On that note - the first game is this Saturday at 4:00pm!!
https://www.saintlouisfc.com/2018-schedule
https://www.saintlouisfc.com/2018-schedule
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SMH that you put words in my mouth. I never said I hated giving money to sports. I have no problem with it if it'sdmelsh wrote: ↑Mar 29, 2018SMH. I get that a lot of people on these boards hate giving money to sports but wow.San Luis Native wrote: ↑Mar 28, 2018Sorry dude, dry humor, sarcastic comment on my part not showing thru too well without tone voice... Thought everyone was on the same page that there is no plan B and the owner group was made up of a bunch of self serving a holes.
a sensible deal and the ownership group aren't a holes.
One of the biggest complaints I have with the ownership group is that when the expected expansion fee cost dropped by $50 million they had zero interest in lowering their ask of public funds. That right there revealed what kind of partner they would be.
That should've been the point where the city told them to take a hike.
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To all of you high and dry soccer fans, Saint Louis FC's home opener is this weekend. Tailgate starts at 2pm, game at 4pm. General Admission tickets start at $18. Go to saintlouisfc.com for more information.
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Anybody wealthy enough to own a sports team is an a-hole by definition.San Luis Native wrote: ↑Mar 30, 2018SMH that you put words in my mouth. I never said I hated giving money to sports. I have no problem with it if it'sdmelsh wrote: ↑Mar 29, 2018SMH. I get that a lot of people on these boards hate giving money to sports but wow.San Luis Native wrote: ↑Mar 28, 2018
Sorry dude, dry humor, sarcastic comment on my part not showing thru too well without tone voice... Thought everyone was on the same page that there is no plan B and the owner group was made up of a bunch of self serving a holes.
a sensible deal and the ownership group aren't a holes.
One of the biggest complaints I have with the ownership group is that when the expected expansion fee cost dropped by $50 million they had zero interest in lowering their ask of public funds. That right there revealed what kind of partner they would be.
That should've been the point where the city told them to take a hike.
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Looks like FC Cinn. is going to be announced as the next MLS expansion team.
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports ... 635835002/
I would assume that MLS will eventually push Columbus to Austin TX. While not for sure, this eliminates the potential overlap with Columbus and Cincy.
Anyone know when the next round of expansion is? 2020? 2 team I assume.
I'm not sure how much this plays into things with STLFC ownership, but KSDK just did a piece on how unbelievably successful World Wide Technology is and how they are expanding their employment base around the STL metro area. You could look at that in 3 ways.
1) Jim Kavanaugh is really focused on WWT growth, not getting FCSTL to MLS.
2) The success of WWT will give him the resources to fill the gap in the future
3) The success of WWT & the success/promotion to MLS of STLFC are mutually exclusive.
I'm not sure what Mr. Kavanaugh is thinking and how much he truly wants MLS in STL. My understanding is that he is passionate about soccer and wants STLFC in MLS someday. I just don't know to what extent he and his group are willing to stretch financially to make this happen. My guess is that the success of his company can't hurt his MLS aspirations.
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports ... 635835002/
I would assume that MLS will eventually push Columbus to Austin TX. While not for sure, this eliminates the potential overlap with Columbus and Cincy.
Anyone know when the next round of expansion is? 2020? 2 team I assume.
I'm not sure how much this plays into things with STLFC ownership, but KSDK just did a piece on how unbelievably successful World Wide Technology is and how they are expanding their employment base around the STL metro area. You could look at that in 3 ways.
1) Jim Kavanaugh is really focused on WWT growth, not getting FCSTL to MLS.
2) The success of WWT will give him the resources to fill the gap in the future
3) The success of WWT & the success/promotion to MLS of STLFC are mutually exclusive.
I'm not sure what Mr. Kavanaugh is thinking and how much he truly wants MLS in STL. My understanding is that he is passionate about soccer and wants STLFC in MLS someday. I just don't know to what extent he and his group are willing to stretch financially to make this happen. My guess is that the success of his company can't hurt his MLS aspirations.
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Dave Peacock was on the Fastlane yesterday (ESPN Radio) and stated that the ownership group is pretty much done at this point. I don't have the exact quote, but he pretty much said they'd be open if the city came to them with more tax dollars, but that they don't expect that to happen. There is no current plan B or plan to pursue MLS from that ownership group. So we can put to rest any MLS to STL rumors.
He also said that (in his opinion) St. Louis will never be an NBA city due to the strength of the Blues and Cardinals pull for the region.
