MLS boosts Tucson's economy
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Posted 3:04 PM 2/25/2012 : MLS boosts Tucson's economy
TUCSON - It's been a great week for Tucson. Accenture Match Play, Tucson Rodeo, Major League Soccer spring training are all in town, so there have been a lot of activities for Tucsonans to do.
Mayor Jonathan Rothschild says this is the second best week for Tucson's economy, with the Gem Show coming in first. Friday night the mayor officially welcomed the Desert Diamond Cup and is excited about the money it will bring to Tucson.
"It's always nice to get out in the sun. You can see if lifts everybody's spirits," said one MLS player.
Tucson's spirits lifted with the possibility of MLS spring training calling the Old Pueblo home on the heels of losing baseball spring training.
"I think right now we are vindicated. I think right now people can look to something they can be proud of," said city council member Paul Cunningham.
MLS players and coaches are having a positive experience in Tucson.
"There's everything here in Tucson that we need for our final preparations so we are excited to be here," said MLS coach Bruce Arena.
They say they are impressed with the thousands of fans showing up to the games during the week.
"It's better than some MLS teams draw on a regular season game on a Wednesday night, so I think that's a positive sign. We're hoping for ten thousand tomorrow night so that would be fantastic," said another MLS coach.
City officials say now is the time to establish Tucson as a soccer town.
"Major League Soccer has an idea that this could become the Western hub of preseason," said Managing Member and Chief Business Officer for FC Tucson, Chris Kenney.
Organizers say the success for next year boils down to capacity of field space and being able to handle anywhere from eight to ten teams over a two month period.
"What we need is probably a facility that has nine to ten fields," said Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild.
As for this year, city leaders believe MLS has had a big financial impact.
"A rough estimate of five to ten million dollars into the economy," said Cunningham.
In order for MLS to stay, it is really up to the fans.
"If everybody wants to put a personal stake into it, buy a ticket and go to the games," said Keeney.
The next game is Saturday at 6:00 P.M. Tickets can be bought in advance at www.fctucson.com.
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