Mark Berman's Blog

Texas Southern University moved a giant step closer to joining the effort to build the Houston Dynamo a downtown soccer stadium. TSU Athletics Director Charles McClelland told FOX 26 Sports he met Monday with the city's chief negotiatior on the project, Andy Icken, Deputy Director of Public Works for Houston.

"I had a meeting (Monday) with the City of Houston to discuss the opportunities for Texas Southern to be a part of the Houston Dynamo stadium," McClelland said.

"The meetings went well. I do need to have a follow-up meeting with (team president) Oliver Luck and the Houston Dynamo. I think things are on track. They are moving forward. I think the opportunities are great for Texas Southern University."

McClelland believes what the city and the Dynamo are offering is well within the school's reach.

"In Texas Southern's case we will pay a portion of the stadium and have rights to be able to utilize it," McClelland said. "We are still trying to work out those dollar amounts. I don't have a clear cut amount yet but I can say, from all indications, it's within reason of something that we will be able to afford."

McClelland told FOX the city and the Dynamo both want his school involved.

"The city is basically with the Houston Dynamo and they are trying to bring Texas Southern in," McClelland said.

"From my understanding it will be a shared facility, the Houston Dynamo and Texas Southern athletics.

The City of Houston and the Dynamo are in the midst of negotiations to build the stadium that would be the new home of the two-time defending MLS Cup Champions. The project is estimated to cost $110 million which includes the land. The city has already purchased the property that would be used for the project for about $15 million. However, Houston Mayor Bill White has stressed the land can be used for a variety of purposes should a stadium deal not be consumated.

Houston Dynamo ownership has maitained its franchise cannot play at at its current home, Robertson Stadium on the University of Houston campus, beyond 2009. It's contract with the school expires after the 2008 season.

Dynamo officials indicated if a stadium deal cannot be worked out with the city, the franchise would look at other options in the Houston area.

Texas Southern's financial interest in the project may not be the missing link to getting a stadium deal done, but it will help.

"There's still other steps that need to fall into place but Texas Southern is a significant part of the equation," Icken said.

Icken also cautions TSU's part of the deal is not finalized but acknowledges it looks promising.

"I think is a great opportunity for TSU and I'm delighted they seized the opportunity to get involved with the stadium from the git-go," Luck said.

"This gives TSU a chance to restore their football program to respectability. I give credit to (school president) Dr. (John) Rudley and Athletics Director McClelland for their quick response to this issue."