The North American Soccer League has given approval for Indianapolis to join the league for the 2014 season.
Wednesday’s announcement came from NASL commissioner Bill Peterson. Ersal Ozdemir, CEO of Keystone Group LLC, owns the new Indiana pro soccer team. Soccer consultant Peter Wilt will soon be named team’s president. The coach will be announced later this year, and player selection will follow.
“Indiana is home to the current and eight-time NCAA Men’s Soccer champions – Indiana University, numerous World Cup players and more than 60,000 youth soccer players,” said Ozdemir. “I want to offer our sports-minded city and soccer community the opportunity to truly experience this beautiful game in a fun, safe and family friendly environment. Professional soccer’s national popularity has grown exponentially over the last several decades. I want Indianapolis to be part of the world’s game and home to Indiana’s team.”
The franchise is asking soccer fans to vote in a poll on the team’s official name on the team’s website. The winning team name will be announced in the coming months. As the twelfth team to join NASL, the Indianapolis squad will play teams such as the Atlanta Silverbacks, defending champion Tampa Bay Rowdies, San Antonio Scorpions and New York Cosmos.
For the 2014 season, the team would like to play its home games at Michael Carroll Stadium located at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). Discussions are being held with Indiana University to try to make that work.
“Bringing a professional soccer team to Indiana raises the profile of our state globally,” said Gov. Mike Pence. “A growing number of our state’s youth soccer players will soon be able to witness professional soccer firsthand. Families, young adults and soccer diehards from every corner of our state will now have a local team to call their own.”
A $25 deposit will reserve a single season ticket for 2014. Season tickets range from $135 to $390 for 15 home games. Individual ticket prices range from $10 to $30. A limited number of suites and high-end club seats will also be offered with additional amenities. All ticket inquiries for the inaugural 2014 season will be handled on the team’s website.
