I never expected Pittsburgh to be an option for MLS, but Riverhounds (under new ownership) GM Gene Klein may think otherwise. They have a plan for a 3,000-5,000 seat stadium in the works that can be expanded to 20,000. This literally came out of the blue. It's in here, amongst the Everton Academy stuff. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07194/801366-139.stm
Dude, can U imagine Pittsburgh vs. Philly in MLS? That would be one passionate rivalry right there What stands out to me is the fact that this seems like a long-term plan, where they wouldn't push for MLS for at least another 5-7 years, meaning they're not trying to be one of the next three expansions. That works out for Philly really well IMO. They could have MLS first and help build MLs interest throughout the state, while Pittsburgh could keep developing the youth academy to the point where they'd be ahead of most MLS teams in that department before actually joining the league. Interesting article
I agree. I would love to see Philly get a team. I think the NYRB and DC United rivalries would play out pretty well to begin with. I just hope Pittsburgh gets rid of the Riverhounds name if it ever nakes it to MLS (and has black and gold as thier colors).
i dont understand why leagues want to go to places where other sports franchises have had difficulties and pretty much failed Pittsburgh cant support sid the kid and they definetly wont be able to support MLS, just like Kansas cant support an NHL team
Ignorance thy name is nick. Cannot support Sid the Kid huh? A season ticket waiting list 3,000 people long, a new arena, and the highest rated FSN station in the country. Yeah you are right we cannot support Sid the Kid.
No, not really. Pittsburgh and Philly are 6 hours (driving) away from each other. Pittsburgh and Cleveland is much MUCH bigger rivalry. They hate each other, especially when it comes to stupid pointy American football Add to the fact Columbus is only a three hour drive from Pitt. That would probably be a bigger rivalry.
I don't think Nick is as ignorant as you think, plus I have to look out for my TFC brethern. He does have a point about the Riverhounds wanting to be in the MLS when there really, to my knowledge, hasn't been an outcry for pro soccer. The Steelers, Pens, and Pirates take up most of the Burghs interest. Not to mention Pitt football and basketball are also a big part of the sports landscape. Then there's high school sports. I would love for the Riverhounds to be in the MLS, but I think they need to keep to the plans they have now, which seem to be good ones, and then we'll see in the future what holds for Pittsburgh in the way of pro soccer.
Pens v. Flyers is always a big deal when they play each other, but that's hockey. If Pitt and Philly get clubs then they can play for the Keystone Cup! Next year you will get your Burgh v Cleveland matchup in the USL 2, and as an added bonus you'll also get the Burgh v. Sissynati. I agree with you about Columbus, that's if the franchise landscape doesn't change and Cleveland is added to the MLS. IF Pitt gets the MLS franchise then Columbus should be their biggest rival. The thing I hate is the fact that Columbus' colors are black and yellow. I would want the Burgh franchise to be in black and yellow....it's apart of the Burgh legacy, it's the Burghs' colours, it's the Burghs' flag. I'm not saying Columbus should change their colours but they should be prepared to have a possible 3rd jersey when they play....eventually.
I agree on the name. I was thinking they could be called the German name for steel, but the word in German is 'Stahl' and that wouldn't be a good name for a team in a fast pace sport. I would think Rovers would do nicely. It still has the hounds feel to it and they can use the city seal with two hounds as supporters. plus it gives tribute to all the times the Riverhounds were on the move from pitch to pitch. True Rovers.
Hahaha, the Pens have some of the greatest support in the league, especially among US teams. government =/= fans
I was speaking towards his comment about Pittsburgh not supporting Crosby not towards the Riverhounds.
Sigh. The possibility of Pittsburgh getting an MLS team is years down the road. A lot of things may change before then. If Pittsburgh builds the 3,000-5,000 seat stadium, then a move to USL-1 is a given. If the fans support the team and attendence does well, then I think there may a good chance to look into the next tier. Pittsburgh, like most cities, has fair weather fans. There wasn't a demand for Penguin tickets until the team landed Crosby and started winning again. The Pirates have drawn mediocre attendence for the last few years, save for the 2001 when PNC Park opened and a small spike last year because of the all-star game (season ticket packages were a prerequisite for ASG tickets). The Steelers have a season ticket waiting list. But let's be honest, it's only an 8 game home schedule in a city where the football is king. When the Steelers do poorly, there are thousands upon thousands of no shows at the stadium. So, a winning team will help drive attendence. The other thing is publicity. The Pittsburgh media (especially print media) has a lot power. They don't like covering minor or "gimmick" sports. I think many teams failed over the last few years in part from a lack of coverage. Pihranas (CBA), Stingers (CISL), Crossefire (NLL), Xplosion (ABA/CBA)(still playing, but barely playing to 2,000 fans). If the media can somehow get on board and the Hounds spend a good chunk of money on marketing, then it's possible to fill up a 5,000 seat stadium for a USL-1 team. The distance between other MLS teams, makes Pittsburgh a good place to put a team. Columbus is closest with about a 3 hour drive. DC, New York and Eventually Philadelphia are all 5-7 hours away. Dick's Sporting Goods seems to be a major partner/sponser with MLS and the fact that they're headquarted in Pittsburgh, is another step in the right direction. Here's an intresting blog piece. Take it for what you will: http://rizzosports.blogspot.com/2007/06/pittsburgh-riverhounds-moving-to.html
Pittsburgh should NEVER be allowed to join MLS. If they do then the Crew needs to just relocate there since they stole their colors anyway and are unhappy with Crew Stadium. As far as names forget Steel. Pittsburgh is not much about Steel anymore. If this were a team that started in the 1950s yes but Pittsburgh's Steel Industry pretty much died in the 80s-90s from what I understand. And what's with the German. Pittsburgh's name is spelled with an H for good reason...the man the city is named after was English. Just Move The Crew "Pittsburgh Crewe FC" has a nice ring to it this is all a joke of course.
