Financing the third "soccer-specific" stadium

[AreliusIII]

http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/13130871.htm

[StarsOnSunday]

For those of us who are not registered with the Star-Telegram, could you please copy and paste the story for us? Thanks.

[Merrill]

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[AreliusIII]

Posted on Thu, Nov. 10, 2005



SOCCER INSIDER
MLS has prototype in Frisco
By TOBIAS XAVIER LOPEZ
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

Pizza Hut Park wasn't the first stadium built for Major League Soccer, but the financing of the third "soccer-specific" stadium is defining the future of the 10-year-old league.

MLS is touting the "Frisco model" to investors and cities around the country.

The city of Frisco, the Frisco Independent School District and Collin County pitched in with FC Dallas owner Lamar Hunt to create the $85 million complex, which is host for the 2005 MLS Cup on Sunday.

The game is sold out (except for standing room only). Anything less than a sellout would have been a black eye for the first MLS stadium built with the help of public financing.

Pizza Hut Park's 145 acres feature the 21,193-seat stadium, 15 youth/amateur soccer fields, an FC Dallas training field, and a 600-seat mini-stadium.

The Frisco school district benefits from varsity football in a stadium that far surpasses any other high school facility in the state.

The county benefits from the soccer fields, which are in short supply.

The city is banking on visitors to Pizza Hut Park for sports and concerts.

This type of give-and-take is vital for MLS to succeed in building venues and maintaining club stability.

If the Frisco model proves beneficial for all, it becomes the blueprint in a nation where pro soccer has failed repeatedly.

The Hunt Sports Group now earns revenue from parking, concessions, merchandise, tickets and sponsorships, such as the Pizza Hut deal that netted $1.25 million a year for 20 years.

MLS clubs such as the MetroStars struggle with leases that favor the venue. Giants Stadium takes 80 percent of parking and 70 percent of concessions and merchandise.

Real Salt Lake pays the University of Utah $10,500 per game, while the team earns a meager 10 percent from concessions.Both clubs have reached agreements for their own facilities in Sandy, Utah, and Harrison, N.J.

Chicago and Colorado have begun construction of facilities similar to Pizza Hut Park in design and financing. By 2008, the 12-team MLS is aiming for 14 teams, with nine clubs playing in eight soccer-specific facilities.

On Monday in Frisco, local teams will practice on the 15 fields.

In January, eight Mexican pro teams will compete in the InterLiga tournament.

In February, FC Dallas will begin preseason training.

In April, Manchester United and Real Madrid will join thousands of youth clubs in the Dallas Cup.

In September, the Frisco Raccoons and the Centennial Titans will play high school football there.

In 10 years, Frisco could represent the league-changing/saving wave of MLS stadium financing.

Or Frisco schools will have one nice stadium for Friday night football.