I haven't seen this anywhere on this forum, but Gary Green of the Storm Chasers is getting closer to bringing USL soccer to Omaha. For those that don't know, USL soccer is the feeder league to MLS. It's a high level of competition. The league consists of teams that are straight affiliates with outside ownership and teams that are run by the MLS clubs themselves (such as the team in KC). Some, like Cincinnati, draw extremely well, some, like KC draw under 1k per game.
http://www.omaha.com/sports/local-sport ... b59cf.html
Of particular interest, the expectation seems to be that the team will want its own facility. I haven't heard anything on the finances for that piece...but, knowing pro sports, I would assume there would calls for some municipality to pony up a significant portion of the cost. This seems like a tough sell to the general public in this city who are weary of building sports facilities only to have them not live up to expectations.
I have talked to members of Storm Chasers management about this, and I was told that if they don't get their own facility, it's a non starter. I suggested a partnership with UNO or CU. Morrison Stadium is a fantastic facility downtown and UNO needs all the cash it can get. Both facilities are exceptional soccer facilities, but I was told that the team will need to have control of its revenue streams.
I'm a soccer fan. I would go to these games. I wonder what the average citizen in Omaha will think if they are asked to pay even a dime towards such a facility...especially if the argument is made as to why they can't share one of the existing venues.
Will this happen? Or, will this go by the wayside the way Green's dreams of a NBDL franchise here seemingly has? Thoughts?