Major League Soccer will proceed with finalizing the terms of a lease agreement with the Tampa Sports Authority (TSA), ensuring that the Tampa Bay Mutiny will play all of their home games in the new Raymond James Stadium in Tampa next year, commissioner Doug Logan announced at a news conference in Tampa. At the same time, Tampa Mayor Dick Greco announced the formation of a blue ribbon advisory panel of corporate and civic leaders who will help the Mutiny reach ticket sales goals for the 1999 season. The lease agreement between MLS and the TSA is subject to ratification of the TSA Board of Directors and the finalization of some key points in the agreement. Although complete terms of the lease agreement were not released, Logan did say that the lease is for one year with a two-year option. “We’re very pleased to be able to announce today that the Tampa Bay Mutiny will play in the new Raymond James Stadium next year,” said Logan. “After meeting with Mayor Greco, we are convinced of the community’s sincerity to make the team a viable, visible part of the sports landscape here in the Tampa Bay area. That was our goal from the outset and now that we have the city working with us, I believe the Mutiny can become a very successful team.” Logan went on to comment about his views on the future. “This will be a step-by-step process,” he said. “We are first committing to play the 1999 season in Tampa. If we can reduce our operating losses, we will agree to play several more seasons in Raymond James Stadium. “Our ultimate goal,” Logan continued, “is to develop our own soccer-dedicated stadium here. Raymond James is a masterpiece, but, quite frankly, is too large and too fancy for our sport. Soccer is a sport of the people. We need a smaller, intimate, utilitarian venue to host our fans. I have expressed my views to Mayor Greco and he has agreed to commence a process to investigate the feasibility of a soccer-dedicated stadium in Tampa in the future.” “I am very pleased that we are now moving in this direction,” said Mutiny GM Nick Sakiewicz. “It allows us to move forward with selling tickets and improving the team for next season, which are our two biggest priorities. We recognize the task in front of us and are looking forward to the challenge of taking our place upon the major professional sports here in the market.”