Expansion latest news
EXPANSION LIST: MLS Commissioner Don Garber has confirmed seven
cities as the most likely expansion candidates, with Rochester a
darkhorse because of an initial stadium capacity that falls short of
MLS preferences.
Cleveland, Houston, Seattle and Philadelphia lead the list of large
cities. Tulsa and the Oklahoma City suburb of Edmond head the smaller
group. The Oklahoma cities will stage exhibitions in early spring to
test their markets.
Minnesota, with no city specified, is also on the list.
Garber says the league is formulating two different business plans
tailored to markets and their stadiums. One plan is designed for
soccer-specific stadiums such as those in Columbus and Southern
California. The other approach is a cooperative arrangement with an
NFL team in a larger stadium as is the case with the Patriots and
Revs at Gillette Stadium.
Mayor Frank DeRoss and the Rochester group are planning an initial
capacity of 12,000-13,000 for their stadium. MLS officials prefer a
capacity closer to 18,000 for any new facility.
An exhibition match between the Crew and the Wizards had been
tentatively scheduled for late March in the Cleveland area to test
the market, but the proposed CONCACAF Champions Cup first round dates
(March 12 and 26) and the difficulty of finding a suitable site have
clouded those plans.
The Cleveland Browns Stadium can accommodate a playing surface of
approximately 69 yards by 114 yards. However, Garber said Cleveland
is not necessarily bound to a NFL-type arrangement.
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