MLS Franchise Notes: FC Cincy Fans To Have More Room In New Venue

In Cincinnati, Steve Watkins noted MLS expansion club FC Cincinnati's supporters groups are going to "have a lot more seats" in their section, and premium seats will be "more plentiful when the team moves into its new stadium in a little more than two years." Preliminary plans "call for 3,100 seats in the Bailey supporters’ section behind the north goal in the new stadium." That is "nearly double" the 1,700 seats in the Bailey at the Univ. of Cincinnati's Nippert Stadium, where FC Cincy currently plays. The new stadium also "calls for 110 seats in a new Bailey Boxes section, just in front of the Bailey." Plans "call for about 4,500 premium seats." The east side would have 2,100 premium seats and the west side would have 2,400 "divided between field level, a view level and a midfield club." According to the plans, the new stadium will also have 50 suites "seating nearly 1,000 people" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 12/3).

LAW & ORDER: In Columbus, Jim Woods noted a Franklin County (Ohio) judge on Monday "denied the request" of Crew Owner Anthony Precourt and MLS to "dismiss a lawsuit by the city of Columbus and the State of Ohio that seeks to keep the team in Columbus." City attorney Zach Klein and Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine in March had filed suit against Precourt and MLS, arguing that Precourt’s proposal to relocate to Austin "did not comply with Ohio Revised Code." MLS in a statement said that it was "disappointed by the judge’s decision, but 'very pleased'" that his ruling "agreed with MLS’ position that the Ohio statute only requires local people have 'a chance to buy' the soccer club." MLS said that it is "hopeful the Haslam and Edward families and the Columbus Partnership can come up with a plan to keep the Crew in Columbus and pursue plans for a new stadium" (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 12/4).

CHANGE OF PLANS: For the first time since '11, the Impact will "play all their home games next season at Saputo Stadium." As in previous seasons, the team will begin the season "on the road before its home opener." Previously, the team would "play a game in March at Olympic Stadium before opening Saputo Stadium in late April." In '19, that April game will be their "first home game" (CP, 12/3).