NRR-How many fan's for the U.S vs Antigua qualifier?

I'd expect 20k plus and hope for 25k plus. This is a minnow yes, but its also the first qualifier of the cycle so there will be alot of interest. Friday night is fine, that's basically a weekend night.

I don't think anyone should put undue expectations on how many fans Tampa will draw for this. If we pull between 20 and 25k I think that should be seen as a success considering the opponent and circumstances.

I didn't think the Hex games were set yet? If so that's a shame, otherwise I was hoping our performance in recent friendlies plus a good showing for this qualifier might put Tampa in the discussion for a Hex game. I sincerely doubt we'd get a match vs Mexico, but I'd take a game vs someone like Jamaica or Honduras in a heartbeat.

 

First home qualifier of each cycle since 2000:

Wed, 8/16/2000 vs. Barbados in Foxboro (18,334)
Sun, 6/13/2004 vs. Grenada in Columbus (9,137)
Sun, 6/15/2008 vs. Barbados in Carson (11,476)

Pre-Hex home qualifiers have averaged 19,143 the last three cycles. Hex home qualifiers 31,479.

Only Foxboro (25,266 for El Salvador in 2004) and Washington DC (51,996 for Guatemala in 2000) have broken 25k for a non-Hex home qualifier in the last three cycles.

 

Hrm, well that puts it in perspective doesn't it.

Still think we can pull 20k.

 

I think you overestimate the appeal of Antigua. I just showed you what pre-Hex qualifiers usually draw.

Columbus, Foxboro, Washington, Carson, Bridgeview and Commerce City couldn't sell out pre-Hex qualifiers the last two cycles (against teams like Jamaica, Panama and Trinidad & Tobago). What makes you think Kansas City, Philly or Houston would?

BBVA Compass Stadium doesn't open until May 12. That may be cutting it a bit close. And they may have plans for it later.

And there's no reason you can't have a game in this round AND a game in the Hex, though Foxboro (3), Columbus (3) and Washington (2) usually get Hex games, which leaves only two slots. It depends on a lot of factors. You can't say Tampa is "in the rotation" for these things, though having USMNT games several years in a row certainly means something.

No guarantee, but your best bet is to get as big a crowd as you can for Antigua.

 

Four years ago Antigua got over 20k for a "home" WCQ at RFK Stadium.

 

That was Anguilla. Against El Salvador.

 

On the outside, it does seem kind of odd that they chose Tampa for this match, but why give another city that has an MLS team (or regularly hosts a US national team game) a chance to not sell out against a small opponent? I say it's an honor to be chosen for this game. USSF knows that there are only a few places in the USA that could even come close to selling out for this game, so they have decided to acknowledge the fan base in the Tampa Bay area and give us a WCQ.

For comparison, look at the 2009 Gold Cup. USA-Grenada in Seattle drew only 15K at Qwest Field. With the massive Sounders fan base, shouldn't they hypothetically draw more? So why would you hold a game against a team that most would consider a "minnow" in a location that drew small for a USA game? I would rather have the game played in a city that (1) historically draws a fairly decent, consistent crowd and (2) doesn't regularly hold MLS/USA games.

*Fun Fact: You could fit 76% of Antigua and Barbuda's population into Raymond James Stadium*

 

They could play it at Al Lang, it would be certainly full.

 

I don't understand your point, no.

And it would be an outlier if a non-hex game actually sold out, much less "in a heartbeat." Maybe Kansas Citians would be different than everybody else. They got a good crowd - though not a sellout - when the USWNT was there last September.

It is apparent that early round qualifiers against minnows don't sell out. I don't see why you don't get this.

My suggestion would be this: either tell USSF to move the game so you'll feel better, or thank your lucky stars that they chose your city to put a World Cup qualifier in, and that you don't have to go very far to see the US National Team play.

 

Hosting a World Cup qualifier is a big deal. I'm ecstatic that we are being given the opportunity and while I think I see George's point regarding playing a minnow in a more appropriate park for the expected attendance, Kenn is also right that no matter who we play the crowds aren't usually big in the first round.

SO, why not Tampa? If we draw well we will be in the running to get a HEX game. And apparently we don't even have to draw well to at least be average for what first round games typically draw around the country.

Even if we don't get a HEX match, there are only eight home world cup qualifiers every 4 years and we are getting one of them. That's pretty cool.

 

20,000 is a realistic goal imo. if i remember correctly the el salvador game was not only poor weather, but also midweek. plus the team consisted almost entirely of mls players so some of the well-known regulars weren't in. none of the teams that the us have faced in tampa have really been good enough to convince people to go along to see the game because of the quality opposition. i can't imagine somebody who would be cheering for the us would be convinced to go because the us were playing panama or el salvador. maybe i'll be wrong, but i think it will be another decent crowd.

as for the stadium point i agree. if i was in charge this game would not be in tampa. this country now has loads of soccer stadiums perfect to accompany a smaller crowd like this game will attract. instead it is held in a 65,000+ stadium?

 

Of course the stadium isn't optimal, but Tampa is being tested for larger games and I see no problem having the game at Ray Jay. USSF has clearly decided we've earned a qualifier and while a HEX game would be brilliant, ANY qualifier will do IMO.

Just make sure everyone you know is there and hope we get another game later if you are concerned with filling Ray Jay up

 

I'm planning to fly down for the game and will be getting tix tomorrow during the presale for US Soccer members. I want to get mid-priced tickets on the sidelines. Any advice on which side of the stadium to get them on? I don't want to be in the midst of supporters for the opposing team!

 

i doubt there's any way of knowing. looking at the opposition just get tickets on any side and chances are you won't be in the midst of supporters for antigua.

 

When the US played Panama, all the Panama supporters sat right in front of the Pirate ship (section 146-ish). Pretty sure that it's usually on the opposite side of wherever the AO sits (123).

 

It'll depend on alot of things. Weather is a big one, yes. The game is on a Friday so that's good. How much promotion US Soccer does, how motivated the supporters are IE how many AO members decide to come in from around the country. This isn't a friendly or even a Gold Cup match, its far more important despite it being just a semi final round game.

I'd hope to see a huge AO section, but I guess we'll see.

So yeah, start doing what you have to now in order to appease the soccer weather gods and make sure you get as many of your friends as you can to get tickets asap.

 

the same reason it isn't in an sss. stupidity.