Onr thing I agree with is that there is room for 3 clubs in the metro NY area as they are spread out pretty well in NYCFC does build in Bronx. As MLS teams are resting starters for the US Open Cosmos will be going for it and it seems other NASL clubs are thinking the same. Right probmotion seems to be putting in place that is the Cosmos mission so could mean big crowds and lots of attention for Open games in Elmont
The problem with the "Cosmos/NASL will grow by winning Open Cups" theory is that MLS fans, as well as 99% of soccer fans in this country also rest for the Open Cup, so the Cosmos going deep or even winning one probably would not move the needle all that much. Also, with most matches being during the week, I would not expect to see huge crowds either.
For me the positives about a good USOC performance isn't so much the eyes that see it but the perception it can help build with the club as a top domestic side, rather than just a 2nd division club. Winning games against what most people see as superior competition is a net positive. Also in the event they could ever actually win it, going into CONCACAF and projecting that championship quality image is important to the team's credibility. Its no silver bullet for sure, but there are many good things that a good USOC run will do.
I agree although many soccer fans are resting NASL teams/league/fans/supporters can get some spotlight. perhaps even investing in having there games once they get to USLPRO and MLS clubs televised. It will be a start.
So what happened to Stadium decision coming shortly from news flash a few weeks ago? If Belmont isn't a go the State aught to say so. There is patience & then there is patience. Yes I which they were closer to the City, but Belmont by far will be the easiest SSS to get to in NYC area. Subway, LIRR, & major Parkway. I'd just like to throw Acqueduct Race track in the ring as a possiblity, thou I still wish for Brooklyn, if not Belmont. The Gov't talked about building Convention Center by Acqueduct a few yrs back. Given most SSS are covered except for the pitch. Maybe Govt can foot the bill thru incentives/partner to cover the pitch w/a reactable doom, & double Stadium as a Convention Center. The technology is avail to lower/retract & cover pitch, so State can have Convention during season. Just throwing that out there cause teh stadium news is so dead.
I know its the same answer - but they are still making their decision - they being the "state". There was another small blurb in the paper the other day about the decision on the site being something that might be announced during the campaign season in Long Island - essentially that could be at any point during the summer! Its aggravating indeed but what can we do right?? I have to believe that sooner or later the team will have to move towards a plan B - they cannot play in Hofstra forever and to be honest - Hofstra hasn't been the best host either (i.e. - scheduling conflicts, strict rules on fans) . In terms of Aqueduct - not sure how much space is over there. Plus didn't they just build a casino out there a couple of years back? I'm not too familiar with the space around there so I could be wrong.
I think what the Montreal Impact did in building Saputo field for a smaller capacity with the ability to expand at a later time if needed would be a perfect way to go for the Cosmos. Able to put in Corporate suites and VIP areas within the structure of the venue. Saputo started with a 13K capacity the Cosmos may want to go a bit higher. Also looking at Montcon Stade it has 10K permanent seats put has matching temp seats, that can raise the capacity to 16K or 20K, that match the permanent seats and are stored close by and can be put up very quickly. So building a 25k-30K stadium would be premature at this time but having the ability to be flexible would be important on a temp and/or permanent basis.
I think it's time the Cosmos start (if they haven't already) looking into plan B. It's taken way too long for these people to make up their minds. This would be a smart way to go if plan A doesn't work, a stadium for about 15K with the capacity to expand. Hope they could stay in Queens or BK.
going by tickets avail on stubhub & section avail on team's website, w/ good weather attentance will be near sellout for home opener @Hofstra. Given International friendlies will sell I favor 18-20,000. Belmont is pretty easy & quick to get to from BK & City. Just in people's minds Long Island means far. They must push the Queens border thing hard. -also on another crazy idea, Staten Island by ferry terminal is looking quite attractive. & will be so by 2016 when the world's largest WonderWheel opens, google it, quite impressive development & it's right next door to the Yankees minor league stadium, a facility that get used only for a few months, short season baseball NY-PENN league (June-August). Construction will begin shortly on the wheel, they are expecting an obscene amount of visitors yr round for an almost$30-38min ride. The wheel can accomodte 1,440 people for one ride. With the minor league Stadium it's next door neighbor, an the ferry terminal on other side of the stadium. It makes the Yankees Minor League Stadium much more valuable than a 3months of the year facility. The media spotlight on that areas is about to be amped up. Would not be surprise if it becomes an option for NYCFC
A 15K stadium for NASL action with the quick and matching temp seats similar to Moncton stadium would enabable the stadium to be very flexible. Montcton temp seating is regular seating, not bleachers, and matches the permanent seats perfectly
Republican and Democrat state reps endorse the Cosmos plan in a bi-partisan editorial: http://libn.com/2014/04/08/cosmos-plan-a-winner-on-both-sides-of-the-table/ Found via Twice A Cosmo twitter account
I think you're missing the most important thing about the USOC, the chance to play teams in the area. The Union fans have always considered Red Bull as the team to hate because it's .... well it's New York. The thing is a lot of "soccer" fans in the area cheered for DC before we got a team but after some heated USOC games the rivalry has picked up considerably. The Unique thing for the Cosmos is this is the only time you will play these teams as they're in NASL, so it might make for some intense competition with the two NY MLS teams and possibly the Union. Winning the whole thing would be nice but games against rivals is more important right now, even if they lose, as long as they play an entertaining match.
It actually seems like a site that NYCFC should have been looking at. The Cosmos getting that area and developing around it seems like a great win for everyone here. I cant see the Cosmos buidling a stadium of such a 25K size though. Maybe one of half that stature with the ability to expand in the plans in the future or with a temp set up of seats that are in storage that can be reasonably put into place quickly. Having suites and VIP areas would be important. Not sure it is such a great idea but they could actually lease the stadium for to NYCFC as their home stadium as well. Or maybe a 20K plus seating could be possible with connection to emirates and many Euro club teams touring the US for pre season a stop in NYC area could be a regular stop at a SSS.
strictly for attmosphere I m hoping they keep it at 20,000, I get the larger capacity for International & Nationl games but think about the fans experience, & we know NY'er love excitement. Belmont is actually easy to get to from Brooklyn. Atlantic Ave to Belt, to Cross Is Pwy, just like going to JFK, but if that fails try like hell for Aqueduct racetrack
Yonkers' mayor is being vocal about wanting to attract "pro soccer" to his city. Could be a fall back option.
I don't know about Yonkers for the Cosmos, I think most of their are LI, Queens & BK. Makes more sense for NYCFC to go to Yonkers, since they are depending on Westchester & UConn residents in addition to Manhattan, Bronx. to be fair, I have seen NYCFC adds at just about every subway station I have been to since they have chosen their badge. Cosmos adds are all over the web
One of the points of dispute with Cosmos and MLS was control over finding a stadium. MLS was 100% Corona Park or nothing and when negotiations got to a point where they all decided Cosmos and MLS right now was not in the cards, the Cosmos within a few weeks went in on the RFP at the Crossings. Why is 25K too big? You have to build for the future and their future plans, what they are sharing anyway, are ambitious. Sure it seems way to big right now for a team averaging 7000 a game, but i am sure they expect that number to trend upwards as they build the club back. Red Bull and/or Cosmos (if they get stadium) could do that, but why would they want to? Neither club needs the rental revenues and as their market competitors probably dont want them to play in their separate markets as they are still trying to solidify their fanbase. Id Man City USA ends up homeless long term that is MLS's fault for jumping the gun on an expansion everyone that was paying attention knew was grossly premature. 20 or 25K i don't care, i just want them to get the approval so they can build it and the surrounding development for Elmont, which is sorely needed.