{image1}Developers have proposed a downtown soccer stadium for the second time in a few years. The proposal has its pros and cons.
As a journalist who covered Milwaukee sports for more than 25 years, and a former resident of the metro area, this writer would love to see sports expand in town. But, I also recognize that Milwaukee is a limited market, and any sports facility has to fit in with overall downtown plans.
Local attorney Marty Greenberg's group wants the development in the Park East area, but some city officials have balked at that idea. Focus then shifted to the PabstCity property. That site was virtually eliminated Tuesday when the Common Council rejected city financing help for the project.
Another possible location for a stadium is north of the Bradley Center. Tim Krause, who owns the Wave indoor team and Wave United outdoor team, proposed a 20,000 capacity stadium for that site a few years ago.
But, the Bradley Center board has an option on the land and has been discussing for months the possibility of expanding the BC to that site.
When Krause made his proposal a few years ago, this writer wrote that the best spot would be in the former Park East corridor near the Water Street entertainment area. Some county officials reportedly like a site in the corridor.
County Executive Scott Walker stopped short of endorsing the soccer project, but has said the Park East area seemed to be an excellent location. Mayor Tom Barrett has not taken a stand on the site, but other city development officials oppose it. The city and county own most of the 64 acres in the Park East redevelopment area.
The stadium itself would cost $40 million to $60 million and would host 40 to 60 events a year, including Major League Soccer (MLS) and international soccer matches; NCAA and youth soccer games; concerts and other community events, according to Greenberg. The development could create 1,000 jobs and attract 500,000 people a year, he projected.
If Greenberg is right in his projections, a choice site should be found. It would seem a 20,000 capacity soccer stadium would fit downtown better than the mammoth Miller Park would have. And, a soccer stadium would avoid repetition of types of development in PabstCity, the Park East corridor and the Menomonee Valley. At times, those three major developments seem to be competing against each other for venues and building projects that sound like clones. Just how many more retail stores and residential lofts can Milwaukee handle?
The IF part of Greenberg's projections is potentially the key word. Recent studies have shown that sports entertainment might have reached the saturation point in Milwaukee.
Four years ago, a SportsBusiness Journal study concluded that Milwaukee could not support either a soccer or National Football League franchise.
Another more recent study by American City Business Journals included Milwaukee in its list of overextended sports markets. The study said Milwaukee needed an additional $30 billion in total personal income to supports its existing teams.
Wave United withdrew from the United Soccer Leagues A-League -- the top minor-league division -- prior to this summer season and now plays an independent schedule tied in with the various ethnic festivals in Milwaukee.
A few years, the Milwaukee Rampage folded after winning a title, leading to the creation of Wave United. The Wave has had success indoors, but moved a couple years ago from the Bradley Center to the U.S. Cellular Arena, in part because of attendance problems.
Amateur soccer, including the well-known Bavarians and other ethnic-based teams, has proven popular in Milwaukee, but that support has not necessarily translated to the pro game.
Greenberg and Peter Wilt, who has been brought back to Milwaukee to help get a MLS franchise, know of the studies, but insisted at their press conferences earlier this month that big time soccer can make it in Milwaukee.
"Soccer is a sport for the new America," said Wilt, who started his career with the Admirals and Wave and eventually became MLS Executive of the Year with the Chicago Fire. "Milwaukee can support an MLS team, and it can thrive here."
Greenberg said the stadium could be a "new urban playground for our city. Milwaukee and Wisconsin deserve soccer at the highest level."
MLS is looking to expand from 12 to 14 teams in 2007. A new stadium would be essential to attracting a team.
Brewers' Player of Week
Lyle Overbay hit almost .700 on the recent road trip and has continued to swing the bat well since the Brewers returned home. O-O-O-O gets this week's honor, with Geoff Jenkins getting special mention.
Hot Tix
The Brewers host the San Francisco Giants, sans Barry Bonds, in a weekend series. Game times are 7:05 p.m. Friday, 6:05 p.m. Saturday and 1:05 p.m. Sunday at Miller Park.
Wave United and the Milwaukee Bavarians meet in soccer at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 1 p.m. for a match in partnership with the 25th Anniversary of German Fest. Soccer Hall of Fame inductee Karl-Heinz Granitza is serving as the Honorary Coach for this festival game.
"This game not only helps celebrate the 25th Anniversary of German Fest, it also marks the second game in a unique home-and-home aggregate series between our clubs," said WU head coach Art Kramer. "We look forward to playing Bavarians at their home field on Thursday night and returning home to face them on our home field on Sunday for the festival match."
The two area NAFL football teams are in action on Saturday night. The Marauders host the powerhouse Kane County Eagles at 7 p.m. at Hart Park. The Racine Raiders travel to Indians for a 7 p.m. game.
In Aussie rules football, the Bombers play an exhibition game in Madison. For more info, go to milwaukeebombers.com.
Look for a preview of August sports events in next Thursday's State Sports Buzz. And, remember that big stories and weekend results are posted at the end of these columns in Sports Buzz Updates.
