Detroit in MLS?

[dgthree 20]

I know this only a proposal, but there has to be more behind this, right? Why would a huge project (1 Billion dollars) like this include a stadium without there at least being some logical reasoning.

http://www.mlive.com...t_river_default

[monkeypower 2,027]

I don't think Detroit is in any position to do that sort of thing right now...

[Magnus 333]

Motors FC, or FC Racing Detroit. I like the sound of the name, anyway...

[Evil G 99]

They'd probably have to play in Ford Field with the city's bankruptcy and all,

[Evil G 99]

Yay! Private funds!

[rams80 3,946]

I've seen this game. They're saying private funds, but Detroit's going to be on the hook for the overruns and oh look at all those overruns.

[dfwabel 4,041]

Just keep in mind that the Apostolopoulos bought the Silverdome for $585K years ago, has done nothing to it, wants a five year property tax break and has yet to do anything but let the teflon roof tear apart in January only to claim, "renovations were under way".

[tigerslionspistonshabs 1,503]

Sounds cool, as long as it's privately funded, which it won't be. There is no way to justify building this, or the new Wings arena, with any taxpayers money with the city in the condition it's in. Hundreds of other things on the priority list right now. Motor City FC ftw. Anything else= fail.

[NJTank 1,129]

I can think of about five cities that should get the MLS before Detroit.

Orlando

Miami

San Antonio

Atlanta

Glendale

[dgthree 20]

They'd probably have to play in Ford Field with the city's bankruptcy and all,

Or they could build this stadium. It's not like they'll building it with taxpayer money, what? they're not! Oh, good. The new Red Wing Arena on the other hand is using taxpayer money, regardless of the bankruptcy they are still building it.

Except, the funds for the new Red Wings arena are not general taxpayer funds. They are "hotel/luxury bed" funds which can only be used for convention centers/other public similar uses. This comes up all the time with stadiums (huge debate about Marlins Field), but there are not many uses they can make with the funds. Also, the bankruptcy is an issue of future pension debt and not current market strength. While the city is not in good condition, the bankruptcy is a way to get off the hook for pension liabilities.

[ltp74 144]

I doubt these guys even have enough money to clear the site.

[dgthree 20]

I doubt these guys even have enough money to clear the site.

The site is cleared, the issue is if the jail is scrapped can they use what is already there to build their buildings or will they need to take down what has been built. Even if they have to clear what has been built, it is not that significant.

[GFB 1,612]

I can think of about five cities that should get the MLS before Detroit.

Orlando

Miami

San Antonio

Atlanta

Glendale

The city is a wreck to be sure, but if you're talking about soccer interest levels, Michigan is one of the best states in the country for youth soccer. We have 2 of the top 12 youth clubs in the country (Michigan Wolves/Hawks and Vardar) and the recent NPSL team, Detroit City FC, has gained a cult following despite playing at a public high school in Detroit. Again, there's no money IN the city, but there's plenty enough in the suburbs to support an MLS team...of course it would be a much less risky investment 10 years or so down the road compared to jumping in right now.

[tigerslionspistonshabs 1,503]

I do like the idea of the underground plazas. Make it an 'Underground City' similar to what they have in Montreal.

[IceCap 16,887]

If it can be built without a single cent coming from the city then why not?

[tigerslionspistonshabs 1,503]

I can think of about five cities that should get the MLS before Detroit.

Orlando

Miami

San Antonio

Atlanta

Glendale

The city is a wreck to be sure, but if you're talking about soccer interest levels, Michigan is one of the best states in the country for youth soccer. We have 2 of the top 12 youth clubs in the country (Michigan Wolves/Hawks and Vardar) and the recent NPSL team, Detroit City FC, has gained a cult following despite playing at a public high school in Detroit. Again, there's no money IN the city, but there's plenty enough in the suburbs to support an MLS team...of course it would be a much less risky investment 10 years or so down the road compared to jumping in right now.

Agreed 100%. I really thought a team would pick up in the Silverdome, which has the potential to still be a good stadium even if they rip the roof off. Then again, Pontiac is in almost as bad of shape as Detroit is.

[lilben777 140]

I can think of about five cities that should get the MLS before Detroit.

Orlando

Miami

San Antonio

Atlanta

Glendale

I'd say St. Louis and Tampa bay are 1&2 on mls explanation lists

[Shmee 13]

I can think of about five cities that should get the MLS before Detroit.

Orlando

Miami

San Antonio

Atlanta

Glendale

I'd say St. Louis and Tampa bay are 1&2 on mls explanation lists

1- What's an explanation list?

2- lolwut? Based on any actual information?

[rams80 3,946]

They'd probably have to play in Ford Field with the city's bankruptcy and all,

Or they could build this stadium. It's not like they'll building it with taxpayer money, what? they're not! Oh, good. The new Red Wing Arena on the other hand is using taxpayer money, regardless of the bankruptcy they are still building it.

Except, the funds for the new Red Wings arena are not general taxpayer funds. They are "hotel/luxury bed" funds which can only be used for convention centers/other public similar uses. This comes up all the time with stadiums (huge debate about Marlins Field), but there are not many uses they can make with the funds. Also, the bankruptcy is an issue of future pension debt and not current market strength. While the city is not in good condition, the bankruptcy is a way to get off the hook for pension liabilities.

Except that's unconstitutional IIRC.

[tigerslionspistonshabs 1,503]

I can think of about five cities that should get the MLS before Detroit.

Orlando

Miami

San Antonio

Atlanta

Glendale

I'd say St. Louis and Tampa bay are 1&2 on mls explanation lists

1- What's an explanation list?

2- lolwut? Based on any actual information?

Cities where the NHL has/is/would hypotetically fail = MLS success