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Originally Posted by miaht82
Here it is...
http://sanantonio.bizjournals.com/sa...05/story1.html
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Friday, July 2, 2010
Spurs’ parent eying pro soccer for San Antonio
Plan calls for developing a new stadium complex
San Antonio Business Journal - by W. Scott Bailey
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Serious discussions
The Spurs are not the only entity interested in securing a pro soccer franchise. Former home builder and developer Gordon Hartman says he, too, hopes to bring a team to San Antonio.
Hartman helped develop Morgan’s Wonderland, a theme park for special needs children, and the STAR Soccer complex — both located at the site of the former Longhorn Quarry on San Antonio’s Northeast Side.
“I’m working very aggressively to put together a plan to bring a professional soccer team to San Antonio,” Hartman explains. “I want to build a venue that would accommodate a pro soccer team.”
Hartman says he has had conversations with multiple teams about relocating to San Antonio.
“We’ve had serious discussions,” he says.
Hartman’s focus is the United Soccer Leagues (USL), which currently has teams in markets such as Austin, Portland and Tampa Bay.
Gomez says he believes San Antonio should start with a team in the USL.
But he says SS&E is interested in a plan that would include a stadium suitable for the MLS.
Scott Metzger, founder of Freetail Brewing Co., has been to MLS matches in Houston and to the MLS Cup in Seattle. His San Antonio brew pub has hosted several World Cup viewing parties that attracted overflow crowds.
“I do believe there is support for a pro team,” say Metzger about the prospect of San Antonio getting its own franchise. “But I believe it has to be done on the top professional level.”
SAISD’s Ed Garza says he isn’t sure how this will play out. But he says San Antonio has come a long way since he left City Hall.
“We can now sustain and support professional soccer in San Antonio,” he says. “We have grown by leaps and bounds over the last five years.”
Gomez says the excitement generated over the World Cup in San Antonio helped “put a face” with the research SS&E has performed with regard to the viability of bringing a soccer team to San Antonio.
“We absolutely believe that professional soccer is the next sport to bring to San Antonio,” Gomez insists. “But it has to be at the right level and at the right venue. We want to do it. But we want to do it the right way.”
SS&E officials say what they can offer a potential venue partner is the expertise from operating multiple professional sports franchises and a major league sports venue — AT&T Center.
“We are a willing, potential partner in the development of a stadium with a school district,” Gomez says. “Frisco has showed how this can work ... .”
Read more: Spurs’ parent eying pro soccer for San Antonio - San Antonio Business Journal
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Well, looks like this part of the article came true.
Gordon Hartman/San Antonio got awarded a team by the
NASL to play at the STAR Soccer Complex.
Monday, October 4, 2010, 4:56pm CDT
http://sanantonio.bizjournals.com/sa...04/daily9.html
San Antonio nets pro soccer franchise
San Antonio Business Journal - by W. Scott Bailey
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The North American Soccer League (NASL) says it has granted an expansion franchise to San Antonio entrepreneur Gordon Hartman.
The new soccer team will begin play in 2012 at the STAR Soccer Complex on San Antonio’s Northeast Side.
“As we continue to expand the NASL and collectively grow professional soccer in the United States, San Antonio is a natural market with a vibrant business community and soccer fan base,” says NASL CEO Aaron Davidson.
Read more: San Antonio nets pro soccer franchise - San Antonio Business Journal
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