Edit: Link to those who want to listed. Go to the 5:00 PM hour and he begins talking at 5:15. https://www.101sports.com/show_notes/th ... eepy-head/
He also said that (in his opinion) St. Louis will never be an NBA city due to the strength of the Blues and Cardinals pull for the region.
Edit: Link to those who want to listed. Go to the 5:00 PM hour and he begins talking at 5:15. https://www.101sports.com/show_notes/th ... eepy-head/
^ That is why you need a Jim Kavanaugh at the end of the day instead of a lawyer that just doesn't have the financial means IMO. Reminds me of the old Collinsville proposal years ago where you had some one with connections and enough dollars to get the renderings out but really no means to finance anything of scale.
Not sure if Jim K is there, but nice to have someone with the financial muscle and means to say I want a team period. Or at least say I want a bigger, better soccer stadium for the region, better location and will buy out St. Louis FC team or buy into USL, etc because what the area has in Fenton is not good enough. I think a decent 9k to 12k soccer stadium w option to add 6k would be a plus for the region, whether it be St Louis FC, SLU or Wash U programs or even the hopes of a step up in pro sports ladder.
In the meantime, for the region's sake, will hope that Jim K decides to go all in on a WWT downtown expansion/presence at some point.
Not sure if Jim K is there, but nice to have someone with the financial muscle and means to say I want a team period. Or at least say I want a bigger, better soccer stadium for the region, better location and will buy out St. Louis FC team or buy into USL, etc because what the area has in Fenton is not good enough. I think a decent 9k to 12k soccer stadium w option to add 6k would be a plus for the region, whether it be St Louis FC, SLU or Wash U programs or even the hopes of a step up in pro sports ladder.
In the meantime, for the region's sake, will hope that Jim K decides to go all in on a WWT downtown expansion/presence at some point.
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^You know Jim Kavanaugh is CEO of Saint Louis FC already, right? It wasn't clear from what you wrote.
Why is Dave Peacock relevant on a sports talk show anymore? That f****ing guy.
Thanks, I didn't know he was CEO. Does he actually own the team?Black02AltimaSE wrote: ↑May 25, 2018^You know Jim Kavanaugh is CEO of Saint Louis FC already, right? It wasn't clear from what you wrote.
I guess my point is it makes sense to build a stadium if you have a team as your much more vested in the franchise itself. CEO doesn't necessarily means he owns the team. He brings his business experience to the group and at same time he satisfies/continues his interest in soccer for which his time as CEO of FC probably take a lot less time then WWT
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It's kind of murky. The owner is technically SLSG Pro, LLC which is a unit of St. Louis Scott Gallagher Soccer Club. I'm pretty sure Kavanaugh has a significant stake in it but I don't think he is the sole owner.dredger wrote: ↑May 25, 2018Thanks, I didn't know he was CEO. Does he actually own the team?Black02AltimaSE wrote: ↑May 25, 2018^You know Jim Kavanaugh is CEO of Saint Louis FC already, right? It wasn't clear from what you wrote.
I guess my point is it makes sense to build a stadium if you have a team as your much more vested in the franchise itself. CEO doesn't necessarily means he owns the team. He brings his business experience to the group and at same time he satisfies/continues his interest in soccer for which his time as CEO of FC probably take a lot less time then WWT
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Cincy is officially in.
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinio ... 650790002/
Sounds like something I would say if we had just been awarded a franchise. Well most of it.....
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinio ... 650790002/
Sounds like something I would say if we had just been awarded a franchise. Well most of it.....
We’re about to showcase our amazing city as the gem we all know it is. We have a supporter culture that’s become the envy of the American soccer community. It has evolved into an organic city-wide movement that has added a dynamic quality to a rising urban core. The passion – not just for the game of soccer but of a love for this city – and desire to see all things Cincinnati succeed has really driven our success.
Cincinnati is a major-league community and having a team at the highest level helps further establish Cincinnati as one of the rising cities in the United States. Other cities experiencing a rebirth in the new innovation economy are leveraging the passion for soccer as a beacon for international business investment and population growth. And that competitive edge will now be part of our region’s future.
As Cincinnati broadens its footprint, we believe the growth of our city and the growth of our sport are linked. MLS matches are broadcast in 170 countries worldwide which offers a tremendous opportunity for global promotion. We get to show off our exciting revitalization. Downtown, Over-the-Rhine and neighboring areas are all experiencing tremendous growth. Companies are choosing to open operations in the Queen City, bringing talented people from around the world to work, live and play here. I am proud that FC Cincinnati is a part of the renaissance that is occurring here.
