May 17, 20241 yr I don't know about that, but the suggested location of this stadium is bizarre. A completely disconnected island that cannot act as an economic engine or impetus for the adjacent area realistically. Honestly, this whole project is fantasy.
May 17, 20241 yr Are any of these stadiums really economic engines? The area round RoMoFiHo and The Jake are underutilized and only now, after decades, beginning to develop ballpark villages in the immediate vicinity. That is also a deliberate effort by the owners, not an organic result of the stadiums generating activity. I know E4th will be crowded before and after games, but these stadiums are more self-contained events than anything else. So in that framing, yes, put it on this parcel that will otherwise sit vacant and underutilized that is still very adjacent to downtown than on a few blocks directly in downtown. I also think the connectivity to this site can be improved, particularly as the riverfront continues to develop.
May 17, 20241 yr 36 minutes ago, BoomerangCleRes said: Always love me a good map! There's basically no parking here. That's fine with me of course, there's already plenty of parking around this area. I like the stadium in a park vibe, but I'm wondering if this map is more aspirational than a real plan. I also appreciate showing the CVSR going all the way up the river, though I'm pretty sure that has (unfortunately) been already ruled out. 11 minutes ago, TBideon said: I don't know about that, but the suggested location of this stadium is bizarre. A completely disconnected island that cannot act as an economic engine or impetus for the adjacent area realistically. Honestly, this whole project is fantasy. Disagree on the location. It's a few minutes from Progressive Field. 20 minutes from East Fourth. Basically just outside of downtown in a location that isn't well suited to anything besides a stadium. I think it's a great location for a stadium.
May 17, 20241 yr 36 minutes ago, Ethan said: Always love me a good map! There's basically no parking here. That's fine with me of course, there's already plenty of parking around this area. I like the stadium in a park vibe, but I'm wondering if this map is more aspirational than a real plan. I also appreciate showing the CVSR going all the way up the river, though I'm pretty sure that has (unfortunately) been already ruled out. Disagree on the location. It's a few minutes from Progressive Field. 20 minutes from East Fourth. Basically just outside of downtown in a location that isn't well suited to anything besides a stadium. I think it's a great location for a stadium. A soccer stadium used 60 times a year turns a noplace into a someplace. Then add a rapid station that's a convenient walk to Tri-C and even CSU, and maybe even an intermodal hub and it becomes someplace more. Keep on adding more stuff. Someone's gotta be first. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 17, 20241 yr 2 hours ago, KJP said: A soccer stadium used 60 times a year turns a noplace into a someplace. Then add a rapid station that's a convenient walk to Tri-C and even CSU, and maybe even an intermodal hub and it becomes someplace more. Keep on adding more stuff. Someone's gotta be first. Absolutely Correct, somebody has to be first. Heck, maybe Jimmy gets a change of heart and he fulfills that '90's vision with a domed stadium on the post office parcel.
May 17, 20241 yr 13 minutes ago, simplythis said: Absolutely Correct, somebody has to be first. Heck, maybe Jimmy gets a change of heart and he fulfills that '90's vision with a domed stadium on the post office parcel. I've been told that the Haslams believe the Post Office site is not big enough for their stadium and Jimmy's World. If a soccer stadium goes here, it's going to have even less space for Jimmy. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 18, 20241 yr 4 hours ago, KJP said: A soccer stadium used 60 times a year turns a noplace into a someplace. Then add a rapid station that's a convenient walk to Tri-C and even CSU, and maybe even an intermodal hub and it becomes someplace more. Keep on adding more stuff. Someone's gotta be first. Oh I completely agree! My point wasn't that development couldn't happen, but that it is very unlikely to do so organically without some sort of a boost. I see three potential areas for new or more substantial development. The first on the section of river that is so isolated that no development is likely currently. However, with a few days of guaranteed packed tables I could see some restaurants/bars taking a risk on some industrial river views. Maybe some modest apartments. On/near the water always has value, it just needs to be less isolated. The other interesting area is off Ontario katy-corner to Progressive field, with a bit of traffic calming (or some minor pedestrian improvements) I could see some development blooming here. Actually, it looks like the stadium plan would itself present an alternative pedestrian route around Ontario/Carnegie intersection. That combined with the linear park once proposed for Ontario would create an excellent pathway to downtown proper. This location would always have plenty of traffic noise, but it's a good location for a sports lover, and probably some nice views as well. There's also a more south flats facing area that I don't see taking off in the near term regardless until more nearby development takes place, but could be a good development location in the long term.
