(12-08-2016 05:31 PM)EcFlay Wrote:  Hypothetically, does anyone think we could move the football field south and add seats to the lair? Would this be possible with the larger soccer field?

That's what they're doing.

WCPO had a video on the news tonight. The sideline seats are torn out now as well.

I think the lower bowl is going to look odd, which in turn will make the stadium look odd. It looked to me like several lower rows are coming out, which will, for lack of a better word, "scrunch" the lower seating and it may not look right in proportion to the rest of the stadium.

Hopefully I am wrong.

(12-08-2016 06:48 PM)Bearcats#1 Wrote:  Now...are the Lindners cool with UC playing football in Nippert for next year or are they going to ask us to move those games to Gettler?

With the current state of the program...could they sell out Gettler?

(12-08-2016 08:13 AM)TheGreatNate Wrote:  

(12-08-2016 07:55 AM)bearcatmark Wrote:  So UC gets to keep 50% of concessions. Say everyone spends $20.00... drawing 10K plus a game you are already looking at 100K per game. That's obviously before the cost of operations, but seems to me given the number of games this could raise a really nice amount of revenue.

Eventually, yes, but if the information regarding concessions is accurate UC doesn't get any concessions money until the renovations are paid for. Which basically means that UC is paying for half the renovations if the concessions are being split evenly...

My understanding was that Lindner is fronting the renovations and then recouping the $$ from ticket sales and concessions.

UC has a great DAA school. I wonder if any faculty or student would ever design something so horrible!

(12-08-2016 07:39 PM)bearcatfan Wrote:  WCPO had a video on the news tonight. The sideline seats are torn out now as well.

I think the lower bowl is going to look odd, which in turn will make the stadium look odd. It looked to me like several lower rows are coming out, which will, for lack of a better word, "scrunch" the lower seating and it may not look right in proportion to the rest of the stadium.

Hopefully I am wrong.

And people b!tched for years about Shoemaker Center being and looking multipurpose. I guess the new, ugly configuration of Nippert rounds it all out.

(12-08-2016 07:46 PM)Not Duane Wrote:  

(12-08-2016 08:13 AM)TheGreatNate Wrote:  

(12-08-2016 07:55 AM)bearcatmark Wrote:  So UC gets to keep 50% of concessions. Say everyone spends $20.00... drawing 10K plus a game you are already looking at 100K per game. That's obviously before the cost of operations, but seems to me given the number of games this could raise a really nice amount of revenue.

Eventually, yes, but if the information regarding concessions is accurate UC doesn't get any concessions money until the renovations are paid for. Which basically means that UC is paying for half the renovations if the concessions are being split evenly...

My understanding was that Lindner is fronting the renovations and then recouping the $$ from ticket sales and concessions.

You are a dumb arse. It has been stated in several posts & quotes from the contract that UC is fronting the money and recouping from FCC's share of the concessions. Probably only take 10-15 years, but still, WIN for UC, right?

(12-08-2016 07:46 PM)Not Duane Wrote:  

(12-08-2016 08:13 AM)TheGreatNate Wrote:  

(12-08-2016 07:55 AM)bearcatmark Wrote:  So UC gets to keep 50% of concessions. Say everyone spends $20.00... drawing 10K plus a game you are already looking at 100K per game. That's obviously before the cost of operations, but seems to me given the number of games this could raise a really nice amount of revenue.

Eventually, yes, but if the information regarding concessions is accurate UC doesn't get any concessions money until the renovations are paid for. Which basically means that UC is paying for half the renovations if the concessions are being split evenly...

My understanding was that Lindner is fronting the renovations and then recouping the $$ from ticket sales and concessions.

If I still have the hard copy of the contract, I'll check. I may be wrong, buI thought it wasuC who kept FCC's portion of the concessions until it is paid off.

Afterwards the split is 50/50.

(12-09-2016 12:43 AM)BearcatsUC Wrote:  

(12-08-2016 07:46 PM)Not Duane Wrote:  

(12-08-2016 08:13 AM)TheGreatNate Wrote:  

(12-08-2016 07:55 AM)bearcatmark Wrote:  So UC gets to keep 50% of concessions. Say everyone spends $20.00... drawing 10K plus a game you are already looking at 100K per game. That's obviously before the cost of operations, but seems to me given the number of games this could raise a really nice amount of revenue.

