Let the Metros Go.

By Ronen

I’m currently crafting a golden image of a calf in my backyard and plan to bring it to the next tailgate with a woman named Miriam to lead an orgy-like celebration around it. We will indulge in forbidden pleasures and drink wine, while adorning this golden calf with treasures. Anyway, after 10 years, the Metros are getting their stadium.

I’m not sure which is going to feel better: Walking into the new stadium in 2007; or never ever having to go to Giants Stadium for a MetroStars game. You have to admit, it’s kinda close. And to imagine, both experiences will come with a short time frame of each other.

I honestly still cannot believe it. Keith and I decided to attend the press announcement in the 200 degree weather to see it with our own eyes. I left my office, jumped on the subway to the Path and was on my way to Harrison for the first time. This town needs the redevelopment as much as Metros need this town. As soon as we rounded the corner to see the Harrison Public Library, we knew this was for real. There were tents, banners, security, cameras, press, and other indicators that they were going to give us definite news this time.

Every early press release, including an email from Alexi, seemed to indicate that this was the real deal. St. Phil decided to put up all of the money and give the NJSEA the collective, rather large, middle finger.

And, as a season ticket holder from the beginning, they deserve nothing less. I’ll attend concerts there and specifically avoid NJSEA events. I’ve witnessed over ten years the oppressive landlord claim that they love soccer and love their relationship with the Metros, yet always forced the Metros to make bricks without straw.

The scheduling, the advertising, the parking fees, the concessions, the ridiculous rents, etc., all went in to the pockets of NJSEA. Metros were sucking the life out of league because soccer needed a New York area presence. But that is all behind us now. I saw it with my own eyes and I had to. There were no "final hurdles", claims of "optimism", or declarations of "confidence that the stadium will be built". The relative sentences were short and concise by the Mayor of Harrison, the Governor of New Jersey, the President of AEG, and others. Nick spoke last and accepted all the high praise these politicians were heaping on him. They all said that the stadium will be built; Harrison will be the home; Construction will begin; and most importantly, the MetroStars will have a first class facility in June of 2007.

Go, proclaim liberty throughout all the land, and to all the inhabitants thereof

After all, it would take more than a man to lead the Metros from bondage. It would take Phil Anschutz.