Brian Bilello, the president of the New England Revolution, held a Q and A with fans a few days ago. The most interesting part of the conversation was when he said this: "I would lean towards us rebranding and that doesn't mean a decision has been made. That being said re-branding isn't just a logo change, it is a lot more. Could we do something here at Gillette? Maybe. I think it is much more powerful to do something in conjunction with a move to an urban SSS and really re-define what soccer means to our region." If they do rebrand, what do you think it will be? The trend has been to use original NASL names, whenever possible. The Boston Beacons were the original NASL team to play in Fenway Park in the late 1960s. The dictionary defines a beacon as "an intentionally conspicuous device designed to attract attention." That's what you want a soccer team to be. I think there is also a value in the alliteration. Having a team name that starts with the same letter as the name of the city just sounds right. Finally, if they do build a new stadium in Revere, it will be right by the sea, where you would naturally put a beacon. Here is an article about the potential stadium in Revere: http://www.reverejournal.com/2012/0...t-at-wonderland-might-include-soccer-stadium/ What do you think? Will it be Boston Beacons? Dave www.DaveBrett.com
No. There is a trend for MLS to adopt the few NASL brands that have some legacy and relevance in the market, but that doesn't mean they are getting all 'wikipedia' about choosing brands. Just because some team existed for a season 30+ years ago doesn't mean it helps the brand or that it will draw any more fans. If they move closer to Boston they will go with something euro (probably British) like what the Wizards did. It will end up being Boston FC/United/Wanderers/Rovers... Yes I know there was a Boston Rovers in the 60s, no need for a wikipedia link.
I'm not sure where you're getting the idea that the trend is to rebrand to a NASL team... I can think of only one rebrand to a NASL team. Last I checked the Dallas Burn became FC Dallas, not the Dallas Tornado, the Kansas City Wiz became the Wizards, then Sporting Kansas City, not the Kansas City Spurs, the New York Metrostars became the New York Red Bulls, not the New York Cosmos. Although, good call on the San Jose Clash become the San Jose Earthquakes. 1 out of 4 is a total trend.
I like it man. Although, by evidence that I never heard if the Boston Beacons , who knows if they were a success. The sounders, timbers, and cosmos are all nasl names I've heard of before. But I do like the way Boston beacons sounds.
Boston could and should be a big MLS market, it has all the ingredients to make it work, young affluent working males/females + heaps of college kids which are a MLS target market. Add large immigrant population as well and this market should really be booming. What it needs is the right ownership group in place. I think everyone has heard these stories from the Krafts long enough to take it with a grain of salt. Not sure how toxic the name Revolution has become but a simple rebrand to Boston Revolution would be good. Also fix the logo so it doesn't look like an NFL rip-off. The logo is from an era when MLS teams had their names on the front of the shirt rather than a sponsor. If a newbie looked at it they wouldn't have a clue what it was TBH. This isn't the NFL where everyone knows a blue star means the Cowboys. Play in a 20 k stadium near a T-stop and it completes the rebrand, which unfortunately is the hardest part of the puzzle.
I like the name Boston Beacons, not because of the old NASL connection (the only area team I had heard of before now was the New England Tea Men), but because the name makes sense for the location. Okay the stadium will be in Revere or Somerville, not Beacon Hill (as if the Kerrys and Kennedys would allow such a thing in their backyard) but it still sounds good. It's stupid to dismiss it as trying too hard to bring back NASL teams, when the name works (unlike the freaking Tea Men). Boston Beacons, Boston Minutemen, both good names... of course New England Revolution is a fine name as well, they really just need a logo that fits in with the others, a total rebrand isn't necessary. Hell they can even keep the logo as long as they build a soccer stadium near a T stop. I know Revere is by the water, is there a lighthouse? That would be perfect...
Boston Rev Sox (or Boston Rev Socs or Boston Rev SC, you pick the spelling) should be under serious consideration for any possible MLS rebranding in NE.
As long as we're going the route of pandering to other Boston teams, I like Boston Shamrocks as a name.
I always liked the old Tulsa Roughneck name/logo. Of course, I'm originally from Tulsa, sooooo... And of course, Tulsa will NEVER get an MLS team, nor should it. NASL/USL maybe (big maybe).
All the names listed here are terrible. I might give Boston City FC a pass but seriously theseare horrible.
The fact that this was said by the President of the club should be a god-send to all soccer fans in Boston (even/especially those who don't follow the Revs) and all fans of the league alike. With consistent media reports on the movement of DC's stadium plan, this franchise will be the only one left languishing in the '90s and MLS 1.0 with a vague/bad name, logo, reputation and stadium deal. A re-brand is a must, ideally coinciding with a new stadium move (a la SKC). There is WAY too much BLUE in MLS, so I'd welcome a change to the GREEN hoops in homage of Boston's heritage. I'd definitely go with "Boston ..." also, to get as much distance from the NFL/Kraft/Gillette association as possible. All solid candidates, especially the nod to the city's heritage in "Shamrock Rovers" from the '60s: - Boston Rovers - Boston City FC - Boston Wanderers - Boston Revolution
You forgot the Union. 5 out of 19 teams have blue home jerseys. 8 teams have blue alternate jerseys. 2 teams have blue thirds (LA and the Quakes). 15 out of 19 teams in MLS have blue in their color schemes.