Eventually, yes, but if the information regarding concessions is accurate UC doesn't get any concessions money until the renovations are paid for. Which basically means that UC is paying for half the renovations if the concessions are being split evenly...

My understanding was that Lindner is fronting the renovations and then recouping the $$ from ticket sales and concessions.

If I still have the hard copy of the contract, I'll check. I may be wrong, buI thought it wasuC who kept FCC's portion of the concessions until it is paid off.

Afterwards the split is 50/50.

That's the deal I read too. My understanding is UC also isn't fronting the renovation costs as some have suggested. UC is making money out of this deal and based on the concession deal a pretty good amount.

(12-09-2016 10:12 AM)JackieTreehorn Wrote:  

(12-09-2016 09:47 AM)Kco17 Wrote:  

(12-09-2016 09:44 AM)JackieTreehorn Wrote:  

(12-09-2016 09:39 AM)Kco17 Wrote:  

(12-09-2016 09:36 AM)JackieTreehorn Wrote:  Glad you love it and hope you keep enjoying it because I don't plan on stopping anytime soon.

I will keep enjoying it because nothing makes me happier than watching a middle aged man whine and cry about soccer.

Only exceeded by my pleasure at the soccer can-do-no-wrong crowd that gets their tit in a wringer at every perceived slight, real or imagined.

My last post in this thread about it. No perceived slights. The soccer crowd is getting exactly what they want. A revamped Nippert for FCC. We're removing seats and getting better sightlines, playing field, and more opportunities for FCC. Not sure what FCC supporters would be mad bout. The only thing that bothers me is that this conversation is taking place inside the coaching thread instead of the FCC thread. FCC will use Nippert as long as they like and when they leave they'll leave no skin off my back. Hard to win an argument when your opposition is literally getting everything they want...

If you love FCC so much and seem to prefer it over UC athletics, why not go start "FCC Banter" or something?
Of course no one has yet addressed my original point: Would a prospective football head coaching candidate see the current mess of ripping out huge swaths of seats in the student section to appease a private business interest and have second thoughts on the commitment to big time college football here?

Responding to this on this thread to get away from the Coaching Search Topic

It's not about "loving FCC so much" ... I have enjoyed going to a few games this summer and likely will continue to do so, but I am a UC fan and supporter of the University first and foremost. I have football and basketball season tickets. I attend road games in each sport (though sadly not as many as I used to). If I thought this was a negative for UC I would be firmly against it. I support this because I think it greatly benefits the Athletic Department and the University as a whole. My answer is a prospective football coach would not give a **** that the University was making a couple structural changes the Nippert stadium that the University believed benefited the University and the Athletic Department. This is a non-issue in the coaching search.

From Tom Groeschen twitter

(12-15-2016 02:51 PM)bearcatfan Wrote:  From Tom Groeschen twitter

Where is that? The steeple in the background kind of reminds me of how Tangeman sits behind Nippert at UC, but the stadium is a totally different structure. It's got a character, essence and vibe that are completely different from Nippert, especially as you get closer to the field. No way anyone would play a football game there, much less have it as the home field for a football team, that's for sure.

(yes that's all sarcasm...)

@pkedit: MLS IDs 10 expansion markets: Charlotte, Cincy, Detroit, Nashville, Raleigh/Durham, Sac, St. Louis, San Antonio, San Diego, Tampa/St. Pete.

(12-15-2016 04:59 PM)bearcatmark Wrote:  @pkedit: MLS IDs 10 expansion markets: Charlotte, Cincy, Detroit, Nashville, Raleigh/Durham, Sac, St. Louis, San Antonio, San Diego, Tampa/St. Pete.

Jeremy Rauch Verified account
‏@FOX19Jeremy
Of those 10 possible teams, 2 expansion teams will be selected by late 2017 and will begin MLS play in 2020.


Jeremy Rauch Verified account
‏@FOX19Jeremy
If @fccincinnati doesn't make the MLS cut in 2017, 2 more expansion teams will be announced at a later time TBD. @FOX19


Jeremy Rauch Verified account
‏@FOX19Jeremy
MLS expansion fee for Cincinnati if selected in 2017 would be $150 million. @FOX19


Jeremy Rauch Retweeted Jeremy Rauch
Clarification here: Cincinnati could learn MLS fate anytime between April and September 2017. @fox19 @fccincinnati

I need to correct myself. Just got around to pulling up the contract between FCC and UC. It's been a few months since I've looked at it.

