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Merritt Paulson made that claim at the MLS Task Force meeting on February 24th and I know that is a recommendation of the Task Force.  From what I have heard directly from Mr. Paulson and members of the Task Force is that the bonds being backed by the Paulson's is a deal breaker.  My understanding is that the bonds will be paid off through the Sports Spectator Fund (lease revenue for the property + ticket tax I think).  Factotum as a taxpayer how do you feel about a failed Timbers?  If we don't move the team into MLS the odds of the team folding dramatically increase as Vancouver will undoubtedly get in and we would be the only club left on the west coast in an inferior and somewhat unstable league.  Good luck paying off the outstanding bonds (which Mr. Paulson has been doing btw) that still exist from the Portland Family Entertainment deal if the Timbers die on the vine that is the United Soccer League.   

posted 4 years, 2 months ago
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euderma,

Merritt Paulson has agreed to back these bonds with his own family's resources (not backed by a corporation as in the old PFE deal, but his family).  This means in the unlikely event this fails then the Paulson family is on the hook for the outstanding bonds.  What part of this are you having trouble comprehending?  Remember PGE Park is owned by the City so the bonds are an investment in THEIR property.

posted 4 years, 2 months ago
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Rory,  are you serious?  Have you looked at attendance figures for USL?  I will save you the time and remind you that Portland is always at the top even when the team was at the bottom.  Attendance for the Timbers has grown every year.  Portland always turns out for high level soccer.  Are you aware that thousands crowded the square for the World Cup Final on a big screen?  Approximately 20,000 packed PGE for Women's World Cup qualifying matches.  More than 15,000 fans attended the friendly against Sunderland in 05'.  Thousands of kids in the community play and love this game including my daughter who also attends games regularly.   Crowds like I just mentioned will be commonplace with MLS matches.  You don't seem to know the city very well. 

posted 4 years, 2 months ago
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I have a dream!!  That dream is 20,000 people packed into PGE on a warm June night putting the hurt on the Seattle Flounders. 

Dear City Council, please make this happen!  MLS and Portland is a match made in heaven despite what all of the do nothing ever  crowd has to say about it.

posted 4 years, 2 months ago
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