Nashville’s bid is made

Here’s the statement from lead investor John Ingram:

“We’re grateful to MLS and the expansion committee for the opportunity to demonstrate, once again, why we believe Nashville should be in the first round of expansion cities. We have a city-supported, soccer-specific stadium solution in place, and we have strong grassroots energy for MLS soccer in Nashville. I’m proud of what Nashville has accomplished together in a short time to make today’s discussion with MLS possible. People all across our city, from elected officials to business and civic leaders, soccer fans and the public, have joined together in support of this bid. We believe MLS and Nashville are a perfect match and are ready to prove that Music City is Soccer City.”

Nashville was first to present, Sacramento follows, with Cincinnati and Detroit waiting until the afternoon. Early returns from local media (from the locations of the bids) is positive, with Nashville sounding the favorite even over Sacramento.