UC (licensor) runs the concessions, but FCC (licensee) keeps 100% of concessions until the Capital Payback is met. This means until UC pays FCC back for widening the field, FCC keeps all net concession revenues. I previously said that UC keeps the money until FCC pays UC back.

So any claim that soccer concession revenues will pay Luke Fickell's salary - at least for now - will most likely be false.

Here are pertinent parts of the contract. If my interpretation is incorrect, I'm happy to be corrected:


20. CONCESSIONS, PARKING AND MERCHANDISE SALES
a. Licensee will have the right to sell or distribute for free event programs and other event and Licensee-related merchandise in its discretion, and will keep 100% of any such proceeds.
b. Until the Capital Payback (as defined below), Licensor will be responsible for operating all alcohol and non-alcohol concessions and will pay to Licensee 100% of net Licensor Athletics department commissions on concessions revenue. Licensor will be responsible for ensuring that all concession stands are open and fully-staffed on each Match Day as based on the Stadium configuration and attendance.
c. Within 48 hours of a Match, Licensor will provide Licensee with a full accounting of food and beverage concession sales by product and by location with a settlement of monies due Licensee based on the revenue sharing provisions herein. Licensee and its agents and advisors shall be entitled to inspect, at Licensee's expense, the books and records of Licensor from time to time to confirm the accuracy of such accountings and payments. Any such inspection shall be conducted with reasonable advance notice to Licensor and in a manner so as not to materially interfere with Licensor's operations.
d. Once Licensee has received a total amount of cash from Licensor pursuant to Section 20.b. ("Concession Revenue") equal to the total capital expenditures funded by Licensee pursuant to Section 30 below (the "Capital Payback"), then Licensor will share equally with Licensee all Licensor Athletics department food and beverage concessions net commissions.
e. Licensee will determine the concession prices and menu selection for all Matches, subject to Licensor's consent, which will not be unreasonably withheld.
f. Licensor will retain one hundred percent (100%) of gross parking revenues collected from Licensor­ owned parking facilities generated at Matches. Licensor shall be responsible for providing, at its expense, for all personnel, equipment, services and other resources to operate the parking facilities at the same level at which they are operated for Licensor's college football games based on the Stadium configuration and attendance. The pricing of parking for Matches must be approved in writing by Licensee in advance of each season and may not be changed in season without Licensee's consent.
g. Licensee and Licensor will barter Licensee game tickets and Licensor parking passes in trade for an agreed upon number of game tickets and parking passes, as determined in good faith by the parties.


30. CAPITAL PROJECT FUNDING
a. In order for the Stadium to host the Matches, upon execution of this Agreement and its approval by USL, the parties agree to mutually determine a schedule to undertake the following Stadium renovations, which are described in more detail on Schedule D attached hereto (collectively, the "Capital Project"): (i) the replacement of the playing surface with adequate playing surfaces for both soccer and football; (ii) Stadium expansion (wall removal) and seating reconfiguration inclusive of providing temporary field-level seating structures; and (iii) the movement of the existing football field playing surface at the Stadium to another Licensor field location, if necessary, and any storage that is required. These renovations must enhance the Stadium overall and improve the fan experience for all events now held in the Stadium. Licensee shall pay or reimburse Licensor for all third party out-of-pocket costs of the Capital Project, subject to the limitations in this Section 30.
b. Licensee and Licensor will jointly develop and agree on plans and specifications for the Capital Project and the retention of third party contractors to complete the Capital Project. Licensor will consult with Licensee on all material aspects of the Capital Project, but shall have final approval over the construction contract, the cost thereof, and any change orders thereto. The parties agree to work together in good faith and use their respective best efforts to ensure that the Capital Project is completed by, or as soon after the start of the 2017 USL season as is reasonably practicable. See Exhibit D for the timing and planned construction for the renovations.
c. So long as this Agreement remains in force, Licensor agrees not to make any material change to the Stadium which would reduce the number of suites or seats, reduce the field length or width, or otherwise impair Licensee's ability to host Matches at the Stadium without Licensee's consent, which will not be unreasonably withheld.
d. If Licensee terminates or fails to renew this Agreement after the completion of the Capital Project but prior to the receipt by Licensor of a minimum of $1.S million through the revenue referred to in Section 20 hereof, Licensee shall contribute the difference between the amount of such revenue earned by Licensor and $1.5 million toward the completed cost to Licensor if Licensor wishes to return the Facility to its state prior to beginning construction (the "Stadium Reversion"). Such payment, if any, shall be made to Licensor within 90 days of the completion of such Stadium Reversion.

