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January 16, 2006
Johnson County moves forward in pursuit of Wizards' stadium
The Johnson County Sun reports in their story "County kicks off planned soccer complex" that local officials in the area are moving forward with their work to build a soccer stadium and a connecting complex of youth fields.
Their situation is strikingly similar to what San Jose and Santa Clara County have faced but their approach has been different. Rather than looking towards a single government entity to support the project, the Johnson County effort is soliciting input and assistance from the county level as well as from several cities within the county. The business community has also played an active role in providing their input into a study of the situation and the opportunities it presents.
The Sun's story reports that this study stated that the area lacked a "premium quality multifield soccer tournament facility capable of hosting major regional and national tournaments."
The story adds:
(The study) projected a positive economic effect on the community, based on estimated attendance levels at complex events and corporate support.
"Cities with similar complexes attract events and people, but having an anchor of an MLS team would attract major events," the study said.
It projected the complex to have a net operating income of $800,000 in 2008, rising to $1.1 million a year within five years.
(Please note—that's net income, not net revenue.)
Sun columnist Steve Rose also weighs in on the issue, suggesting that the stadium and youth fields make a natural partnership.
Posted by Jay at January 16, 2006 11:15 AM
Comments
Once more, people outside the Bay Area show they see a future in soccer. Too bad I cannot say the same about our leaders here (politicians *and* business leaders)
Jorge
Posted by: Jorge Galazzo at January 17, 2006 08:21 PM