Welcome to MLS to PDX

Eleven.

A meaningful number in soccer, it’s even more so for soccer in Portland because 2011 is when a new Major League Soccer (MLS) version of the Portland Timbers could begin play in PGE Park.

But a nod from MLS could mean much more than soccer in the Rose City. As a result of upgrades to PGE Park as part of the plan, it’s likely Portland State Football fans will have already been able to enjoy improved concessions, more sideline seating, and a larger replay screen, all before the close of the 2010 football season. By spring of 2011, Baseball fans would surely be keeping tabs on the development of a brand new minor league ballpark. Even the sports agnostics among us might benefit from the economic development, jobs and increased international visibility that could result from the effort. Of course all of this hinges on the city’s support of Merrit Paulson’s plan. That’s where we come in.

MLStoPDX is an effort by Portlanders – all of us independent of the city or the plan sponsors – to educate, discuss and even influence details of the plan. Our initial contributors include locals who live and breathe soccer as well as those who are more bent against the sport than Jim Rome. We’ve also featured contributors that are generally skeptical about public investment. Each was given free rein on their respective topics, so you’ll already notice a difference in opinion.

But as the face of a grassroots effort that had already emerged years ago, this site is bigger than its founders. We believe our only charter is to provide a website framework for the MLS movement in Portland, around which the stakeholders – the people of Portland – will provide the content. Because of this, don’t be surprised to see plenty of differing opinions. We expect the same from you.We want essay contributions, comments and artwork. We also want to arm the public with tools to make our collective voices heard. Whether you prefer to express your thoughts by writing letters to key decision makers, making and selling your own MLStoPDX gear, or just by putting a sticker on your car, we are here to help make MLS work for you.