Some Additional MLS to Portland Press Conference Thoughts (Updated: Media Coverage)

By: Bob Kellett | September 3rd, 2008

It is hard to capture everything that happens during a live event, especially when you type with two fingers like I do. A few additional thoughts to add to the liveblog:

* I’m struck by the organization of the MLS to Portland effort. I’m sure Merritt Paulson is paying the Gallatin Group a pretty penny to coordinate all this. Everything at today’s press conference was well orchestrated right down to turning on the MLS to Portland and Better Beavers Ballpark sites right before the event started. Having lived through previous ownership groups that couldn’t even get Timbers pocket schedules out on time even with months of planning, it is clear that professionals are at work on this thing.

* While there was nothing really new said at the press conference, that really wasn’t the purpose. The purpose was to draw attention to the efforts. Many of us have been plugged into this for months. The vast majority of Portland has not been. This will draw some attention to the plan. Again, what I have seen to this point is a calculated public outreach and media plan, while the backroom dealings are still in progress.

* It is worth noting that no money totals were mentioned. In the handout to the media there is mention of something in the $75 million range. Randy Leonard made a point of saying that there are ongoing negotiations between Paulson and the City.

* It is clear that Leonard is much more gung ho about baseball in Lents than MLS at PGE Park. He is a politician after all, and he knows that outer SE is his constituency. He did mention Portland as a soccer city but for him this is about baseball in Lents. If that is what it takes, so be it.

* How will this all play out at City Hall? That is the 75 million dollar question. I thought it was interesting that Leonard mentioned Mayor Potter’s role in derailing Major League Baseball in the past. He also indicated that the current Council would be much more willing to help pay for all this through revenue generated through ticket sales. I think that is an easier sell to the public than having money diverted from other programs (something that has never been suggested as a possibility, but undoubtedly will be how the opposition frames it).

* In the list of cities competing for an MLS spot Paulson might have mentioned St. Louis. I was stunned to hear San Diego but I think his point was that a lot of cities are interested in MLS and that there is a tight time frame to get this all done.

* That letter supporting Portland as an MLS city from a unanimous City Council, including Tom Potter, has been sent to MLS commissioner Don Garber.

* In something like this it is all about building coalitions to show widespread support. That’s why Paulson had a group of citizens – fans, business folks, PSU, neighborhood association types, Little Leaguers, etc – standing in front of the media. Smart move.

Your thoughts?

UPDATE: Media coverage

Paulson pushes for Major League Soccer franchise (Portland Business Journal)

Portland launches campaign to lure MLS (Associated Press via SI)

Portland Pushes for Major League Soccer (KOIN)

Campaign launched to lure major league soccer to Portland (KATU)

Portland talking about $75 million deal to attract Major League Soccer (The Oregonian)

Portland Expansion Miscellany (The Offside Rules)

Portland, hello (USA Today)

New push for major league soccer in Portland (KEX)

Nooooooooooooooo! (From the Beer Garden)

Portland talking pro sports stadium again (Jack Bog’s Blog)

BringASport2Portland.com: MLS edition (Oregon Live)

Portland Timbers announce major-league soccer move (Asian-American Sports Examiner)

Major League Soccer? (Portland Business Journal)

Podcast: City Council throws support behind bid to draw a Major League Soccer team to Portland (Oregonlive)

Paulson, Leonard pitch PGE Park renovation (Portland Tribune)

Timbers Today! (Portland Mercury)

Big Time Sports Means Big Time Investments (David Burn)