New Dynamo Stadium to Open June 2012

HOUSTON - Tim Leiweke, president and CEO of Anschutz Entertainment Group, co-owners of the Houston Dynamo, told FOX 26 Sports Wednesday the team's new downtown soccer-specific stadium will  open in June of 2012.

This is the first time Dynamo ownership has been able to nail down when the stadium will officially open.

"We're going to move in by June of 2012," said Leiweke. "So the paperwork is being wrapped up. Every agreement is being signed. We're out (Wednesday night) starting to sell the naming rights. Our bids are in. Our design is done. We hired a construction team. We hired a project manager. 

"This is a $110 million dollar project. We've have a cost-certainty on budget. Now we get on with the task of making sure that we protect the best interests of the Dynamo and TSU."

The project will be financed with an estimated $75 million from Dynamo ownership. The city of Houston and Harris County are providing $10 million each, that will be funded by taxes generated by the stadium complex.

The city is providing the land which cost around $15 million.

Leiweke pointed out the MLS season opens in April and early plans are to have the Dynamo play road games during the first two months of the 2012 season, with perhaps a big game or two at Reliant Stadium.

The idea is to shoot for the 2012 home opener in the facility.

"I'm proud that is one of the largest private investments in a soccer stadium ever made in the United States," Leiweke said. "Houston deserves it. We believe in this market place."

Leiweke, who is in Houston for the game between the MLS All-Stars and Manchester United, said selling the naming rights to the new stadium is a priority and six companies are meeting with him Wednesday night to hear presentations.

Texas Southern University is a partner with the Dynamo on the project and the school will play its home football games in the new stadium.

On another Dynamo front Leiweke is on the same page with MLS commissioner Don Garber concerning the potential promotion of team chief operating officer Chris Canetti to president.

Garber, who does not have a say in the matter, endorses the promotion.

Leiweke, who will be involved in making the call, does everything but put the title in front of Canetti's name.

"Chris has done a great job," Leiweke said. "We're not looking at anyone else.

"We went to Chris and said look, go show us that you're comfortable and that we're comfortable.

"I like Chris. It's good to find a guy like that that has a chance to suddenly step into a position and grow."

Leiweke was asked what needs to be done for Canetti to officially be named president of the Dynamo.

"I've given you way too much news if I did that," Leiweke said. "So we'll take this one dose at a time."

Leiweke was laughing as he answered the question, but a lot was said without saying a lot.

Canetti, who has run the Dynamo's business operations since 2006, would replace Oliver Luck who resigned last month to become the athletics director at West Virginia.