May 18, 20241 yr 8 hours ago, TBideon said: I don't know about that, but the suggested location of this stadium is bizarre. A completely disconnected island that cannot act as an economic engine or impetus for the adjacent area realistically. Honestly, this whole project is fantasy. It's a quick train ride and about a 20 minute walk from Ohio City. Not sure how this is any more or less disconnected than Progressive.
May 18, 20241 yr 15 hours ago, Ethan said: Always love me a good map! There's basically no parking here. That's fine with me of course, there's already plenty of parking around this area. I like the stadium in a park vibe, but I'm wondering if this map is more aspirational than a real plan. I also appreciate showing the CVSR going all the way up the river, though I'm pretty sure that has (unfortunately) been already ruled out. Disagree on the location. It's a few minutes from Progressive Field. 20 minutes from East Fourth. Basically just outside of downtown in a location that isn't well suited to anything besides a stadium. I think it's a great location for a stadium. I understand the point regarding location, and disjointed from the rest of the city. Albeit close geographically, miles apart practically due to highways, wide streets, sidewalks etc. And none of those things will change, very solidified pieces of existing infrastructure that would be like moving mountains to redesign. That said however, I wouldnt say this piece of property is highly sought after by private developers, and will sit in languish for years to come, which our local leaders know. Therefore, this become a much easier sell for public subsidies versus a piece of property in the Flats, Ohio City, or any other area that has the eyes of private developers. And no ones going to throw a bunch of their own capital at a minor league stadium, nor are lenders. It has to be on a parcel that presents itself as a win-win for the city and the developer, and an investment by both. For those reasons, this may have legs. Will this development at this location entice much spinoff around it? My opinion, very little as there's not much opportunity to develop around it. However, it will address a very "un-sexy" corner of the city. And let's face it, it's a glorified HS football field 😆. Nothing architectural stimulating whatsoever. Look more closely at tye details 😉 Edited May 18, 20241 yr by Jenny
May 18, 20241 yr This isn’t a minor league stadium though. It’s for the top US women’s league… and men’s minor league, right? People are comparing this to the Browns, understandably, but to me there a few differences about the reasons for using public money: We don’t currently have any women’s pro sports teams. As we all know, women’s sports teams are less profitable and far less resourced compared to men, especially the NFL. There is a social benefit for our community to attract a women’s league team here. As I understand it, this facility would have a lot of different soccer uses for women and men, including pro, semi-pro, college, and the community. That creates more realistic opportunities to use this facility frequently compared to a giant NFL stadium. If we provide public money, I’d demand free or very inexpensive soccer clinics and leagues for local youth, especially those living in Cleveland. The land itself isn’t in demand and is reasonably close to downtown. I did a google map search and it looks like it’s only a 10 minute walk from Progressive Field at less than half a mile. One can fairly argue we shouldn’t give any money for sports stadiums, too. I personally see more community benefit for this vs. an NFL stadium.
May 18, 20241 yr People park in this area and walk to Guardians games all the time, I am sure the reverse trip is feasible.
