Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Over 100 people showed up to The Banshee Irish Pub on Thursday for Buffalo Pro Soccer's first Town Hall event.
Buffalo Pro Soccer President Peter Marlette Jr. provided updates about the organization and shared what the future of professional soccer looks like in Buffalo.
"We're trying to have an average ticket price a little shy of $35, with a GA (general admission), get in the door ticket price, well lower than that. We want to cater to anyone who wants to come watch professional soccer, and that means having an inexpensive, get in the door, good GA ticket. But, it also means having suites. It also means having VIP party areas. It also means having field level seating. Those that want the elevated experience as well, and can pay for that, can."
Buffalo Pro Soccer has yet to officially announce a location for the new stadium. However, Marlette stated they have narrowed it down to four finalists within the City of Buffalo. Each location provides the theoretical space required for a 10,000 seat modular stadium, which is what Marlette would like to have built.
"One of the sights in particular, that made the finalists list, may require something a little bigger than that. My feeling right now is that a modular is still the way to go at any of the sights that we end up selecting," Marlette said in a interview, prior to the event. "It less expensive, completely customizable, can fit exactly what Buffalo needs, and can be up within a year."
The organization has yet to announce the official team name or colors, but Marlette said they are actively seeking out recommendations from the community.
The Banshee's co-owner Conor Hawkins, explained that it's incredibly exciting opportunity for Buffalo to have its own professional soccer team. Even though the stadium is expected to be built by 2026, Hawkins is eager to sponsor and promote the team.
"We're going to be involved, supporting, sponsoring. Anything to do with this soccer team, we want to be involved in it. We want to be the place where all the supporters are coming in, pregaming, and coming in afterwards," stated Hawkins.
