You will recall that in Fall 2009, former Mayor Shelia Dixon asked the Maryland Stadium Authority to consider building a Soccer Specific Stadium (S.S.S.) in Baltimore to lure the DC United.

http://www.wbaltv.co...308/detail.html

The results of that study can be found at: http://www.dcunited....adium-study.pdf

The Washington Post reported in December 2010:

"Relocating the D.C. United soccer team to the Baltimore area would create between 780 and 940 jobs and up to $6.4 million in annual state and local tax revenues, according to a study issued Dec. 22 by the Maryland Stadium Authority and a Florida consulting firm.

D.C. United, which currently plays its home games at RFK Stadium, has been looking for a new building to call home for years. After the team failed to secure stadium agreements with officials in D.C. and Prince George's County, Baltimore officials last year asked for a study of the potential economic impact that building a new stadium for the team would have on the area.

Researchers from Crossroads Consulting Services of Tampa considered the possibility of building a 25,000-seat stadium for D.C. United as part of a $1.1 billion mixed-use waterfront development planned for Westport, south of Baltimore. They said a stadium on that site would create up to $30.3 million in direct spending and $78.5 million in indirect spending annually, leading to jobs and tax revenue for the area.

Those projections, however, would require a bump in attendance for the team over its 2010 season. Although D.C. United is considered one of the most successful teams in Major League Soccer, it had a losing 2010 season and averaged just 14,532 fans, 13 percent less than the league average, according to the report.

In a new Westport stadium, however, the researchers estimated that the team would draw between 18,500 and 20,000 fans each game and that the stadium would host between 49 to 54 events per year, 17 of which would be D.C. United regular season games. Researchers also considered the impact of building a smaller stadium for the minor league soccer team Crystal Palace Baltimore. Crystal Palace Baltimore, which is in financial distress, will not field a team in 2011 and is hoping to reorganize for 2012

Kevin Payne, the team's president and chief executive, issued a statement saying the team appreciated the interest from Baltimore and would "continue our conversations as we work toward the best possible long-term home for D.C. United."

In April of 2010, the Commissioner of MLS Don Garber, publicly swiped at the District of Columbia for failing to bring plans for a S.S.S. to fruition.

From a facility stand-point, I believe Baltimore would need a S.S.S. capable of 17 to 20k seats, and the requisite number of corporate boxes to ever obtain an MLS team.

DC United has been one of MLS’ premier franchises. It would be in the best interest of the league for that franchise to continue. If getting an existing team to move to Baltimore was not a legitimate option, will expansion to Baltimore ever be considered by the league? It has been stated that MLS would like to expand South, and West and is concerned of saturation of teams in the East. I would argue that expansion to Baltimore makes sense. There would be an opportunity for natural rivals in Washington, Philadelphia, New York, and New England. At a minimum, away game travel costs for those organizations would be lowered with a team here.

Many European Soccer leagues operate a system of promotion and regulation. From an American baseball point-of-view, the equivalent would be the AAA Norfolk Tides winning the International League and being promoted to Major League Baseball, with the Pittsburgh Pirates heading back to AAA.

In the hierarchy of American Professional Soccer, MLS is considered Division 1.
Baltimore recently had a ‘AAA’ soccer team in Crystal Palace Baltimore of the North American Soccer League (NASL).

http://www.nasl.com/

The NASL spent 2010 in the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) Division 2 Professional League (comprised of 12 teams between the NASL and United Soccer League 1 (USL). The NASL had lost their 2010 bid to the USSF to be certified as their own Division 2 league. My understanding is they reapplied, and gained that certification for 2011.

The 2012 NASL is comprised of the:

Atlanta Silverbacks
Carolina Railhawks FC
FC Edmonton
Ft. Lauderdale Strikers
Minnesota Stars FC
Ottawa
Puerto Rico Islanders
San Antonio Scorpions
Tampa Bay Rowdies

Unfortunately, the Baltimore owners were over-leveraged and were not able to field a team this past year.

There are those that say NASL promotion to the MLS might one day be possible. I believe MLS would state that promotion from the NASL would never be possible without proper facilities in-place. However, there is a much larger difference between AAA Baseball and Major League Baseball, than there is between AAA Soccer and MLS. Additionally, as evidenced by Portland, Vancouver, and Montreal all recently joining MLS (from the NASL); it appears the opportunity is there for promotion / expansion. Getting back into the NASL, with a SSS might be a great-start for Baltimore.

Prior to going out of business, Crystal Palace Baltimore, had announced they were hoping to finalize a deal to build a 7,000 seat stadium in the Carroll Camden Industrial Area near M&T Bank Stadium.