(12-15-2016 05:42 PM)BearcatsUC Wrote:  I need to correct myself. Just got around to pulling up the contract between FCC and UC. It's been a few months since I've looked at it.

UC (licensor) runs the concessions, but FCC (licensee) keeps 100% of concessions until the Capital Payback is met. This means until UC pays FCC back for widening the field, FCC keeps all net concession revenues. I previously said that UC keeps the money until FCC pays UC back.

So any claim that soccer concession revenues will pay Luke Fickell's salary - at least for now - will most likely be false.

Here are pertinent parts of the contract:


20. CONCESSIONS, PARKING AND MERCHANDISE SALES
a. Licensee will have the right to sell or distribute for free event programs and other event and Licensee-related merchandise in its discretion, and will keep 100% of any such proceeds.
b. Until the Capital Payback (as defined below), Licensor will be responsible for operating all alcohol and non-alcohol concessions and will pay to Licensee 100% of net Licensor Athletics department commissions on concessions revenue. Licensor will be responsible for ensuring that all concession stands are open and fully-staffed on each Match Day as based on the Stadium configuration and attendance.
c. Within 48 hours of a Match, Licensor will provide Licensee with a full accounting of food and beverage concession sales by product and by location with a settlement of monies due Licensee based on the revenue sharing provisions herein. Licensee and its agents and advisors shall be entitled to inspect, at Licensee's expense, the books and records of Licensor from time to time to confirm the accuracy of such accountings and payments. Any such inspection shall be conducted with reasonable advance notice to Licensor and in a manner so as not to materially interfere with Licensor's operations.
d. Once Licensee has received a total amount of cash from Licensor pursuant to Section 20.b. ("Concession Revenue") equal to the total capital expenditures funded by Licensee pursuant to Section 30 below (the "Capital Payback"), then Licensor will share equally with Licensee all Licensor Athletics department food and beverage concessions net commissions.
e. Licensee will determine the concession prices and menu selection for all Matches, subject to Licensor's consent, which will not be unreasonably withheld.
f. Licensor will retain one hundred percent (100%) of gross parking revenues collected from Licensor­ owned parking facilities generated at Matches. Licensor shall be responsible for providing, at its expense, for all personnel, equipment, services and other resources to operate the parking facilities at the same level at which they are operated for Licensor's college football games based on the Stadium configuration and attendance. The pricing of parking for Matches must be approved in writing by Licensee in advance of each season and may not be changed in season without Licensee's consent.
g. Licensee and Licensor will barter Licensee game tickets and Licensor parking passes in trade for an agreed upon number of game tickets and parking passes, as determined in good faith by the parties.


