San Diego is the latest city to make a move at potential obtaining an MLS franchise.Stadium details were released in their bid for an expansion spot.
The ever increasing popularity of obtaining an Major League Soccer franchise appears to be strong in San Diego, as a group of investors have come up with a big plan to bring the MLS to southern California.
On Monday, a press conference held by FS Investors outlined a future proposal to build a multi-purpose stadium on the current site of Qualcomm Stadium. This comes days after the announcement that the city’s NFL team, the San Diego Chargers, were moving to Los Angeles.
The plan would see Qualcomm Stadium demolished, which would potentially save the city millions of dollars in upkeep costs and deferred maintenance costs.
As for the stadium itself, it would contain between 20,000 and 30,000 seats. The facility would house an MLS club and would also be available for use by the San Diego State college football team. The project will be privately financed, and cost around $200 million. The image below is an early rending of the proposed grounds.
BREAKING: First look at rendering of MLS Stadium concept at Qualcomm Stadium site. Standing by for details. #nbc7 pic.twitter.com/AiT0HaKw5w
— Artie Ojeda (@ArtieNBCSD) January 23, 2017
In addition, the stadium will be part of a $1 billion redevelopment of the property around Qualcomm Stadium. This will include a residential, shopping and entertainment district.
The investor group also noted their desire to host Liga MX matches at the stadium, as well as build a soccer academy to support a potential MLS club.
What Next?
The FS investor group has exclusive rights to apply for an MLS franchise. However, this is not a set in stone plan. Commissioner Don Garber has previously met with the San Diego mayor Kevin Faulconer about the idea of an MLS expansion club coming to the city. But there’s still details to be worked out, including with San Diego State.
In a survey of 700 adults by SurveyUSA, the results came back with 70% being in favor of the soccer proposal, and 74% were in support for development around the stadium.
The application process is a tight one, as the deadline is set for Jan. 31 for cities wishing to be considered for the next set of MLS expansion clubs. Additionally, a new stadium must be ready to be played in by March 2020 in order to be selected.
This Sunday, the U.S. men’s national team will host Serbia at Qualcomm Stadium for an international friendly. Giving the city a perfect opportunity to show what kind of fan base it can bring to the MLS.
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A video of the press conference can be found by clicking on the link below.
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/growth-development/92405337-132.html