I have to say Jade that I was getting really mad before I read your last bit. Anyways, I wont tell you to ******** OFF now, just don't say such things anymore.
Good article it all sounds good, if it works out GREAT!!! Then the league needs to finish it off by adding Cleveland and Baltimore then move Columbus to Cincinnati and MLS will have their own AFC North Division. (just kidding) Seriously, by adding Pitt, Philly, and Cleveland to go along with Columbus you will have a nice 4 team division and instant regional rivals that will hopefully keeps the stadiums full, best of luck. NM
Yea, Jade, actually this goes for everybody.....PLEASE do not pick on the Crew or their fans. They are highly sensitive, don't know why but they are. BUT Jade does have a point about the situation with the stadium, but it has to do more with paved parking than any thing else.
Pittsburgh and Philly would be an ok rivalry, but it is so damn far away. NY and DC are closer and right on 95
I am new to Pittsburgh having just moved here in February, via New York and Philly, where I am originally from. (My wife is from Pittsburgh, hence the move out here.) Anyway, I've only ever been to one Riverhounds game and was sad to see that they took the year off (especially as I knew I was moving here). I've been in contact with several of the folks in the front office of the club about starting a supporters group. I'd like to have as little club involvement as possible and really have in run by the supporters. Anyone else interested? We have a lot of work to do and I need help to get this off the ground. I am supposed to meet with members of the club in a couple of weeks. Obviously in a city like Pittsburgh this going to have to start small but with the club moving back closer to the city, the Everton deal, new owners who are committed to the area, etc, it can be done. I'd like to get a group of people together who are interested in making this happen. If possible we could meet at Pipers one night and talk about what we would like to see happen, how to make it happen and what help to FO could give us in working this out. Anyone interested? -Eddie
Well, according to RizzoSports blog this morning: It's looking more and more like the Riverhounds are deciding against moving to the mills. They probably will build a stadium with is part of soccer complex of a dozen fields. That's too bad. Not familiar with Pittsburgh, but the writer made the Pittsburgh Mills sound like a pretty good spot.
Pittsburgh Mills is a good spot, if you live anywhere north of the city. If not the it blows. I am guessing it'll be somewhere in the South Hills or near the airport since Dick's is going to be involved and they are out past Carnegie on the Parkway.
I went to Penn State and campus always went crazy for Pens v. Flyers games, but that same passion cetainly wouldn't be there for a Pirates v. Phillies game. Establishing teams in the illadelph and Shitsburgh purely to create a rivalry would be a risk to say the least. Was this concept dreamt by the same team that thought a CiivasUSA and Houston 1860 (whatever it was) were marketing masterstrokes?
With all due respect, having lived in both cities, they don't like each other. I am originally from Philly now living in Pittsburgh. The Steelers and Eagles may not be in the same conference but when I wear an Eagles jersey I hear stuff constantly. The Flyers-Pens rivalry helps because it's the same division. You might be too young to remember, I don't know, but the Phillies and Pirates were big rivals before MLB in their infinite wisdom realign them into seperate divisions and went from playing 16-20 times a season to just 6. There's also a huge political rivalry. Western PA feels slighted by Eastern PA. They see Philadelphia as soaking up all their tax dollars. Eastern PA sees Pittsburgh as nothing but a cow town for of yinzers and yokels.
I know whats up...All I'm saying is that I don't think, today, that a Pirates v. Phillies match would generate that much buzz. Maybe I'm wrong. The Pennsylvania I know is very blue collar and american football dominates.
You're wrong. In the 70's and 80's when they were in the same division they hated each other. Both cities are passionate about any sport as long as it is the top level.