I've searched and can't find anything definitive, but I would hope the agreement is percentage-based, say 5% of capacity, as opposed to granting 500 regardless of venue. Has there been an agreement on away ticket allocation for Cascadia games? If so, a link would be appreciated. -Thanks
The number last year was 500, no matter the venue. It is highly unlikely that it will be set as a percentage.
I am aware it was 500 last year, no matter the venue. You read my post, yes? So, why do you think a percentage-based allocation is "highly unlikely"? Last year's deal effectively gave Seattle better road support; 500 of their fans in Vancouver or Portland comprised a higher percentage of total fans in attendance. Allocating the same percentage of capacity makes more sense. If the Sounders want 1/40th of Portland's capacity, let them give the other teams 1/40th of theirs (not 1/75th, as was the case last year). Why should a team's away fans be given a greater relative presence than what they allow in their own stadium? That should be the deal, take it or leave it. Not sure why it's even up for debate.
I did read your post, did you? Nowhere in there did you mention that you were wondering what the allocation was this year alone, nor did you mention you were aware of what the allocation was the previous year. I agree that a percentage is the most equitable, and that there is a reason most European leagues require percentage based allocations. However, the only way this will be instantiated is if the supporters groups work together and pressure the front offices to give that. It is likely going to be a tougher sell to Seattle than Vancouver or Portland.
It probably is harder sell to Seattle; they undoubtedly want to maintain the disproportionate support their team currently enjoys in Portland and Vancouver. Hopefully, this is already changed from last year, however, if given the choice between an unfair status quo and no allocation at all, I hope the Timbers FO tells Seattle to suck it. They have more to lose than we do.
GRUNT - As of yet, there is no plan for 2012 that has been officially released. Rumors are that it will change from last year. As you may be aware (I cannot tell from above) S#ittle didn't want a percentage based allocation because their stadium is a great deal larger than both Portland and Vancouver. Even when they use their 36k configuration (and Portland was at 18k early last year), that is obviously twice the away section. If they do as rumored this year and open the entire Clink (66k) then we are talking three times the number of tix given to away Portland and Vancouver support. They literally publicly said last year they didn't want to be drown out in their own stadium so 500 was the number that all clubs went with. Again, nobody has announced anything as of yet. Portland and Vancouver are a bit stuck if S#ittle decides to change their stance as they have largely sold their stadiums out assuming 500 away tickets for Cascadia matches. While there is a little bit of room under tarps that could be opened up in JW (and BC place can be made larger too), it would be difficult to tell people that already bought tix that they are being moved. Bottom line is that it sounds like the Flounder FO has moved on a little from their concerns and their discussions of opening up the entire Clink to 66k for cascadia games means more likelihood that Timber and Whitecap fans would just buy general single game tix rather than have to use those allocated to the TA. Since the first Cascadia game isn't until May (S#ittle at Vancouver) and the first game in S#ittle isn't until August, it may be a bit until we find out for sure.
word around the campfire is the sounders will open all of our stadium (no definite confirmation from the FO on that though, just a comment from Garber) Van has stated they will not increase away allocation from last year. I've seen no word from the Timbers FO either
If Seattle prefers limiting away fans to 1/75th of their seats, no problem. It is only fair that we give them the same relative away presence in our stadium. 20,000/75 is approximately 267 seats. Works for me.
I think the problem in both Portland and Vancouver is space. This whole S#ittle changing their minds now thing makes it so Portland and Vancouver cannot reciprocate. The flounder FO were the ones who refused to go 5% in the first place and drove the 500 number last year - Portland and Vancouver were willing to go 5% which would have been 930 with the old JW configuration in Portland, 1040 in the one to be used this year, and 1075 with the soccer configuration of BC place). I suspect Portland and Vancouver have already sold tickets for all of those games assuming they were giving 500 to away support and since all of those tickets are gone already there is no way they can take them back or tell people the tickets they have been moved because S#ittle decided to open up their stadium for a couple of games. If there is going to be a change in the away allocation, you cannot expect the other clubs to reciprocate at this late date just because you change your mind about what you want to do for your home stadium. If the Cascadia teams are going to expect a 3 team change in away allocation, that needs to be sorted before tickets go on sale for the games and are already sold out.
Nothing is confirmed yet but it's fair to say a rough idea of how things will shake out this season is pretty well solidified. Once the FOs commit, then I'm sure the supporter groups will make a statement.
I agree, it is too late to expect Portland and Vancouver to take seats away from people they have already sold to. However, since it is not too late for Seattle to offer more seats, there are two other options; 1) If Portland again gives Seattle fans roughly 2.5% of our capacity (500 seats), then Seattle should give Portland 2.5% of their capacity (what should have been done in the first place). 2) If Seattle still expects 2.5% of Portland's capacity, while still offering just 1.3% of theirs, then Portland should give Seattle the same consideration, which would free up 1.2% more seating to sell to our own fans. Either option is more fair than the status quo.
some new news (not so much news lol) garber kinda jumped the gun from what i hear. the 3 front offices had already decided & planned for increased away ticket allocations for the SGs, but nothing official has been announced. Garber talked when he shouldn't have & is now kind of back peddling. but, if sources are correct, all ticket allocations will be increased. I like hearing that, and i hope it's as fair as possible for all participating SGs
while we generally agree on that, the respective FO's don't seem to share that belief with us. we can hope for 5% FIFA standard some day, but it won't happen this year i'd bet
well, it's not quite equal percentages, but Timbers and Whitecaps will get 1500 tickets in Seattle. http://www.sounderatheart.com/2012/3/28/2909402/timbers-whitecaps-away-allocation-1500-tickets IMO, a good step in the right direction overall. and at least it's something. as long as we can all behave ourselves when visiting the other cities, i expect this allotment to continue to grow until we all get 5% in each stadium. good luck with RSL this weekend, and see you all June 24th
Thanks for the info. I also see the Sounders will get 800 seats in Portland. If the Sounders kept their capacity at 38000, 1500 would practically be the same percentage (4%). No complaint there. However, my understanding is that Seattle is greatly increasing capacity to over 60K when the Timbers come to town, so, Seattle gets 4% of capacity in Portland, and Portland gets less than 2.5% of capacity in Seattle. Props to your front office for sticking it to ours.
yeah the percentages are out of whack out with them opening all of Cent. Link which sucks IMO...but what're we gonna do except support, sing, tifo and show 'em we're not hooligans. just passionate supporters.
