I don't think this city will live up to its potential anytime soon.

[Hey_Hey]

I think both MLB and NBA are out for at least 20 years. MLS would be the more likely option. I know it's not one of the "Big Four" professional sports, but in a few cities it is outdrawing comparable NHL teams. There currently is no MLS team int he traditional South. The nearest team is in Columbus, and the next nearest are in Dallas, Chicago, and Orlando.

[nashvols]

Originally Posted by Hey_Hey

I think both MLB and NBA are out for at least 20 years. MLS would be the more likely option. I know it's not one of the "Big Four" professional sports, but in a few cities it is outdrawing comparable NHL teams. There currently is no MLS team int he traditional South. The nearest team is in Columbus, and the next nearest are in Dallas, Chicago, and Orlando.

And NBA. But that's not necessarily an indicator of popularity as it is the limits in arena size. MLS still plays far fewer games, and from what I can tell, season tickets are less expensive.


Still, I agree that it is *possibly* an option...but a lot depends on how quickly the MLS wishes to expand. I don't think we're on the short list. And that is one sport where having a larger international population would help.

[BayAreaDave]

Originally Posted by nashvols

And NBA. But that's not necessarily an indicator of popularity as it is the limits in arena size. MLS still plays far fewer games, and from what I can tell, season tickets are less expensive.


Still, I agree that it is *possibly* an option...but a lot depends on how quickly the MLS wishes to expand. I don't think we're on the short list. And that is one sport where having a larger international population would help.

A large percentage of our minorities are immigrants. More so than a lot of other cities anyway. Assimilating doesn't seem to be a priority for immigrants here. Soccer is basically the world's national sport. I can see MLS coming to Nashville. Unfortunately, that just means that there won't be an NBA team here for decades.

[JMT]

Originally Posted by Hey_Hey

I think both MLB and NBA are out for at least 20 years. MLS would be the more likely option. I know it's not one of the "Big Four" professional sports, but in a few cities it is outdrawing comparable NHL teams. There currently is no MLS team int he traditional South. The nearest team is in Columbus, and the next nearest are in Dallas, Chicago, and Orlando.

I agree that Nashville would be much more likely to land an MLS team than either an MLB or NBA team. However, now that Atlanta is getting a MLS team, that might hurt Nashville's chances, particularly since Atlanta's expansion team is going to share the Falcons' new, snazzy billion dollar downtown stadium.

MLS: Atlanta Squad Releases New Stadium Drawings - Playing for 90 - A Soccer aka Futball aka Football Site - News, Blogs, Opinion, and More

I'd actually rather see Nashville's universities develop more high-profile sports programs than see another professional team come to town.