May 18, 20241 yr 1 hour ago, Jenny said: That said however, I wouldnt say this piece of property is highly sought after by private developers, and will sit in languish for years to come, which our local leaders know. I was surprised at the interest. When I wrote my first soccer stadium article five years ago, I contacted Cleveland Black Oxide to see if they had been contacted by any stadium interests about buying their property. I wrote: Its owner and President Bob McElwee ... notes that he has been approached by developers recently. “We don’t have plans to move, however there have been developers talking with us about purchasing our building or building us a new building and doing a like kind exchange,” McElwee said. “We are also looking at expanding at our current site (on Broadway). The folks that have approached us were not involved with a stadium development.” And I also wrote that ODOT had been approached by others about acquiring some or all of their 48 acres of land. “There is excess land that ODOT is having appraised,” said Brent Kovacs, public information officer at ODOT District 12. “ODOT has received inquiries about the land. ODOT would like to sell the land, but there is no agreement to sell or lease the land with any party, at this time.” "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 18, 20241 yr 9 hours ago, TDi said: It's a quick train ride and about a 20 minute walk from Ohio City. Not sure how this is any more or less disconnected than Progressive. I don't know if you've walked in that area, but I have, and it just feels super disconnected to the downtown core. Hell, that whole stretch of E.9th south of the stadium feels like a large road to nowhere until it dead-ends to a dead'ish part of the Flats. I mean if we get it, great, maybe it'll be a success and spark some ancillary development. But shouldn't there be some kind of master plan that involves these kinds of large-scale projects, especially when publicly funded, so that they aren't built piecemeal but rather are interconnected? It just feels like another Browns stadium island, in which there is no outside development, not really, just people driving to and from for the most part. Which, again, I don't have an issue with if privately financed. But if taxpayers are on the hook, then there needs to be a visible effort and plan to integrate those investments into the city core. No more medical mart bulls**t.
May 18, 20241 yr 31 minutes ago, TBideon said: I don't know if you've walked in that area, but I have, and it just feels super disconnected to the downtown core. Hell, that whole stretch of E.9th south of the stadium feels like a large road to nowhere until it dead-ends to a dead'ish part of the Flats. I mean if we get it, great, maybe it'll be a success and spark some ancillary development. But shouldn't there be some kind of master plan that involves these kinds of large-scale projects, especially when publicly funded, so that they aren't built piecemeal but rather are interconnected? It just feels like another Browns stadium island, in which there is no outside development, not really, just people driving to and from for the most part. Which, again, I don't have an issue with if privately financed. But if taxpayers are on the hook, then there needs to be a visible effort and plan to integrate those investments into the city core. No more medical mart bulls**t. Quite frankly there is still too much land to develop in the downtown core. Why spend millions in public funds on an isolated area surrounded by freeways and an unattractive industrial valley in order to create another entertainment district or what ever. If private developers want to take a crack at extending downtown south, more power to them, but lets us keep the public focus on the lakefront, river and near east side which themselves are going to be huge challenges. The public well is only so deep. Edited May 18, 20241 yr by Htsguy
May 18, 20241 yr 2 hours ago, coneflower said: One can fairly argue we shouldn’t give any money for sports stadiums, too. I personally see more community benefit for this vs. an NFL stadium. Even more so if it is combined with CSU athletics and made into a new, mixed-use part of the campus.
May 18, 20241 yr The whole proposal seems cheap and rushed. $90 million is a lot for such a half baked idea
May 18, 20241 yr 13 hours ago, Ethan said: Oh I completely agree! My point wasn't that development couldn't happen, but that it is very unlikely to do so organically without some sort of a boost. I see three potential areas for new or more substantial development. The first on the section of river that is so isolated that no development is likely currently. However, with a few days of guaranteed packed tables I could see some restaurants/bars taking a risk on some industrial river views. Maybe some modest apartments. On/near the water always has value, it just needs to be less isolated. The other interesting area is off Ontario katy-corner to Progressive field, with a bit of traffic calming (or some minor pedestrian improvements) I could see some development blooming here. Actually, it looks like the stadium plan would itself present an alternative pedestrian route around Ontario/Carnegie intersection. That combined with the linear park once proposed for Ontario would create an excellent pathway to downtown proper. This location would always have plenty of traffic noise, but it's a good location for a sports lover, and probably some nice views as well. There's also a more south flats facing area that I don't see taking off in the near term regardless until more nearby development takes place, but could be a good development location in the long term. why is the best piece of land---the riverfront---"ODOT Project Area"? Is that for the state of Ohio to put a concrete mixing facility or salt storage or something for more highway-related activities? Part of their beautify Columbus and screw Cleveland plan (and funded heavily by Cleveland)?
