Looks like MLS deputy commissioner Mark Abbott got a bite on his appeal to other cities to enter a bidding war with Minneapolis to help build a new Minnesota United stadium: St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman has proposed siting a soccer stadium on an old city bus parking lot near Snelling and University avenues. This would be funded by … by … okay, he didn’t say squat about funding. The closest we got was this response from state representative Rena Moran:
“We’ll see what kind of (tax) breaks they want, but I do believe it would bring us some economic development,” Moran said, adding that she’s open to feedback from business owners and residents.
United officials declined comment on the St. Paul proposal. But Minneapolis officials did not, reports the St. Paul Pioneer Press:
Minneapolis City Council President Barbara Johnson said MLS’ focus on St. Paul will not stop Minneapolis.
“We have a superior site and a more vibrant downtown,” she said.
If all goes according to plan, the Twin Cities will now fight over United’s affections (ideally with tax breaks, though those can’t be formally approved until the legislature comes back in session next winter), and the soccer team owners will be left to sit back and decide which city it wants to settle down with. Isn’t that always the way?