ST. PETERSBURG — The City Council chamber had plenty of soccer aficionados outfitted in green and gold show up last week to support the Tampa Bay Rowdies' bid to join Major League Soccer and expand their home at Al Lang Stadium.

Also in attendance was former mayor (and potential 2017 candidate for mayor) Rick Baker, representing Rowdies owner Bill Edwards.

The proposed ordinance would authorize a May 2 referendum that would allow the city to negotiate a long-term lease with the Rowdies contingent upon the team receiving an MLS expansion slot from the United States' premier soccer league.

Edwards has pledged to pay for up to $80 million in stadium improvements and a $150 million MLS franchise fee without asking for any public money.

That stance was applauded by fans and other supporters, including the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Partnership and the Downtown Neighborhood Association. They also argued that bringing the MLS to the city would stimulate economic development, attract a diverse population and help put the city on the map of hip destinations.

The council set a vote for March 2.

Dissenters said the downtown waterfront was ill-prepared for an influx of fans, parking hassles and trash that would be generated by a proposed 18,000-seat stadium.