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Tampa Bay reveals MLS stadium plans for expansion bid

By Nathan Reynolds

Aug 13, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Tampa Bay Rowdies midfielder PC (94) celebrates his goal during the first half against the New York Cosmos at James M. Shuart Stadium. New York Cosmos won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Tampa Bay Rowdies midfielder PC (94) celebrates his goal during the first half against the New York Cosmos at James M. Shuart Stadium. New York Cosmos won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tampa Bay Rowdies owner Bill Edwards reveals his plans for a $80 stadium renovation and push for MLS expansion. Do they have better chances than Miami?

MLS expansion is a topic that knows no season or limit. Ever since the David Beckham era the league has been in a race towards to next club, next city or next big superstar. With Don Garber confirming that the league will at least reach 28 teams, cities across the country are lining up bids and stadium proposals.

Tampa Bay took another massive step forward, releasing renderings of plans to upgrade Al Lang Stadium for MLS standards. As reported by the Tampa Bay Times, the owner plans for a $80 million renovation that would bring the grounds up to current standards and be able to seat 18,000 fans.

Check out mock images of the new Tampa Bay MLS stadium, with the Tropicana Field, home to the Rays in the MLB, in the background.

Why Tampa Bay?

Edwards has promised to fund the entire project privately, with supporting investors. So where does this bid rank compared to the Miami, Raleigh, St. Louis, etc. of the expansion world?

  • Finances – MLS wants stable ownership in place. Raleigh appears to have a central backer, whereas St. Louis’ plans of state money is clearly not coming any time soon. If Edwards truly can handle it privately, that should speed up the bid timeline.
  • Stadium – The club already owns the ground; it wouldn’t require much involvement from the city due to staying within current limits; and it sits right on the water. A great TV view, much like the Union’s stadium.
  • Market – Ranked as the #11 TV market in the U.S., the MLS can’t go wrong by adding Tampa Bay. Increased TV ratings, and in a city that is use to supporting professional teams. It would be hard to imagine that they would have a difficult time filling 18,000 seats.
  • Structure – With a team already in existence and playing the USL, filling out a full MLS roster and staff wouldn’t be a big challenge. Following the model of Orlando, they should be able to easily transition into the top level.

Next: Beginners Guide to MLS: The SuperDraft & how to watch

Taking all of that into consideration, the Tampa Bay bid looks very solid and the MLS would be wise to consider it. With the need for additional southeast teams, the Rowdies (or whatever their MLS name would be) could be in the MLS by 2020.

What are your thoughts? Is Tampa Bay a good expansion city for the league?

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