30. CAPITAL PROJECT FUNDING
a. In order for the Stadium to host the Matches, upon execution of this Agreement and its approval by USL, the parties agree to mutually determine a schedule to undertake the following Stadium renovations, which are described in more detail on Schedule D attached hereto (collectively, the "Capital Project"): (i) the replacement of the playing surface with adequate playing surfaces for both soccer and football; (ii) Stadium expansion (wall removal) and seating reconfiguration inclusive of providing temporary field-level seating structures; and (iii) the movement of the existing football field playing surface at the Stadium to another Licensor field location, if necessary, and any storage that is required. These renovations must enhance the Stadium overall and improve the fan experience for all events now held in the Stadium. Licensee shall pay or reimburse Licensor for all third party out-of-pocket costs of the Capital Project, subject to the limitations in this Section 30.
b. Licensee and Licensor will jointly develop and agree on plans and specifications for the Capital Project and the retention of third party contractors to complete the Capital Project. Licensor will consult with Licensee on all material aspects of the Capital Project, but shall have final approval over the construction contract, the cost thereof, and any change orders thereto. The parties agree to work together in good faith and use their respective best efforts to ensure that the Capital Project is completed by, or as soon after the start of the 2017 USL season as is reasonably practicable. See Exhibit D for the timing and planned construction for the renovations.
c. So long as this Agreement remains in force, Licensor agrees not to make any material change to the Stadium which would reduce the number of suites or seats, reduce the field length or width, or otherwise impair Licensee's ability to host Matches at the Stadium without Licensee's consent, which will not be unreasonably withheld.
d. If Licensee terminates or fails to renew this Agreement after the completion of the Capital Project but prior to the receipt by Licensor of a minimum of $1.S million through the revenue referred to in Section 20 hereof, Licensee shall contribute the difference between the amount of such revenue earned by Licensor and $1.5 million toward the completed cost to Licensor if Licensor wishes to return the Facility to its state prior to beginning construction (the "Stadium Reversion"). Such payment, if any, shall be made to Licensor within 90 days of the completion of such Stadium Reversion.

Can you just scan the contract and upload it?

(12-15-2016 05:46 PM)Kco17 Wrote:  

(12-15-2016 05:42 PM)BearcatsUC Wrote:  I need to correct myself. Just got around to pulling up the contract between FCC and UC. It's been a few months since I've looked at it.

UC (licensor) runs the concessions, but FCC (licensee) keeps 100% of concessions until the Capital Payback is met. This means until UC pays FCC back for widening the field, FCC keeps all net concession revenues. I previously said that UC keeps the money until FCC pays UC back.

So any claim that soccer concession revenues will pay Luke Fickell's salary - at least for now - will most likely be false.

Here are pertinent parts of the contract:


20. CONCESSIONS, PARKING AND MERCHANDISE SALES
a. Licensee will have the right to sell or distribute for free event programs and other event and Licensee-related merchandise in its discretion, and will keep 100% of any such proceeds.
b. Until the Capital Payback (as defined below), Licensor will be responsible for operating all alcohol and non-alcohol concessions and will pay to Licensee 100% of net Licensor Athletics department commissions on concessions revenue. Licensor will be responsible for ensuring that all concession stands are open and fully-staffed on each Match Day as based on the Stadium configuration and attendance.
c. Within 48 hours of a Match, Licensor will provide Licensee with a full accounting of food and beverage concession sales by product and by location with a settlement of monies due Licensee based on the revenue sharing provisions herein. Licensee and its agents and advisors shall be entitled to inspect, at Licensee's expense, the books and records of Licensor from time to time to confirm the accuracy of such accountings and payments. Any such inspection shall be conducted with reasonable advance notice to Licensor and in a manner so as not to materially interfere with Licensor's operations.
d. Once Licensee has received a total amount of cash from Licensor pursuant to Section 20.b. ("Concession Revenue") equal to the total capital expenditures funded by Licensee pursuant to Section 30 below (the "Capital Payback"), then Licensor will share equally with Licensee all Licensor Athletics department food and beverage concessions net commissions.
e. Licensee will determine the concession prices and menu selection for all Matches, subject to Licensor's consent, which will not be unreasonably withheld.
f. Licensor will retain one hundred percent (100%) of gross parking revenues collected from Licensor­ owned parking facilities generated at Matches. Licensor shall be responsible for providing, at its expense, for all personnel, equipment, services and other resources to operate the parking facilities at the same level at which they are operated for Licensor's college football games based on the Stadium configuration and attendance. The pricing of parking for Matches must be approved in writing by Licensee in advance of each season and may not be changed in season without Licensee's consent.
g. Licensee and Licensor will barter Licensee game tickets and Licensor parking passes in trade for an agreed upon number of game tickets and parking passes, as determined in good faith by the parties.


