is closer to Downtown; Collinsville or Fenton?
(also, I don't believe in developing flood plains)
Based on a quick calculation using Google's gmaps-pedometer, the distances are:
Downtown to Fenton: 17.5 miles
Downtown to Collinsville: 14.2 miles
So, for all intensive purposes, they are close to being the same.
...
I also agree with the points you made, especially about not developing flood plains.
Put it under (partially) the train shed of Union Station. In this location, these amenities they are trying to develop already exist:
-mass transit
-a hotel in the immediate vicinity (two counting the Drury next door)
-plenty of other hotels close by downtown
-retail (could be a lot better, but would benefit from the crowds)
-restaurants (see above)
-plentiful parking in the surrounding downtown area
This would be a boost to that corner of downtown, and the atmosphere of sitting outside in a sunken stadium with the train shed as a backdrop or partially under the shed would be unbelievable.
-mass transit
-a hotel in the immediate vicinity (two counting the Drury next door)
-plenty of other hotels close by downtown
-retail (could be a lot better, but would benefit from the crowds)
-restaurants (see above)
-plentiful parking in the surrounding downtown area
This would be a boost to that corner of downtown, and the atmosphere of sitting outside in a sunken stadium with the train shed as a backdrop or partially under the shed would be unbelievable.
- 10K
TG wrote:Put it under (partially) the train shed of Union Station. In this location, these amenities they are trying to develop already exist:
-mass transit
-a hotel in the immediate vicinity (two counting the Drury next door)
-plenty of other hotels close by downtown
-retail (could be a lot better, but would benefit from the crowds)
-restaurants (see above)
-plentiful parking in the surrounding downtown area
This would be a boost to that corner of downtown, and the atmosphere of sitting outside in a sunken stadium with the train shed as a backdrop or partially under the shed would be unbelievable.
Interesting...
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TG wrote:Put it under (partially) the train shed of Union Station. In this location, these amenities they are trying to develop already exist:
-mass transit
-a hotel in the immediate vicinity (two counting the Drury next door)
-plenty of other hotels close by downtown
-retail (could be a lot better, but would benefit from the crowds)
-restaurants (see above)
-plentiful parking in the surrounding downtown area
This would be a boost to that corner of downtown, and the atmosphere of sitting outside in a sunken stadium with the train shed as a backdrop or partially under the shed would be unbelievable.
I love the idea.
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(also, I don't believe in developing flood plains)
That area in Fenton is already very developed, so there is no point discussing the development of that particular flood plain. I would assume they'd either raise the venue to higher ground or build a levy. An office complex just went in right next to the soccer park. It was built on higher ground. That area has always been popular for developers.
I am not completely against Collinsville myself, but let's face it. Many people on the MO. side have the perception that crossing the river is such a chore, so far away. I hope that would not hurt the attendance, but it would, especially if the team struggles over time. I want whatever is best for making STL a viable option for the MLS. I think a team would be awesome. It would also be nice to get the occasional World Cup qualifier. No matter how it shakes out, it has to happen!!
- 11K
IMO - the only places that really make sense are in urban locations (surprise, surprise). It would be great to see a new stadium on the new 21st street interchange/Union Station area. Maybe part of the area included in the fabled Chouteau's Pond area could be used, though my favorite location remains the St. Louis Marketplace on Manchester. By the way, there's got to be enough open land somewhere between Soulard and the river. Imagine MLS within walking distance of Soulard and with both downtown and the brewery as a backdrop. Sweet.
[edit] Two more dreams - put the stadium and additional fields in the area bounded by Vandeventer/40/Chouteau/Spring. There will likely be a Metrolink stop at Sarah just a couple blocks away and there's room for retail/hotel expansion nearby (think the foundry site on FPP/Spring). The other idea would be to put it in Forest Park! Practice/camp fields are already there and who would really miss the AAA golf/tennis club?
[/edit]
[edit] Two more dreams - put the stadium and additional fields in the area bounded by Vandeventer/40/Chouteau/Spring. There will likely be a Metrolink stop at Sarah just a couple blocks away and there's room for retail/hotel expansion nearby (think the foundry site on FPP/Spring). The other idea would be to put it in Forest Park! Practice/camp fields are already there and who would really miss the AAA golf/tennis club?
[/edit]- 549
^^ While I understand your points about present development in the flood plain...
Just because the flood plain has already been developed doesn't mean we should continue to build on it. Besides, it would take considerable effort and cost to raise an entire stadium above potential flood levels; and building a levee will only make flooding worse elsewhere along the river. With so much vacant land around the region, why should we even consider a site that is flood prone?
