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July 15, 2009
In a surprise 5-2 vote, Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex board members approve a contract allowing a lead architect to begin designing a domed stadium for Birmingham.
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| Birmingham mayor Larry Langford |
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The vote allows the lead architect to start the process of putting together a team of local architects to assist on a project that will cost more than $550 million and take five years to build. The 57,500 seat stadium would be expandable to 70,000 seats in the future.
Langford told the board he has been in talks with several companies interested in paying up to $1 million a year to have their name connected to the dome. He didn't name any of the companies.
"We have fought too long to get to this point. For those wondering when we would start to get private money, we couldn't take that step until we had funding in place. Major League Soccer is looking for a site for a new team. I think Birmingham could now get them here," the mayor said.
The 15 team soccer league, started in 1996, currently has expansion teams expected to debut by 2010 in Philadelphia, Portland, and Vancouver. The league has favored smaller, soccer-specific stadiums for its teams.
July 16, 2009
Dan Courtemanche, an official with Major League Soccer, says that while no formal discussions are under way, the MLS would give Birmingham consideration for future expansion. "We are very well aware of the passion in Birmingham for soccer events and the big crowds you've seen."
However, cities that didn't make the cut for expansion in 2010 would get first consideration. Two such cities are Atlanta and St. Louis. "We are always open to discussions with cities interested in our league," Courtemanche said.
Courtemanche indicated the dome's artificial turf would not be a strike against it saying, "We have a few teams that play on turf, such as Seattle, which plays indoors."
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Epilogue
Birmingham was never granted a Major League Soccer team.
Soccer finally made it to the Magic City, however. In May 2017 the United Soccer League announced they would place a team in Birmingham in 2019, and the Birmingham Legion has remained active in the USL's Championship league.
Major League Soccer has continued to play to this date.
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Teams of Major League Soccer |
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| Atlanta United 2017 to 2024 |
Austin FC 2021 to 2024 |
CF Montreal 2021 to 2024 |
Charlotte FC 2022 to 2024 |
Chicago Fire 1998 to 2024 |
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| Chivas USA 2005 to 2014 |
Colorado Rapids 1996 to 2024 |
Columbus Crew 1996 to 2024 |
D.C. United 1996 to 2024 |
Dallas Burn 1996 to 2004 |
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| FC Cincinnati 2019 to 2024 |
FC Dallas 2005 to 2024 |
Houston Dynamo 2006 to 2024 |
Inter Miami CF 2020 to 2024 |
Kansas City Wiz 1996 |
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| Kansas City Wizards 1997 to 2010 |
Los Angeles FC 2018 to 2024 |
Los Angeles Galaxy 1996 to 2024 |
MetroStars 1998 to 2005 |
Miami Fusion 1998 to 2001 |
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| Minnesota United 2017 to 2024 |
Montreal Impact 2012 to 2020 |
Nashville SC 2020 to 2024 |
New England Revolution 1996 to 2024 |
New York/New Jersey MetroStars 1996 to 1997 |
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| New York City FC 2015 to 2024 |
New York Red Bull 2006 to 2024 |
Orlando City SC 2015 to 2024 |
Philadelphia Union 2010 to 2024 |
Portland Timbers 2011 to 2024 |
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| Real Salt Lake 2005 to 2024 |
San Jose Clash 1996 to 1999 |
San Jose Earthquakes 2000 to 2024 |
Seattle Sounders 2009 to 2024 |
Sporting Kansas City 2011 to 2024 |
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| St. Louis City SC 2023 to 2024 |
Tampa Bay Mutiny 1996 to 2001 |
Toronto FC 2007 to 2024 |
Vancouver Whitecaps 2011 to 2024 |
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| Major League Soccer logo 2015 to present |
Last update: December 23, 2024