30. CAPITAL PROJECT FUNDING
a. In order for the Stadium to host the Matches, upon execution of this Agreement and its approval by USL, the parties agree to mutually determine a schedule to undertake the following Stadium renovations, which are described in more detail on Schedule D attached hereto (collectively, the "Capital Project"): (i) the replacement of the playing surface with adequate playing surfaces for both soccer and football; (ii) Stadium expansion (wall removal) and seating reconfiguration inclusive of providing temporary field-level seating structures; and (iii) the movement of the existing football field playing surface at the Stadium to another Licensor field location, if necessary, and any storage that is required. These renovations must enhance the Stadium overall and improve the fan experience for all events now held in the Stadium. Licensee shall pay or reimburse Licensor for all third party out-of-pocket costs of the Capital Project, subject to the limitations in this Section 30.
b. Licensee and Licensor will jointly develop and agree on plans and specifications for the Capital Project and the retention of third party contractors to complete the Capital Project. Licensor will consult with Licensee on all material aspects of the Capital Project, but shall have final approval over the construction contract, the cost thereof, and any change orders thereto. The parties agree to work together in good faith and use their respective best efforts to ensure that the Capital Project is completed by, or as soon after the start of the 2017 USL season as is reasonably practicable. See Exhibit D for the timing and planned construction for the renovations.
c. So long as this Agreement remains in force, Licensor agrees not to make any material change to the Stadium which would reduce the number of suites or seats, reduce the field length or width, or otherwise impair Licensee's ability to host Matches at the Stadium without Licensee's consent, which will not be unreasonably withheld.
d. If Licensee terminates or fails to renew this Agreement after the completion of the Capital Project but prior to the receipt by Licensor of a minimum of $1.S million through the revenue referred to in Section 20 hereof, Licensee shall contribute the difference between the amount of such revenue earned by Licensor and $1.5 million toward the completed cost to Licensor if Licensor wishes to return the Facility to its state prior to beginning construction (the "Stadium Reversion"). Such payment, if any, shall be made to Licensor within 90 days of the completion of such Stadium Reversion.

Can you just scan the contract and upload it?

I just cut and pasted it on its own thread. I wish I did this earlier so everyone could discuss, but time and technological deficiencies kept that effort at bay.

If I interpret something wrongly, I welcome respectful correction.

(12-15-2016 05:09 PM)Bearcat2012 Wrote:  Jeremy Rauch Verified account
‏@FOX19Jeremy
MLS expansion fee for Cincinnati if selected in 2017 would be $150 million. @FOX19

Better check that contract with UC - UC may be on the hook for half of that.

Here's the enquirer's whole article.

During a Nov. 29 interview at Lunken Airport, Carl Lindner III addressed a question about the viability of FC Cincinnati's ownership group. The Enquirer/Patrick Brennan
112916_GARBER_171Buy Photo

(Photo: The Enquirer/Kareem Elgazzar)

Major League Soccer removed most of the ambiguity around the league's process for expanding to 28 teams with the Thursday announcement of formal expansion guidelines.

Futbol Club Cincinnati, which has chased the goal of reaching America's top-flight soccer league publicly and privately for the better part of two years, appears to remain confident.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber announced in a Thursday conference call the league's process for expanding from 20 teams to 28 over the coming years. Ten markets are vying for a coveted expansion spot and Cincinnati is competing against Charlotte, Detroit, Nashville, Raleigh/Durham, Sacramento, St. Louis, San Antonio, San Diego and Tampa/St. Petersburg.

The clock is ticking, and fast, for FC Cincinnati to put together a formal proposal that needs to be submitted for MLS review by Jan. 31, 2017.

Based on the proposals from the 10 groups, two teams will be awarded spots in MLS for the 2020 season (most likely in the third quarter of 2017, Garber said). Those proposals will also inform decisions regarding the expansion fees and timeline for awarding the final two expansion spots.

MLS, currently at 20 teams, is set to welcome teams 21 (Atlanta) and 22 (Minnesota) for next season. Team 23 (Los Angeles FC) will come online in 2018.

The league also appears to be holding out for international soccer star David Beckham to see if he and his partners can advance a years-long project to put an MLS team in Miami. For now, Miami would be team No. 24.

The formal plan released publicly by the league only addresses spots 25-28.

In a provided statement, FC Cincinnati President and General Manager Jeff Berding said the club was honored to be considered with the nine other markets.

"Clearly, we have a lot of work ahead in a short period of time, but there was nothing that we heard today that discourages us. Cincinnati and our ownership have what it takes to successfully bid for MLS expansion," Berding said in the statement. "We have been working to build our infrastructure since day one because we have been and will always be committed to being the strongest franchise we can be.

