When MLS executives visit Charlotte on Tuesday, they will not be meeting with City of Charlotte officials.
According to The Charlotte Observer, a meeting today between City of Charlotte officials and MLS executives was expected to take place as of Monday morning, but that changed by the middle of the afternoon. The meeting was to have taken place as MLS executives, including president and deputy commissioner Mark Abbott, visit the city during a period where officials are debating a proposed $175 million stadium for an MLS expansion franchise.
A city office confirmed that the meeting was cancelled. A pep rally that has been scheduled to coincide with the visit is still expected to take place, according to the Observer:
The city’s corporate communications office said City Manager Marcus Jones will not meet with MLS, nor will any elected officials or city staff. The city did not say why the meeting had been canceled.
Meanwhile, MLS4CLT is readying for a 5 p.m. rally in First Ward Park to drum up excitement among a potential MLS fan base. Food trucks – including The Dumpling Lady, Now Toasted Food Truck, Carolina Smash Truck, Rollin’ and Two Scoops Creamery – will be on site, as well Blue Blaze Brewing Company. A band called the Empire Strikes Brass will provide entertainment.
It was confirmed last week that Mecklenburg County commissioners do not plan to meet with MLS officials, though county manager Dena Diorio is expected to meet with the league. Charlotte’s bid is being led by Marcus Smith, the CEO of Speedway Motorsports, and includes the proposed $175 million stadium that would be constructed on the site of Memorial Stadium. A city economic development committee is expected to discuss the City of Charlotte’s potential involvement in the project on Thursday.
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