(Photo Credit: Tom Rogers, Communications Director of Saint Louis FC)
That is the question.
Don Garber on the MLS coming to Saint Louis: “We would love to be here.”
Saint Louis, MO– Hundreds of soccer fans came out to Ballpark Village to see the commissioner of the MLS, Don Garber (@thesoccerdon) this afternoon. After a number of introductions and soccer facts about Saint Louis from host Bill McDermott, Garber took the stage to a huge round of applause.
Garber started off by stating that earlier today he met with local officials about the new stadium proposal involving the Saint Louis Rams, and a possible MLS team. Garber added he was optimistic after this meeting. It’s no surprise to Saint Louisans that this stadium proposal involves much more than the Rams heading into the 2015 season.
Garber discussed the local talent hailing from the Saint Louis area. None more impressive than Lori Chalupny who is a member of the USWNT as well as an assistant soccer coach for the Maryville Saints Women’s Soccer Team. But the talent has to start somewhere. Garber stated that the MLS was spending millions of dollars not only in the United Soccer League (USL), but also at the academy level by developing players at a young age. Garber explained, “The success of soccer worldwide is very impressive to say the least. But we want that talent and skill level to start at home.”
But let’s get down to brass tax. What would it take to get an MLS team in Saint Louis?
Well, you need a stadium. With everything surrounding the stadium proposal it is clear that this must get completed above anything else. Additionally, you need ownership or ownership groups. Garber stated, “There is no ownership group in place. The stadium group and the plan comes first. I have no doubt that we would find an ownership group after that.” I can’t say I disagree with the commish. Once the giant chess match between the NFL, the state, and the city clears, an MLS team in Saint Louis theoretically becomes more realistic.
The soccer fan base in Saint Louis is definitely there. With near consistent sellout crowds at the Saint Louis FC (@saintlouisfc) games at World Wide Technology Soccer park in Fenton, it is hard to argue against the support. Now, bear in mind that the capacity at the soccer park is only around 5,000. An MLS stadium would require upwards of 30,000 consistently to justify a team there.
The floor opened up to fan questions following the questioning done by McDermott. One question that stood out was, “If Saint Louis were to receive an MLS team, when can we expect it to be here?” Garber responded, “In the best case scenario St. Louis would receive an MLS team in 2020.” 5 years best case scenario. I think that’s pretty fair.
Money talks folks, and even though the MLS is expecting to add a possible 4 teams by 2018, they want to make sure it is worth their while. Garber also stated that the continued support of local USL club Saint Louis FC is definitely a key to gaining an MLS team. You can support your local soccer club Saint Louis FC by attending all home games, including tomorrow night, May 20th for their first game in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at World Wide Technology Soccer park. After Garber‘s visit, I have high optimism in the massive soccer community getting their wish of an MLS team near 2022, or sooner.