"We have been clear about our commitment to bring professional soccer at the highest level to Cincinnati, and we are enthusiastic about the opportunity to continue that building effort with the MLS.”

The timeline, the process and the criteria

• MLS will receive applications from the 10 markets through Jan. 31 and announce selections for teams No. 25 and No. 26 likely in the third quarter of 2017.

• Teams 25 and 26 will pay a $150 million expansion fee to join the league and would begin play in MLS in 2020.

• Both the expansion fees and the timeline for decisions on teams 27 and 28 haven't been decided yet by the MLS Expansion Committee.

MLS said it will place emphasis on three key areas as it reviews the proposals. To no one's surprise in Cincinnati, a long-term stadium plan is part of the recipe. According to an MLS news release, FC Cincinnati and the other groups will require:

1. A committed local ownership group that has a passion for the sport, a deep belief in Major League Soccer and the resources to invest in the infrastructure to build the sport in their respective market.
2. A market that has a history of strong fan support for soccer matches and other sporting events, is located in a desirable geographic location and is attractive to corporate sponsors and television partners.
3. A comprehensive stadium plan that ensures the club will have a proper home for their fans and players while also serving as a destination for the sport in the community.

There are other subfactors that will be considered as part of the teams' respective proposals – things like training facilities and youth academies. FC Cincinnati's made great strides recently in both areas.

On Wednesday, FC Cincinnati announced the hiring of USL head coach Alan Koch. Koch is being brought to the club to serve as assistant coach, but also to "help build the (academy) structure, then lead partner coordination, selection and management of staff, and more," Berding told The Enquirer Wednesday via text message.

During Thursday's conference call, Garber was complimentary of FC Cincinnati's efforts to build out its academy structure.

On Tuesday, Berding told The Enquirer FC Cincinnati is still negotiating exclusively on a site for a standalone training facility that could be operational by the end of summer 2017.

FC Cincy has goals. Question is, how many will do it?

Miami: Team 24?

The fate of Miami's MLS bid is a key cog in the expansion landscape because, for years, numerous roadblocks have prevented Beckham's group from gaining enough traction there.

Garber said the Miami market is of strategic importance to the league, but that all the parties involved need to reach a resolution. Garber declined to comment when asked if the Jan. 31 deadline was essentially a deadline for a decision on Miami.

Asked by The Enquirer what would happen to the No. 24 expansion slot if the league moved on from the current Miami group's bid, Garber said, "Obviously, if we can't close a deal on Miami, we'll figure out who will be our 24th team, but as I've stated, we're trying to get a deal done in Miami. Probably not much more I can add to that."

What Thursday's MLS announcement means for FC Cincinnati

FC Cincinnati should feel good about its standing in the expansion process. The club already appears to meet several MLS requirements, particularly in the area of a committed ownership group and a growing history of fan support.

The one sticking point, as has always been the case, is the stadium issue.

Berding told The Enquirer in a Nov. 30 interview the team has done preliminary research on possible stadium sites, adding they are looking for about 20 acres of land between Cincinnati's waterfront and the University of Cincinnati.

Translated, FC Cincinnati is more than likely working on the long-term stadium bit of its pitch to MLS.

Berding has also been bullish on the using UC's Nippert Stadium, where the club paid more than $2 million for soccer-friendly renovations that'll bring the stadium up to FIFA standards. That construction work is underway.

But, as Garber said during his time with The Enquirer's editorial board, "I think what they've been able to do (at Nippert) is spectacular, but we do believe that our clubs will be more successful in soccer stadiums."

A 20-acre tract of land isn't going to be easy to come by in the densely populated lower basin of Cincinnati (the urban core).

How any possible stadium gets built could become a widely debated topic that stretches far beyond the sporting realm and into city politics, too.

I still think FCC's goal is to use Nippert even for MLS. It would sure save them a lot of money.

"Berding has also been bullish on the using UC's Nippert Stadium, where the club paid more than $2 million for soccer-friendly renovations that'll bring the stadium up to FIFA standards. That construction work is underway.

But, as Garber said during his time with The Enquirer's editorial board, "I think what they've been able to do (at Nippert) is spectacular, but we do believe that our clubs will be more successful in soccer stadiums.""