May 18, 20241 yr Let’s not act like this Philadelphias stadium sites in terms of disconnect. It’s attached to a train stop, it’s an easy walk or bike from any downtown/OC/tremont residents. It seems rushed because of the deadlines but I promise you these conversations have been going on for years
May 19, 20241 yr 48 minutes ago, BelievelandD1 said: Let’s not act like this Philadelphias stadium sites in terms of disconnect. It’s attached to a train stop, it’s an easy walk or bike from any downtown/OC/tremont residents. It seems rushed because of the deadlines but I promise you these conversations have been going on for years Not to mention it seems like it’ll have a connection to bedrock’s riverfront development
May 19, 20241 yr 10 hours ago, BoomerangCleRes said: Not to mention it seems like it’ll have a connection to bedrock’s riverfront development Also, only a 6ish minute bike ride from the Literary/Professor intersection of Tremont. If that area below Tremont ever gets developed, it'd be even closer. It'd be cool if they organized some sort of bike bus or group walk from certain neighborhoods or bars to really add to the European soccer feel.
May 19, 20241 yr 15 hours ago, Gabriel said: @LibertyBlvd - which part of my post are you confused about---Ohio's preference for Columbus over Cleveland or that we pay for and subsidize a lot of Columbus's growth, or both? Confused about the ODOT project area. Are you referring to the staging area for the innerbelt construction? And why are you blaming Columbus?
May 19, 20241 yr 14 hours ago, BoomerangCleRes said: Not to mention it seems like it’ll have a connection to bedrock’s riverfront development Connect is such a key word here. Here's hoping riverfront public access remains 1. a front and center issue and 2. is coherently planned out and coordinated by all stakeholders. I always thought disjointed islands of development was such a big hurdle for the city to overcome. It's hard not to be optimistic when you see how Towpath and Lake Link Trails are helping make such a positive difference.
May 19, 20241 yr 2 hours ago, LibertyBlvd said: Confused about the ODOT project area. Are you referring to the staging area for the innerbelt construction? And why are you blaming Columbus? I don't think he's blaming. He's merely pointing out that two of the largest foundations of Columbus' economy are sustained by Ohio taxpayers. This project and a rapid station here could help the expansion of riverfront development farther upstream. Even the eastern part of Tremont would be closer to a soccer stadium rapid station than to the Ohio City station. Projects like this on the other side of the river could benefit from the soccer stadium, rapid station and connecting trails.... https://neo-trans.blog/2024/02/20/tremont-hillside-development-plan-regains-life/ "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 20, 20241 yr Murphy says the time is now to strike. https://www.crainscleveland.com/sports-recreation/cleveland-sports-group-co-founder-urges-city-fund-nwsl-stadium
May 21, 20241 yr 39 minutes ago, simplythis said: Murphy says the time is now to strike. https://www.crainscleveland.com/sports-recreation/cleveland-sports-group-co-founder-urges-city-fund-nwsl-stadium The city went through with selling the Gateway Parking garage to the Guardians tonight and all those proceeds are going towards the ballpark, our school district is facing a massive deficit, the median household income in cleveland is $35K, Cleveland State (a potential tenant) is struggling, county just pushed out the quarter percent tax increase and are running into financial issues before the jail/courthouse is even built, etc etc etc, and these ownership groups have an insatiable appetite for handouts. I love the idea of being on the cutting edge with a women's league (especially with the quality of American sport) and know this isn't a popular take (especially on here) but at some point there needs to be push back from the powers that be. It's okay if it doesn't happen, we don't need it all. If the demand is out there for the other side of 90 it'll be developed sooner than later.
