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USL United Soccer League Championship

USL Announces 2017 Expansion Club in Reno

September 16, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL) News Release


TAMPA, Fla. - The United Soccer League announced today that Reno, Nevada will be the site of the league's 28th franchise, which will be owned by Herb Simon and will play at Aces Ballpark starting in the 2017 season. The announcement was made during a news conference today at Aces Ballpark.

Simon, managing partner of the Reno Aces of the Pacific Coast League as well as the owner of the NBA's Indiana Pacers, is Chairman Emeritus and co-founder of the Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group, Inc., a member of the S&P 500 and the largest U.S. publicly traded real estate company. His diversified business interests include ownership of the NBA franchise the Indiana Pacers. He has served as Chairman of the NBA Board of Governors, on which he continues to serve. Simon is also on the Pacific Coast League Board of Directors.

Reno Aces President Eric Edelstein will occupy the same role for the USL club. Chris Gelfuso will serve as Chief Financial Officer, and Andrew Daugherty will be the Assistant General Manager. The club has launched a "name the team" contest for fans, with the logo and coaching staff to be announced at a later date.

"The USL is thrilled to welcome Reno, Nevada as its 28th franchise," USL CEO Alec Papadakis said. "The vibrant city of Reno, combined with the outstanding ownership of Herb Simon, will assuredly create a most professional soccer organization. One of the world's largest and most successful commercial mall developers, as well as the owner of the NBA's Indiana Pacers and Minor League Baseball's Reno Aces, Mr. Simon will bring his vast business experience and passion for sports to the USL. We look forward to working with him and his president, Eric Edelstein, to bring exciting professional soccer to Reno."

Aces Ballpark is a $50 million venue that opened on April 17, 2009. The state-of-the-art facility features 6,500 seats, 22 luxury suites, 84 sports bar patio seats and multiple general admission areas that bring the total capacity to more than 9,000.

Aces Ballpark is also home to the Freight House District, a one-of-a-kind four-restaurant venue that combines dining, nightlife and music into one unique, modern and innovative area for fans to enjoy.

"Aces Ballpark was always envisioned as a venue to bring the community together," Edelstein said. "Bringing USL professional soccer to Reno is the next step in bringing world-class sports and entertainment to Reno."

Reno is part of the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area, which has a population of nearly 500,000, making it the second largest metropolitan area in Nevada. Nestled on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Reno-Sparks metro area is one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S.

The USL is a vital piece of the growth and development of soccer in North America, on and off the field. With 24 clubs in the 2015 season, the USL looks to expand strategically with strong ownership groups that share the league's passion and vision, in markets that are positioned for long-term success. The USL recently announced the additions of Lehigh Valley, FC Cincinnati and Rio Grande Valley FC for the 2016 season.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


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