Revolution President Jonathan Kraft yesterday said that they are as “optimistic as we’ve ever been” that the team will be able to secure a piece of land in downtown Boston for a soccer-specific stadium in '18. Speaking at the inaugural Dealmakers in Sports conference, Kraft noted that while the search for a stadium site has taken longer than fans have wanted, “if you settle by being outside the urban core or by moving into a building that isn’t right, you are just creating problems for yourself 10 years down the road. We want to solve it permanently.” The Revs have played home games at Foxboro Stadium and Gillette Stadium since the team’s inception in '96 (Ian Thomas, Staff Writer).
GIVING THEM OPTIONS: In Columbus, Rick Rouan notes city officials in a letter released yesterday suggested that the Crew could "build a new stadium at one of two public parks as they try to find ways to keep the team from moving." They also mentioned "redeveloping the state fairgrounds, where the team’s current Mapfre Stadium home sits, along with unnamed private sites Downtown that the letter says are 'feasible' and could help create a 'stadium central' along with Nationwide Arena and Huntington Park" (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 11/30).
NOT SO FAST: In Nashville, Joey Garrison notes MLS stadium critics yesterday "sued Metro government" in an effort to stop Nashville's MLS plans and other changes "targeted for the city's fairgrounds." Plaintiffs led by the advocacy group Save Our Fairgrounds have "asked a judge to intervene to halt the MLS stadium from going forward as well as separate plans for a new 46-acre park and recreational soccer fields at the Fairgrounds Nashville." They have "argued both interfere with existing uses of the fairgrounds that are protected by either Metro or state law" (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 11/30).
IT'S GOING DOWN: In Portland, Joseph Gallivan notes preliminary construction work has "begun on the new east stand at Providence Park." During the Timbers' offseason, the contractors are "laying the foundations for the 6,500-seater stand." Other changes happening this winter include "removing the team store." Then in a year's time at the end of the '18 season, the roof of the Key Bank stand "will be removed and construction upwards will begin apace." The schedule "calls for the stand to be completed" in time for the '19 season's preseason tournament, a couple of weeks before the MLS season begins (PORTLAND TRIBUNE, 11/30).