May 21, 20241 yr I think the Intermodal site is fine. It is very, very similar to the site of Lower.com Stadium in Columbus, in my opinion. I've psoted this before, so I apologize, but if I could have my way, I'd put it at Nautica. "Nautica Queens" could be a fun team name! Haha. "Burning River FC" would be cool too. But seriously I wish the stadium could end up here. I'd love to have a beer on the river then walk to a game.
May 21, 20241 yr we’d need way better pedestrian connections to the east side for this to work Edited May 21, 20241 yr by BoomerangCleRes
May 21, 20241 yr 15 hours ago, GISguy said: The city went through with selling the Gateway Parking garage to the Guardians tonight and all those proceeds are going towards the ballpark, our school district is facing a massive deficit, the median household income in cleveland is $35K, Cleveland State (a potential tenant) is struggling, county just pushed out the quarter percent tax increase and are running into financial issues before the jail/courthouse is even built, etc etc etc, and these ownership groups have an insatiable appetite for handouts. I love the idea of being on the cutting edge with a women's league (especially with the quality of American sport) and know this isn't a popular take (especially on here) but at some point there needs to be push back from the powers that be. It's okay if it doesn't happen, we don't need it all. If the demand is out there for the other side of 90 it'll be developed sooner than later. But the people who stand to benefit urge us to act now!
May 21, 20241 yr ^ Not sure about that. From the photo looking down l think it fits like a glove. Plus l love having another reason to go down there. It adds diversity, foot traffic and gets rid of those parking lots. Imagine all the different local teams using the facility. It would add life to an already pretty strong area unlike the site on the other side of a highway.
May 21, 20241 yr 16 hours ago, simplythis said: Murphy says the time is now to strike. https://www.crainscleveland.com/sports-recreation/cleveland-sports-group-co-founder-urges-city-fund-nwsl-stadium
May 21, 20241 yr 1 hour ago, Dino said: I think the Intermodal site is fine. It is very, very similar to the site of Lower.com Stadium in Columbus, in my opinion. I've psoted this before, so I apologize, but if I could have my way, I'd put it at Nautica. "Nautica Queens" could be a fun team name! Haha. "Burning River FC" would be cool too. But seriously I wish the stadium could end up here. I'd love to have a beer on the river then walk to a game. I don't hate this idea, but I prefer the selected location to be honest. I think the west bank of the flats will eventually get developed, and with better uses than a stadium. There's just too much good stuff around this area for development not to spread into the west bank in the next few years. I can't say the same for the selected location. That location is unlikely to get developed without an anchor tenant to draw people there. A stadium could be that anchor. We could turn useless land into developable land. Double thumbs up for a pedestrian bridge though. We need more pedestrian river crossings, particularly as you approach the river's mouth.
May 21, 20241 yr 1 hour ago, BoomerangCleRes said: we’d need way better pedestrian connections to the east side for this to work Agree to disagree. I'm proposing a new pedestrian bridge near the rapid station and there's the existing Center Street Bridge. Would more be better? maybe. But this would be plenty of access to "work". Plus, just as many people would already be hanging out on the West Bank as the East Bank- probably more in fact. 1 hour ago, X said: I think the stadium would me massively overscaled for the Flats Agree to disagree. I've been using Louisville's Stadium as a basis. I'm guessing it's about 6 stories tall. The west bank of the flats has many buildings of that height and it would be shorter than the Shoreway and several of the condos by Stonebridge. Plus it's just a stone's throw away from legit skyscrapers. 1 hour ago, Ethan said: I think the west bank of the flats will eventually get developed, and with better uses than a stadium. There's just too much good stuff around this area for development not to spread into the west bank in the next few years. Agree to disagree. Even with a stadium, there are about a dozen vacant lots on the west bank that could still accommodate 5-10 story buildings. I think it fits perfectly. Plus there's still 2 other peninsulas in the Flats that have even more room for development. There's plenty of vacant land to go around. Plus Nautica owns the site and half of the remaining sites in red, this would be a homerun for them.
