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MLS Expansion: Tampa Bay takes another step towards winning 2017 bid

ByNathan Reynolds|
Aug 13, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Cosmos defender Hunter Freeman (2) deflects a shot on goal during the fsecond half against the Tampa Bay Rowdies 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; New York Cosmos defender Hunter Freeman (2) deflects a shot on goal during the fsecond half against the Tampa Bay Rowdies at James M. Shuart Stadium. New York Cosmos won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

A part of the largest MLS expansion bidding pool in history, teams such as Tampa Bay need to keep moving forward and staying in the news.

Back in January the MLS saw 12 cities push forward with formal bids for an expansion spot into the league. That number could have easily been 20 given the desire lately to jump into top flight soccer into America. However, the MLS expansion race has shown us these past few months it can quickly suffer major setbacks.

For Tampa Bay, however, they only have positive news this week as the city voted to move forward with the bid to expand the existing Al Lang Stadium. And unlike the failed St. Louis bid, the voters in Tampa Bay responded with a resounding 87% approval rate.

The biggest element helping the matter is the fact that the Rowdies owner plans to privately fund both the expansion bid and stadium renovations. So voters are really just approving investment in their city and the chance to have another major league sport.

Back in December 2016 the team released a mock-up of the proposed stadium:

After the vote, the league issued this statement:

"“We are pleased that the people of St. Petersburg support the Rowdies proposal to renovate Al Lang Stadium.  Bill Edwards personally came to our offices in January to submit his expansion application and share his vision. With the passage of the stadium vote, we look forward to working with the Rowdies as they continue to pursue a Major League Soccer team for Tampa Bay.”"

What are their odds?

Looking at the 12 submissions, it is safe to say that Tampa Bay easily falls into the top half. They could even make a strong argument for a spot at the top, alongside with Sacramento, Phoenix and Detroit.

The MLS has had huge success bringing in clubs from the lower divisions with a rich history. Seattle and Portland, provide great examples of the value of an existing fan base. Although Atlanta has shown how the right marketing and spending can generate top level MLS support quickly.

Next: MLS Transfer News: Carlos Vela to Los Angeles?

While there is still a ways to go – don’t expect an announcement until at least MLS All-Star weekend – Tampa Bay would be a safe choice for the league. Adding a local rival for Orlando makes sense as the MLS grows the footprint in the southeast, and with the lingering question marks surrounding David Beckham’s Miami franchise.

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