Lobbying for USMNT to Come to Philly

[CyphaPSU]

How do we lobby US Soccer to consider Philly as a place to play a Mens National Team friendly? The 2006 pre-World Cup schedule is pretty much set, but I'm talking about afterwards in the future. As we all know, European superclubs have succefully played friendlies here at the Linc and they had women's world cup matches here.

I know a USMNT match would draw a crowd here from Philly, as well as allow people from places like DC and New York make the trip as well. US Soccer has a history of scheduling matches in non-MLS cities. Obviously one requirement would be that US Soccer would have to strike a deal with the Eagles organization for the use of the Linc, but the Eagles have in the past showed interest in hosting soccer matches at Lincoln Fincanical Field--afterall, a Manchester United-Barca match christened the stadium.

Maybe we could band together to lobby US Soccer for future consideration? Anyone interested?

[SoccerPrime]

I think someone like the Luries for the Eagles/Linc have to petition US Soccer for that. But encouragement from the City could help too.

[DoctorD]

Why should we? The Linc was built too narrow for proper soccer. The USSF should stick to its line that there is no appropriate venue in the area.

[SoccerPrime]

Well if the Luries took notice, they could have their own MLS team playing at their Linc Field. But any other investor wouldn't want their team to play there, it would probably never make money.

[n4100]

Why should we? The Linc was built too narrow for proper soccer. The USSF should stick to its line that there is no appropriate venue in the area.
Last I checked it met FIFA regulations on size. The team needs to play on different size pitches because they aren't always going to get the largest field possible like the USSF would like. And if we're talking about proper soccer, if Arsenal can play the free-flowing game at Highbury, then the the US could play whatever at the Linc!

[dfb547490]

Well if the Luries took notice, they could have their own MLS team playing at their Linc Field. But any other investor wouldn't want their team to play there, it would probably never make money.

True, although since groundbreaking on a stadium wouldn't start until the team is awarded, you'd be looking at playing at the Linc (or possibly Franklin) for a year or 2 anyway.

[SoccerPrime]

Short-term: great; long term: a losing proposition (if the Luries aren't involved).

But I think having the USMNT play in Philly has got to be a plus for the area's chances to land a team.

[Adam Zebrowski]

best way...

have werner fricker, or another guy from philly, head ussf....

that's how the russian squad played at franklin field and sheffield wednesday played at the vet...

dirty deals get cut all the time....

[CyphaPSU]

Short-term: great; long term: a losing proposition (if the Luries aren't involved).

But I think having the USMNT play in Philly has got to be a plus for the area's chances to land a team.
Absolutely, and that's what I'm talking about about. Getting a friendly here would be a step in the right direction that would have potential in the quest for a club team here. The Linc would certainly not be a long term answer, we've already covered that in this forum, but for a USMNT friendly it could work.

[okiebear]

Philadelphia ran out of sports-ownership candidates, had to import Lurie with the offer of a neat toy already with batteries. Committed ownership isn't here.

[Looper121]

Philadelphia ran out of sports-ownership candidates, had to import Lurie with the offer of a neat toy already with batteries. Committed ownership isn't here.
The comparison isn't fair. Finding an NFL owner is tough considering the handful of people that can actually afford an NFL franchise. There are person(s) in the Philadelphia area that can afford an MLS team...

[SoccerPrime]

This whole local ownership is a load. Last time I checked RBNY doesn't play in Austria; the Fire, DC United and the Dynamo aren't in Los Angeles and Hunt certainly doesn't live in Columbus, Ohio.

When MLS says they want local ownership, sure thats the first choice, but it usually isn't what ends up happening.

BTW Lets get a USMNT game in Philly (back on topic ;) )