May 21, 20241 yr 22 minutes ago, Dino said: Agree to disagree. I'm proposing a new pedestrian bridge near the rapid station and there's the existing Center Street Bridge. Would more be better? maybe. But this would be plenty of access to "work". Plus, just as many people would already be hanging out on the West Bank as the East Bank- probably more in fact. I think we actually agree, I didn’t see your purposed bridge so I was thinking relying on the metro parks boat taxi and center street bridge would be a huge concern as they’re not exactly reliable. the bridge you propose makes sense location wise just think it would need to be a pretty wide bridge as I think most people would utilizing downtown’s parking options/rapid stop for matches and any Jacob’s pavilion events since there’s basically no parking options on the West Bank or further west around Ohio city Edited May 21, 20241 yr by BoomerangCleRes
May 21, 20241 yr 4 hours ago, Dino said: "Nautica Queens" could be a fun team name! Haha. "Burning River FC" would be cool too. My pick for years has been the Forest City Football Club. FCFC. FC squared. Even better if the CVNP Scenic Train ever runs next to their proposed stadium site. We could create some beautiful jerseys too.
May 21, 20241 yr 1 minute ago, PlanCleveland said: My pick for years has been the Forest City Football Club. FCFC. FC squared. Even better if the CVNP Scenic Train ever runs next to their proposed stadium site. We could create some beautiful jerseys too. Big fan of Forest City FC
May 21, 20241 yr 19 hours ago, GISguy said: The city went through with selling the Gateway Parking garage to the Guardians tonight and all those proceeds are going towards the ballpark, our school district is facing a massive deficit, the median household income in cleveland is $35K, Cleveland State (a potential tenant) is struggling, county just pushed out the quarter percent tax increase and are running into financial issues before the jail/courthouse is even built, etc etc etc, and these ownership groups have an insatiable appetite for handouts. I love the idea of being on the cutting edge with a women's league (especially with the quality of American sport) and know this isn't a popular take (especially on here) but at some point there needs to be push back from the powers that be. It's okay if it doesn't happen, we don't need it all. If the demand is out there for the other side of 90 it'll be developed sooner than later. My favorite thing about all these stadiums wanting funding is how elected officials don’t actually ever say anything or share their opinions. It’s sort of bizarre, isn’t it?
May 30, 20241 yr Time to seize the moment. https://www.crainscleveland.com/commentary/personal-view-build-cuyahoga-countys-future-through-womens-soccer
May 30, 20241 yr 6 minutes ago, simplythis said: Time to seize the moment. https://www.crainscleveland.com/commentary/personal-view-build-cuyahoga-countys-future-through-womens-soccer I hadn't seen specifics on how the public funding was expected to work, but this actually seems pretty reasonable: • A $150 million publicly-owned soccer stadium, supported by both public and private funds. The project seeks $90 million from public sources, including Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and Ohio funded primarily through bonds repaid by new revenues generated from the stadium, involving no new or increased taxes.
May 30, 20241 yr 23 minutes ago, acd said: I hadn't seen specifics on how the public funding was expected to work, but this actually seems pretty reasonable: • A $150 million publicly-owned soccer stadium, supported by both public and private funds. The project seeks $90 million from public sources, including Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and Ohio funded primarily through bonds repaid by new revenues generated from the stadium, involving no new or increased taxes. FWIW I was eavesdropping on three contractors for some large company, I couldn't figure it out which one, other than they also work on or have worked on Progressive Field. But they made it sound like this soccer stadium was already a done deal.
May 30, 20241 yr 1 hour ago, surfohio said: FWIW I was eavesdropping on three contractors for some large company, I couldn't figure it out which one, other than they also work on or have worked on Progressive Field. But they made it sound like this soccer stadium was already a done deal. That would be great news. They need to start building a stadium soon if they want it to be ready for the Spring 2026 NWSL team. I wonder what comes first - an announcement from the league or do they just build anyway? Anyone have a time frame on how long it would take to build a 12500 seat stadium.
