From the city website I got: Mayor and Council Office Shirley Horton, Mayor shorton@ci.chula-vista.ca.us http://www.ci.chula-vista.ca.us/citygov.htm City Hall 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista CA 91910 691-5044
Why? Basically, we should all get our act together and start emailing and calling the Mayor's office to at least plant the seed. It's possible there have already been some behind the scenes talks about soccer investors, etc., and city officials would love to hear from actual MLS fans who would promise to support the team and spread the word. It's a reach, no doubt. But stranger things have happened in this world.
The thing is that we've been talking about this for a month now. Let's face it, we're just not motivated enough to do something
Well we can keep talking or do something. Let's email them and see what happens. At least we can ge a polite responce thanking us for our interest.
Okay, here's the letter I just dashed off (guess I'll be working overtime today ): Dear Ms. Horton: You don't know me but I am a big soccer and MLS fan. MLS (Major League Soccer) is the first division soccer league in the U.S. MLS is looking for places to expand to, and in my opinion, San Diego (i.e., Chula Vista) would be ideal, considering its huge soccer-loving population. Two problems: a team would need not only what MLS calls an "investor/operator" (i.e., an owner), but also a place to play, preferably a Soccer Specific Stadium ("SSS"). I know a few years ago the City of Chula Vista was interested in building a stadium for the Padres when their conflicts with the City of San Diego were still ongoing. Given that, it's not a stretch for me to believe that one of the fastest growing areas of San Diego would consider building - in association with an investor-operator - a soccer specific stadium to house an MLS team. A stadium could also include numerous adjoining fields and park-space which could be used by the public, so the stadium would not be built solely for the purpose of the MLS team. An MLS team (after expansion) would automatically have at least 15 dates on its schedule, but with exhibitions, Open Cup games, practice games, etc., up to 30-40 events could be held at the "SSS". It would also truly help make Chula Vista "major league". Anyway, I don't know if anyone has ever contacted you regarding MLS and its expansion plans, or if you know of any "deep pockets" who might be interested in such an undertaking. I myself have what one would call "thin pockets", though I am hard working, and if a team were to come to the fair City of Chula Vista, I would work hard for its survival from a grassroots and "supporter" perspective. Basically, I'm just wondering if this is on your radar at all, and if it is not, whether you think maybe it should be? Warmest regards, XXX. San Diego.
Well, I already can see some problems with this letter - like not mentioning the cost of a SSS is significantly LESS than a new baseball stadium - but that's what one gets for dashing one off quickly from work.
There are two words I have yet to see on this thread: East County. Two more: El Cajon. Granted, it's been a few years since I've lived in America's Finest City, but when I did, there was still plenty of land in El Cajon, Santee, and Alpine. Is it different now?
Think of how you could pad attendance! Pay $500 to a "coyote" to get you across the border or pay $450 for a "season ticket" which allows you to enter at the south end and exit at the north end! We could sell 35,000 season tickets in a 10,000 seat stadium!
I'm personally an east county boy myself (grew up in Santee), and I don't think that the political climate is right for a soccer stadium. East county folks seem to be a bunch of NIMBY's. A lot of people are against any growth such as housing, let alone a soccer stadium.
Climate is definitely not right for a stadium. In fact if the county voters had to do it again, I doubt the Pads would be getting a stadium. The only thing we have in our pockets is that Shirley Horton wants to bring Chula Vista to the big time. If it was possible to build a stadium similar to Columbus at a similar price, I would think Chula Vista would be interested. Problem is construction in California is way more expensive than in Ohio.
I think Chuka Vista would be a great place too. It has that water park and Coors. Wouldn't a SSS be cheaper than a water park? Or is that ignorance speaking?
Oh yeah, just for a side note you should listen to 1130 AM this sat from 4 to 6 cause it has a show called "Inside Soccer." Anyway, Don Garber will be this week's guest. Go here to see more! http://www.sockers.com/press/other/inside_soccer.html
I didn't even know there was a soccer show on the air in SD. That is strange that it is on KSDO rather than xtra. Well maybe calling in this week may be good move. I wonder if the sockers control this program or what.
I've never listened to it, but I think that Brian Quinn (Head coach of the Sockers) is the host. So the "Sockers" might not control the program, but their people do. I guess I should give it a listen some time. I tried to do listen a few weeks ago when Garber was on, but my internet connection didn't seem to work with the website.
Well with the Sockers coming back this year at least some type of soccer will be played in SD. They have been running adds on a lot of local radio stations. Their big thing is inexpensive fun for the whole family and FREE PARKING at the sports arena. I hope they can succeed, but I think the public has a tough time accepting all these new leagues that come and go year after year.