Portland Makes Expansion Push

Portland Timbers owner Merritt Paulson is making an aggressive push for the city's inclusion in the next round of Major League Soccer expansion. On Wednesday, he launched a public campaign to build support for the idea, which he said could bring "tremendous positive national spotlight to the city of Portland." People are being encouraged to visit www.mlstoportland.com for more information.As part of Paulson's scheme, $40 million would be used to upgrade PGE Park, the current home of the Timbers and the minor league baseball's Portland Beavers, which he also owns. Another $35 million would be used to build a new stadium for the Beavers elsewhere, allowing PGE Park to be soccer-specific, a major advantage for any city looking to be included in expansion.

Just where the money will come from is still a matter of debate, as Paulson's group is negotiating with the city over potential financing plans, but there are allies in the local government looking to make the move happen. Last month, Mayor Tom Potter sent a letter signed by the City Council to MLS Commissioner Don Garber laying out exactly why Portland should be granted one of the two expansion slots set to be decided upon by early next year.

"I'm confident the Portland metro area has a fan base that will fully support buying tickets - that would be the source of revenue," said Paulson. "I'm a bad prognosticator, but I wouldn't be spending this time and energy if we didn't have a chance."

Applications from potential expansion cities are due by October 15th.