Major League Soccer (MLS) will hold their annual amateur draft in Baltimore on January 13th at the Convention Center. The MLS Draft will be held in-conjunction with the National Soccer Coaches Association of America convention. (13th through the 16th)
Will the City of Baltimore take advantage of this opportunity, and meet with the leadership of the MLS?
You will recall that in Fall 2009, former Mayor Shelia Dixon asked the Maryland Stadium Authority to consider building a Soccer Specific Stadium (S.S.S.) in Baltimore to lure the DC United.
http://baltimoresportsandlife.blogspot.com/2009/10/dc-united-to-baltimore.html
In April of 2010, the Commissioner of MLS Don Garber, publicly swiped at the District of Columbia for failing to bring plans for a S.S.S. to fruition.
The City of Baltimore should meet with MLS leadership for the following reasons:
1) Meeting with MLS would crystallize exactly what would be needed from a facility stand-point to ever house a MLS team. I believe MLS would state Baltimore would need a S.S.S. capable of 17 to 20k seats, and the requisite number of corporate boxes.
2) The DC United has been one of MLS' premier franchises. It would be in the best interest of the league for that franchise to continue. If getting an existing team to move to Baltimore was not a legitimate option, will expansion to Baltimore ever be considered by the league?
2a) It has been stated that MLS would like to expand South, and West and is concerned of saturation of teams in the East. I would argue that expansion to Baltimore makes sense. There would be an opportunity for natural rivals in Washington, Philadelphia, New York, and New England. At a minimum, away game travel costs for those organizations would be lowered with a team here.
2b) Many European Soccer leagues operate a system of promotion and regulation. From an American baseball point-of-view, the equivalent would be the AAA Norfolk Tides winning the International League and being promoted to Major League Baseball, with the Pittsburgh Pirates heading back to AAA.
In the hierarchy of American Professional Soccer, MLS is considered Division 1.
Baltimore currently has a 'AAA' soccer team in Crystal Palace Baltimore of the North American Soccer League (NASL).
http://palacebaltimore.com
http://www.nasl.com/
The NASL spent this past season in the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) Division 2 Professional League (comprised of 12 teams between the NASL and United Soccer League 1 (USL).
The NASL lost their 2010 bid to the USSF to be certified as a Division 2 league. They have reapplied and will likely be certified as such for 2011.
The 2011 NASL will be comprised of:
AC St.Louis
Atlanta Silverbacks
Carolina Railhawks FC
Crystal Palace Baltimore
FC Edmonton
Miami FC
Montreal Impact
NSC Minnesota Stars
Puerto Rico Islanders
FC Tampa Bay
There are those that say NASL promotion to the MLS might one day be possible. I believe MLS would state that promotion from the NASL would never be possible without proper facilities in-place. However, there is a much larger difference between AAA Baseball and Major League Baseball, than there is between AAA Soccer and MLS. Additionally, as evidenced by Portland, and Vancouver joining MLS (from the NASL) in 2011, the opportunity is there for promotion / expansion.
3) Also last-fall, it was announced by Crystal Palace Baltimore, that they were close to finalizing a deal to build a 7,000 seat stadium by 2012 in the Carroll Camden Industrial Area near M&T Bank Stadium.
If CPB moves forward with building that stadium, the cost associated with the venture is estimated at $25M. When it was created, I believe MLS would state it is an attractive stadium that would never be suitable for the highest level of US Professional Soccer. I think the City of Baltimore should confirm that with MLS.
With that confirmation, I believe the City of Baltimore would agree that it would be a mistake to spend the money building a stadium that will never be good enough.
3a) This is an opportunity for Baltimore to state their case to MLS of what makes us attractive as a City. I'm sure MLS is aware, but remind their leadership of the tickets sold these previous two years for the European soccer exhibitions. Remind them of the 7,500 people that regularly attend the indoor soccer games for the Blast.
The City of Baltimore should work for that meeting, and make sure that everyone local that should be at that meeting is in attendance. That includes the Crystal Palace ownership, Ed Hale, and the Maryland Stadium Authority at a minimum. It would be beneficial if it also included Under Armour / Kevin Plank, Steve Bisciotti, and Peter Angelos.
4) What you would be looking forward from a meeting with MLS, is a path forward for Baltimore.
I have no illusion about Baltimore building a $200M Soccer Specific Stadium similar to what was recently built for the New York Red Bulls:
http://www.redbullarena.us/
Most-likely, even something closer to the $120M SSS opened this year for the Philadelphia Union is very unlikely in the near-term:
http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/content/about-stadium
What absolutely should be discussed is finding the middle ground between the Stadium CPB would like to build, and what would be needed to house a team in MLS. To me, the logical compromise would be a Stadium that would be built with the corporate boxes necessary to eventually house the MLS, with a seating bowl capable of being expanded to the required 17 to 20k seats.
