Group tries to keep Dynamo in Houston

(5/04/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- They won a championship and are now considering leaving town. But there's a push to keep the Houston Dynamo in Houston and it could mean a new neighbor for the Astros. A new stadium may be built downtown across from Minute Maid Park.

Officially, the Dynamo say they are still looking at building a new stadium either in Sugar Land or Houston. But I've learned there's been a strong push by city and sports leaders in town to keep the team in Houston. And while the final decision is still weeks away, there's been lots of scouting for a potential location.

As the Houston Dynamo players try to defend their championship, the team's front office is trying to find the team a permanent home.

"We really want to find the site that makes the most sense for the franchise, for the sport of soccer, and what we think can give us the best opportunity to not only grow our business, but to really embrace the soccer community," said General Manager Oliver Luck.

Luck would not go into specifics, but multiple sources say the Dynamo is seriously considering a stretch of parking lot located just east of Minute Maid Park. Owned by the Houston Sports Authority, the large surface parking lot is under a 30-year lease by the Astros. But Pam Gardner says the team's willing to share.

"We've been really, really thrilled with the situation we have downtown," she said. "We would have to look at how we might look into some shared environments. Where they might put it might affect what else they have around them. Without knowing the specifics on their plan, it's hard to really address that."

So just how far along are the negotiations? It depends on your favorite sport.

"I can't handicap it right now," said Houston Mayor Bill White.

"It's the equivalent of a 65th minute in a 90 minute soccer game," said Luck.

"It's sixth inning of a nine inning game," said Mayor White.

In reality, the Dynamo hasn't even committed to a city. But if a portion of this parking lot becomes the future home of a 20,000-seat soccer stadium, they'll have some friendly neighbors.

"We want the Dynamo in downtown," said Gardner.

The city says it's been in some intense discussions with the Dynamo. You can expect an announcement of whether the team will stay in Houston or go to the suburbs within six to eight weeks.
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

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