October 23, 2024Oct 23 I imagine this will get a ton of use, probably as much as Progressive Field. It would also have the MLS Next team, and would likely become the home field for CSU soccer teams. Ohio has 23 of the nation's top 150 girls high school soccer teams, 10 of those in the Cleveland CSA. The highest of those 10 being Walsh Jesuit at 5, Hudson 21, Rocky River 23, Highland at 34, and Bay at 41. A lot of highly ranked boys teams in NEO as well. I'm sure they will host some local games or tournaments here. The practice facilities could be used by local high school and college teams as well. Then you throw in other sports like rugby and lacrosse which are very popular in the area. Just a guess including preseason and other matches NWSL- 15 to 20 MLS Next- 15 to 20 CSU soccer teams- 20 to 25 So right away that's at least 50 games. Throw in another 10-15 for high school. Maybe this becomes Iggy's home field too. Try to host the Ohio Jesuit Cup, and some state tournament games. That gets you close to Progressive Field's usage with just soccer games.
October 23, 2024Oct 23 34 minutes ago, YABO713 said: I don't want to be this guy - but I don't love the NWSL investment. I'm very sorry - I honestly hate myself for this... but it's not a sustainable investment absent planned other uses for the stadium. I hope I'm wrong, as I'd love to take my daughter to see games. San Diego's NWSL team draws the same as the Columbus Crew. Anyhow there should be multiple teams using the stadium, like MLS Next. And Cleveland seems a really good bet to get a USL team.
October 23, 2024Oct 23 5 minutes ago, X said: Could Cleveland have MLS Next and USL? i am sure they can if they build the stadium BUT where will they find an interested and passionate ownership. Remember it took 20 years to find someone with passion for a team. Bart Wolstein to Mike Murphy. Remember Cleveland has a NHL arena, they have the highest attendance in all of minor league hockey and they have a large grassroots community and high school hockey and they have one of the richest owners in sports ( Dan Gilbert ), and Cleveland is NEVER MENTIONED as a potential NHL Expansion team. WHY Not? This is because Gilbert is not interested in the NHL in Cleveland. SO if good find solid USL ownership they could have a team. OWNERSHIP is the key.
October 23, 2024Oct 23 16 minutes ago, X said: Could Cleveland have MLS Next and USL? yes I think so. MLS Next is a developmental league and USL would be higher level pros with traditional inter-city rivalries.
October 23, 2024Oct 23 18 minutes ago, simplythis said: Remember Cleveland has a NHL arena, they have the highest attendance in all of minor league hockey and they have a large grassroots community and high school hockey and they have one of the richest owners in sports ( Dan Gilbert ), and Cleveland is NEVER MENTIONED as a potential NHL Expansion team. WHY Not? This is because Gilbert is not interested in the NHL in Cleveland. It's not Dan Gilbert. It's the NHL. They gave up on Cleveland in 1978, long before Gilbert arrived. Apparently, they don't think Cleveland area is large enough to support all 4 major league sports teams. Edited October 23, 2024Oct 23 by LibertyBlvd
October 23, 2024Oct 23 3 minutes ago, LibertyBlvd said: I don't believe it is Gilbert. It is the NHL. Apparently, they don't think Cleveland area is large enough to support all 4 pro sports teams. Partially True - But How Did Salt lake city get the relocated Arizona Coyotes team - they have a lower tier ECHL team that draws about 6k per game and CLE draws 11k. They are a small market like Cle and they have the NBA to compete for the winter sports dollar. They are always mentioned for a relocated or expansion MLB team. WHY is this? THAT ownership in Utah has deep pockets and has a passion. Gilbert is content with the AHL here.
October 23, 2024Oct 23 10 minutes ago, LibertyBlvd said: It's not Dan Gilbert. It's the NHL. They gave up on Cleveland in 1978, long before Gilbert arrived. Apparently, they don't think Cleveland area is large enough to support all 4 major league sports teams. Not only that, there is a franchise in Columbus two hours away which basically represents all of Ohio, Pittsburgh (two and a half hours away), Detroit, Buffalo, and still only three hours away Toronto. There is already too much market overlap.
