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In the face of overwhelmingly negative feedback from the Houston community regarding the use of public funds to construct a soccer-specific stadium on the east side of downtown, hardcore Houston Dynamo fans have literally put their money where their mouths are.
The championship soccer club's owners, Anschutz Entertainment Group, have repeatedly solicited public funds from the city of Houston to defray the cost of building the stadium, a controversial request in a city whose taxpayers have helped to fund the construction of three other major league sports stadiums within the past ten years. And in a move that further alienated public support, Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber sent a letter to Dynamo owners in April threatening to remove the club from Houston entirely if they could not secure a stadium.
Passionate soccer fans are not easily swayed, however. Eager to keep a team that has brought Houston two back-to-back championships and encourage the growth of a sport that is monumentally popular throughout the rest of the world, Dynamo fans are rallying together.
A group of supporters calling themslves "Home for the Dynamo" have recently begun a grassroots effort to raise money from the private sector — primarily from Dynamo fans — in an unusual bid to provide some of the funds for the stadium themselves. At their website, fans are encouraged to both donate money to the organization as well as contact Mayor Bill White to voice their support for the construction of a stadium for the two-time MLS Cup winners. A donation of $4.99 nets patrons an orange "Home for the Dynamo" bumper sticker (pictured above).
It is unclear how much money would need to be raised in order for this ambitious project to be considered successful, but the estimated total cost for the construction of the stadium is currently at $105 million, which is an increase from the initial estimate of $80 million, due to rising materials costs.
According to the website:
We are dedicated to supporting the fight for a stadium with our checkbooks. Money is the issue at hand and we have chosen to try and raise as much money as possible for this cause. The purpose is to make it known to all who are involved that WE are going to act while THEY negotiate. No we dont think we will raise millions of dollars. That isnt the point. DOING SOMETHING instead of just talking IS THE POINT.
Expect more in coming weeks from "Home for the Dynamo" as the website (which only went live this morning) posts additional information regarding fundraising events, methods of donating, and additional content about the Houston Dynamo and its contributions to the local community.
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Home for the Dynamo
Sybil Scott
sybilscott@gmail.com
713.301.8341
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Now this is nice to hear. I'm not totally sold on the Dynamo getting a stadium just yet, at least with tax payers money. I was against it when the Astros got Minute Maid, against it when the Rockets got the Toyota Center, and against it when the Texans got Reliant. Of course the previous three teams received more tax money than the entire projected cost for the Dynamo stadium.
Since the Dynamo are at least willing to pay the majority of the cost for the stadium, and now the fans are raising money out of their own pocket, though I doubt they'll get more than a couple thousand at least, I'm starting to reconsider. Especially since it will help revitalize an area of downtown that could use it and potentially help a Christian university get back on track financially.
They need to get it done quick, before the price of the stadium goes up another 15 million due to the price of concrete, steel, gas, etc.