Major League Soccer feasibility in Cgy?

[Fluffy Bunnies]

I figured I would come here to gauge the want and feasibility of Major League Soccer putting a franchise in Calgary. I was having an argument with a buddy and he seemed to think it wouldnt work. (Coincidentally he hates football, and his only argument was that it "sucks"). What do you guys and girls think? Im putting this premise out there with the theoretical conditions that they would have a place to play, and a rich owner(s).

Is there an appetite amongst you Calgary sporting faithful? What would your level of support be? Suggestions on a name?

I know there is a pretty good appetite for football, as minor league has a huge enrollment here. Would you pay to see the MLS here in Cowtown?

[The Big Chill]

I'd be a season ticket holder from day 1. I kind of doubt that there would be enough people that share my enthusiasm when it comes to paying to watch it though.

[The Big Chill]

Double post.

[Muta]

I think that once you put a soccer field indoors with sufficient seating, the feasibilty of a professional soccer franchise in Calgary goes up. I do know that this idea might be closer to reality than people think.

I know I would instantly buy season tickets the minute an MLS franchise were located here. Edmonton is probably closer at this point than we are to getting one, but I hope that before I die, we see an MLS franchise in the city of Calgary.

[Fluffy Bunnies]

Yeah, Im in agreement with you both. I will line up and snap up 2 Season's Tickets the second they announce it.

As for a stadium I know the MLS is spearheading the whole "soccer specific stadia" for each franchise wherever possible. I dont think that would work in Calgary though. With my pie-in-the-sky ideal situation being an approx 40,000 seat indoor climate controlled stadium. This could host CFL, MLS and rugby matches. Thats just my delusion though.

Call them Calgary United by the way.

[fundmark19]

Would buy 2 tickets but like we talked about earlier in the MLS thread no way Calgary gets a team anytime soon

[Joborule]

Agree with Muta. Once there is a stadium with a retractable roof, Calgary becomes a strong prospect for MLS in the future.

I think the city demography would be support. Just the population needs to increase a bit more (1.5 Million) before the trigger is pulled.

[nik-]

I would be all for it, and depending on cost, I'd be looking to buy season tickets. Calgary needs to sort out McMahon, so maybe two birds with one stone.

Originally Posted by Fluffy Bunnies

Call them Calgary United by the way.

United from what? I'd prefer we didn't go the way of other MLS clubs and manufacture allusions to history. Calgary FC, done imo.

[Muta]

Originally Posted by Fluffy Bunnies

As for a stadium I know the MLS is spearheading the whole "soccer specific stadia" for each franchise wherever possible. I dont think that would work in Calgary though. With my pie-in-the-sky ideal situation being an approx 40,000 seat indoor climate controlled stadium. This could host CFL, MLS and rugby matches. Thats just my delusion though.

I can pretty much guarantee you that an indoor CFL stadium with MLS capabilities has been pitched to Flames ownership.

[Fluffy Bunnies]

Anyone heard anything on a replacement for McMahon lately?

[corporatejay]

Doesn't look like a new building is in the foreseeable future.

“Minor renovations is what we’re talking about today, and then major renovations — which are very significant — will hopefully take place in the future,” King said. “A real renovation — a $100 million renovation, that kind of thing — is where you would go at some point. Or you would replace it, and I think replacing it would be a long shot.”

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/Selling+naming+rights+could+help+fund+renovations+ McMahon+Stadium/7479587/story.html#ixzz2AwMXVzTP

[TopChed]

It's a pipe dream, but it'd be awesome to see something similar to the Veltins-Arena, but probably with a smaller capacity. Retractable roof, retractable field. Without that, I don't think professional soccer is viable in our climate.



I'd buy season tickets for sure.

[Addick]

I'd much prefer to see us build from the ground up but even if an opportunity presented itself, it would have to be in one of Calgary or Edmonton. Even with talent subsidization from foreign player pools, I don't believe that there is enough local talent in Alberta to support two professional clubs.

If I was still in Calgary, I'd have to support the club. I'd want a natural playing surface though; the smell of grass is engrained in my match day experience.

[Joborule]

Originally Posted by corporatejay

Doesn't look like a new building is in the foreseeable future.

“Minor renovations is what we’re talking about today, and then major renovations — which are very significant — will hopefully take place in the future,” King said. “A real renovation — a $100 million renovation, that kind of thing — is where you would go at some point. Or you would replace it, and I think replacing it would be a long shot.”

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/Selling+naming+rights+could+help+fund+renovations+ McMahon+Stadium/7479587/story.html#ixzz2AwMXVzTP

That's interesting. Seems like the concept of a new arena and stadium built by one another has been shot down.

Would've been nice to bring football into the city centre. Oh well, they're still in a decent location, and the building foundation is fine. Just have to do a lot of work to modernize it.

Wonder if adding a retractable roof is still a possibility.

[Arsenal14]

I'd love to see it and would definitely buy tickets but I can't see it ever happening. I'd be pretty surprised if MLS adds any new teams in Canada at all - it's a US run organization that has a strong preference for US based teams and which isn't looking to expand past 20 teams in the near future. Maybe in 20 years things will be different.

On the other hand we could probably get a team in the NASL where Edmonton FC currently plays, though I'm not sure there would be a strong enough fan base for such a low level of play.

[Ozy_Flame]

I have no idea why putting renos on McMahon is going is a good idea. It's just a band-aid when we need a full limb replacement.

Anybody know how BC Place was able to fund a retractable roof? If you've ever been in there, stadiums where you can play indoor/outdoor are AWESOME. It's a very unique experience.

As for Calgary having an MLS team, I'm on board. However, I don't see that happening until there is a permanent solution for the Dome, the Stamps, and when we reach about the two million population mark. I would buy season tickets in a heartbeat though.

[getbak]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

Anybody know how BC Place was able to fund a retractable roof?

A half a billion dollars from the BC government. I'm sure if the Flames/Stamps could get the same, we'd have one of the best stadiums in the CFL.

[calgaryrocks]

yep, sure am glad I am not a BC taxpayer after the last few years

[troutman]

If every city in North America over 1 M people has an MLS team, that would be a huge league.

Maybe it works with first and second divisions.

[M*A*S*H 4077]

Calgary needs a new football stadium badly. Make it multi purpose for soccer right from the start and off you go.

I would definitely watch and attend games