October 23, 2024Oct 23 2 hours ago, simplythis said: Partially True - But How Did Salt lake city get the relocated Arizona Coyotes team - they have a lower tier ECHL team that draws about 6k per game and CLE draws 11k. They are a small market like Cle and they have the NBA to compete for the winter sports dollar. They are always mentioned for a relocated or expansion MLB team. WHY is this? THAT ownership in Utah has deep pockets and has a passion. Gilbert is content with the AHL here. Well, I suppose it may be because they are able to draw from a larger area since they are not surrounded by several other cities with pro teams like Cleveland is as @Growth Mindset pointed out. But we are are digressing. Let's get back to soccer. Edited October 23, 2024Oct 23 by LibertyBlvd
October 23, 2024Oct 23 1 hour ago, PlanCleveland said: I imagine this will get a ton of use, probably as much as Progressive Field. It would also have the MLS Next team, and would likely become the home field for CSU soccer teams. Ohio has 23 of the nation's top 150 girls high school soccer teams, 10 of those in the Cleveland CSA. The highest of those 10 being Walsh Jesuit at 5, Hudson 21, Rocky River 23, Highland at 34, and Bay at 41. A lot of highly ranked boys teams in NEO as well. I'm sure they will host some local games or tournaments here. The practice facilities could be used by local high school and college teams as well. Then you throw in other sports like rugby and lacrosse which are very popular in the area. Just a guess including preseason and other matches NWSL- 15 to 20 MLS Next- 15 to 20 CSU soccer teams- 20 to 25 So right away that's at least 50 games. Throw in another 10-15 for high school. Maybe this becomes Iggy's home field too. Try to host the Ohio Jesuit Cup, and some state tournament games. That gets you close to Progressive Field's usage with just soccer games. Great examples! Plus we can’t miss this chance to develop that land. I never thought it would happen given first impression that it is inaccessible (expected more Post Office parking or another prison as we have down there now). The timing seems right.
October 23, 2024Oct 23 1 hour ago, Growth Mindset said: Not only that, there is a franchise in Columbus two hours away which basically represents all of Ohio, Pittsburgh (two and a half hours away), Detroit, Buffalo, and still only three hours away Toronto. There is already too much market overlap. I want to know how you're getting to Toronto in three hours, but otherwise, this is basically the right answer. Add in Cleveland being overrepresented by professional sports teams already relative to population and having stagnant population growth and you have the rest of the answer. In soccer Columbus is probably partially responsible for keeping us out of the MLS, and Detroit and Pittsburgh might squeeze us out of USL. I'm just glancing at maps though, I don't claim to be an expert.
October 23, 2024Oct 23 3 minutes ago, Ethan said: In soccer Columbus is probably partially responsible for keeping us out of the MLS, and Detroit and Pittsburgh might squeeze us out of USL. I'm just glancing at maps though, I don't claim to be an expert. Here's a graphic I saw the other day on current USL rivalries. I think Cleveland slots in nicely vs. Pitt, Detroit and Louisville (Indy is probably headed to MLS but Buffalo appears poised to get a USL team)
October 23, 2024Oct 23 23 minutes ago, surfohio said: Here's a graphic I saw the other day on current USL rivalries. I think Cleveland slots in nicely vs. Pitt, Detroit and Louisville (Indy is probably headed to MLS but Buffalo appears poised to get a USL team) Cool graphic, bring on the Lake Erie (and allegheny river) rivalries.
October 24, 2024Oct 24 8 hours ago, Growth Mindset said: Not only that, there is a franchise in Columbus two hours away which basically represents all of Ohio, Pittsburgh (two and a half hours away), Detroit, Buffalo, and still only three hours away Toronto. There is already too much market overlap. I've never met one single person here in Cleveland who cares a wit about the Columbus Blue Jackets, let alone any of those other teams. There is essentially no market overlap on the ground level.
