Nashville to propose new stadium for MLS bid next week
By Daniel Garza
Nashville is preparing to announce a formal stadium plan for an MLS stadium, as part of their plans to push for a spot in the next MLS expansion cycle.
On Thursday, it was reported that Nashville mayor Megan Barry would propose the building of a new soccer stadium to help with the city’s bid for an MLS expansion team. This comes with only a few days remaining before the expansion application process comes to close.
There have been no formal deals finalized yet. However, on Monday, there will be a formal announcement unveiling the plans for the stadium project. Barry stated that a private-public partnership would be needed, “with an emphasis on the ‘private’ part of the equation.”
The city’s fairgrounds have been chosen as the desired location for the stadium. There would also be other upgrades made to the fairgrounds as part of the project.
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Currently, the Nashville MLS Steering Committee is working toward meeting the deadline. They are led by John Ingram and Bill Hagerty.
Nashville Soccer
The MLS will select two cities for expansion in 2017, with two other cities being announced at a later unspecified time. Currently, there are ten cities that have been identified as potential expansion locations, and Nashville is one of those listed.
In July, the United Soccer League (USL) announced that Nashville SC would become the newest member of the league. With the club beginning play in the 2018 season. It is not certain if this new stadium could still be built for the USL club, if MLS plans fall thru.
Previously, Nashville FC of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), was the city’s team. But they sold the rights to the newly formed Nashville SC, in exchange for a one percent equity in stake in the club and a voting seat on the board.
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This summer the city will be a venue for the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup, with matches being played at Nissan Stadium. The USMNT will play their first match in the city. Per usual, this will be a good chance for the city to show what kind of market they bring with them to the expansion table.