Ottawa Group Applies for USL-1 Franchise

[RyFryy]

http://www.uslsoccer.com/imgs/home/Fury%20First%20Division%20Graphic.jpg

OTTAWA, ONTARIO – Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG), in partnership with Ottawa Fury owner and CEO John Pugh, announced today they have applied for a United Soccer Leagues First Division (USL-1) franchise. The team would play and be based at a proposed new stadium at Lansdowne Park, which would be built as part of the Lansdowne project, subject to Ottawa City Council’s approval.

"Our application for a USL franchise, at this point in time, ensures that soccer specific elements will be incorporated into the stadium design to optimize the experience for soccer fans and players," said Jeff Hunt, an OSEG partner. "And I can tell you, the fan experience for USL-1 soccer is top-notch. The caliber of play, the quality of the stadia and the involvement of the players in community activities is second to none. It is a tremendous environment for soccer purists, casual fans and families seeking an affordable, fun outing."

..full article.. (http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/361425.html)
Any Ottawa boys here on MFF?

[IncredibleLE]

one canadian clubs leaves and another jumps in its place. the usl should bring back its relegation/promotion process to help adjust new clubs into the league. you have 2 clubs coming in next season, plus this third one.

[Lego]

I'm sorry, I don't ever recall USL ever having relegation. I mean, there set up for it, but they have yet to implement it. There have been clubs, like Richmond for example, that have voluntarily dropped down to a lower division for financial reasons, and others like Cleveland City that self-promoted itself to USL-1 from USL-2 just this past season.

I know Ottawa was one of the proposed market for the last cycle of MLS expansion. I wonder if this OSEG group were involved in that bid for an MLS franchise. It's good to see another Canadian team move up as this might enable Ottawa to qualify for Nutrilite Canadian Championship, and potentially the CCL.

[Splatypus]

No, this OSEG was not involved in the MLS bid, that was by Eugene Melnyk who owns the Ottawa Senators NHL franchise. They would have played out in Kanata like the Sens and probably would have struggled to draw crowds like any of the other non-NHL sports that have tried and failed to bring in enough people to survive. (NLL Lacrosse and roller hockey come to mind)

This group contains Jeff Hunt who owns the Ottawa 67s Junior hockey club and who play at the civic centre which is part of the Landsdowne complex where this team would also play. Landsdone park is in the middle of the city, between the two universities and is able to draw upon walk in support, unlike Kanata where everyone must drive.

The current stadium hosted the u20s, but was found to have structural problems in the south side lower stand shortly after. The stand has been demolished the the stadium has been unused since. The city has just received it's proposal for stadium retrofit and other upgrades and chances to the park. City council is divided but has sent the plan to public consultation. Guess I should go be heard as there won't be a team if this plan is delayed or nixed.

[RyFryy]

Go Splat! :p Hopefully you guys are granted the team. USL is the place to be, MLS is overrated anyway. :D

[jone]

Wow many new things are happening are happening for the United Soccer Leagues first and having good time with the Ball they are really have
the new grounds on .

I really don't know whether it is going to be lower in cost or going
to at the normal rates to see them on the ground lets see
what happens....!

Thanks
Jone