Greg Ballard

Those of us fortunate enough to have been born and raised in Indianapolis can remember a time when the term “destination city” certainly didn’t make people think about our state capital.

Dreary? Boring? Desolate? None of these words are too harsh; in fact, other than the 31 days in May, they are so accurate as to be painful. Growing up here in the 1960s and ‘70s, there is no way I could have predicted the brilliant success and terrific reputation Indianapolis has around the globe for hosting sporting events, a vibrant Downtown, and, yes, our Hoosier hospitality.

In hundreds of countries around the globe, moreover, the national game, the national passion is soccer. Played by billions of people and watched by billions of people, fútbol is clearly the most popular sport in the world. In the United States and in Indiana, the popularity of soccer has grown exponentially during the past few decades.

In 2013, our professional soccer team, Indy Eleven, joined the North American Soccer League. Quickly, and despite playing their games in a converted track venue, the team attracted a devoted and dedicated following, led the league in attendance, and proved they are a considerable driver to our city’s economy.

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The potential is there, however, for so much more. We have a chance this year to build on the vision articulated over the past several decades by the founders of modern Indianapolis: let’s come together and build a stadium that can host soccer games and other events involving thousands of fans and for soccer players at all ages.

While we watch sports at all levels, we tend to gravitate to watching our favorite sports and teams that showcase skills at the highest level. For soccer in the United States, this is Major League Soccer. It has teams in the largest cities in the United States and Canada. To say MLS is thriving would be a significant understatement; last year's average attendance for its 22 teams was nearly 22,000 (21,690), surpassing crowds attending NBA and NHL games.

MLS has announced plans to expand its league by four teams; Indy Eleven is one of the teams applying to the league for an expansion franchise. While the impact of an MLS team on Indianapolis would be tremendous for the local economy, its statement to the rest of world would be just as powerful.

A bigger stage for our soccer team means more visibility around the world for economic development. People in other countries and on other continents (read: leaders who make decisions about where to invest and create jobs) pay attention to Major League Soccer and understand the vibrancy it brings to a city. As mayor, a foreign dignitary or corporate executive frequently asked me about our local sports teams.

Indy Eleven’s connection to its fan base is truly remarkable. If I were to have any doubt that Major League Soccer could succeed here, I would only have to go to a game. The team is a success on the field. Its activities mean more tax dollars for our city. It has recruited a substantial number of local investors. Indy Eleven’s presence in the community is constructive and constant.

Indianapolis transformed itself because it wasn’t afraid to take the necessary steps to break into the major league of cities throughout the world. Sports and tourism were, and remain, a critical foundation of our growth for the past fifty years. Through Indy Eleven, we have been given a unique chance to expand our economic and entertainment portfolio in a way that will be noticed around the globe.

Please join me in supporting Indy Eleven’s move to Major League Soccer.

Ballard is a former mayor of Indianapolis.