INDIANAPOLIS – Mayor Joe Hogsett announced Thursday, to the surprise of many, plans to bring a Major League Soccer team to Indianapolis.
This announcement raises several questions. Didn't Indy already have plans for a soccer stadium for Indy Eleven? Why the sudden change of direction?
During an appearance on FOX59 Morning News on Friday, Hogsett said he had been eyeing the idea of attracting an MLS franchise for years.
“The idea for soccer in Indianapolis was 10 years in the making,” Hogsett said. “We’re excited to have the opportunity to really encourage a Major League Soccer team to come to Indianapolis.”
Hogsett said there has been a “constant stream” of positive sports news in the city lately, including the addition of Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Pacers' return to the NBA playoffs and the possibility of an MLS team. Ta.
The mayor said multiple sites are being considered, including development on East Pearl Street downtown. Major League Soccer would have had a similar opinion.
“We're going to give Major League Soccer an opportunity to consider where they want to go.” [the stadium to be located],” he said. “We're asking them to come here, not the other way around.”
Hogsett responded to criticism from Keystone Group, owner of the USL Championship League's Indy Eleven. The mayor said attracting an MLS team has always been a goal.
“We want to bring Major League Soccer to Indianapolis, Indiana,” he said. “I think this is a Major League city. We have the Colts. We have the Pacers. And now it's time for us to move on to Major League Soccer, and that's exactly what we want to focus on. That's what I'm doing.
Hogsett attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Eleven Park project, which includes a stadium and complex for Eleven. Construction has already begun.
“I think Major League Soccer is a step in the right direction. Based on the announcements that were made previously, we're not entirely sure if Major League Soccer will ever come to Indianapolis.”
Mr Keystone said the changes were a “shocking reversal” of public support for Mr Hogsett's Eleven Park. The mayor counts the Indy Eleven owners as friends and looks forward to helping shape the future of soccer in Indianapolis.
“I'll tell you [Keystone and Indy Eleven owner] Ersar Ozdemir is a very good friend of mine. And we've worked very closely together. While there may be some differences in how this ultimately looks, we would like to encourage El Sal to make every effort to bring Major League Soccer to Indianapolis. ”
Hogsett traveled to New York to have a “candid conversation” with MLS commissioner Don Garber. He left believing Circle City was acquiring a new professional franchise.
“He was very encouraging,” Hogsett said. “And I think it's very possible that we could partner with the Pacers and the Colts to bring in Major League Soccer and establish another Major League franchise in the city of Indianapolis. And that would be too important to pass up.” I don `t go.”
