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| Jake Edwards |
Since its start in 2011 the United Soccer League has grown significantly. In the Interview with Stadiaworld Jake Edwards, president of the league, talks about the importance of soccer-specific stadiums.
Stadiaworld: Since 2011, the number of USL clubs has increased from 13 to 31. In the next few years, more teams will join the league. When do you reach a maximum of teams?
Edwards: As the fastest-growing league in professional sports, we’re proud of the expansive North American footprint we’ve created with teams in 19 states and three Canadian provinces across four time zones. The Tampa Bay Rowdies, Ottawa Fury FC and Reno 1868 FC are joining as new clubs for the 2017 season. Also, Nashville SC will begin playing in 2018 with further expansion on the horizon. We don't have a specific number in mind; as long as quality ownership groups fit our league standards and business model and it is mutually beneficial, we will continue to explore new markets.
Stadiaworld: A lot of clubs in the USL are affiliated with MLS teams. Some reserve teams play in the USL. How do both leagues benefit from this partnership?
Edwards: First off, the term “reserve” is not accurate as the MLS-owned-and-operated organizations function in a second-division professional capacity both off and on the field. Just look at the 2016 USL Cup Final, won by the New York Red Bulls II. Both leagues benefit from this partnership because we have credible ownership groups with proven track records. MLS benefits from the high-quality players who take full advantage of the USL’s competition to pave their professional paths. With two-thirds of our league incorporating independent organizations, many that do hold partnerships with MLS sides, we have created a level of professional play that the USL has not experienced before, and that is an exciting dynamic. It also needs to be said that the quality of ownership groups within the league are making all of this possible – several groups that also own and operate major-league franchises in the NBA, NHL and MLB.
Stadiaworld: Do you see MLS as a partner or more as a competitor?
Edwards: MLS is without question a valued partner. Together, we announced a groundbreaking, multi-year partnership in early 2013, designed to enhance the development of professional players in North America. Adding crucial depth to the North American soccer landscape, the USL’s partnership with MLS provides clubs and players a high level of competition for a league that is already operating as a second division.
Stadiaworld: The attendance at USL games increased a lot in recent years. Do North Americans have an increased interest in soccer?
Edwards: Absolutely. In 2016, our league reported a total season attendance of almost 1.5 million for its 29 teams, a 33 percent increase from 2015. Overall, soccer fandom in North America has continued to increase at an exciting rate. The USL features teams from coast-to-coast and in markets where MLS doesn't have teams, so more sports fans are becoming soccer fans.
Stadiaworld: The organization has a goal of all USL teams as owners or primary tenants of soccer-specific stadiums by 2020. Why do the USL teams need a stadium of their own?
Edwards: It is important to have stadiums that clubs can call their home and it is the standard in professional sports today. For this reason, USL clubs have invested more than $100 million in stadium construction and enhancements in the past 18 months. That number includes new stadium construction, upgraded playing surfaces, seating-capacity expansion, new video boards and fan amenity upgrades.
Stadiaworld: Can you name some stadiums that are currently under construction or planned to be built in the next years?
Edwards: Yes, Rio Grande Valley FC is constructing a 10,000-seat soccer specific stadium, H-E-B Park, in south Texas. Additionally, the Richmond Kickers, Phoenix Rising FC and Tulsa Roughnecks FC are also undergoing major renovations to their facilities. Orlando City B is also moving into a new stadium that will be shared with Orlando City SC, and locating into a downtown venue should be a huge benefit.
Stadiaworld: New USL stadiums are built to be scalable – starting at 5,000 capacity and expanding up to 20,000. Why are the stadiums scalable and does it affect the building costs?
Edwards: USL stadiums are built based off a baseline standard. As our infrastructures are scalable, it enables teams to be extremely versatile, starting with a 5,000 seating-capacity stadium and growing alongside its passionate fan base. Cities have been extremely receptive and welcome the flexibility this new construction provides.
Stadiaworld: Which factors concerning the stadium are particularly important to you?
Edwards: The USL has long recognized the importance of soccer-specific stadiums; these venues allow teams to maximize revenue generation, give fans the best match day experience and provide players with a professional playing environment. Hence, this is why the USL values soccer-specific stadiums.
Stadiaworld: Where do you see the biggest challenges in the future? Are there any new plans for the USL in the upcoming years?
Edwards: Yes, the league is working on many exciting upcoming initiatives. Through the USL’s commitment to game-changing, next-level ideas, the league is finalizing a $10 million investment in USL Productions, a standalone division of the league to be used as the exclusive and premier provider of all USL content across all linear and digital platforms. USL Productions will develop all standardized, high-quality and broadcast network-level production needs for USL content, all while using the latest in media technology. (Stadiaworld, 07.03.2017)