If CPB had moved forward with building that stadium, the cost associated with the venture would have been estimated at $25M. When it was created, I believe MLS would have stated it is an attractive stadium that would never be suitable for the highest level of US Professional Soccer. I think the City of Baltimore should be thank-full that stadium was not built, as it would be a mistake to spend significant money to build a stadium to house the best domestic league.

Baltimore should be stating their case to MLS (similar to what the City of Orlando has recently done) reminding the league of what makes us attractive as a City. I’m sure MLS is aware, but remind their leadership of the tickets sold these previous two years for the European soccer exhibitions. Remind them of the 7,500 people that regularly attend the indoor soccer games for the Blast.

The City of Baltimore should work for that meeting, and make sure that everyone local that should be at that meeting is in attendance. That includes Ed Hale, and the Maryland Stadium Authority at a minimum. It would be beneficial if it also included Under Armour / Kevin Plank, Steve Bisciotti, and Peter Angelos.

What you would be looking forward from a meeting with MLS, is a path forward for Baltimore.

I have no illusion about Baltimore building a $200M Soccer Specific Stadium similar to what was recently built for the New York Red Bulls:
http://www.redbullarena.us/

Most-likely, even something closer to the $120M SSS opened for the Philadelphia Union is very unlikely in the near-term:
http://www.philadelp...t/about-stadium

What absolutely should be discussed is finding the middle ground between the Stadium CPB wanted to build, and what would be needed to house a team in MLS. To me, the logical compromise would be a Stadium that would be built with the corporate boxes necessary to eventually house the MLS, with a seating bowl capable of being expanded to the required 17 to 20k seats.

Here are some examples of other Soccer Specific Stadiums recently built across the US:

http://en.wikipedia....us_Crew_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia....me_Depot_Center
http://en.wikipedia..../Pizza_Hut_Park
http://en.wikipedia....ki/Toyota_Park_(Bridgeview)
http://en.wikipedia....ting_Goods_Park
http://en.wikipedia...._Dynamo_stadium
http://en.wikipedia..../Trails_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia....o_Tinto_Stadium

Baltimore Business Journal January 2011: DC United CEO plans to start talking to Baltimore
http://www.bizjourna...-talk-with.html

Washington Post: November 2011: MLS gauging interest in club playing in Baltimore
http://www.washingto...B4MdM_blog.html

Black and Red United November 2011: DC United Moving to Baltimore inches closer
http://www.blackandr...e-soccer-survey

I used to go to the DC United games when I lived in DC from '96-'98. RFK was rocking, and I mean that literally. You could literally feel the stadium shaking and swaying from the raucous stomping on the stands. The team was outstanding those first few years of the league, with Etcheverry and Moreno and Pope and Harkes and RIchie Williams, it was practically an all-star team.

I always thought that RFK was part of the charm of DC United. I don't want them to move to Baltimore. Of course, if they're going to move out of RFK to some new stadium that doesn't sway, it may as well be in Baltimore.

I used to go to the DC United games when I lived in DC from '96-'98. RFK was rocking, and I mean that literally. You could literally feel the stadium shaking and swaying from the raucous stomping on the stands. The team was outstanding those first few years of the league, with Etcheverry and Moreno and Pope and Harkes and RIchie Williams, it was practically an all-star team.

I always thought that RFK was part of the charm of DC United. I don't want them to move to Baltimore. Of course, if they're going to move out of RFK to some new stadium that doesn't sway, it may as well be in Baltimore.

Never been to a soccer game at RFK, but I can speak to that for baseball and football. When the Nats played there it was really cool to see the 3rd base stands rocking, I did think in the back of my mind you might have a Vet-like experience(that Army-Navy game when the bleachers collapsed). I went to a handful of Redskins games and it was a much better atmosphere than sterile FedEx.

Random tangent but these start up leagues in 2nd tier American sports (MLS/WNBA come to mind), do better in their beginning years before falling down to Earth. DC United has been really down attendance wise recently. I think if an MLS team came to Baltimore, they'd do very well at first, but I'm not quite sure about long-term success. It easily becomes a distant 3rd to the Ravens and Orioles. It's too bad it can't be a winter sport.

Random tangent but these start up leagues in 2nd tier American sports (MLS/WNBA come to mind), do better in their beginning years before falling down to Earth. DC United has been really down attendance wise recently. I think if an MLS team came to Baltimore, they'd do very well at first, but I'm not quite sure about long-term success. It easily becomes a distant 3rd to the Ravens and Orioles. It's too bad it can't be a winter sport.

The MLS as a league has been playing since '96. They are coming off a season with their highest per-game attendance ever (above the NBA, and NHL). They have new TV deals, and the profitability of the league is increasing with these Soccer Specific Stadiums.

I don't see MLS ever becoming more than the 5th most visible league in the country, but the viability of the league is pretty secure.

