Philly unlikely to get USMNT games due to the narrowness of the Field " U.S Official"

[Kqql]

And what about World Cup qualifying? That starts for the men next year. Will the Linc get any games?

The field dimensions pose a problem. One U.S. Soccer official said that the field's 68-yard width, narrow by international standards, wouldn't rule it out but would be looked at as a negative factor

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/6872032.htm

[Knave]

I really find it ridiculous that they went through all the trouble and spent all that money to build a brand new stadium and they didn't make it wide enough for international soccer.

[Kqql]

I really find it ridiculous that they went through all the trouble and spent all that money to build a brand new stadium and they didn't make it wide enough for international soccer.

Unlike Kraft, who made sure that Gillette Stadium was 75 yards/69 meters wide, I don't think Philly owners give a damn on Soccer Requirements needed for International games. ( men soccer not women soccer)

Nothing against women soccer teams, but they are more flexiable and are willing to play on non-confirming field types and turfs.

[Kqql]

Soldier Field v The Narrow Lincoln Field
(Who designed the stupid end zone corners at Philly?)

http://i.cnn.net/si/images/football/nfl/stadiums/bears.jpg
VS
http://i.cnn.net/si/images/football/nfl/stadiums/eagles.jpg

[soccerfan]

so this should put to rest the Philly expension fantasy

[Kqql]

so this should put to rest the Philly expension fantasy

LOL, the sad part is PA tax payers are footing some of the $$ for the stadium , but got cheated out of national team games.

Philly owners really don't want MLS, and the design of the stadium proves it.

[Ikari]

Originally posted by Kqql
Soldier Field v The Narrow Lincoln Field
(Who designed the stupid end zone corners at Philly?)

At the risk of wandering offtopic, Soldier Field looks beautiful!

[Kqql]

At the risk of wandering offtopic, Soldier Field looks beautiful!

Yes, it looks good. I just wish it had some kind of roof/half a roof.

[Sachin]

Well... given the opposition to RFK hosting WCQs, the same problems will hold true for Philly, which after all, is only 2 1/2 hours away.

Sachin

[Eric B]

Originally posted by Knave
I really find it ridiculous that they went through all the trouble and spent all that money to build a brand new stadium and they didn't make it wide enough for international soccer.

Watching the Solider Field Mach II last night, I doubt that pitch would be more than 68 yards wide, either.

Most of these new NFL stadiums still insist on having an oval surface area. Why, I don't know...

[RoverMax]

The people who built the stadium probably don't care if they play USMNT games there. The stadium was built for the Philadelphia Eagles, not for soccer.

[ThreeApples]

Originally posted by Eric B
Watching the Solider Field Mach II last night, I doubt that pitch would be more than 68 yards wide, either.

I could be very wrong, but I seem to recall reading on the Fire board about some retractable seating that can be pulled back to make the field wider. Whether this can be used once NFL season starts (or even if it exists at all) I don't know.

Most of these new NFL stadiums still insist on having an oval surface area. Why, I don't know...

The oval style increases seating capacity and gives better sightlines for NFL games.

[Wolves_67]

Since I hate the idea of sharing NFL stadiums with soccer, it's just fine with me. All the more likely there may be a SSS in Philly someday.

[Eric B]

Originally posted by Noah Elliott
The oval style increases seating capacity and gives better sightlines for NFL games.

I figured that, it just that that conflicts with the oft-heard refrain of having international soccer matches at these stadiums.

[Rickster]

Originally posted by Wolves_67
Since I hate the idea of sharing NFL stadiums with soccer, it's just fine with me. All the more likely there may be a SSS in Philly someday.

Likely, as in a 2 out of 10,000,000,000 chance instead of 1 out of 10,000,000,000, so yes, the chances have doubled.

[Kqql]

Originally posted by Eric B
Watching the Solider Field Mach II last night, I doubt that pitch would be more than 68 yards wide, either.

Soldier field will have a 110x72 yards soccer field.

[Kqql]

I figured that, it just that that conflicts with the oft-heard refrain of having international soccer matches at these stadiums.

BINGO! you said it, this was done to refrain International soccer games. ( MEN national teams are picker then Female and Clubs)

The owners of Philly knew exactly what they were up to.

[Eric B]

Originally posted by Kqql
Soldier field will have a 110x72 yards soccer field.

Then they must have the retractable seats in the corners because I could swear after watching the Packers-Bears game last night that that field wouldn't be more than 65 yards where the soccer end line would be.

[Craig P]

Originally posted by Kqql
BINGO! you said it, this was done to refrain International soccer games. ( MEN national teams are picker then Female and Clubs)

The owners of Philly knew exactly what they were up to. That's odd. Why would they want to preclude the men playing there, when in all likelihood, if they wanted to do it (say, spring or summer when the Eagles aren't using the field), they'd make good money on it?

[Kqql]

That's odd. Why would they want to preclude the men playing there, when in all likelihood, if they wanted to do it (say, spring or summer when the Eagles aren't using the field), they'd make good money on it?

Most Football owners don't like soccer.