You think it has more to do with America-bashing and not the fact that 500 million Arabs watch soccer and 30 million Americans like soccer? He's corrupt as all get out, but Sepp in his heart is a capitalist and he says things to make money.
I think it has more to do with pandering to the obscenely wealthy few rather than the 500 million Arabs (Actually probably more like 400 mil, but that's another argument). My perception is that Sepp can touch them up for a little "dash" because it's an accepted/expected business practice in much of the Arab world.....much less so here.
I buy that, too. Why come to America when you've got 100 Arab billionaires all trying to buy stakes in European clubs.
I think it has more to do with Blatter Infection not having the slightest idea what the hell he's talking about with the sport he's supposed to be running.
It didn't seem to cover the formation of the Common Market, and later, the European Union. How do you think Marx missed that?
Anybody want to get 2008 MLS Cup medals? http://brightmetalcraft.en.made-in-china.com/product/gMdENBoVrTUK/China-Mls-Cup-Medal-BM-016-.html
I think Grant Wahl did a pretty good job with this list. It is no mistake where the Hunts are in the grand scheme of things. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/20130103/mls-ambition-rankings/?sct=sc_t11_a1
I've got no real connection to this guy AND he's from portl*nd, but his poster seems cool and reminded me of all things Crew. would make for a cool banner... http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/buchino/heartstorm
Does anyone know if there's any kind of long-term plan for Crew Stadium improvements? It seems like we're in the minority of soccer-specific stadiums without some kind of covering/terrace over the stands. Granted, our stadium is a lot taller than some of the other soccer-specific stadiums in the league, but it provides a nice "enclosed" feel and some shade from the sun. Obviously it wouldn't be anytime soon (need to get attendance and a stadium sponsor), but I was just curious if anything was in the works. On the other hand, I'd be pissed they put anything on the south end and blocked the view of downtown.
There was talk near the end of last season about a "new" scoreboard. I put "new" in quotes because rumor was it would be an old scorboard from Ohio Stadium. Time will tell. The team also was working on getting approval for some kind of tower/ad board for naming rights if/when that happens. Again, your guess is as good as mine as to if/when that happens. But working on plans/approval, as was reported, is a step up from "nothing". There are so many political entities represented at the Fairgrounds that anyhting they do will take time to get approval from them all.
Roof for the stadium, Martin Palermo, MLS relegation. What else am I missing for quintessential off season topics?
My guess would be Crew Stadium improvements are basically done. At this point, the stadium is 15 years old. It is good enough. They may do some cosmetic things here or there and obviously will continue routine maintenance but they are not going to drop another $5M improvement in to the place. That money would be much better spent on a new stadium. When (hopefully not if) they hit their 10K season ticket holders goal plans for a new location can start.
The old structure cannot support a Roof so they would have to drive-in new pilings for support and the cost would be too high.
FWIW, someone tweeted last night the Crew were seeing a 90% season ticket renewal rate so far. No idea on what the numbers are, but I know that's a pretty good renewal rate.