One of the first rules about environmentally responsible building is to not build on flood plains. Not saying the building should necessarily be sustainable, but it shouldn't completely ignore these considerations either.
Just because the flood plain has already been developed doesn't mean we should continue to build on it. Besides, it would take considerable effort and cost to raise an entire stadium above potential flood levels; and building a levee will only make flooding worse elsewhere along the river. With so much vacant land around the region, why should we even consider a site that is flood prone?
One of the first rules about environmentally responsible building is to not build on flood plains. Not saying the building should necessarily be sustainable, but it shouldn't completely ignore these considerations either.
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Grover, I like your city ideas. To me, the soccer I grew up watching, was played in gritty English towns, right in the city. It would be nice if the city would just find some blighted, useless area and donate it to the cause of development. I have no clue where that would be, but St. Louis is full of those types of areas.
My prediction is that we will get a team and it will play in Collinsville, leaving the Soccer Park as it is. Just seems that the Fenton site is too small and complicated to develop. It is free though. Who knows!
My prediction is that we will get a team and it will play in Collinsville, leaving the Soccer Park as it is. Just seems that the Fenton site is too small and complicated to develop. It is free though. Who knows!
- 11K
^ But one of the biggests assets of the Collinsville site was going to be the mixed-use development that accompanied the stadium - housing and shopping. That component is surely dead for some time. All you're left with is a mid-sized stadium in a field next to the Interstate and a long, long ways from soccer families in St. Charles and Ballwin - it matters much less how far the stadium is from downtown.
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^ Is the residential and retail aspect of the Collinsville deal officially nixed from the proposal? If so, there would not be a good reason to build it there. That has to be the hitch that is hurting Jeff Cooper and his efforts in the eyes of the MLS. If it were right over the river, that would be different. As you mentioned, it would be quite pipe dream to have the stadium on the river overlooking soulard....Soccer fans DREAM!!!
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^ The Soulard location would be great, the industrial area between Soulard and the river is ripe for rezoning and redevelopment. It's such a missed opportunity at the moment.
I might actually go to a game if I could walk from my place. Otherwise, regardless of where it is, I doubt I'd go... soccer's not really my thing.
I might actually go to a game if I could walk from my place. Otherwise, regardless of where it is, I doubt I'd go... soccer's not really my thing.
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^I was never into soccer until I attended a game in Italy. It was so much fun. It was like a street party before and a party throughout the game. They took the game very seriously and still managed to have a good time. Once you go to a game you are hooked. I now watch World Cup and UEFA. It is so intense. I know the games get boring at times and are typically low scoring, but it is still fun and so intense. I know MLS is not on that scale yet, but it would be as close to European Futbol as we'll get here, unless we get some international game here.
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^ I also followed Futbol while spending a semester in Italy, (although I never went to a game). I do have to admit though, I had more fun watching the fans than the games themselves. If excitement here was a high as in Europe, maybe I could get into the whole spectacle.
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Grover wrote:^ But one of the biggests assets of the Collinsville site was going to be the mixed-use development that accompanied the stadium - housing and shopping. That component is surely dead for some time. All you're left with is a mid-sized stadium in a field next to the Interstate and a long, long ways from soccer families in St. Charles and Ballwin - it matters much less how far the stadium is from downtown.
Isn't Collinsville the most densely populated Hispanic town in the metro? I thought that was part of the plan in placing it in Collinsville? Reaching for other demographics in addition to the St. Charles, Ballwin Soccer families?
Also, count me as a supporter of TG's idea -- that'd be awesome
Grover wrote:
Two more dreams - put the stadium and additional fields in the area bounded by Vandeventer/40/Chouteau/Spring. There will likely be a Metrolink stop at Sarah just a couple blocks away and there's room for retail/hotel expansion nearby (think the foundry site on FPP/Spring). The other idea would be to put it in Forest Park! Practice/camp fields are already there and who would really miss the AAA golf/tennis club?
I also thought Vandeventer/Forest Park intersection would be a good place for a stadium. It next to 40 and Metro and it's in the city so it's convenient for everyone. And while I agree that Forest Park would be a good place, people would probably say it destorying parkland or something. (Like a golf course is parkland?) Plus SLSU uses the statue in their crest and then it would be right there, so that would be sweet.
Another idea I had was for Downtown between Tucker/14th/Delmar/Cole, straight west of the dome. It's like 90% parking lot now and it's the same size area as the Dome so there should be plenty of space for a soccer stadium. I guess it's probably 10min walk at most from the convention center Metro station too.