By Tom McClimon
July 2, 2012

The mayors from cities with major league sports franchises (National Football League, National Basketball League, National Hockey League, Major League Baseball, and Major League Soccer) met to continue their discussions of ways they can share best practices and information on working with the major sports leagues.

Under the leadership of Indianapolis Mayor Gregory Ballard and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, the mayors heard from Lee Igel, Associate Professor at the Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism, and Sports Management at New York University; and Allen Johnson, Director, of Orlando's Amway Center. It was announced that New York University's Tisch Center will be partnering with the Mayors Professional Sports Alliance on research and projects to assist mayors with their work with the major sports leagues. Igel discussed with the mayors some of their work in the future including an analysis of arena and stadium lease agreements.

Johnson discussed how the public private partnership agreement was reached to develop the Amway Center. The Center is one of the best examples in the country of a city, sports team and the private sector working together .

It was also announced that the Major League Soccer Foundation will be contacting the mayors about their Soccer for Success program which is targeted at teaching the fundamentals of soccer as well as educating young people about healthy living styles.