Jack152

I guess we have an Arena Football League team. I had no idea. Carolina Energy Now bring back indoor soccer.

Yeah, that's the thing with MLS. If it's in your town, you love it and follow it. If it's not, you don't pay any attention to it. I don't think Charlotte gets MLB or MLS any time soon. With the Panthers' stadium issue looming on the horizon, there won't be any pubic money for anything else. Not for a while, anyway.

To hell with it. Bring indoor soccer back to Bojangles' Coliseum and call it good. Major Arena Soccer League

UNCC used to be a fixture in the NCAA tournament. They always got bounced in the first round, but they were there. It's been 13 years since they've been there. I don't believe that football is that much of a factor. This past season aside, they've done a decent job building a program from scratch. But the basketball program is in shambles.

I agree. But that won't stop the city govt. from bending over for whoever the new owners are.

At this point, it probably doesn't matter if Marcus drops his bid or not.. With the looming uncertainty about Panthers ownership, there's no way the city spends a dime on a soccer stadium.

Looks like Nashville is getting a team. There goes a Southeastern slot. And with the Panthers up for sale, maybe Marcus Smith sets his eyes on that prize and drops his bid completely.

That will be the final nail in the coffin for Charlotte and Raleigh.

1. There is no shortage of soccer players on this planet. 2. The current level of play isn't very high for MLS, anyway. Relatively speaking.

I've seen a bunch of these, and Charlotte is usually listed somewhere near the bottom. It's a direct reflection on the dysfunction between Smith and the local government. Shame, because Charlotte is the exact demographic MLS wants: young, growing, and increasingly urban.

McPhilliamay's business plan was minor league first, then MLS. Under the last renovation plan, he would pitch in $8 million, and the county would put up $16 million to cover the rest of the costs. If MLS is off the table, you have to wonder about McPhilliamy's willingness to throw $8 million at minor league soccer, with no major league payoff in sight. And if the county won't pony up $30 million for a major league stadium, why would they fork over $16 million (or more) for a minor league one?

But that won't happen. MLS works best as a live, local experience. Raleigh fans won't flock to their tv's to watch a Charlotte MLS team. And vice versa. For soccer fans in general, MLS is only relevant if it's in your town.

That rendering looks like it was done in 10 minutes.

I suspect that MLB's mention of Charlotte as an expansion candidate might've been the final nail in the coffin for any MLS money that was on the table.

Yeah, this whole thing is turning into a war of attrition. Must be quite an eye opener for MLS. I think they're realizing that there are a finite number of cities willing to bend over for them. In the end, it won't matter how passionate the potential owners are about soccer, or how soccer crazy a town is. The 4 cities that can put together a stadium plan will get a team. As an aside, Atlanta United games are aired on Fox Sports in both Carolinas. At some point, MLS might decide that NC doesn't even need a team.

I don't think Raleigh fits the template for what MLS is looking for in an expansion city. Charlotte is a better fit, but you are correct about the lack of political will. It seems like the city and county are looking for a way to blow this up, while making it appear like they put forth a good faith effort. It wouldn't surprise me if Nashville sneaks in and grabs the last "southeastern" spot.

I find it hard to believe that "educated, passionate" Charlotte Independence fans would snub a local MLS franchise, out of some allegiance to a team that has only existed for 2 years.

I will feel disappointed, because it will slam the door on MLS here, and might cost us our USL team, as well. As far as North Carolina FC goes, I will be as indifferent to them as I am the Hurricanes. Will probably stick to watching the Premier League on Saturday morning.

NASL is probably going out of business, so that won't be an option. Besides, the Independence owners' main goal has always been MLS. USL was considered a stepping stone to get there. If Raleigh gets the team, there's a good chance that Charlotte Independence shuts down for good. Especially considering their current stadium situation (or lack thereof).

I'd love to have an MLS team here, but I'll pass on the "mimicking Europe" part. We can be soccer fans without being posers. Which is what those Portland fans are. Enthusiastic posers, but posers nonetheless.

It's the official site for ESPN 730 in Charlotte. Yes, we actually have two sports radio stations here, believe it or not.

If Raleigh lands a team, Charlotte won't be getting one.

http://www.empireofsoccer.com/report-carolina-railhawks-to-rebrand-announce-bid-for-mls-56054/ Looks like Raleigh is announcing their MLS bid tomorrow - as North Carolina FC.

From what I've heard, no. It's a lease.