Also, while DCU's attendance is down so far in '12, they averaged more people in '11 (15,181), vs '10 (14,532).

I went to a handful of Redskins games and it was a much better atmosphere than sterile FedEx.

Well, that goes without saying. FedEx is one of the worst stadiums I've ever seen a game in. In the upper deck, you are so far away from the field that you feel like you are watching from a different zip code. And the upper deck is still so steep that you have to fear a misstep, as you'd tumble to your death for certain.

I don't get that... if you are going to make the upper deck steep, then make it close to the field. This is how it is in US Cellular (formerly New Comiskey) in Chicago, and how it was in old Tigers Stadium in Detroit. It's ridiculously steep, but at least you are more or less on top of the field, so you can see. At Camden Yards, the upper deck isn't especially steep, and it's relatively close, which, of course, is the best of both worlds. At Jacobs Field, the upper deck is not steep at all, but it's set back too far. But in FedEx, the upper deck is waaaaaay back from the field and then it's crazy steep too, creating a feeling of distance and crowding all at once.

Well, that goes without saying. FedEx is one of the worst stadiums I've ever seen a game in. In the upper deck, you are so far away from the field that you feel like you are watching from a different zip code. And the upper deck is still so steep that you have to fear a misstep, as you'd tumble to your death for certain.

I don't get that... if you are going to make the upper deck steep, then make it close to the field. This is how it is in US Cellular (formerly New Comiskey) in Chicago, and how it was in old Tigers Stadium in Detroit. It's ridiculously steep, but at least you are more or less on top of the field, so you can see. At Camden Yards, the upper deck isn't especially steep, and it's relatively close, which, of course, is the best of both worlds. At Jacobs Field, the upper deck is not steep at all, but it's set back too far. But in FedEx, the upper deck is waaaaaay back from the field and then it's crazy steep too, creating a feeling of distance and crowding all at once.

It is engineering. There is only a certain distance you can push an upper deck forward out from the support columns. At some point you need to increase the slope to put more of the mass closer to the columns, bring the entire deck back away from the field, or add support beams toward the front (also known as "blocking views from more expensive seats). Oriole Park manages to create a good balance, but from what I understand it was a challenge (and an expensive one).

(Not an engineer, but I play one on the Internet)

I don't know much they'll impact each other but I would certainly rather see Baltimore get a new arena and the red line before they got a soccer-only stadium.

I don't know much they'll impact each other but I would certainly rather see Baltimore get a new arena and the red line before they got a soccer-only stadium.

Agree 100%. While the people that currently operate 1st Mariner Arena do a very good job, from what I hear, when it comes to luring big-name acts, the fact that the dump is still Baltimore's primary indoor sports/entertainment venue is embarrassing.

I don't know much they'll impact each other but I would certainly rather see Baltimore get a new arena and the red line before they got a soccer-only stadium.

Absolutely. However, I don't think that it has to be one or the other. If the city could get firm interest from MLS, or if a USL-wide promotion/relegation system comes through and there is an interested businessman, I could see private money being used to build a smaller outdoor venue. I find it very hard to believe that Under Armor wouldn't get involved for the association and naming rights.

You could even get the projects intertwined. Does Ed Hale still have ambitions to build an arena in Canton? Let him build the soccer stadium on that side of town, as an anchor for that end of the Red Line, in exchange for his support (and some money) for the new arena/convention center project.

Absolutely. However, I don't think that it has to be one or the other. If the city could get firm interest from MLS, or if a USL-wide promotion/relegation system comes through and there is an interested businessman, I could see private money being used to build a smaller outdoor venue. I find it very hard to believe that Under Armor wouldn't get involved for the association and naming rights.

You could even get the projects intertwined. Does Ed Hale still have ambitions to build an arena in Canton? Let him build the soccer stadium on that side of town, as an anchor for that end of the Red Line, in exchange for his support (and some money) for the new arena/convention center project.

I'm sure this has been brought up, but wouldn't the lower and club-level bowls of M&T be good enough to support MLS soccer? That arrangement has worked out pretty well for the Seattle Sounders in CenturyLink Field. They are among the league leaders in attendance, if I'm not mistaken. For some games they even sell upper-level tickets. In addition to soccer's popularity in the NW, I'm sure part of that has to do with the fact that they play in a great facility in a convenient downtown location.

I'm pretty sure the Sounders play on the same field-turf that the Seahawks play on too. I know for a fact that the Portland Timbers play on field turf in Jeld Wen Field. So I don't think the lack of natural grass for soccer would be an issue, since having to install grass and take it out repeatedly between soccer and football games probably would be an issue.