May 30, 20241 yr 1 hour ago, surfohio said: FWIW I was eavesdropping on three contractors for some large company, I couldn't figure it out which one, other than they also work on or have worked on Progressive Field. But they made it sound like this soccer stadium was already a done deal. It's not. They haven't even talked with Cuyahoga County yet. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 31, 20241 yr Personal view. https://www.vocon.com/personal-view-seize-the-moment-and-help-build-cuyahoga-countys-future-through-womens-soccer/
May 31, 20241 yr 1 hour ago, simplythis said: Personal view. https://www.vocon.com/personal-view-seize-the-moment-and-help-build-cuyahoga-countys-future-through-womens-soccer/ After Gateway issues and ongoing Browns issues I don't like the idea of any more publicly owned stadiums, let the soccer group own and manage it.
June 4, 20241 yr CSG promises competitive bid. https://www.crainscleveland.com/sports-recreation/cleveland-soccer-group-confident-about-nwsl-expansion-bid
June 7, 20241 yr Cross posting from the lakefront development thread: 2 minutes ago, Luke_S said: Ohio lawmakers to unveil spending bill including millions for Cleveland land bridge, women’s soccer stadium By Jeremy Pelzer & Jake Zuckerman Jun. 06, 2024 COLUMBUS, Ohio – State lawmakers said Thursday they’re poised to move on a long-stalled $700 million spending package next week that will include money for some big-ticket items for Cleveland, including millions for a downtown land bridge and a proposed women’s soccer stadium. Legislative leaders said those projects will be folded into a combined $2.5 billion capital spending plan, which the lawmakers say they hope to pass by the end of this month. The final bill would include funding for hundreds of construction projects, renovations, equipment purchases, and grants around the state. ... The House’s spending plan for its $350 million, which it passed back in February, would give roughly $70 million to one-time projects in Northeast Ohio. That includes $20 million toward a proposed $230 million land bridge connecting downtown Cleveland with the lakefront and $1 million toward building a new stadium near downtown to help lure in a professional women’s soccer team. https://www.cleveland.com/news/2024/06/ohio-lawmakers-to-unveil-capital-budget-that-includes-millions-for-cleveland-land-bridge-womens-soccer-stadium.html
June 12, 20241 yr Some more bid info on reddit today: The preliminary bid deadline for the NWSL's 16th team was last Friday, this article details who is reportedly in and out (note, none of these are confirmed by any official source, so keep that in mind). Also note, this does not mean the NWSL has evaluated or made any judgement on any bids, just that these groups are likely or not likely to submit bids. The NWSL has previously said they will not expand into areas where reproductive rights are under threat, so take that into consideration when looking at the bids: Reported to be bidding: Cincinnati, Cleveland, Minneapolis/St. Paul (Minnesota Aurora) Maybe bidding: Atlanta, Denver, Jacksonville, Nashville Not bidding: St. Louis https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2024/06/11/nwsl-expansion Cleveland: Cleveland Professional Soccer, which has already been awarded an MLS Next Pro team, confirmed it has submitted a bid to bring an NWSL franchise to Northeast Ohio. CPS co-founder & CEO Michael Murphy declined to comment on the composition of the potential ownership group and whether they had secured a lead investor. The bid calls for the construction of a new $150M stadium as part of a $283M public-private partnership. The group has committed $193M, or 68% of the funding, and is seeking $90M in public money. While the lack of certainty around the facility is a challenge, Murphy touted the fact that the NWSL club would be the top priority. “That's the opportunity that we're going to bring to the league, that the stadium is built primarily and purposefully for the NWSL,” Murphy said.
June 12, 20241 yr On 6/7/2024 at 10:40 PM, Luke_S said: It's official, the NWSL bid is in! Having the guitarist from Oasis involved is a great start
June 12, 20241 yr Cincinnati NWSL expansion bid is from FC Cincinnati ownership.They already have the training facilities for a woman's franchise plus probably the top soccer specific stadium in the country.Add in TQL Stadium has hosted the US woman's national teams to a sold out venue multiple times in the last 3 years.Id say the Cincinnati bid is the heavy odds on favorite for this next expansion team.
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