A pro soccer stadium at the Syracuse Inner Harbor? It's an intriguing prospect, and one that has been the subject of preliminary talks and a feasibility study. But is it a good idea? In my opinion, the answer is a resounding maybe. While a stadium could potentially bring pro soccer back to Syracuse and boost sports tourism, there are several factors to consider. First, let's talk about the stadium itself. According to a feasibility study, soccer stadiums in cities comparable to Syracuse have been built for a wide range of costs, from $42 million to $175 million. The median cost is $95 million, and typically, about 40% of the cost is covered by public sources. But some stadiums have been built entirely with private money, and the price of the Syracuse stadium is yet to be determined. Now, let's consider the location. The Inner Harbor is an ideal location, near downtown nightlife, mall shopping, hotels, and attractions like the new county aquarium. However, the target location for the stadium is a vacant 6-acre parcel at the corner of Spencer and Solar streets, which is not owned by Cor Development Co., the company that has built a hotel and a large mixed-use apartment complex at the Inner Harbor. This raises a deeper question: is a stadium the key to jump-start the long-delayed development of the harbor area? The last stadium proposal in Syracuse fizzled out for lack of political support, and it's unclear whether this new proposal will receive the necessary backing. Another important piece of the plan is to build a complex of 10 or so turf fields affiliated with the pro team. This complex would attract almost 1 million participants and spectators per year, according to the study, and would be a significant boost to the local soccer ecosystem. However, the site for this complex has not yet been identified, and it's unlikely to be at the Inner Harbor. So, what does this all mean? Well, in my opinion, a stadium could be a great addition to Syracuse, but it's not a panacea. The success of the project will depend on several factors, including the location of the stadium, the level of political support, and the ability to attract a pro soccer team. Personally, I think that if the stadium is built and a team is secured, it could be a significant boost to the local economy and a great addition to the city's sports scene. However, it's important to remember that past attempts to bring pro soccer to Syracuse have ended in failure, and it's crucial to learn from those mistakes. What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for a stadium to bring together the community and create a sense of pride and ownership. It's a chance to build a soccer 'ecosystem' that will benefit local players and spectators alike. In my opinion, the proposal is worth exploring, but it's essential to approach it with caution and a critical eye. The details are still being worked out, and it's crucial to ensure that the project is well-planned and executed. If the proponents can come back with a fleshed-out plan and secure the necessary support, it could be a positive development for the Inner Harbor and for local tourism. But for now, it remains a maybe.
