Well with 14k season tickets and a couple of thousand of half season packages plus single game tickets (what there are of them) selling well, you won't see the novelty wearing off this season no matter what the weather. The big question for us is next season and the season ticket renewals although with that waiting list growing, I don't think it will drop off very much if at all. B
The assumption in your message is that tickets purchased means butts in the seats. It does not. Hence my point about the novelty. I agree with you that the first year is probably fine, esp. w/ your excellent full and half season ticket sales. But performance trumps everything. If TFC doesn't provide an entertaining (and at least occasional winning) performance on the field, people won't have the motivation to show up and occupy the seats they have bought.
True enough and based on entertainment value, the fans are at least content at the moment but certainly, the team will have to show improvement but winning two out of three in the homestand is a reasonable enough sign. For this season, I am not worried. I do believe that people will fill their seats (or at least stand in front of them). The real test as I see it is renewals. B
Great review, nothing much to add except to say (as far as the Barra goes) we aren't competeing with Toronto, we're supporting United.
You know what -- Saturday looked like an event. Full house, travelling supporters, etc. Now compare that with the "atmosphere" at the Swamp or Kansas. So for the league and for soccer in North America I say welcome TFC. "Feck Off, Toronto FC You ain't got no history, 4 MLS and a CONCACAF Cup that's what we call history" Stolen and adopted from Liverpool taunt of Chelsea FC
I think if you put DCU in a 20,000 stadium, we'd probably sell close to 14K season tix. And our supporter groups could fill up a section behind the goal like in Toronto ... just as lound and energetic. The rest of the stadium would probably be a little quieter than Toronto's "quiet" sections ... but that would be the only noticeable difference. We'd still sell out a bunch of games with top class atmosphere.
...the science that deals with the origins, physical and cultural development, biological characteristics, and social customs and beliefs of humankind... <insert smiley face thingy here> KGDG Come On United (States and DC) www.screaming-eagles.com Anthropology in the field
Let me just state the obvious. People waving team apparel and drinking beer doesn't mean they 'get it'. Only time will tell if this support holds up. I think it will. Actually, I really hope it will, but will wait to see if it does. BTW, I haven't looked at the TFC roster. How many Brazilians do they have?
Finally got to watch the game last night and to be honest, I was more annoyed than impressed by the TFC crowd. It may be just me, but it seemed that a lion's share of the noise that they made was booing the official on every call that went against them. Do we sound that way on TV? Man, I hope not. If you're going to play physical soccer like MoJo has clearly asked his boys to play, there are going to be calls against you. Informed soccer fans know that and don't boo with equal vigor on every single call. But what do I know? I thought the penalty was a clear foul.
During games we aren't dominating or winning - yes, we sound like that on TV - only we say "******** You, Ref" way more than they did - I only heard them twice. During a bad run of play, we'll do it for every single call, even the good ones I didn't think of them so much booing the ref per se, but booing our guys who fouled, or our guys who drew fouls ........... I'll pay more attention next time, if I can hear the crowd over the announcers telling me how awesome the crowd is