Rich in New Jersey: Can you provide an open and transparent account of what is going on with the Metrostars future Stadium plans, where are we in the process? What is remaining between us and groundbreaking? Finally, what is the timeline for these steps to be completed?
Nick Sakiewicz: I know that this is the biggest hot button for fans and I wish I could give all of the specifics right now. But due to the sensitivity of the current negotiations it's difficult to be forthcoming on all the information without potentially impacting the deal. I hope fans can appreciate that fact and realize that I'm not trying to sidestep the question. Some may remain skeptical but the truth is that there are a lot of good things happening to push this process forward. Building a new stadium is a top priority of this organization as is winning a championship and with the most recent developments we are confident that we are on our way to getting the stadium built. Here's what I can report: we are on track in Harrison. Governor Codey has a specific vision and plan for sports in New Jersey. Additionally, Governor Codey, his leadership and his key people have been working with us in an extremely positive fashion to get a deal done. These discussions have been nothing but positive and productive thanks to his leadership. I'd like to say a lot more about the specifics but I need to be careful about setting timelines and raising other expectations. Governor Codey, with other public officials, will handle such announcements moving forward.

Josh in Atlanta: The clock is ticking to having a new stadium ready by spring 2006; the Chicago Fire, who have the same aspirations, broke ground last month. When do we have to break ground so as not to jeopardize our desired completion date? Why is our "time required" different than that of the Chicago Fire? What specific steps have the MetroStars taken to ensure that ultimately a state-of-the-art soccer stadium will be built and corners will not be cut to meet a 2006 spring completion? What is being done to leverage the best features and results of building new soccer stadiums in Asia, Europe, Columbus, LA and Dallas?
Nick Sakiewicz: We have always been pushing for the earliest date possible for a new stadium. It has been my job to set timelines, both publicly and privately, to keep people honest and working towards the earliest date. At this point, and honestly, opening the stadium in 2006 appears unlikely. Right now, 2007 looks like a more realistic time frame. We are not going to cut corners in the design and development of the facility which includes a sound financial plan that is good for the MetroStars in the long term. Our goal is to have the finest soccer specific stadium in America and we are taking a little bit of knowledge from the Home Depot Center, Columbus, Dallas and some of the great soccer venues around the world when considering design options. It will undoubtedly be a first-class facility that will be designed with fans in mind and for a great soccer experience.

Jason in New Jersey: There are new rumors that the new stadium may include involement with the NJSEA. With the fan hatred towards the NJSEA at an all time high, how would you convince us that our new stadium experience will be any different than what we have to put up with at Giants Stadium?
Nick Sakiewicz: Fan experience, and customer service levels, that our company is used to at Staples Center and Home Depot Center will not be comprimised. In our discussions that principle issue is being addressed and we are confident, and delighted, that the sports authority and their senior management see eye-to-eye with us on this subject. Together, we believe that we can make the soccer stadium a special place for our fans and I believe that the NJSEA is committed to that.