"Sounders" switch to talk of A-League long-term

[sounderfan]

In a few recent interviews Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer has let slip that he might just be thinking twice about Seattle as an MLS city. It's not in what he says---but clearly in what he is no longer saying...

He rightfully has been focusing on his A-League Sounders title run. Today on radio he metnioned his new focus is creating an intimate atmosphere where the SOUNDERS can be successful in the A-league. Smaller stadium, anyone?

He sort of off-the-cuff said the people he is involved with re: MLS are "still around."

I think the 2,800 fans per match Seattle drew in 2004 has Adrian realizing that he might just have too much of a challenge getting the Sounders to catch on in Seattle...let alone spending millions upon millions to try to get an MLS team to catch on.

In other words, I think Seattle 2006 is NOT going to happen. Hanauer's "cold feet" about jumping in for 2005 has turned to ice-cold doubt about the Seattle market, and perhaps just a bit about the way MLS does business, as well.

[murtaugh]

In other words, I think Seattle 2006 is NOT going to happen. Hanauer's "cold feet" about jumping in for 2005 has turned to ice-cold doubt about the Seattle market, and perhaps just a bit about the way MLS does business, as well.How's that?

"Reputably"? "Successfully"?

[sounderfan]

How's that?

"Reputably"? "Successfully"?

MLS is NOT a "successful" league yet. It survives, which is great, but it does not thrive. It's young and still unsure of its footing.

I think Hanauer likes the MLS ownership format, but he may just be realizing how much money Seattle would lose for him in the short term.

"Reputable" and "successful...???"

I'm not sure even MLS's most loyal supporters would go that far. I think MLS is STRIVING to be those things, and may one day get there.

[YTFC]

Well maybe what Hanauer needs to do is step up to the microphone and say the following:

MLS ain't gonna work in Seattle. We've done the market research and our optimistic forecasts indicate we can draw 17,000 per match. There's no money or property for building a soccer-specific stadium in the city limits. Further market research indicates that attendance drops off significantly when the stadium moves outside the city limits.

Consequently we are going to put lipstick on the pig we have. Qwest Field charges us nothing for fixed game day costs. While everybody knows it's far too large for second division soccer, it's the best location for our market and best opportunity to make the business profitable.

Since we can't play our way into the first divison, we will have to be content with a side that is seen as the equal of any first division side. Like the Sounders were in the 1970s and 1980s and even in their early A-League years, we will be the model franchise both in terms of on-field performance and attendance.

But I won't hold my breath for fear of turning blue. I'm sure we'll continue to see the ballet of words between Hanauer and MLS. If he was really confident in the market and serious in his approach, all he has to do is what Checketts did: cut a check for $1M payable to Major League Soccer LLC. Money talks, bovine excrement walks.

[Joe Stoker]

Well maybe what Hanauer needs to do is step up to the microphone and say the following:

MLS ain't gonna work in Seattle. We've done the market research and our optimistic forecasts indicate we can draw 17,000 per match. There's no money or property for building a soccer-specific stadium in the city limits. Further market research indicates that attendance drops off significantly when the stadium moves outside the city limits.

Consequently we are going to put lipstick on the pig we have. Qwest Field charges us nothing for fixed game day costs. While everybody knows it's far too large for second division soccer, it's the best location for our market and best opportunity to make the business profitable.

Since we can't play our way into the first divison, we will have to be content with a side that is seen as the equal of any first division side. Like the Sounders were in the 1970s and 1980s and even in their early A-League years, we will be the model franchise both in terms of on-field performance and attendance.

But I won't hold my breath for fear of turning blue. I'm sure we'll continue to see the ballet of words between Hanauer and MLS. If he was really confident in the market and serious in his approach, all he has to do is what Checketts did: cut a check for $1M payable to Major League Soccer LLC. Money talks, bovine excrement walks.

The main thing is that young Hanauer seems to be gaining some wisdom about operating his toy. A dose of over-the-counter Reality seems to be kicking in. What's best for the Sounders should be what's good for soccer in Seattle... and for its fans. The stadium issue is a Catch-22 for sure, but, it provides an economical incentive to keep the Sounder brand going... and growing. The big-time won't happen overnight, or even by 2007, but IMO reinvesting into his own team rather than compromise the farm for immediate gratification (and certain doom) would make Hanauer look much more intelligent. As it now stands, the only chance Seattle would have at attracting a large # of fans at MLS prices would be as a tag-along entry with Portland and Vancouver... which also may not happen anytime soon. May your owner make the wise and practical decision... again, for the good of the franchise and the established fanbase. Let the Sounders gain some rep by regularly kicking MLS ass in the Open Cup for the years ahead.

