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Posted on Sun, Jan. 27, 2008

FIU hopes new stadium lures MLS

Major League Soccer is flattered to have a new South Florida suitor, but the league is not ready to jump at Pete Garcia's offer.

Garcia, the athletic director at Florida International University, suggested an MLS team could play rent-free at the Panthers' new 18,000-seat stadium, which is expected to open in September. He hopes FIU will become a go-to venue for pro soccer and international matches now that the Orange Bowl is shutting down.

''I basically told Major League Soccer that we'd do whatever it takes to get them here, even if we have to give them free rent,'' Garcia said. ``I know the city of Miami is talking about building a $100 million soccer stadium with 25,000 seats, but by Sept. 20, we will have an 18,000-seat stadium with 19 suites, lots of parking, and easy access from the Florida Turnpike. If the Miami deal falls through, we'd love to have MLS.''

MLS sent someone from their operations department to explore the FIU venue last week, but league representative Dan Courtemanche said Friday they are still hopeful a deal will be worked out with the city of Miami. The city's proposal calls for league investors to foot half of the $100 million bill, and the franchise owner would then reap the rewards of being a stadium owner in a venue that is promising retail and restaurants.

''Our focus right now is working with the mayor of Miami and the city officials on the potential stadium at the Orange Bowl site,'' Courtemanche said. ``We are still very interested in that project, and that is what we are focusing on.''

Garcia said the FIU stadium is being built with soccer in mind, and he made sure the venue would comply with all of the league's and FIFA's requirements in regards to field size, locker rooms and media work areas. He also stressed there will be seven soccer fields on the grounds -- three on campus and four at Tamiami Park.

''We will become the perfect venue to host international tournaments, exhibitions, and pro matches,'' Garcia said. ``There are a lot of soccer fans in West Dade, and hosting games would be great exposure for FIU, plus we would benefit from the concessions and other game-day activities.''

Tom Mulroy, president of Soccer Marketing and Promotions, agrees the new FIU stadium will be an option for international matches and tournaments.

''Basically, with the Orange Bowl gone, if you are going to host a major soccer event in this market and need a big stadium, you've got Lockhart Stadium and Dolphin Stadium, and Dolphin Stadium has a lot of its dates booked with the Dolphins, Marlins and UM football,'' Mulroy said.

``FIU adds another option, and their calendar will be flexible because they only have six football dates to deal with. I think it's great that FIU wants to use its stadium for soccer and it gives promoters another venue to explore.''

Garcia said he has spoken to Gold Cup tournament officials about holding games at FIU in the future, and also is hoping to land the MLS combine next winter.

''I truly believe our venue is perfect for soccer, and I hope MLS will give us a serious look,'' Garcia said.