October 24, 2024Oct 24 24 minutes ago, X said: I've never met one single person here in Cleveland who cares a wit about the Columbus Blue Jackets, let alone any of those other teams. There is essentially no market overlap on the ground level. There are DOZENS of us. But ya nearly everyone I know couldn't tell you a single player who has ever played for the team, or any detail about the team. The biggest thing is that a Cleveland team would be a huge hit on their TV market. We're the 19th larget TV market with 500k viewers more than Columbus at 32. But combining Cleveland, Cincy(36), and Columbus is a TV market the size of Chicago. I think an NHL team would do great here. But Atlanta and Houston are almost certainly next. I could see OKC following them, and maybe another Canadian team. People really want Quebec City, but it wouldn't surprise me if the league wanted a 2nd Toronto team over them. Edited October 24, 2024Oct 24 by PlanCleveland Typo and dumb math error.
October 24, 2024Oct 24 9 hours ago, PlanCleveland said: I think an NHL team would do great here. But Atlanta and Houston are almost certainly next. I could see OKC following them, and maybe another Canadian team. People really want Quebec City, but it wouldn't surprise me if the league wanted a 2nd Toronto team over them. Atlanta has failed to support an NHL team(Flames and Thrashers) twice. I don't see them risking it again. OKC does have a lot of support. Montreal could also support an English-speaking team if there is a new Canadian team.
October 24, 2024Oct 24 11 hours ago, PlanCleveland said: There are DOZENS of us. But ya nearly everyone I know couldn't tell you a single player who has ever played for the team, or any detail about the team. The biggest thing is that a Cleveland team would be a huge hit on their TV market. We're the 19th larget TV market with 500k viewers more than Columbus at 32. But combining Cleveland, Cincy(36), and Columbus is a TV market the size of Chicago. I think an NHL team would do great here. But Atlanta and Houston are almost certainly next. I could see OKC following them, and maybe another Canadian team. People really want Quebec City, but it wouldn't surprise me if the league wanted a 2nd Toronto team over them. With all of the excitement around an NWSL team, Cleveland might be a great target for the first wave of expansion of PWHL (Professional Women's Hockey League)
October 24, 2024Oct 24 Cincy on short list. https://local12.com/sports/content/cincinnati-short-list-finalist-womens-pro-soccer-nwsl-expansion-team-franchise-rose-lavelle-aubrey-kingsbury-jeff-berding
October 24, 2024Oct 24 2 hours ago, simplythis said: Cincy on short list. https://local12.com/sports/content/cincinnati-short-list-finalist-womens-pro-soccer-nwsl-expansion-team-franchise-rose-lavelle-aubrey-kingsbury-jeff-berding Side note: That post of the finalist cities gave Cleveland THE WORST skyline picture out of everyone else.
October 24, 2024Oct 24 12 minutes ago, MyPhoneDead said: Side note: That post of the finalist cities gave Cleveland THE WORST skyline picture out of everyone else. That seems to happen quite often. ☹️
October 24, 2024Oct 24 ^^All of these "XXX city is on a shortlist"-type articles by local news agencies coming out just now is actually just the same list of five cities we've known for a long time. Cincinnati is probably panicking they'll lose out to Cleveland lol, at least that's what I've seen from people from Cincinnati online. God forbid Cleveland gets a professional soccer franchise for once. 🙄
October 25, 2024Oct 25 3 hours ago, Geowizical said: ^^All of these "XXX city is on a shortlist"-type articles by local news agencies coming out just now is actually just the same list of five cities we've known for a long time. Cincinnati is probably panicking they'll lose out to Cleveland lol, at least that's what I've seen from people from Cincinnati online. God forbid Cleveland gets a professional soccer franchise for once. 🙄 I'm assuming you know this can actually read the opposite way as well, right? 3 hours ago, Geowizical said: ^^All of these "XXX city is on a shortlist"-type articles by local news agencies coming out just now is actually just the same list of five cities we've known for a long time. Cleveland is probably panicking they'll lose out to Cincinnati lol, at least that's what I've seen from people from Cleveland online. God forbid Cincinnati gets a professional women's soccer franchise for once. 🙄 One thing about this site...the C's are gonna C. "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
October 25, 2024Oct 25 5 hours ago, MyPhoneDead said: Side note: That post of the finalist cities gave Cleveland THE WORST skyline picture out of everyone else. That sounds like selection interference.
