Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk plans to include a "world-class" stadium for the national capital as part of his bid for a Major League Soccer franchise.
Melnyk will hold a news conference on Tuesday morning at Scotiabank Place to discuss the plans, according to a statement.
MLS wants to expand by as much as 10 teams over the next five years. The league has thrived in New York, Los Angeles, Washington, and other major American markets over 13 seasons.
Seattle and Philadelphia are joining the league in 2009 and 2010. Two more expansion teams are expected for 2011.
But first, Melnyk and Senators Sports and Entertainment need a soccer-specific stadium that seats around 20,000, similar to Toronto FC's BMO Field.
One possible location is in the shadow of Scotiabank Place, though Melnyk has not yet revealed possible sites.
Ottawa helped Canada set an attendance record at last summer's FIFA Under-20 World Cup. Frank Clair Stadium, which seated 28,800, was filled to 95 per cent capacity.
But with the south-side stands undergoing demolition, and with tens of million dollars in needed repairs, a new stadium has become a necessity for Ottawa to attract an MLS franchise.
