Let's dive into a fascinating development in the world of sports and urban planning: the potential arrival of a professional soccer team and its accompanying infrastructure in Syracuse, New York. This story is a perfect blend of sports, business, and community impact, and I'm excited to explore it with you.
The Vision for Syracuse's Soccer Future
A group of investors, led by Ryan Mooney, a former U.S. Soccer Federation executive, has set their sights on bringing professional soccer back to Syracuse. Their ambitious plan involves constructing a stadium at the Syracuse Inner Harbor and a complex of playing fields for youth tournaments and training. This dual-pronged approach aims to create a thriving soccer ecosystem in the region.
A Bold and Ambitious Undertaking
Mooney describes their vision as "pretty bold and pretty ambitious." The project is designed to have three key components: a sports complex, a professional soccer team, and a stadium to host the team's games. This integrated approach is intended to boost sports tourism, provide training opportunities for local youth, and bring professional soccer back to the city.
Navigating the Early Stages
While the idea is exciting, it's important to note that the project is still in its infancy. The investors, including Mooney and several high-profile business owners, are cautious about discussing details until they secure a team franchise. They're targeting USL League One or MLS Next Pro, leagues that serve as stepping stones to the top tiers of American soccer.
Political and Community Support
One key factor in the project's favor is the support of Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, a former college soccer player and strong advocate for sports tourism. McMahon's enthusiasm for soccer and his experience could be a significant boost for the initiative. Additionally, Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli has expressed support for the general concept, although he awaits more concrete details.
Financial Considerations and Stadium Location
The financial aspect of the project is intriguing. Soccer stadiums in comparable cities have a wide range of costs, from $42 million to $175 million, with a median cost of $95 million. Typically, these are public-private partnerships, with about 40% of the cost covered by public sources. However, some stadiums have been built entirely with private funds. The investors have not yet applied for public funding but expect to do so once the project's outlines are clearer.
As for the stadium's location, the Inner Harbor is the target, primarily due to its proximity to downtown nightlife, shopping, hotels, and attractions like the new county aquarium. The potential site is a vacant 6-acre parcel at the corner of Spencer and Solar streets, owned by a company with previous experience in stadium construction.
The Role of a Stadium in Community Development
One intriguing aspect is the potential impact of a stadium on the long-delayed development of the harbor area. The city's previous choice of Cor Development Co. to develop the area has resulted in limited progress so far. Could a stadium be the catalyst for more significant development? Common Councilor Jimmy Monto believes a soccer stadium could give a boost to Inner Harbor development, but it shouldn't be the only focus.
Building a Soccer Ecosystem: The Field Complex
The second part of the plan is equally intriguing: a complex of 10 turf fields affiliated with the pro team. This complex would host traveling youth tournaments, local leagues, practice sessions, and camps. The idea is to create a prestigious facility that attracts tournaments and establishes high-quality training programs for local kids. Entrepreneur Brett Albro, who initiated the CNY Growth concept, believes a professional team can be a real differentiator in terms of programming quality and inspiration.
Previous Attempts and National Trends
Syracuse has seen its fair share of professional soccer teams come and go. The city has hosted successful minor-league baseball and hockey teams, but three previous attempts to establish a pro soccer team have failed. However, interest in soccer is on the rise nationally, with USL League One and MLS Next Pro adding over 20 new teams in the past five years. A dedicated stadium is seen as a key factor in establishing a successful team.
Conclusion: A Potential Game-Changer
The proposed soccer stadium and field complex in Syracuse could be a game-changer for the city's sports scene and its economic development. While the project is still in its early stages, the vision and support from key stakeholders are encouraging. As the details unfold, it will be fascinating to see how this ambitious plan evolves and its potential impact on the community. Personally, I'm excited to see if Syracuse can finally establish a thriving professional soccer team and create a vibrant soccer ecosystem.
