Mutiny staying in Tampa
Deal reached to keep team there at least one more year
Posted: Thursday October 08, 1998 09:57 AM
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The Mutiny had an average attendance of 10,312 this season |
TAMPA, Florida (AP) -- The Tampa Bay Mutiny will remain in Florida
for at least one more year after reaching agreement on a lease to
play at the new Raymond James Stadium.
Major League Soccer officials, trying to place the Mutiny in a
new home with Houlihan's Stadium scheduled for the wrecking ball,
agreed to a one-year lease with a two-year option to renew.
Some key points still need to be finalized, and the deal remains
subject to approval by Tampa Sports Authority directors. Mutiny
general manager Nick Salkiewicz said the lease should be signed
next week.
Until this week, it appeared the Mutiny would become the first
MLS team to relocate. Tampa Bay drew an average of 10,312 this
season, 10th in the 12-team league, and attendance has steadily
declined over its three-year existence.
MLS commissioner Doug Logan credited Tampa Mayor Dick Greco with
saving the franchise.
"It was a pretty close call," Logan said Tuesday. "It was the
mayor's attitude that put it over the top. I was prepared to leave
and think about it, but he was so enthusiastic and so candid about
getting behind the team, it won me over."
Greco said he plans to put together a task force to help the
Mutiny gain support in the business and civic community.
"Not to have a MLS team in our area would not be a good
thing," Greco said. "I pledge to you publicly that I will do
everything that I can to keep this team here."
Even so, Tampa Bay may get only one more season to prove its
worth. The decision on whether to pick up the lease option will be
based on attendance, Logan said.
Philadelphia, Portland, Oregon, and Rochester, New York, had been
mentioned as possible relocation sites.
Logan said the Mutiny also has been removed from the list of
candidates to host next year's championship game, MLS Cup '99.
Tampa had been considered the favorite, but the bid process now
will be reopened.
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