I work at a local soccer store in the area and play for Loyola University. I heard from a little birdie that the D.C. United to Baltimore deal is 90% done. Baltimore only needs legislation to pass for funding the stadium and it is done. Now DC has a two year extension on their lease at RFK which would give us time to pass legislation and get the stadium built for the for the team. I hear westport would be an area of interest to build it.

Absolutely. However, I don't think that it has to be one or the other. If the city could get firm interest from MLS, or if a USL-wide promotion/relegation system comes through and there is an interested businessman, I could see private money being used to build a smaller outdoor venue. I find it very hard to believe that Under Armor wouldn't get involved for the association and naming rights.

You could even get the projects intertwined. Does Ed Hale still have ambitions to build an arena in Canton? Let him build the soccer stadium on that side of town, as an anchor for that end of the Red Line, in exchange for his support (and some money) for the new arena/convention center project.

Ed Hale to my knowledge is broke....he went upside down on the massive building he owned in the city and got less for it than what he owns. 1st Mariner has done away with him and Im not sure what his status is with the Blast.

I'm sure this has been brought up, but wouldn't the lower and club-level bowls of M&T be good enough to support MLS soccer? That arrangement has worked out pretty well for the Seattle Sounders in CenturyLink Field. They are among the league leaders in attendance, if I'm not mistaken. For some games they even sell upper-level tickets. In addition to soccer's popularity in the NW, I'm sure part of that has to do with the fact that they play in a great facility in a convenient downtown location.

I'm pretty sure the Sounders play on the same field-turf that the Seahawks play on too. I know for a fact that the Portland Timbers play on field turf in Jeld Wen Field. So I don't think the lack of natural grass for soccer would be an issue, since having to install grass and take it out repeatedly between soccer and football games probably would be an issue.

I think the issue is that it takes a lot more resources to use a large venue like M&T Bank Stadium, even if only part of the capacity, as an ongoing thing. Plus, it doesn't look good when a crowd that would fill most buildings in the league only uses a third of the seats.

I think the issue is that it takes a lot more resources to use a large venue like M&T Bank Stadium, even if only part of the capacity, as an ongoing thing. Plus, it doesn't look good when a crowd that would fill most buildings in the league only uses a third of the seats.

The field turf is an issue, though they would play through it until a SSS was built. Another issue is that the soccer field fits awkwardly onto the existing field.

Seattle has done great at CenturyLink, but the teams that have moved from football stadiums to SSS' have done better.

I work at a local soccer store in the area and play for Loyola University. I heard from a little birdie that the D.C. United to Baltimore deal is 90% done. Baltimore only needs legislation to pass for funding the stadium and it is done. Now DC has a two year extension on their lease at RFK which would give us time to pass legislation and get the stadium built for the for the team. I hear westport would be an area of interest to build it.

That's interesting. I know Westport has been discussed for a while. My guess is something like here, right on the light rail and just off 95 and the BW Parkway.

I work at a local soccer store in the area and play for Loyola University. I heard from a little birdie that the D.C. United to Baltimore deal is 90% done. Baltimore only needs legislation to pass for funding the stadium and it is done. Now DC has a two year extension on their lease at RFK which would give us time to pass legislation and get the stadium built for the for the team. I hear westport would be an area of interest to build it.

I'm not trying to bash you or anything, but if we need legislation to pass still, I wouldn't say this thing is 90% done. Though, I would love for them to move north.

It'll be interesting to see what the city decides. The best idea is to build a soccer specific stadium as Chris has mentioned. But, if it is built, does that lessen the chances that the downtown arena is built.

I don't follow the political sides of things at all, but I'm wondering if this would be the case because the new arena would be much more beneficial to the city than a SSS.

I'm not trying to bash you or anything, but if we need legislation to pass still, I wouldn't say this thing is 90% done. Though, I would love for them to move north.

It'll be interesting to see what the city decides. The best idea is to build a soccer specific stadium as Chris has mentioned. But, if it is built, does that lessen the chances that the downtown arena is built.

I don't follow the political sides of things at all, but I'm wondering if this would be the case because the new arena would be much more beneficial to the city than a SSS.

Oh yeah I understand what you're saying but these were the words of my informant. Essentially what I took from it was this...DC United management along with the MLS have pretty much okayed the move as long as the city of Baltimore okays it.

PressBox: State moves into Phase 2 on proposed Soccer Stadium / DC United to Baltimore?
http://www.pressboxo...cfm?authorid=82

Good to see that this is moving along a bit further. Interesting that DC United agreed to pay back the entire cost of the next phase if they ever move anywhere other than Baltimore--forever. Sounds like they are set on getting something done in the region, whether in DC proper or barring that in Baltimore.

http://www.washingto... ... story.html

According to the Post, a new 24,000-seat soccer stadium at Buzzard Point (essentially across South Capitol Street from Nationals Park) in SW DC would cost at least $157 million.