Vancouver Whitecaps expected to join MLS in 2011

VANCOUVER – The MLS may see a new franchise emerge in 2011, as the Vancouver Whitecaps will announce on Wednesday in a press conference that they have won the bid to play in the prestigious soccer league.

Several groups entered the draw for the 2 available franchise positions but were forced to pull out due to the steep franchise fee. Montreal, Atlanta and Miami were unable to meet the $40 million price tag set by the MLS. The cities remaining in the bid include Portland, St. Louis, Ottawa and of course, Vancouver.

The Vancouver Whitecaps currently play in the United Soccer League as defending champions, calling Vancouver’s Swangard Stadium their home field. The stadium’s operations company, PavCo announced the procurement of a $365 million government grant for the renovation of the stadium, including the building of a retractable roof. This means that the team will see a fresh new field with the securing of the MLS franchise.

During renovation, it is expected that the Whitecaps will play their MLS games in a reconfigured BC Place Stadium, which will accommodate 20,000 fans.

The Whitecaps’ east cost counterparts, Toronto FC, have celebrated much success since they joined the MLS in 2007.  Toronto’s BMO field, which has a seating capacity slightly above 20,000, has sold out every game this season; season ticket holders hold 16,000 seats, and 14,000 are kept on waiting list.

The signing on of this franchise will be a major milestone for the Whitecaps and for Greg Kerfoot and Bob Lenarduzzi, the Whitecaps owner and President. The two played on the team when they were members of the North American Soccer League from 1974 to 1984.

˚˚˚

Constantineau, Bruce. (2009). Whitecaps expected to announce they will join MLS in     2011. VancouverSun.com.
<http://www.vancouversun.com/Whitecaps+expected+announce+they+will+join+2011/1398865/story.html>        17 March 2009

Kennedy, Peter. (2009). Whitecaps set to make MLS. CTVBC.ca
<http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20090317/BC_whitecaps_soccer_leage_090317/20090317/?hub=BritishColumbiaSports>
17 March 2009