Only by meeting with the MLS, will Baltimore be able to determine how logical that path is.
Showing posts with label Soccer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Soccer. Show all posts
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
USA in the World Cup
I can not wait to see the US vs. England two weeks from yesterday. Anyone else looking forward to this?
My soccer knowledge is limited, but I do have a few general feelings about the roster.
It was interesting see the formation switch by Bradley yesterday against Turkey. Next week against Australia should give further indication of the starting lineup and tactics we are going to see.
The US Goal Keepers are really good. If for any reason Howard went down, there is good depth behind him.
I love Altiidore, and think he gained great experience this year in the EPL. The other forwards are interesting. Findley has tremendous speed, Buddle is scoring a ton in the MLS, and Gomez led the Mexican League in scoring.
Have to like Donovan and Dempsey in the midfield. Neither of them are going to be intimidated by the Brits. I'd like to see Stuart Holden get some time. I'll be watching for Torres against the Aussies, as he made a difference yesterday against Turkey.
Hopefully the defenders are ready to go 2 weeks from today. Onyewu was exceptional last year in the Confederations Cup. Will he be able to shake off the rust in-time?
The fact that the US got to play in South Africa last-year has to help. The experience of beating Spain, and having Brazil on the ropes is going to give them confidence. I think the US is going to prove to be a tough out. I do see that a lot of the soccer writers have stated not to sleep on the other Group C members Algeria, and Slovenia. If the US could spring an upset, and avoid a loss to England, they would be very well positioned.
My soccer knowledge is limited, but I do have a few general feelings about the roster.
It was interesting see the formation switch by Bradley yesterday against Turkey. Next week against Australia should give further indication of the starting lineup and tactics we are going to see.
The US Goal Keepers are really good. If for any reason Howard went down, there is good depth behind him.
I love Altiidore, and think he gained great experience this year in the EPL. The other forwards are interesting. Findley has tremendous speed, Buddle is scoring a ton in the MLS, and Gomez led the Mexican League in scoring.
Have to like Donovan and Dempsey in the midfield. Neither of them are going to be intimidated by the Brits. I'd like to see Stuart Holden get some time. I'll be watching for Torres against the Aussies, as he made a difference yesterday against Turkey.
Hopefully the defenders are ready to go 2 weeks from today. Onyewu was exceptional last year in the Confederations Cup. Will he be able to shake off the rust in-time?
The fact that the US got to play in South Africa last-year has to help. The experience of beating Spain, and having Brazil on the ropes is going to give them confidence. I think the US is going to prove to be a tough out. I do see that a lot of the soccer writers have stated not to sleep on the other Group C members Algeria, and Slovenia. If the US could spring an upset, and avoid a loss to England, they would be very well positioned.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Crystal Place Baltimore hosts Portland Timbers Tonight
Crystal Palace Baltimore hosts the Portland Timbers tonight in US Soccer Federation Division 2 action.
As discussed previously, for the 2010 season the USSF Division 2 is made up of both the North American Soccer League, and the United Soccer League.
Baltimore is in 3rd place in the NASL, with 7 points. (Montreal leads with 11, Vancouver is 3rd with 9). After starting the season 0-3-1, Crystal Palace has turned it up a notch winning 2 of their last 3. One of those wins was a 1-0 win in Portland.
The Timbers are in 2nd place in the USL with 11 points (Austin leads with 14). As Portland ascends to Major League Soccer next-year, this is a chance to see one of the better US based teams.
A preview of the game from NASL.com can be found here:
http://nasl.com/article/palace-prepares-for-rematch-with-portland
"After upsetting the Timbers’s unbeaten record in an action-packed encounter in Portland one week ago, Crystal Palace Baltimore welcome the same team to UMBC Stadium this Saturday at 7:00pm. The Timbers, who head to Major League Soccer next season, will no doubt be looking to avenge the loss on their turf. Portland is on a three-game winless streak dropping to third in the USL conference, while Palace have won two of three, knocking off first and second-placed teams in the process. Baltimore now sits in third spot in the NASL conference.
As discussed previously, for the 2010 season the USSF Division 2 is made up of both the North American Soccer League, and the United Soccer League.
Baltimore is in 3rd place in the NASL, with 7 points. (Montreal leads with 11, Vancouver is 3rd with 9). After starting the season 0-3-1, Crystal Palace has turned it up a notch winning 2 of their last 3. One of those wins was a 1-0 win in Portland.
The Timbers are in 2nd place in the USL with 11 points (Austin leads with 14). As Portland ascends to Major League Soccer next-year, this is a chance to see one of the better US based teams.
