Phoenix Rising forces fought their way into the MLS expansion hunt last year before FC Cincinnati won a spot. They remain a dark horse in this race but they had positive communication with MLS brass on their qualifications.
When temperature concerns got raised for their planned outdoor stadium, Phoenix Rising co-chairman Brett Johnson helped unveil new plans. The plans answer the concerns, he showed. He shared those plans with media, including Sports Illustrated.
Johnson emphasized their manageable weather rates about nine months of the year. But it is the rest of the time that makes Phoenix the hottest major city in the U.