San Antonio Scorpions FC Announce Plans for New Playing Facility Near Star Soccer Complex

Published on April 26, 2011 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
San Antonio Scorpions News Release


SAN ANTONIO (APRIL 26, 2011) - The Scorpions FC, San Antonio's new professional soccer team, today announced plans for a 5,000-seat playing facility to be built on land near the South Texas Area Regional (STAR) Soccer Complex and ready for the 2013 season.

In the interim, the team will play 2012 North American Soccer League (NASL) home games in North East Independent School District's 11,000-seat Heroes Stadium, and a portion of Scorpions profits will benefit nearby Morgan's Wonderland.

"We've had to overcome numerous obstacles and roadblocks to field a high-quality soccer team, yet we continue to draw inspiration from those with special needs that daily must deal with hard-to-imagine physical and cognitive challenges," said Gordon Hartman, founder of Soccer for a Cause, the community-wide effort that's bringing pro soccer to San Antonio to further boost the sport's growing popularity and to expand educational programs and services at non-profit Morgan's Wonderland, the world's first ultra-accessible family fun park designed with special-needs individuals of all ages in mind.

Playing 2012 games at Heroes Stadium will provide ample time for construction of the new 5,000-seat playing facility that can be expanded to 10,000 seats, Hartman said. Both Heroes Stadium and the soon-to-be-constructed Scorpions Stadium are located at Thousand Oaks and Wurzbach Parkway, formerly site of the Longhorn Quarry.

"We've signed an agreement with the North East Independent School District that will enable us to enter NASL competition - one step removed from Major League Soccer (MLS) - on time for the 2012 season just one short year from now," Hartman said. "As part of our lease, we will donate a portion of concessions revenue to the district for school programs. We can't thank North East enough for their cooperation and support in helping us usher in a professional sport that's long overdue in San Antonio."

Newly named NASL Commissioner David Downs lauded the Scorpions and the team's focus on building a successful franchise through community involvement and helping those with special needs. "We admire what's happening in San Antonio," Downs said, "and we're really looking forward to seeing the Scorpions achieve their goals both on and off the field."

Hitchcock Tapped To Lead San Antonio Franchise

Hartman also announced that, as part of a strategic partnership, Michael (Hitch) Hitchcock, formerly general manager of the MLS' FC Dallas and Pizza Hut Park in Frisco and currently founding partner of the Playbook Management International (PMI) consultancy, will serve as Scorpions' president. Joining him in managing the team will be three PMI executives.

"Hitch and his associates bring tremendous knowledge and experience in our endeavor to field a successful NASL franchise," Hartman said. "He's widely known and highly respected throughout professional soccer. It's an honor to have him lead the Scorpions FC in this busy start-up time frame."

Hitchcock said one of the first items on a long to-do list is hire an experienced coach who, in turn, will seek to sign talented players.

Fans Asked To Help Select Team Jersey

Fans helped choose a team name and menacing-looking scorpion logo, and now they're asked to choose one of three designs for the team's jersey.

Scorpions officials have collaborated with Nike USA Inc., to finalize the three designs in team colors of black, red and gold. Fans can vote between now and Tuesday, May 31, for their favorite at www.SanAntonioScorpions.com. Ballots also can be found in editions of the San Antonio Express-News.

After all the votes are tallied, the winning jersey design will be unveiled in June. Just like the "Select Our Logo Design" contest, a voter chosen at random will be awarded four tickets to a Scorpions game and a package of team gear including a new jersey.

In January, Nike USA Inc., became a major Scorpions sponsor along with Harvey's Heroes, an organization funded by local businessman and philanthropist Harvey Najim that will enable 500 special-needs or underprivileged children to attend every home game.

Hartman said strong backing from Nike USA Inc., and the Harvey Najim Family Foundation "reflects an understanding of and faith in the business plan we've developed to compete at a very high level in the NASL."

Scorpions Name New Team Sponsors

Three San Antonio business organizations also have signed on as Scorpions FC sponsors. The San Antonio Orthopedic Group, The Lion & Rose British Restaurant and Pub and Oakwell Village Dental have joined Nike USA Inc., and the Harvey Najim Family Foundation in sponsoring the team.

"Like us, these three fine organizations are eagerly anticipating professional soccer in our community," Hartman said. "We're truly grateful for their support of the Scorpions and, in turn, Morgan's Wonderland."

Established in 1947, the San Antonio Orthopedic Group has a staff of board-certified surgeons that treats the full range of musculoskeletal disorders, diseases and injuries. Their specialties include adult reconstructive surgery; arthroscopic surgery; hand, foot and ankle surgery; spinal surgery; rehabilitation from sports injuries and trauma; and general orthopedics procedures. The group supports maintenance of musculoskeletal health to improve quality of life in every aspect of living, from occupational to recreational and leisure activities. Additional information is available at www.tsaog.com.

Last year, the five Lion & Rose locations - four in San Antonio and one in Austin - became Official U. S. Soccer Bars to kick off the 2010 FIFA World Cup. They served up large doses of soccer along with British breakfasts to thousands of fans during those early-morning games televised from South Africa. San Antonian Allen Tharp founded The Lion & Rose in December 2004 in Alamo Heights. More information is available at www.TheLionandRose.com.

Dr. Greg Osborne owns Oakwell Village Dental at 3301 Oakwell, which recently celebrated 30 years of providing compassionate dental care using the latest technology. His practice is located just inside Loop 410 on Harry Wurzbach. Additional details can be found at www.oakwelldental.com.

Team Announces 2012 Ticket Prices

General admission tickets for adults and children (16 and younger) purchased in advance will be available for $15 and $10, respectively. Reserved seats for Scorpions home games at Heroes Stadium will be priced at $25 apiece. Tickets purchased on game day will be $2 higher. Luxury suites and club deck suites also are available. Season seats provide a discount over advance and game-day prices.

As an added bonus, a pre-game tailgate area will be available adjacent to STAR Soccer where fans can socialize before walking a short distance to Scorpions games at Heroes Stadium.

Season Seat Reservations Still Available

Fans who don't want to miss any Scorpions action can still reserve season seats for the 2012 inaugural season. A $25 deposit will place the fan on a priority list and give him or her the right to select a specific seat location at a "Select Your Seat" event.

To reserve their season seat plan, fans can visit www.SanAntonioScorpions.com, call toll-free (855) 333-2012 or stop by STAR Soccer at Thousand Oaks and Wurzbach Parkway between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays. Scorpions fans also can follow the building of their team at http://www.Facebook.com/SanAntonioScorpions and http://www.Twitter.com/SAScorpions.

Hartman Reiterates Scorpions Goals

Hartman reiterated several key goals for the Scorpions including boosting tourism, heightening interest in soccer, promoting physical fitness and generating revenue to offer more programs and services at Morgan's Wonderland, now in its second season of operation. He has pledged that a portion of profits from the soccer team will be donated to Morgan's Wonderland.

"Morgan's Wonderland continues to exceed expectations, profoundly touching the lives of special-needs children and adults, their families and friends," Hartman said. "To our knowledge, this is the first time a pro sports team has been organized so net revenue can benefit those with special needs.

"Our inaugural season last year underscored the need and desire for a safe, colorful, inclusive park like Morgan's Wonderland. Thus far, we've welcomed more than 100,000 guests from 48 states and 15 other countries. We're out to exceed those numbers this season, and we're confident we will.

That level of activity requires substantial financial support in order to welcome more guests and provide more programs and services to the special-needs community at no charge."

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North American Soccer League Stories from April 26, 2011


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