Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Buffalo Pro Soccer president Peter Marlette Jr. says he will meet with founding members in a town hall meeting Tuesday evening to discuss a number of matters, including why he's delaying the launch of the team in the USL Championship League.
Marlette Jr. wants to do this right for the top untapped market for pro soccer in Buffalo.
"It is the No. 1 television market for English Premier League. Obviously, we support our pro sports like nobody else in this country can, and really the only way that this team, this club isn't successful from Day 1, and also sustainable and lasting and generational from Day 1 is if we rush things and don't make sure our fundamentals are in place in advance of starting," said Marlette Jr., who notes he made the decision with the league.
Marlette Jr. is more interested in ensuring he was building this on the right foundation in a way that's going to guarantee it's sustainable for generations, as opposed to rushing and perhaps starting in an imperfect situation in 2027.
Tuesday's town hall meeting at 6 p.m. will be for those who have paid their season ticket deposits.
"We figured after the announcement last week, it would be a good opportunity for founding members who are interested to come meet us at the Banshee [Irish Pub] and have a direct conversation with me, asking me the questions that they want," Marlette Jr. said. "I will answer as completely as I'm able at the time."
Marlette Jr. also tells WBEN he is comfortable with the stadium situation.
"We are not at a point where we are allowed to make any announcements, but I expect and hope that we will be soon," he said. "But I am very happy today with where we're sitting, from a stadium standpoint."
He adds he has no timetable on when to field the team.
President Peter Marlette Jr. will answer questions about the club's future in Buffalo
President Peter Marlette Jr. will answer questions about the club's future in Buffalo