[denver_mugwamp]

For a lot of A League teams, it seems that MLS has become the imaginary pony that daughters think their parents are going to be giving them every Christmas. It's a way for certain team managements to manipulate their fans.

[sounderfan]

I would rather play next season in Queen Anne Bowl, Starfire, or even a slightly upgraded West Seattle Stadium, than return to Qwest.

Talk about the Emperor having no clothes! How long are we all going to pretend that a huge stadium with no atmosphere is okey-dokey?

It's NOT!

Analogy:
Invite 50 people to a party...in a giant warehouse. Yes, you can still say "look how cool we are, we can rent a giant warehouse. This is one big MAJOR LEAGUE party! But don't expect people to be impressed. They'd likely say things like "why did they rent this big place for such a small party..." or even "I guess these guys aren't very popular, no one showed up."
I suppose the party-throwers could feel good about it in some fashion. Perhaps by telling themselves what a great deal they got on renting the warehouse...

West Seattle Stadium:
http://soundercentral.com/Documents/Stadiums/west-8.jpg

http://soundercentral.com/Documents/Stadiums/west-7.jpg

http://soundercentral.com/Documents/Stadiums/west-3.jpg

http://soundercentral.com/Documents/Stadiums/west-2.jpg

Currenty run by the Seattle Parks Dept.

Has very little parking. Is old. Seats 3,500 with plenty of room for bleachers on the endzone tracks. Location: West Seattle. Easy access via WS Bridge and public transportation. A Sports bar right across the street.

Would need some one to "adopt it" and make it work, like Vancouver have done at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, BC.

Has well-maintained GRASS pitch!

[Rommul]

These two stadiums, are they close to transportation/highways?

Are the out of the way?

Why haven't they been suggested before to the management?

[Delta Blues]

I think this is all moot. I still believe Seattle will be a 2006 MLS entry.

[soupcan]

Doesn't West Seattle have a nasty crown? Atmosphere is key, as is ticket demand. With Qwest Field we have found staffing to be hit or miss. With such a reliance on walk up ticket sales you never know how many beer guys to have working, how many concession stands to open.

A smaller stadium will increase the urgency to buy tickets in advance, giving the team a more reliable attendnace expectation.

I long for the day I can hear the words "sell out" referring to the Sounders.
I mean for game attendance of course...

[sounderfan]

Doesn't West Seattle have a nasty crown?

No, not that I could tell. More pics:

http://soundercentral.com/Documents/Stadiums/

Here's a field shot:

http://soundercentral.com/Documents/Stadiums/west-9.jpg

[Geoduck]

"Reputable" and "successful...???"

I'm not sure even MLS's most loyal supporters would go that far. I think MLS is STRIVING to be those things, and may one day get there.You missed a sitter, sounderfan.

===

West Seattle Stadium has $4 million budgeted for work in 2006. I believe things are still in the planning stage.

These Parks board meeting minutes (http://www.pan.ci.seattle.wa.us/parks/parkboard/minutes/2002/02-14-02_Minutes.htm) are from 2002, but they give you a good idea about the issues and the competing forces. The stuff about the West Seattle Stadium renovation begins at the first bullet point. This might be the key passage:Patti Petesch stated there are 14-15 youth meets, 4 masters' events and 9 high school meets currently held at the Stadium. The number of usages for meets is primarily from May 1 to middle of June. From the first of June to the first of August the stadium is full every night from 40 to 150 people practicing as well as on the weekends during the day.

[sounderfan]

After hitting us over the head with "MLS seniority" promises during season ticket renewal time the last few years---the Sounders have said NOTHING about MLS so far in regards to 2005 season tickets, which are now on sale.

Two theories:

1. Just wait, the push is coming.
2. They actually are sensitive to remarks supporters made last year about the MLS prompting being an "annual event" with no results (no team).

[Sempuukyaku]

This Seattle "campaign" is going just as far as the cleveland one....


NOWHERE. :rolleyes: