Miami MLS Bidders Seek To Allay Concerns Over Support, Stadium
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Claure Feels Miami Bid
Frontrunner For MLS Team |
Brightstar Communications CEO Marcelo Claure, who along with Spanish La Liga club FC Barcelona is leading Miami's bid for an MLS franchise, said that at a meeting with MLS team owners last week "everyone seemed excited about Barcelona's backing and that he left feeling Miami is 'a frontrunner' for an expansion team," according to Michelle Kaufman of the MIAMI HERALD. However, Claure added that owners "asked to see more proof of local fan interest and a plan to spruce up FIU Stadium to make it look 'more professional.'" Claure: "They said they want to see more support from people here, and there was some concern about the stadium not being up to par with other MLS stadiums. They want better press boxes, more amenities, and they had questions about the artificial turf, which we told them is the best turf there is." Kaufman noted Miami is one of the nation's "most soccer-savvy and soccer-crazed cities, but it remains to be seen whether those fans will support a U.S. pro team." MLS Commissioner Don Garber: "If we go back to Miami, we'd better be sure we get it right. Miami had a smart and focused bid and there are no stadium issues there, but Miami has long been a challenge for professional sports." Claure will "embark on a media blitz [this] week 'to get our name and face out there.'" More than 6,000 people have registered as fans on the miamifcb.com Web site, with 2,000 of those "interested in season tickets." While the previous South Florida MLS team, the Miami Fusion, folded after four years in '01, Claure "insists this team will do better because it will be based in Miami rather than Fort Lauderdale, because the demographics fit better now and because Barcelona, one of the world's top soccer brands, will have its fingerprints on the club" (MIAMI HERALD, 11/30). FC Barcelona CEO Joan Oliver said that the club has a 90% chance of co-owning an MLS franchise in Miami. Oliver: "If it's confirmed, we expect to make a profit in the second year. However, we are making an investment in our image, not financially. It won't cost us any money. ... We are pioneers and if it turns out well other clubs will follow us" (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 12/1).
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