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‘There’s a new energy’: MLS commissioner impressed with recent Houston Dynamo investments

By Chandler France – Reporter, Houston Business Journal
Aug 25, 2023

In light of recent investments into Shell Energy Stadium and a new headquarters, Major League Soccer’s commissioner praised the Houston Dynamo Football Club and owner Ted Segal’s efforts to grow the team.

HDFC hosted an open house on Aug. 24 for its new headquarters, located at 413 Bastrop St. in East Downtown, a block north of the club’s stadium. The 26,000-square-foot facility now houses over 100 of the team’s staff — with additional space to add more employees — and features a third-floor event space. MLS Commissioner Don Garber joined HDFC’s top executives for the event.

Garber said he views Houston as one of the most valuable markets for MLS given its diversity and importance to the country overall. He said the league is driven by diversity, making MLS and Houston a natural fit.

“We are the league for a new America, and that new America is right here in Houston,” Garber told the Houston Business Journal. “The energy and the excitement of this neighborhood is perfect for us.”

Garber said that he’s been impressed with the investments Segal has made, which have totaled $27 million over the past 12 months. He considers Shell Energy Stadium one of the best centrally located venues in all of MLS, so he praised Segal for his vision and commitment to improving it. Recent upgrades to the venue include new all-mesh seating, an upgraded club space and new local restaurant partners.

“You get the feeling that there’s a new energy here that is about to explode and take on the opportunity,” Garber told the media at the event.

While much of the conversation about the MLS has been centered on international superstar Lionel Messi joining Inter Miami CF, Garber reminded Houstonians that the Dynamo have a global star of their own. Houston signed Mexican national player Héctor Herrera in 2022 to contract through the 2024 season with an option for 2025. Herrera is the Mexican National Team captain and played for La Liga’s Atlético de Madrid before coming to MLS.

“I said to Ted when he got signed, ‘Finally, he’s wearing one of our jerseys,’” Garber said. “I don’t want to minimize the importance of having a guy like Herrera in this club.”

Segal told the media that it is gratifying to hear the commissioner’s praise about the investments made in the club. The new headquarters was an important next step for the club so that the staff could work where the team plays, he said. HDFC previously occupied 8,000 square feet of space at the George R. Brown Convention Center downtown.