re: MLS in New Orleans, the logistics of it

Garber has consistently said that an expansion team's potential for MLS is determined by three factors: 1) real viable ownership; 2) stadium plan; 3) support potential. The Montreal Impact paid $40M expansion fee; NYC paid $100M. It is safe to say that a potential ownership group in New Orleans will have to pony up north of $50M for the expansion fee. I do not think New Orleans will be home to an MLS team. That being said, it is fun to dream:

Stadium? The obvious choice would be to utilize Tulane's new stadium. It will be a good size and offer a cozy atmosphere in a good location. However, MLS will not entertain approaches for a new club without a permanent stadium plan.

The permanent solution will be to construct a new, soccer specific stadium. It will need to be fully financed by wealthy investors or the only alternative will be to seek public funds from the state and/or local governments. I do not believe such plans for public financing will be accepted or supported by the public majority. Therefore, a solid ownership group with deep pockets will be necessary. Unless they have Beckham type money, they will have to find a parcel of ill-used land that has potential to develop into a growth area. Garber's statement on stadiums is pretty clear:

quote:

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"The urban formula has been working for us and it’s hard to imagine that we would go into a market where we don’t have that scenario. … It’s not an absolute, but whether it’s Minneapolis, or St. Louis, or Austin or San Antonio. All the potential stadium sites and I say potential because we haven’t even begun to look deeply in any of those markets, all of them would be within the urban core."

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The stadium will need to be covered over the stands for protection from the elements but not closed in so ventilation and air flow may help dissipate the Louisiana heat. Perhaps raise the roof high above the stands on pillars or sheath it in a mesh like covering such as the Dynamo stadium.

Fanbase? I don't think the market is there to support an MLS club. It must be fun to go to the games and the area around the stadium. Location will be key. Perhaps try and draw some of the tourists (foreign and domestic) to the game. A solid academy that is tied closely to the community is a necessity so that grass roots attachments are formed.

Corporate sponsorship? I don't think New Orleans has an edge but I think a good corporate sponsorship will be easy to find.

Name? I like two: 1) the Dukes (New Orleans was named in honor of the Duke of Orleans); it sounds regal, pimpish, and is unique. 2) the Creoles; also borne from the area's heritage and is unique to the area.

Colors? Most will probably suggest purple, gold, green but instead I would prefer the colors of the city's flag: red, blue, white, and gold



Crest? Re-shape the city flag into a crest someway; stylize it yet keep it classy. Perhaps somehow incorporate the crescent bend of the river into part of the crest. Maybe include the three fleurs-de-lis.