But most importantly, I am proud of the inclusive effort that went into building our club from scratch in three short years, capped off by our stadium drive in the MLS bid. People from different walks and neighborhoods and varying levels of interest in soccer have come together to advance our vision for the community. We listened to each other and worked together. We are privately funding our stadium, but agreed to a plan that commits the rising tide from our investment to creating opportunities for our new neighbors. And we made many new friends in the process.
Our MLS expansion drive played out in 17 months. Thank you to all our supporters and the broader community for your patience, support and unwavering commitment to helping us fulfill our dream of earning an MLS club.
Thank you to our region’s business community which understood what this opportunity meant and got behind us as business partners from the start. Particular thanks must go out to our partners at the University of Cincinnati who provided us a stellar home. As we prepared to go meet with the expansion committee, Mercy Health came forward with an incredible jersey sponsorship which demonstrated how our business community here outpunches its weight class.
While there will be changes to FC Cincinnati, we will always be rooted in our values of putting a winning team on the field, acting in a family-friendly manner, and serving to make our community and people better. The power of sports and its ability to inspire and unite people is a driving force for us, and we are blessed to have great fans who share in our mission to use soccer to improve our community.
When I was 13, a little league coach on the west side challenged me to be great, saying he believed in me. That pushed me to St. Xavier and to college. My life path was altered, and with support from my parents and the large Berding family, from many teachers and mentors, numerous elected officials led by Mayor John Cranley, the amazing Carl H. Lindner III and his family, and of course, all our FC Cincinnati partners and staff, we stand here with MLS in Cincinnati. The power of sports can indeed change lives.
Sports has a powerful platform in this country. We believe that platform comes with tremendous responsibility, which FC Cincinnati will always embrace. I have been regularly moved by supporter stories of their experiences, how new friendships have been made, family connections strengthened, and young people learning to dream big and work hard chasing those dreams and opportunities.
Uniting our city through our sport has resulted in national and international attention and it is only the beginning of what we can accomplish when we Rise Together.
After three years on this incredible labor of love, we are all so excited for what comes next.
Thank you, Cincinnati!
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Cincinnati sounds like a fun city and not that far away. I went to a Cardinals baseball game there years ago at the old baseball stadium. Probably time to take a 3 day trip over there again to see baseball, football, or soccer. Is there a time in September when one could see all three in a 3 day span?
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^ Cincy is a very cool city. Reminds me a lot of STL. Not sure about seeing all three in one weekend.
One other (obvious) observation. Just look at an MLS city map. With Cincy in, Nashville in, CHI and KC, there is only ONE place in the Midwest, on the MLS map where there is a BIG hole. MLS has to see this and start wondering how to make it work in STL. We have the ownership group and stadium plan (minus $60 million). We check all of the other boxes as an MLS city and then some. It was obvious that Garber wants a team here. With the next round a few years away, I find of hard to fathom, the league is not looking into ways to make it work here in STL. I understand the need to grow the franchise and fanbase organically, but cost of expansion is only getting more expensive. If it is going to happen, it needs to happen at the next round of expansion.
One other (obvious) observation. Just look at an MLS city map. With Cincy in, Nashville in, CHI and KC, there is only ONE place in the Midwest, on the MLS map where there is a BIG hole. MLS has to see this and start wondering how to make it work in STL. We have the ownership group and stadium plan (minus $60 million). We check all of the other boxes as an MLS city and then some. It was obvious that Garber wants a team here. With the next round a few years away, I find of hard to fathom, the league is not looking into ways to make it work here in STL. I understand the need to grow the franchise and fanbase organically, but cost of expansion is only getting more expensive. If it is going to happen, it needs to happen at the next round of expansion.
Alternatively, maybe MLS sees a team in STL as over-saturation in the slow-growth Midwest. MLS is also actively looking to leave Columbus. I'm speculating mind you, but unless the *region* pays-up for a stadium, no team is coming here.DogtownBnR wrote: ^ Cincy is a very cool city. Reminds me a lot of STL. Not sure about seeing all three in one weekend.
One other (obvious) observation. Just look at an MLS city map. With Cincy in, Nashville in, CHI and KC, there is only ONE place in the Midwest, on the MLS map where there is a BIG hole.
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I can see your point, but at the same time, it was in the media that Garber wanted STL bad. MLS really wants that rival for KC and CHI. Cincy does not achieve that, nor does Nashville. They will be rivals with ATL. I don't think Cincy is close enough to oversaturate the Midwest, especially if Columbus moves to Austin. You are right though. Without 'some' public participation, there will be no team here.