October 31, 2024Oct 31 Craind feels Cleveland could win expansion franchise. https://www.crainscleveland.com/sports-recreation/why-cleveland-could-land-expansion-nwsl-franchise
October 31, 2024Oct 31 27 minutes ago, simplythis said: Craind feels Cleveland could win expansion franchise. https://www.crainscleveland.com/sports-recreation/why-cleveland-could-land-expansion-nwsl-franchise @Geowizical can you swap out the Burke Browns dome for a 12000 seat soccer stadium in the VOCON renders?
October 31, 2024Oct 31 43 minutes ago, simplythis said: Craind feels Cleveland could win expansion franchise. https://www.crainscleveland.com/sports-recreation/why-cleveland-could-land-expansion-nwsl-franchise Lots of strong hints in this article backing up what a deep background source told me. The source who guided me on this piece said Cleveland is getting a NWSL franchise, probably the 16th, and likely to be named during the NWSL playoffs next month. South Euclid's economic development director said in this article that he was confident Cleveland would get an NWSL franchise and put an international training center ar Notre Dame College.... https://neo-trans.blog/2024/10/18/downtown-may-shift-from-football-to-futbol/ "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
October 31, 2024Oct 31 FWIW a few months ago I overheard some high level contractors discussing the stadium like it was a done deal. I also spent two hours eavesdropping on the former head of Downtown Cleveland Alliance…you have to subscribe for that however ;-)
October 31, 2024Oct 31 Is the area, where the stadium would be, flat, or would much of it require significant earth moving? I know that E. 9th St. slopes down toward the river, and this site is just west of it.
October 31, 2024Oct 31 53 minutes ago, urb-a-saurus said: Is the area, where the stadium would be, flat, or would much of it require significant earth moving? I know that E. 9th St. slopes down toward the river, and this site is just west of it. It is very flat, I doubt much land would have to be moved. It was used as the main construction site for the Innerbelt Bridges. Here is a view from 90. Edited October 31, 2024Oct 31 by PlanCleveland Added photo
November 7, 2024Nov 7 Some updates. https://picks-s1.cbssports.com/watch/soccer/video/clevelands-bid-for-nwsl-expansion-attacking-third
November 10, 2024Nov 10 NWSL selling rights to an expansion team. https://www.wesh.com/article/nwsl-process-selling-rights-expansion-team-16-league-commissioner/62856675
November 14, 2024Nov 14 Decision could come next week. Some experts say the local market’s chances have now improved, and it’s down to just two cities: Cincinnati and Cleveland. https://local12.com/sports/content/fc-cincinnati-finalist-nwsl-franchise-next-step-expansion-national-womens-soccer-league-cleveland-denver-nashville-philadelphia
November 20, 2024Nov 20 Rock entertainment has put in a bid for a WNBA franchise... I wonder if this could have any affect on the women's soccer bid... I believe their seasons overlap... Quote https://www.wkyc.com/article/sports/nba/cavaliers/cleveland-wnba-expansion-team-rock-entertainment-group-bid-cavaliers/95-bcb159fa-0237-4869-a006-1b4fd4049eb9 Edited November 20, 2024Nov 20 by lockdog
November 22, 2024Nov 22 https://www.essentiallysports.com/wnba-basketball-soccer-football-news-caitlin-clark-cincinnati-nwsl-bid-in-jeopardy-as-cleveland-groups-one-hundred-fifty-million-dollar-project-poses-threat/ Don't you just love the media: "Now, as Clark joins the bidding race for an NWSL expansion team, it seems her impact could extend to women’s soccer as well, only if Cleveland does not hinder Cincinnati dreams." I'm sure people will frame it any way to make Cleveland out to be the one stealing the team apparently Cincinnati deserves. Makes me sad.