A preview of the game from NASL.com can be found here:
http://nasl.com/article/palace-prepares-for-rematch-with-portland
"After upsetting the Timbers’s unbeaten record in an action-packed encounter in Portland one week ago, Crystal Palace Baltimore welcome the same team to UMBC Stadium this Saturday at 7:00pm. The Timbers, who head to Major League Soccer next season, will no doubt be looking to avenge the loss on their turf. Portland is on a three-game winless streak dropping to third in the USL conference, while Palace have won two of three, knocking off first and second-placed teams in the process. Baltimore now sits in third spot in the NASL conference.
Palace Baltimore President Pete Medd sees Portland’s visit as a test for more than just his team: “I read an article in the Baltimore Sun a couple of years ago that asked the question: ’What would happen if the Blast played DC United?’ Well, Baltimore gets to see one of its teams play MLS-level competition this Saturday, in Baltimore. I saw firsthand what soccer can be in this town and in this country when we went to Portland, Oregon last week. They have a downtown stadium and we played them in front of 9,000 flag waving, chanting, great fans. Are there more soccer fans in Portland than Baltimore? I don’t think so. I think we can recreate that same thing here in Baltimore. Soccer fans can come out and see some of the best players in this country right here in their backyard this Saturday."
Tickets for tonights game are still available online for pick up at the box office will-call window. Individual tickets are $16 and children five and under are always admitted free.For those fans who are not able to attend the match, the game will be video streamed live at live.palacebaltimore.com starting a few minutes before the 7:00pm kickoff.
International Soccer Returning to Baltimore
The Baltimore Sun did a good job yesterday covering the news that Italy's Inter Milan will be taking on England's Manchester City here in Baltimore on July 31st.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/blast/bs-sp-soccer-friendly-0522-20100521,0,4943857.story
Inter Milan has just won the Serie A for the 5th consecutive season. They are facing Bayern Munich today in Europe's Champions League Final.
Inter Milan: http://www.inter.it/aas/hp?L=en
Manchester City just finished 5th in the English Premier League, ending the season with 67 points
Manchester City: http://www.mcfc.co.uk/
More than exhibition itself, it is important to understand what this friendly could mean for Baltimore. Last year's exhibition of Chelsea and AC Milan brought a $20M dollar shot in the arm to the City. While it would be great to see similar results this year, the big incentive is further positioning Baltimore as a potential host-city for the World Cup (the US is expected to be awarded either the 2018 or 2022 games).
If last year's sell-out crowd of 71,000 got the attention of the soccer community at-large, doing it in two consecutive years would really do wonders for soccer in Baltimore. It certainly would reignite conversation about building a Soccer Specific Stadium within in the city (and what size was appropriate).
You can also bet the ever-expanding Major League Soccer would be forced to take a harder look at Charm City. Here is a link to a previous post taking a look at the future of soccer in Baltimore:
http://baltimoresportsandlife.blogspot.com/2010/04/crystal-palace-baltimore-vs-dc-united.html
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/blast/bs-sp-soccer-friendly-0522-20100521,0,4943857.story
Inter Milan has just won the Serie A for the 5th consecutive season. They are facing Bayern Munich today in Europe's Champions League Final.
Inter Milan: http://www.inter.it/aas/hp?L=en
Manchester City just finished 5th in the English Premier League, ending the season with 67 points
Manchester City: http://www.mcfc.co.uk/
More than exhibition itself, it is important to understand what this friendly could mean for Baltimore. Last year's exhibition of Chelsea and AC Milan brought a $20M dollar shot in the arm to the City. While it would be great to see similar results this year, the big incentive is further positioning Baltimore as a potential host-city for the World Cup (the US is expected to be awarded either the 2018 or 2022 games).
If last year's sell-out crowd of 71,000 got the attention of the soccer community at-large, doing it in two consecutive years would really do wonders for soccer in Baltimore. It certainly would reignite conversation about building a Soccer Specific Stadium within in the city (and what size was appropriate).
You can also bet the ever-expanding Major League Soccer would be forced to take a harder look at Charm City. Here is a link to a previous post taking a look at the future of soccer in Baltimore:
http://baltimoresportsandlife.blogspot.com/2010/04/crystal-palace-baltimore-vs-dc-united.html
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Crystal Palace Baltimore vs. DC United
On Monday, Crystal Palace Baltimore of the North American Soccer League, will face DC United, of Major League Soccer in a pre-season fixture at the RFK training-fields.
While that match-up is interesting, it is perhaps more interesting looking at the larger picture, and wondering which of these two franchises represent the future of professional soccer in Baltimore.
Recently Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber openly swiped at the District of Columbia for failing to bring plans for a Soccer Specific Stadium to fruition. As you will recall, last fall former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon asked the Maryland Stadium Authority to consider building a Soccer Specific Stadium in Baltimore to lure the United.
http://baltimoresportsandlife.blogspot.com/2009/10/dc-united-to-baltimore.html
Also last-fall, it was also announced by Crystal Palace Baltimore, that they were close to finalizing a deal to build a 7,000 seat stadium by 2012 in the Carroll Camden Industrial Area near M&T Bank Stadium.
