There are a lot of reasons why the stadium-lease vote, which could lead to a Major League Soccer franchise down the road, passed in St. Petersburg–and by an unheard of 87-13 margin. The proponents, most prominently Rowdies owner Bill Edwards and his point man, former St. Pete Mayor Rick Baker, were well prepared, and the footprint for Al Lang Field will not have to be enlarged. Frankly, it helps that the sport is not football or baseball, but the relatively boutique sport of soccer in America, where 18,000 capacity–the minimum required for MLS selection–is sufficient.
But the biggest reason was the one that toed the ultimate bottom line. Edwards and private investors will pay for everything. Edwards has already covered the special-election cost, which was $271,000. He’s also committed to underwriting stadium expansion, at approximately $80 million, and the MLS expansion fee of $150 million. That’s just not done in an era of government-subsidized sports facilities.
Call it a vote of confidence in the further energizing of downtown St. Petersburg, as the Rowdies synergistically aim to join the top tier of U.S. pro soccer. Also call it a “Kick in the Grass.” Remember that one?