November 22, 2024Nov 22 reading this article i think that Cincinnati thinks that Cleveland won the bid.
November 22, 2024Nov 22 https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/42530907/caitlin-clark-part-cincinnati-group-nwsl-expansion-bid
November 22, 2024Nov 22 7 hours ago, simplythis said: reading this article i think that Cincinnati thinks that Cleveland won the bid. Lol you think? This article didn’t originate from Cincinnati Media or any main stream media for that matter (I’ve never even heard of this site) and from what I’m hearing it’s the exact opposite in that Cincinnati soccer fans think they have very much won the bid especially with this Caitlin news. https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2024/11/22/sport/caitlin-clark-cincinnati-nwsl-expansion-team-spt Edited November 22, 2024Nov 22 by 646empire
November 22, 2024Nov 22 Seems like a PR move to put pressure on the league to pick Cincy. Gives the bid more buzz by bringing in the biggest female athlete right now.
November 22, 2024Nov 22 12 minutes ago, coneflower said: Seems like a PR move to put pressure on the league to pick Cincy. Gives the bid more buzz by bringing in the biggest female athlete right now. Not sure about that. All indications are a decision has been made and an announcement coming soon. So if it’s Cleveland or any other city it doesn’t matter as the cake is baked. The timing is definitely interesting tho, it would be odd for this to come out if Cincy wasn’t getting the next team. It would make more sense if this was the beginning roll out of an announcement for Cincinnati generating hype and connecting Caitlin to NWSL. We shall see tho. If this news came out for the Cleveland bid especially at this date I would certainly believe it’s going to Cleve. Edited November 22, 2024Nov 22 by 646empire
November 22, 2024Nov 22 Worst kept secret in town.This one is going to Cincinnati not because it won it over Cleveland.Just Cincinnati is years ahead with a established MLS team and soccer infrastructure.
November 22, 2024Nov 22 13 minutes ago, 646empire said: Not sure about that. All indications are a decision has been made and an announcement coming soon. So if it’s Cleveland or any other city it doesn’t matter as the cake is baked. The timing is definitely interesting tho, it would be odd for this to come out if Cincy wasn’t getting the next team. It would make more sense if this was the beginning roll out of an announcement for Cincinnati generating hype and connecting Caitlin to NWSL. We shall see tho. If this news came out for the Cleveland bid especially at this date I would certainly believe it’s going to Cleve. That's what I'm thinking too - if they're announcing this thing around the finals (which is this weekend), I feel like logistically they already had to have made the decision. But at the same time, why would Clark bother joining now if the bid isn't already picked? Confusing...
November 22, 2024Nov 22 1 minute ago, ucnum1 said: Just Cincinnati is years ahead with a established MLS team and soccer infrastructure. You may be right, but if I owned the NWSL I wouldn't want to be in the same market as an MLS team. Having a City's soccer market to yourself would be a big advantage, wouldn't it? Plus the Caitlin Clark story seems a little bit like a last minute hail mary. If she was an owner all along, why wasn't it in the news before?
November 22, 2024Nov 22 23 minutes ago, Dino said: You may be right, but if I owned the NWSL I wouldn't want to be in the same market as an MLS team. Having a City's soccer market to yourself would be a big advantage, wouldn't it? Plus the Caitlin Clark story seems a little bit like a last minute hail mary. If she was an owner all along, why wasn't it in the news before? Some interesting valid points. I will say Cincy is unique in that its franchise ownership and fan base is VERY strong and facility’s are truly top of the class. So although NWSL wouldn’t have the soccer market to itself the strength of the soccer market overall still would easily make it one of NWSLs best franchises very quickly regardless of the men’s team. In regards to Caitlin it could be many reasons for that, we don’t know what percentage she is going to own or if she wanted to really be connected to the bid until there was clarity of if it was the winning one. You could easily say Caitlin in a savvy business move didn’t want to create hype around NWSL and create all of this free press (like it’s definitely doing this morning) if her bid wasn’t winning. Edited November 22, 2024Nov 22 by 646empire
November 22, 2024Nov 22 Announcing that big of a name this late in the game does seem like they know the outcome. Would Caitlin Clark want to be on the losing end of a bid? Seems doubtful. It will be interesting to see. I did wonder if Bedrock announcing a bid for a WNBA team in Cleveland was a sign of anything with this. Having two brand-new sports leagues playing at around the same time seemed a little challenging. You could argue what Cincy has for soccer infrastructure Cleveland has for basketball.