As I pointed out in December, the following Soccer Specific Stadiums have been built, or are being built across the country:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Bull_Arena_(MLS)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Crew_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_Depot_Center
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pizza_Hut_Park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Park_(Bridgeview)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick%27s_Sporting_Goods_Park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chester_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Houston_Dynamo_stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trails_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rio_Tinto_Stadium
Each of these stadiums meets the Major League Soccer standard of 17,000 to 20,000 seats. If Crystal Palace Baltimore moves forward with building a 7,000 seat stadium, there would be cost associated with that venture (estimated at $25M). When it was created, there would be an attractive stadium that would never be suitable for the highest level of US Professional Soccer. In July the European Powers Chelsea and AC Milan played to a sold-out M&T Bank Stadium. The indoor Baltimore Blast draw 7,500 a game for a mediocre product that plays indoors. Clearly, an audience for Soccer in Baltimore exists. With DC United looking for a home, it would appear an opportunity exists for Baltimore to have a team at the highest-level of US Professional Soccer.
Am I alone in believing it would be a mistake to spend the money building a stadium, that will never be capable of housing a team at the highest-level?
Essentially as I understand things today, the Maryland Stadium Authority is reviewing both proposals. I have no real illusions of Baltimore building a $250M Soccer Stadium similar to what has been recently built for the New York Red Bulls. If the MSA and Baltimore do move forward with building a new Stadium, I think a compromise between needs to be made. The logical compromise in my mind is a Stadium that would have the requisite sky-boxes necessary to eventually house an MLS team, with a seating bowl capable of being expanded to the 17-20k seats.
Ultimately I see the DC United finding a deal that works for them in the DC Metro area. Even if that proves true, and you can not lure the United to Baltimore; there would still be the opportunity to position Crystal Palace Baltimore as one of the premier professional teams in the country.
Crystal Palace is joined in the North American Soccer League with the following teams:
Carolina RailHawks
Miami FC
Montreal Impact
Rochester Rhinos
NSC Minnesota Stars
AC St. Louis
FC Tampa Bay Rowdies
Vancouver Whitecaps (Will move to Major League Soccer in 2011)
In 2011 the above teams will be joined by the Atlanta Silverbacks, and the Edmonton FC.
In the US, Major League Soccer is labeled as the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) 1st Division. For the 2010 season, Crystal Palace Baltimore will compete in the USSF 2nd Division along with eight fellow NASL clubs and the three remaining USL First Division clubs. This interim league will feature two conferences (NASL and USL) of six teams each, with three NASL teams playing in the USL conference. The USL Conference includes the Austin Aztex, Minnesota Thunder, Portland Timbers, Puerto Rico Islanders, Rochester Rhinos and Tampa Bay Rowdies. The NASL Conference is made up of Crystal Palace Baltimore, Carolina RailHawks, Miami FC, Montreal Impact, AC St. Louis and Vancouver Whitecaps.
The long and short of all that is that Baltimore essentially has a AAA Soccer team. However, there is a much larger difference between AAA Baseball and Major League Baseball, than there is between AAA Soccer and Major League Soccer. Additionally, as evidenced by Vancouver joining MLS in 2011, the opportunity is there for promotion / expansion.
In 2011, I think you can expect that the NASL will be the solely approved USSF 2nd Division. I think you might also see a situation evolve similar to Soccer in Europe, where there is promotion and regulation between the leagues. Crystal Palace Baltimore has an existing relationship with Crystal Palace Football Club in the UK. Crystal Palace UK operates in the 24-team Coca Cola Football League Championship, which is the first-level below the English Premier League. The top two teams in the Football League Championship earn automatic promotion to the Premier League. Teams finishing 3-6 compete in a playoff, with the winner also gaining promotion to the Premier. The bottom three teams of the Football League Championship move to Coca Cola Football League Championship League 1 (there is also a League 2).
So you could wind-up with a situation where Baltimore already has a team, capable of promotion to the highest-level in the country.
It will be interesting to see how the future of professional soccer in this City evolves over next several years.
Crystal Place Baltimore 2010 Schedule:
http://www.palacebaltimore.com/schedule/2010/index_E.html
While that match-up is interesting, it is perhaps more interesting looking at the larger picture, and wondering which of these two franchises represent the future of professional soccer in Baltimore.
Recently Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber openly swiped at the District of Columbia for failing to bring plans for a Soccer Specific Stadium to fruition. As you will recall, last fall former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon asked the Maryland Stadium Authority to consider building a Soccer Specific Stadium in Baltimore to lure the United.
http://baltimoresportsandlife.blogspot.com/2009/10/dc-united-to-baltimore.html
Also last-fall, it was also announced by Crystal Palace Baltimore, that they were close to finalizing a deal to build a 7,000 seat stadium by 2012 in the Carroll Camden Industrial Area near M&T Bank Stadium.
