MLS Commissioner Plans To Visit Sacramento In April
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber will be paying a visit to Sacramento in April, Mayor Kevin Johnson says.
Garber's planned visit comes as Sacramento continues to court MLS to be the next expansion city.
Pumped for @thesoccerdon to visit Sacramento on 4/14! Great opportunity to showcase why we're #BultforMLS
— Kevin Johnson (@KJ_MayorJohnson) March 31, 2016
On 4/14 when the @thesoccerdon visits Sac, I have every confidence that our community will rise to this very special occasion! #BuiltforMLS
— Kevin Johnson (@KJ_MayorJohnson) March 31, 2016
In late 2015, MLS announced plans that it would be expanding to four cities. Sacramento has been viewed as a front-runner in the expansion stakes, but does face competition from other cities vying for a team like Miami and San Antonio.
Republic FC, the city's USL Pro club, have been among the most-vocal supporters of bringing MLS to Sacramento. In a statement released on Thursday, Republic FC managing partner Kevin Nagle said he's looking forward to hosting the commissioner.
"We are thrilled and honored by the opportunity to host Commissioner Garber and Deputy Commissioner Abbott and take another important step forward in our pursuit of an MLS club," Nagle said. "As I've told the Commissioner in the past, when it comes to the passion of our fans and the commitment of our community, you truly have to see it to believe it."
City leaders have been pushing for an MLS arena to be part of the rejuvenation of the Downtown Railyards.