Monday, June 11, 2007

MLS likes Vegas expansion idea

MLS President Mark Abbott, the man in charge of MLS expansion, reiterated that the league has no problems placing a team in the gaming capitol of the world saying, "The fact that Las Vegas has gaming is not an obstacle to MLS placing a team in the market."

So what are his other thoughts on the idea?
"Obviously, it's an international city. It also has both a very strong youth soccer base and a community of people who come from countries in which soccer is the dominant sport, that is growing.

"And it attracts people from around the world. I think that matches up with the key demographics (necessary for) our sport."
...
"The market is a tremendous, vibrant one," Abbott said. "It certainly can be a top-level sports (city) in this country."

But as always, the decision on a team in the market comes down to "the right ownership group and stadium situation."

From past reports, it seems that the Las Vegas Sports & Entertainment Group is very interested in making this happen as they are ready to provide the $35 million expansion fee along with build a $500m stadium. If they can prove that they will be able to get 7,500-10,000 season ticket holders, MLS might just be Vegas bound.

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3 Comments:

Blogger Allen said...

I like the idea too. They have 2 million people locally. The question would be when the games are played. If they're playing mid day games it could be tough for all teams but especially visiting teams.

1:26 PM  
Blogger Mike H said...

Allen,

The plan seems to include a stadium with a retractable roof so hopefully any mid-day July matches would be played 'indoors'.

I think it could be a wonderful fit and it would make road trips for supporters that much more fun.

2:06 PM  
Blogger Bonji said...

SC Vegas would be awesome. Bring it.

2:09 PM  

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