As I pointed out in December, the following Soccer Specific Stadiums have been built, or are being built across the country:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Bull_Arena_(MLS)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Crew_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_Depot_Center
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pizza_Hut_Park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Park_(Bridgeview)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick%27s_Sporting_Goods_Park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chester_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Houston_Dynamo_stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trails_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rio_Tinto_Stadium
Each of these stadiums meets the Major League Soccer standard of 17,000 to 20,000 seats. If Crystal Palace Baltimore moves forward with building a 7,000 seat stadium, there would be cost associated with that venture (estimated at $25M). When it was created, there would be an attractive stadium that would never be suitable for the highest level of US Professional Soccer. In July the European Powers Chelsea and AC Milan played to a sold-out M&T Bank Stadium. The indoor Baltimore Blast draw 7,500 a game for a mediocre product that plays indoors. Clearly, an audience for Soccer in Baltimore exists. With DC United looking for a home, it would appear an opportunity exists for Baltimore to have a team at the highest-level of US Professional Soccer.
Am I alone in believing it would be a mistake to spend the money building a stadium, that will never be capable of housing a team at the highest-level?
Essentially as I understand things today, the Maryland Stadium Authority is reviewing both proposals. I have no real illusions of Baltimore building a $250M Soccer Stadium similar to what has been recently built for the New York Red Bulls. If the MSA and Baltimore do move forward with building a new Stadium, I think a compromise between needs to be made. The logical compromise in my mind is a Stadium that would have the requisite sky-boxes necessary to eventually house an MLS team, with a seating bowl capable of being expanded to the 17-20k seats.
Ultimately I see the DC United finding a deal that works for them in the DC Metro area. Even if that proves true, and you can not lure the United to Baltimore; there would still be the opportunity to position Crystal Palace Baltimore as one of the premier professional teams in the country.
Crystal Palace is joined in the North American Soccer League with the following teams:
Carolina RailHawks
Miami FC
Montreal Impact
Rochester Rhinos
NSC Minnesota Stars
AC St. Louis
FC Tampa Bay Rowdies
Vancouver Whitecaps (Will move to Major League Soccer in 2011)
In 2011 the above teams will be joined by the Atlanta Silverbacks, and the Edmonton FC.
In the US, Major League Soccer is labeled as the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) 1st Division. For the 2010 season, Crystal Palace Baltimore will compete in the USSF 2nd Division along with eight fellow NASL clubs and the three remaining USL First Division clubs. This interim league will feature two conferences (NASL and USL) of six teams each, with three NASL teams playing in the USL conference. The USL Conference includes the Austin Aztex, Minnesota Thunder, Portland Timbers, Puerto Rico Islanders, Rochester Rhinos and Tampa Bay Rowdies. The NASL Conference is made up of Crystal Palace Baltimore, Carolina RailHawks, Miami FC, Montreal Impact, AC St. Louis and Vancouver Whitecaps.
The long and short of all that is that Baltimore essentially has a AAA Soccer team. However, there is a much larger difference between AAA Baseball and Major League Baseball, than there is between AAA Soccer and Major League Soccer. Additionally, as evidenced by Vancouver joining MLS in 2011, the opportunity is there for promotion / expansion.
In 2011, I think you can expect that the NASL will be the solely approved USSF 2nd Division. I think you might also see a situation evolve similar to Soccer in Europe, where there is promotion and regulation between the leagues. Crystal Palace Baltimore has an existing relationship with Crystal Palace Football Club in the UK. Crystal Palace UK operates in the 24-team Coca Cola Football League Championship, which is the first-level below the English Premier League. The top two teams in the Football League Championship earn automatic promotion to the Premier League. Teams finishing 3-6 compete in a playoff, with the winner also gaining promotion to the Premier. The bottom three teams of the Football League Championship move to Coca Cola Football League Championship League 1 (there is also a League 2).
So you could wind-up with a situation where Baltimore already has a team, capable of promotion to the highest-level in the country.
It will be interesting to see how the future of professional soccer in this City evolves over next several years.
Crystal Place Baltimore 2010 Schedule:
http://www.palacebaltimore.com/schedule/2010/index_E.html
Monday, December 21, 2009
Crystal Palace USA / Future of Soccer in Baltimore
Crystal Palace Baltimore was founded in 2006, and during the 2007 through 2009 seasons competed in United Soccer League at the Division 2 level.
You can find the Crystal Palace website at:
http://www.crystalpalaceusa.com/
The hierarchy of professional leagues in the US has been Major League Soccer, USL Division 1, and USL Division 2. Teams at all three levels compete for the US Open Cup.
