I saw some tweets by Andrew Wiebe yesterday where we picked the best stadiums for the USMNT to host hex games. Here are my five: Costa Rica (KC), Mexico (Columbus), Honduras (Salt Lake City), Jamaica (Nashville) and Panama (Chicago). #USMNT Disclaimer: Seattle and Portland are not in my mix because they lack natural surfaces. Would US pay to put one down? That's the question. On a more general question, where are the best stadiums for the USMNT to play at? (Domestic, of course.)
Good list. With Jamaica, Panama and Costa Rica we have so many choices to choose from. Most MLS sized stadiums with good season ticket bases can host those matches without many problems.
USSF should make a concerted effort to remain only in the small MLS stadiums for overwhelming home atmosphere. No stadium greater than 30-40,000. No Nashville. No paydays. No temporary surfaces.
RFK will be in the running to host a qualifier as well...not saying we'll get one, but it will be in the running. We will not put down temporary grass for a qualifier. The games are too important to risk it on a temporary surface that will have terrible footing.
Panama seems like the most likely match for DC if they get one. I remember back when Arena was coach Klinsi attended a WCQ vs. Panama in RFK...
My list would look something like this: Mexico (Kansas City), Costa Rica (Columbus), Honduras (Salt Lake City), Jamaica (Nashville) and Panama (Portland)
I'm torn between Columbus and LSP for the Mexico game. On one hand Columbus has the advantage of a perfect record, on the other hand LSP's atmosphere is arguably better for a game of such magnitude. Most people probably don't want to fix something if its not broke but I'd personally like to see that game in Kansas City considering I would be more likely to go see it in person
I think Philadelphia/Chester should be in the running. Also Hartford, Connecticut has been a nice environment for USA fans.
It is difficult. If Columbus can get all those fans from the Jamaica match to show up again and keep out the green jerseys then they should keep it. If the trend continues of more and more Mexicanos invading Crew Stadium then I think it is time to change come next cycle.
I don't want matches in NFL stadiums for qualifying. Small, loud buildings. Nothing bigger than Rentschler Field.
Small stadiums aren't the problem. The problem is lazy USMNT fans. They'ed rather watch from home than drive more than 30 minutes. Foreign NT fans in the US will travel 8-12 hours, just to watch a game and drive back home.
All the matches should be played in small stadiums. My list would be vs Mexico in Columbus, vs Panama in Salt Lake City, vs Honduras in Kansas City, vs Costa Rica in Chicago, vs Jamaica in Dallas. A qualifying match held in Seattle or Portland would have an amazing atmosphere, but the grass issue will keep a match from happening there for a while. RFK Stadium is in terrible shape and there is a risk of being outnumbered by the fans of Central American teams. NYC doesn't have a chance of having a pro US crowd. Philly had a good crowd for the 2010 World Cup sendoff, but had a very disappointing turnout to the last US match there. Nashville has a chance to host a match, even with the huge stadium.
I thought about that as I was making it. Mods are free to change it and I didn't really think more than two seconds as to what could be a better title. Sorry = / I went to USA v. Paraguay in Nashville and it definitely felt like a foreign sport in a football stadium. Wasn't awful but wasn't impressive.
A factor that doesn't get mentioned much is that the ideal location of a game can vary depending on whether it is on a weeknight or a weekend. As Mr. Warmth said above, U.S.-based fans of visiting national teams seem willing to travel a lot farther to games than USMNT fans. And weeknight games can be much more difficult for travelling fans because they require taking time off from work.
If they are doing a game in the mid-Atlantic it needs to be Philly. RFK doesn't even allow anyone on the second level anymore. That won't provide much atmosphere and could potentially allow the vistitor's fans outnumber us. Philly didn't show up for the most recent game, but I think everyone knew it was a friendly with more of a B team. I think the pre-world cup send off is a better comparison to a Hex qualifier.
Honduras- Red Bull or Philly Panama-RSL Mexico-Columbus always do well there. Costa Rica-Kansas City Jamaica-Houston
It would feel like a road match in New Jersey. Too many Hondurans in the NY/NJ area. Maybe Chester but that may be too risky too.