Considering their interest in soccer, I would like to see the DeWitts get involved. I understand they might be a little distracted with the BPV project and the Cards day to day operations.
Considering their interest in soccer, I would like to see the DeWitts get involved. I understand they might be a little distracted with the BPV project and the Cards day to day operations.
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Again, per Dave Peacock, it's not in the works. The ownership group from the last MLS 2 STL push has essentially moved on. And the stadium plan is 100% dead.DogtownBnR wrote: ↑May 31, 2018^ Cincy is a very cool city. Reminds me a lot of STL. Not sure about seeing all three in one weekend.
One other (obvious) observation. Just look at an MLS city map. With Cincy in, Nashville in, CHI and KC, there is only ONE place in the Midwest, on the MLS map where there is a BIG hole. MLS has to see this and start wondering how to make it work in STL. We have the ownership group and stadium plan (minus $60 million). We check all of the other boxes as an MLS city and then some. It was obvious that Garber wants a team here. With the next round a few years away, I find of hard to fathom, the league is not looking into ways to make it work here in STL. I understand the need to grow the franchise and fanbase organically, but cost of expansion is only getting more expensive. If it is going to happen, it needs to happen at the next round of expansion.
For MLS to come to STL there will need to be a new or revamped ownership group to imerge and a new stadium plan introduced. Hopefully one that is a regional project and not reliant on the city for all the tax dollars.
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^ I heard that interview. I understand the current state of the situation. While I understand currently, the situation is dead, between now and the next expansion process, anything can happen. I agree that things are bleak right now, but considering the league wants STL and we came very close last time, you never know. It could be an entirely different group, but IF there was another effort, I'd be shocked if FCSTL was not part of the conversation.
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How's this for unsubstantiated, wild speculation: With Bayer moving into St. Louis, they become a major player in the MLS2STL movement.
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^The latest in a long line of message board examples of people posting whatever they can dream. unreal.
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^It's not complete fantasy. Bayer owns a Bundesliga club in Germany that has existed since 1904. They have 45,000 members in 23 sponsored sports clubs participating in 50 different sports. I would say it's enough a part of their corporate culture to be a possibility.
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Agreed, Bayer considers themselves one of the most sport-oriented companies in the world - they back it up by spending a bunch of money on it.
I think this is mostly lip service but I wanted to make a note.
http://www.espn.com/soccer/columbus-cre ... ssion=true
Garber was then asked about St. Louis' prospects, and he not only refused to count that city out, but essentially said the same about the remaining candidates as well, some of whom have made little to no headway in terms of advancing their city's candidacy.
"I don't think it's ever dead in any city," he said. "Look how long it took us to get a stadium built in D.C. These things go through an arc, and right now the ownership group [in St. Louis] that was bidding wasn't able to come up with a package with the public that made economic sense for them. But I believe in the St. Louis market. I belive in the group that Paul Edgerley put together, and I never say never to anything. I've been doing this for a long time."
http://www.espn.com/soccer/columbus-cre ... ssion=true
Garber was then asked about St. Louis' prospects, and he not only refused to count that city out, but essentially said the same about the remaining candidates as well, some of whom have made little to no headway in terms of advancing their city's candidacy.
"I don't think it's ever dead in any city," he said. "Look how long it took us to get a stadium built in D.C. These things go through an arc, and right now the ownership group [in St. Louis] that was bidding wasn't able to come up with a package with the public that made economic sense for them. But I believe in the St. Louis market. I belive in the group that Paul Edgerley put together, and I never say never to anything. I've been doing this for a long time."
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I look at Garber's statement regarding MLS2STL as very encouraging.
I can understand the skepticism with what he had to say. I am skeptical as well. However, I will say this. Take it for what it is. I know nothing concrete. I've heard from a reliable individual, that there are still things going on in the background to revive MLS to STL. I was not given any other info. Whether those efforts lead to any movement is anyone's guess.
The fact that Garber is saying ANYTHING positive at this point, is encouraging.
I can understand the skepticism with what he had to say. I am skeptical as well. However, I will say this. Take it for what it is. I know nothing concrete. I've heard from a reliable individual, that there are still things going on in the background to revive MLS to STL. I was not given any other info. Whether those efforts lead to any movement is anyone's guess.
The fact that Garber is saying ANYTHING positive at this point, is encouraging.