During the 2008 season, CP Baltimore secured their marquee victory as a franchise, with their win over the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer.
At the end of the 2009 season, it was announced that CP Baltimore would leave USL Division 2, to join the upstart North American Soccer League. The NASL is comprised of 9 former USL Division 1, and 2 teams, along with an expansion effort in St. Louis. The NASL has applied to the United States Soccer Foundation, and the Canadian Soccer Association to be sanctioned as the premier league right below MSL, essentially taking the place of USL Division 1.
CP Baltimore has an existing relationship with Crystal Palace Football Club in the UK. Crystal Palace UK operates in the 24-team Coca Cola Football League Championship, which is the first-level below the English Premier League. The top two teams in the Football League Championship earn automatic promotion to the Premier League. Teams finishing 3-6 compete in a playoff, with the winner also gaining promotion to the Premier. The bottom three teams of the Football League Championship move to Coca Cola Football League Championship League 1 (there is also a League 2).
In addition to CP Baltimore, and St. Louis, the other NASL teams expected to begin play in April 2010 are the:
http://www.atlantasilverbacks.com/pro/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlanta_Silverbacks
Carolina Railhawks
http://www.carolinarailhawks.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolina_RailHawks_FC
Miami FC
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_FC
Minnesota Thunder
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Thunder
Montreal Impact
http://www.impactmontreal.com/flash.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal_Impact
Rochester Rhinos
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rochester_Rhinos
Tampa Bay Rowdies
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampa_Bay_Rowdies_%282010%29
Vancouver Whitecaps
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vancouver_Whitecaps_FC
I attempted to ask a few questions directly to Crystal Palace Baltimore today, but was informed by their Communication Director Mr. James Calder, that the franchise is under a gag order from the United States Soccer Federation until further notice.
When that gag is removed, I will again direct these questions to the franchise.
Until then, my open questions to CP Baltimore are below.
Question 1: Is the United Soccer League incorrect when they state that Crystal Place Baltimore has a contractual obligation to the USL to play in their Division 1, for the 2010 season?
Question 2: This North American Soccer League is comprised of a number of major markets. Will the goal of this league be to create a system where promotion to Major League Soccer is possible? Or, beyond promotion, is there interest in a merging of the two leagues?
Question 3: Do you expect the NASL to have any presence on at-least local TV in the individual markets? Has Crystal Palace Baltimore had any discussion with Comcast Sportsnet, or the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network about airing their games?
Question 4: The Vancouver Whitecaps are scheduled to join Major League Soccer in 2011, and MLS continues to discuss adding Montreal. Is there trepidation about starting a league with teams that will be departing quickly?
Question 5: Crystal Palace Baltimore announced in October, they were close to finalizing a deal to build a 7,000 seat stadium by 2012 in the Carroll Camden Industrial Area near M&T Bank Stadium. The following Soccer Specific Stadiums have been built, or are being built across the country:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Crew_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_Depot_Center
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pizza_Hut_Park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Park_(Bridgeview)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick%27s_Sporting_Goods_Park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Bull_Arena_(MLS)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chester_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Houston_Dynamo_stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trails_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rio_Tinto_Stadium
Each of these stadiums meets the Major League Soccer standard of 17,000 to 20,000 seats. If Crystal Palace Baltimore moves forward with building a 7,000 seat stadium, there would be cost associated with that venture (estimated at $25M). When it was created, there would be an attractive stadium that would never be suitable for the highest level of US Professional Soccer.
In July the European Powers Chelsea and AC Milan played to a sold-out M&T Bank Stadium. The indoor Baltimore Blast draw 7,500 a game for a mediocre product that plays indoors. Clearly, an audience for Soccer in Baltimore exists. With Mayor Dixon asking the Maryland Stadium Authority to consider building a Soccer Specific Stadium capable of being the home for Major League Soccer’s DC United; it would appear an opportunity exists for this to come to fruition. Why not dream bigger, and put your efforts behind Baltimore building a Soccer Specific Stadium comparable to any venue in the Country?
Nearly everyone has more soccer knowledge then myself. What other questions do you believe should be asked?
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
DC United to Baltimore?
The Associated Press is reporting that Mayor Dixon has asked the Maryland Stadium Authority to consider building a soccer-stadium in Baltimore, for the DC United of Major League Soccer.
http://www.wbaltv.com/money/21220308/detail.html
Regardless of whether your political leanings are on the right, or on the left; this is the type of big-picture thinking that is needed for Baltimore.
We are a Major city, and we deserve to have the best of everything.
There will be plenty of people that will not get behind this, but securing a Major League Soccer team, would be a coup for this City.
Building a Soccer Specific Stadium up to Major League Soccer standards, would mean Baltimore would get a 17 to 20k seat-stadium that could also house top-lacrosse events, and concerts.