November 22, 2024Nov 22 8 minutes ago, coneflower said: Announcing that big of a name this late in the game does seem like they know the outcome. Would Caitlin Clark want to be on the losing end of a bid? Seems doubtful. It will be interesting to see. I did wonder if Bedrock announcing a bid for a WNBA team in Cleveland was a sign of anything with this. Having two brand-new sports leagues playing at around the same time seemed a little challenging. You could argue what Cincy has for soccer infrastructure Cleveland has for basketball. Yupp and Cincy will be hosting FIFA World Cup teams as home base in 2026 so you could tie all kinds of soccer related stuff in that year like a new women’s team. But you never know Cleveland might have won it or they award 2 teams lol. Or it’s Nashville! Edited November 22, 2024Nov 22 by 646empire
November 22, 2024Nov 22 9 minutes ago, 646empire said: Some interesting valid points. I will say Cincy is unique in that its franchise ownership and fan base is VERY strong and facility’s are truly top of the class. So although NWSL wouldn’t have the soccer market to itself the strength of the soccer market overall still would easily make it one of NWSLs best franchises very quickly regardless of the men’s team. In regards to Caitlin it could be many reasons for that, we don’t know what percentage she is going to own or if she wanted to really be connected to the bid until there was clarity of if it was the winning one. You could easily say Caitlin in a savvy business move didn’t want to create hype around NWSL and create all of this free press (like it’s definitely doing this morning) if her bid wasn’t winning. Good PR move. They must be giving her a % of the team solely based on name recognition as I am not sure she has the cash yet for a big piece. She earned the league minimum in 2024 of $76,000 and reported NIL of $ 4 million with more to come. But the Cleveland group is impressive in its own right with many representing possible advertisers- most notably the Progressive President and CEO. I wouldn’t discount this group of achievers: https://www.clevelandprosoccer.com/women-investor-group-announcement-august-2024
November 22, 2024Nov 22 Sounds like the Caitlin Clark news, while interesting, can be interpreted literally anyway you like, so it may not be all that useful. One thing to be happy about though is that Cleveland and Cincinnati seem to be universally the top two teams, so Ohio is almost certainly getting a new time. And most likely the city that gets left out will be next in line. I will say, from a purely map based perspective, having a team already in Louisville make me think they may prefer Cleveland, but honestly it sounds like it's a tossup at this point.
November 22, 2024Nov 22 The Clark move will not sway the decision either way, this is wayyyy too far along. If Cincy wins, they will have already won before this announcement. Clark doesnt know anything we dont. I spent last night with the Owners of the Cleveland Soccer Group, there is still nothing imminent on either end.
November 22, 2024Nov 22 5 minutes ago, BelievelandD1 said: The Clark move will not sway the decision either way, this is wayyyy too far along. If Cincy wins, they will have already won before this announcement. Clark doesnt know anything we dont. I spent last night with the Owners of the Cleveland Soccer Group, there is still nothing imminent on either end. Agreed. I think this decision was made last month. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
November 22, 2024Nov 22 5 minutes ago, Ethan said: Sounds like the Caitlin Clark news, while interesting, can be interpreted literally anyway you like, so it may not be all that useful. One thing to be happy about though is that Cleveland and Cincinnati seem to be universally the top two teams, so Ohio is almost certainly getting a new time. And most likely the city that gets left out will be next in line. I will say, from a purely map based perspective, having a team already in Louisville make me think they may prefer Cleveland, but honestly it sounds like it's a tossup at this point. True and we always thought of Cinci as more Kentucky than Ohio.
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