Like many of you, last week we where all thrown into a frenzy when a survey for the rugby community in Oregon began making it's rounds through social media inquiring about the potential of a MLR team coming to Portland, PDX. Of course being in Corvallis, which is about just over hour drive from Portland , my excitement was sparked. And of course naturally I had to reach out to find out more right away. Ben from Portland Rugby Project which is a consultanting firm was gracious enough to answer some questions and let us all know where everything stands at this time.
B- My name is Ben Barlow, and I have been working with the Portland Rugby Project to determine the feasibility and assess the market conditions related to bringing a Major League Rugby team to Portland. I have been involved in rugby as a fan, player, and coach for a little over a decade and very much so look forward to exploring the possibility of bringing a new high performance pathway to the region.
LLR-What is the Portland Rugby Project, is the PRP seeking to be owners of a MLR team?
B-The Portland Rugby Project is a consulting group dedicated to identifying the feasibility of bringing a MLR team to Portland.
LLR-Have clubs throughout Oregon been contacted by PRP to seek feedback or just the clubs in and around Portland?
B-We just began phase two of our market research plan. As such, a variety of clubs from the Portland Metro and surrounding area were chosen to participate for more in depth research. Portland Rugby Project expects this to be the prime target market due primarily to their geographical proximity, but welcomes feedback from across the state and sincerely hopes to engage fans and supporters from the entire region as we progress.
LLR-Has there been any communication between this group and MLR, is the commissioner or any owners been spoken to?
B-No significant communication has taken place as yet. Portland Rugby Project is still in the very early stages of this process.
LLR-Is it possible to name a facility or more that are currently being looked at for a home venue, will this team build their own similar to what was done in Huston?
B-Portland Rugby Project is still reviewing a variety of possible venues and all of its options.
LLR-If everything falls into place what is a realistic year a Portland team can begin playing?
B-It is difficult to say as this is still one of the major items we are trying to identify, but the more buy in and support we continue to receive from individuals like yourself, the more likely things are to continue to progress in an expeditious manner.
I would like to thank Ben very much for getting back to me so quickly and being honest and open. As more information comes in time more information will be posted here and on LLRugby social media accounts.
pdxmlr.com
*For more inquiring please send emails to marketing@pdxmlr.com
Also PRP has social media accounts that will be active soon.
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