Ottawa bid for MLS

Owner of National Hockey League side Ottawa Senators, Eugene Melnyk, has officially handed in a bid for an MLS expansion franchise in 2011.

Melnyk said: “Soccer is a sport with a global reach and presence. It is a sport steeped in culture and tradition, with a unique ability to connect fans from around the world. We want to bring the world’s game to Ottawa and there is no better way to do that than to become part of Major League Soccer.”

Melnyk plans to build a 30,000-seat soccer specific stadium as part of his MLS bid. The stadium will be built next to Scotiabank Place, the hockey arena where Ottawa Senators plays their matches.

Melnyk added on their stadium plans: “The stadium is a focal point to bringing Major League Soccer to our city. Every world-class city has a world-class outdoor stadium.” The stadium would be a multi-purpose venue, capable of hosting concerts, festivals and other events.

“The stadium is a major investment in our community so we want it to be a multi-purpose entertainment facility. Ottawa is Canada’s capital and the second-largest city in Ontario. Our community needs and deserves a world-class stadium.”

It is believed St Louis, Miami, Portland, Montreal and Vancouver could also make bids for the expansion slots.

[Source: Mlsnet.com]