MLS Expansion – Philadelphia stadium plans released; All comes down to PA Senate

The plans for a new MLS stadium in the Philadelphia area were unveiled yesterday. It is a 20,000-seat facility that follows in the steps of other proposed second-generation MLS stadiums and has a roof covering the fans (click on image for larger view - thanks to Philadelphia Pro Soccer Foundation for the image).

It total, the stadium will cost $115 million. Delaware County officials have already pledged $30 million to the project, but the team's ownership group still needs the state of Pennsylvania to contribute $40 million or the deal will not work.

Governor Rendell has asked the State Senate to approve a $500 million request for statewide capital redevelopment assistance (which includes $40m for the stadium), but the Senate might not act on this request before the end of the year. If they do not, Rendell says 'the project will fall.'

But this stadium will not be used for soccer alone, as a proposed Delaware County Sports Authority would own it along with the land. They hope to use it for concerts, football games and high school graduation ceremonies. They also plan for it to anchor 'an additional $400 million development project that would include a mix of retail, office and residential construction.'

If all goes as plan, the stadium would open for the first season of play in 2010.

With MLS looking more and more likely to name the next two expansion teams during next month's final in DC, it does appear this deal is up to the PA State Senate. Could their lack of a vote (or rejection of the plan) be the tipping point for awarding the other expansion team to St. Louis or is MLS's desire to be in Philadelphia so great that they would hold off on the announcement in order to give the state more time?