Officials from the Major League Soccer team have held preliminary talks with the city about a possible move to Baltimore, but will wait until a commitment is given about a facility before entering into “formal” discussions.
A new feasibility study, commissioned by the Maryland Stadium Authority, analysed two potential scenarios, including a 25,000-seat stadium in Westport and a 10,000-seat venue.
According to the study, a soccer-specific stadium in Westport could generate up to 940 new jobs and $2.8 million in city tax revenue. It was also stated that the stadium could host 49 to 54 events every year, including 17 DC United games. Annual attendance is estimated to be 584,750 to 695,100 with total spectator spending of between $65.7 and $78 million each year.
The study added that the smaller facility could host 60 to 68 events annually with total attendance ranging between 228,000 and 282,000 and total spending of between $6.4 million and $9.1 million each year. However, the Baltimore Sun noted that the limited size of the site for the 10,000-capacity stadium would hamper the development of surrounding fields for youth tournaments and other activities.
