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I hope fairness prevails
Fair would be ideal but if there is a substantial funding or financing gap for the Eleven Park project, then fair has to step aside for the financial feasibility of a prudent city investment. And if it’s looking shaky already financially, I would much rather they city bow out, and pursue something that is more financially advantageous for taxpayers then erring on the path that isn’t.
One side not really mentioned here is the MLS angle. I think Indy has been on the list for them, but primarily as a 2nd tier location that will eventually get a team in a scenario where multiple divisions exist. However, if given the opportunity to take down a significant USL team and take a market off the playing field with significant financial incentive, they are interested. Indy 11 attendance is very good for a USL product that plays in a substandard location with very little player recognition. Getting 20K soccer fans in attendance for a team with established personalities and a match day experience to match is not that big of a stretch at all. I personally know many that will flock to season tickets if/when that day comes.
The unknown funding is yet to be announced, however a few well placed guesses would probably be correct. Also rumors of previous investors in PL Chelsea being involved as well. There isn’t a quick flight to NYC and subsequent announcement if there is not juice behind the scenes that gives a reasonable impression this can happen. There is political risk to the admin and little incentive to push out an announcement otherwise. I would not take everything announced at this point at face value on any side.
Keystone Group is in a tough spot. Their vision for the investment they would like to make is great, they also had a long time to secure an MLS franchise and could not get it done. Are they any closer today? Do they really have the funds available to start a franchise? Maybe Indy 11 can be part of the negotiation as a part of the process, though that is hard to say. I like the idea of good faith negotiations and transparency, however in the development world if you aren’t first, you’re usually last. This isn’t a Disney movie.
MLS is becoming more, not less relevant relative to the US sports landscape. The Premier League is more popular than ever. Right now, they are not considered the equal of European clubs. Is that still the case in 10, 20, 30 years? Is betting it will not be a good idea?
I agree with everything you said 100%. Just going off the very limited info that we have, I honestly believe Hogsett went to NYC and was giving the nod if he can check off every box on the commissioners list. HUGE pockets got in the mayors ears and now its all about drawing up the plans to submit and seeing if Keystone wants to sell the property the bought or take a lost. I would love to see IndyEleven worked into the plans or Keystone group have a percentage in the ownership but either way Keystone group is going to get left behind if it doesnt make some sort of compromise. At the end of the day, I only want what’s best for Indy. I want to see the city grow and attract more talent here. I want to see what a modern Indy looks like for the future. Our peers are constantly competing and trying to out perform Indy. Its never ending and Indy must always try to either keep up or lead
All said in comments above is understood. Yet, I believe Hogsett and group blind-sided Keystone, based on the IBJ reporting. I also surmise the apparent gap in tax revenue should have been developed mutually and understood between the City and Keystone long before now. What was originally presented to the General Assembly for it to be able to approve the Keystone proposal? More fictional numbers? The City apparently didn’t understand the proposal that was presented to the State. Here’s Keystone Group that’s been interested in improving the City, with money ($1.5 billion ……………was that seen as chump change by the know-it-all’s at City Hall) and the City magically spit out some numbers now, way late in the game, and simply say to Keystone, “Eh, too bad guys”, without trying to continue tweaking the Project proforma? The ultimate lesson here is forget doing business with the City.
One doesn’t start spending big dollars in turning dirt without funding locked down between the 2 parties here.
You might want to keep in mind that it appears that Ozdemir appears to be much more liked by the current ownership of the IBJ … than the previous ownership, under which the IBJ ran a rather scathing piece a decade ago on his operating methods that I’ve linked to several times. Now he’s one of the “state’s most influential and impactful leaders across business, philanthropy, the arts, government and not-for-profits.”
Witness how we got quarterly stories about the way Sardar Biglari is running local institution Steak and Shake into the ground and … that just up and stopped around the time that the IBJ leadership changed. You think that’s because Steak and Shake changed anything?
Yes, it could all be a coincidence. And, no the IBJ wouldn’t be the only media outlet with favorites or people they don’t like. EVERY OUTLET IS LIKE THAT. But just a perception noted by one reader.
I would urge the IBJ and its excellent reporting staff, who so far have led the way on this story, to continue to dig deep into what exactly is going on here. Something is fishy. The heliport site does not appear big enough for a stadium project. It backs up to railroad tracks which are not going anywhere. The sort of stadium development underway at the Diamond Chain site would never fit at the heliport site. And all of this is contingent on the city actually getting a major league soccer team, which may or may not happen, despite Hogsett’s optimistic statements.
I would like to see a soccer stadium built in a part of Indy that needs some revitalization, like the area around Lafayette Square. There appears to be empty space in that area so a
soccer stadium might have a lower cost for land and could perhaps have ample parking.
This area is fairly easily accessed via interstate and the streets are wide . Airport is also on that side so teams could fly in and out easily.
Bus service is available too.
Why must all the sports be jammed into the downtown area with its high prices which limit who is able to attend?