Here are some examples of Soccer Specific Stadiums recently built across the US:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Crew_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_Depot_Center
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pizza_Hut_Park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Park_(Bridgeview)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick%27s_Sporting_Goods_Park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Bull_Arena_(MLS)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chester_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Houston_Dynamo_stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trails_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rio_Tinto_Stadium
In the aftermath of July's Chelsea vs AC Milan match at M&T Bank Stadium, Mayor Dixon was quoted as saying she would like to see a 7,000 seat Soccer Specific Stadium south of M&T.
I noted at the time that the Baltimore Blast draw 7,500 a game for a mediocre product that plays indoors. However, that attendance, combined with the crowd that showed-up for Chelsea/AC Milan, and the 1,500 that attend Crystal Palace games - shows an audience exists for Soccer in Baltimore.
If you were to build a 7,000 seat-venue, there would be cost associated with that venture. When it was created, there would be an attractive stadium that had no chance to obtain an MLS team.
I wrote that we should not limit what can be accomplished in Baltimore, we should dream bigger.
Mayor Dixon's announcement today, is an example of dreaming bigger.
My guess is that the DC United announce they are not looking to leave the DC Metro. That would be fine. My preference would be for DC to maintain the United, and Baltimore to obtain an MLS expansion team. (Ravens Owner Steve Biscotti could lead the bid if he so decided)
If DC were to keep the United, and Baltimore were to obtain an expansion-team, natural-rivals could develop with the existing MLS teams DC, New York, New England, and the expansion-team in Philadelphia which starts play next year.
http://www.wbaltv.com/money/21220308/detail.html
Regardless of whether your political leanings are on the right, or on the left; this is the type of big-picture thinking that is needed for Baltimore.
We are a Major city, and we deserve to have the best of everything.
There will be plenty of people that will not get behind this, but securing a Major League Soccer team, would be a coup for this City.
Building a Soccer Specific Stadium up to Major League Soccer standards, would mean Baltimore would get a 17 to 20k seat-stadium that could also house top-lacrosse events, and concerts.
Here are some examples of Soccer Specific Stadiums recently built across the US:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Crew_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_Depot_Center
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pizza_Hut_Park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Park_(Bridgeview)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick%27s_Sporting_Goods_Park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Bull_Arena_(MLS)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chester_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Houston_Dynamo_stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trails_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rio_Tinto_Stadium
In the aftermath of July's Chelsea vs AC Milan match at M&T Bank Stadium, Mayor Dixon was quoted as saying she would like to see a 7,000 seat Soccer Specific Stadium south of M&T.
I noted at the time that the Baltimore Blast draw 7,500 a game for a mediocre product that plays indoors. However, that attendance, combined with the crowd that showed-up for Chelsea/AC Milan, and the 1,500 that attend Crystal Palace games - shows an audience exists for Soccer in Baltimore.
If you were to build a 7,000 seat-venue, there would be cost associated with that venture. When it was created, there would be an attractive stadium that had no chance to obtain an MLS team.
I wrote that we should not limit what can be accomplished in Baltimore, we should dream bigger.
Mayor Dixon's announcement today, is an example of dreaming bigger.
My guess is that the DC United announce they are not looking to leave the DC Metro. That would be fine. My preference would be for DC to maintain the United, and Baltimore to obtain an MLS expansion team. (Ravens Owner Steve Biscotti could lead the bid if he so decided)
If DC were to keep the United, and Baltimore were to obtain an expansion-team, natural-rivals could develop with the existing MLS teams DC, New York, New England, and the expansion-team in Philadelphia which starts play next year.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Baltimore Sun - The City of Baltimore plans more Soccer events
In the aftermath of Friday's Chelsea vs AC Milan event at M&T Bank Stadium, The Baltimore Sun has an interesting article today about the future of soccer in Baltimore.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bal-sp.soccer26jul26,0,5268194.story
Mayor Dixon is quoted as saying she would like to see a 7,000 seat Soccer Specific Stadium south of M&T Bank.
Ravens President Dick Cass stated expressed interest in hosting another International game next summer, after the 2010 World Cup.
Those are both good things to hear.
I would again suggest that the City use this as an opportunity to dream big.
Thinking about planning a Soccer Specific Stadium is excellent news.
Thinking about having only 7,000 seats is limiting yourself as a City.
The idea should be not to make an acceptable home for the United Soccer League's 2nd division team Crystal Palace FC, but to make a fantastic stadium that could one day house a Major League Soccer team.
Reach out to the Baltimore Lacrosse community, and have a World-class 17,500 to 20,000 seat facility that could house Major League Soccer, and top local lacrosse events.
1st Mariner Bank Chairman Ed Hale wanted the New Baltimore Arena to be built on his Canton Crossing facility. Build a Soccer/Lax facility in Canton instead.
