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The current USL-Timbers bring an economic impact to the stadium area; one just needs to ask the Owners of the Bitter End pub or Marathon Taverna to see what kind of impact is felt game day. With a current average attendance of over 8,000, we'll be gaining at least twice the amount of people attending the area on an average game day; and twice the amount of money coming into the area.

I traveled to Columbus, OH in February to attend the US Mens National Team versus Mexico World Cup Qualifier. The local economy saw a huge boost in revenue in the form of packed hotels and busy bars and restuarants. This is money that the cities businesses would not have seen otherwise (not many people travel to Columbus, OH in February for vacations). An upgraded PGE will most definitely bring higher profile matches, such as National Teams and International Friendlies, further increasing the amount of economic impact that we would see with simply gaining an MLS team.

The stability of the current USL structure must also be called into question. With teams folding in recent years (such as the California Victory, Atlanta and Seattle) with the potential for other teams on their way out (Miami), its a matter of Portland going MLS, or potentially having nothing. MLS is much more financially sound, thanks to sponsorships and television deals with ESPN and FSC, that putting money into that franchise makes more sense than throwing money into the sinking ship of USL.

posted 4 years, 2 months ago
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