The Baltimore Blast draw 7,500 a game for a medicore product indoors. However, that attendance, combined with what was shown Friday, and the 1,500 that attend Crystal Palace games - shows an audience exists for Soccer in Baltimore.
If you were to build a 7,000 seat-venue, there would be cost associated with that venture. When it was created, there would be an attractive stadium that had no chance to obtain an MLS team.
Do not limit what can be accomplished in Baltimore, dream bigger.
Here are examples of Soccer Specific Stadiums through-out the US:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Crew_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_Depot_Center
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pizza_Hut_Park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Park_(Bridgeview)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick%27s_Sporting_Goods_Park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Bull_Arena_(MLS)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chester_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Houston_Dynamo_stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trails_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rio_Tinto_Stadium
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bal-sp.soccer26jul26,0,5268194.story
Mayor Dixon is quoted as saying she would like to see a 7,000 seat Soccer Specific Stadium south of M&T Bank.
Ravens President Dick Cass stated expressed interest in hosting another International game next summer, after the 2010 World Cup.
Those are both good things to hear.
I would again suggest that the City use this as an opportunity to dream big.
Thinking about planning a Soccer Specific Stadium is excellent news.
Thinking about having only 7,000 seats is limiting yourself as a City.
The idea should be not to make an acceptable home for the United Soccer League's 2nd division team Crystal Palace FC, but to make a fantastic stadium that could one day house a Major League Soccer team.
Reach out to the Baltimore Lacrosse community, and have a World-class 17,500 to 20,000 seat facility that could house Major League Soccer, and top local lacrosse events.
1st Mariner Bank Chairman Ed Hale wanted the New Baltimore Arena to be built on his Canton Crossing facility. Build a Soccer/Lax facility in Canton instead.
The Baltimore Blast draw 7,500 a game for a medicore product indoors. However, that attendance, combined with what was shown Friday, and the 1,500 that attend Crystal Palace games - shows an audience exists for Soccer in Baltimore.
If you were to build a 7,000 seat-venue, there would be cost associated with that venture. When it was created, there would be an attractive stadium that had no chance to obtain an MLS team.
Do not limit what can be accomplished in Baltimore, dream bigger.
Here are examples of Soccer Specific Stadiums through-out the US:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Crew_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_Depot_Center
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pizza_Hut_Park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Park_(Bridgeview)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick%27s_Sporting_Goods_Park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Bull_Arena_(MLS)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chester_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Houston_Dynamo_stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trails_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rio_Tinto_Stadium
Friday, July 24, 2009
Chelsea vs AC Milan Tonight
I am really looking forward to seeing 70,000 plus soccer fans in the City tonight, as two of the World's Top 5 teams face-off.
The game is bringing in $20M plus in revenue to Baltimore, and can only help the City if the US wins the 2018 World Cup.
You also have to wonder if the support, and atmosphere tonight will turn heads with the MLS?
Last weekend's friendly between Chelsea and the 1st-year MLS franchise Seattle Sounders was extremely impressive in the interest generated, and I would love to see the same here in Baltimore.
Here is a link to a Youtube video from that game: (watch until at least the 2nd minute mark)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfGFsmjjNlQ
The game is bringing in $20M plus in revenue to Baltimore, and can only help the City if the US wins the 2018 World Cup.
You also have to wonder if the support, and atmosphere tonight will turn heads with the MLS?
Last weekend's friendly between Chelsea and the 1st-year MLS franchise Seattle Sounders was extremely impressive in the interest generated, and I would love to see the same here in Baltimore.
Here is a link to a Youtube video from that game: (watch until at least the 2nd minute mark)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfGFsmjjNlQ
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
AC Milan and Chelsea to face off at M&T Bank Stadium in July
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/soccer/bal-chelsea-acmilan-324,0,6230731.story
This is an exciting moment for anyone, with even a passing interest in soccer...
I expect a large crowd that Friday night, and a festive atmosphere... could that lead to larger Baltimore interest in soccer?
Could the City decide to pursue a Major League Soccer team?
Perhaps Ed Hale, who was unable to have the arena built in Canton as he wanted.... could lead the inititive to build a dual soccer/lax stadium in his Canton complex?
Check out this link to the new Soccer only stadium that has been built in New York...
http://www.redbullarena.us/
This is an exciting moment for anyone, with even a passing interest in soccer...
I expect a large crowd that Friday night, and a festive atmosphere... could that lead to larger Baltimore interest in soccer?
Could the City decide to pursue a Major League Soccer team?
Perhaps Ed Hale, who was unable to have the arena built in Canton as he wanted.... could lead the inititive to build a dual soccer/lax stadium in his Canton complex?
Check out this link to the new Soccer only stadium that has been built in New York...
http://www.redbullarena.us/
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