I was hoping for some better numbers around the league this weekend. Will this matter as much as I assume with the 2nd division aspirations?
I haven't seen an official attendance count anywhere yet, and there was a 63 minute rain and lightning delay. My two cents worth on the stadium; it's certainly in need of some TLC. After the paper tigers who built it couldn't pay their bills, it defaulted to the city, which hasn't had the resources to maintain it properly. Although recently, the mayor has pledged some funds from the city budget to replace the video scoreboard. A few of the other issues mentioned in that article are supposedly being addressed. Being built on on the cheap originally, it was never really a finished product to begin with, which didn't help matters. Location-wise, it was put where it is due to politics (to help improve a depressed area). With MLS, it probably would have worked. Personally, I've been there dozens of times over the years, and have never had an issue. There are still phobias with some about the location, but it is what it is. As for the 'other factors involved''; going from D2 to potential MLS to D3 with a few mediocre teams at the D3 end pretty much explains that. When folks lose interest, it's really tough to convince them to come back.
That about sums it up pretty well. Last night's weather didn't help and we left at halftime as another downpour hit the area....all in all the 2 supporters groups help create some noise and excitement. Still most people will tell you there's not a bad seat in the house,with some yearly upkeep things should be fine (the stadiums not falling apart). I keep hearing that since we have a winning team this year that fans will come out and pack the place again...lol...(they haven't heard what KennT has to say about that theory yet). The MLS reserve teams will probably pan out to become the least popular draw with fans, and D3 status hasn't helped either. However, the Rhino's are definitely a team to see this year, much improved and players that can score too (go figure). To the folks that make a million excuses for not attending...just give the Rhino's a try, you'll see a much improved squad Bob and Pat have put together.
In regards to your last sentence, they do not need to convince all of the old fans to come back, but instead grow a new younger fan base that has the potential to grow going forward, and thats what they dont do.
1.Yes, I said in my second post that I should have also said that the stadium being cheaply made was likely also a major factor. 2.From one of the articles you posted: "we just know that it occurred somewhere along a bumpy road that saw a stadium built in no-man's land." So, you posted a couple articles that supported what I said. You've really put me in my place! May I suggest this: (I hate this song but it fits here)
I knew OC had low support but after a number of good results i thought they could do better. What is it with south Cali that people don't like to watch live football?
Maybe a sales & marketing strategy to let people know there's live football in SoCal? How about a well-staffed ticket sales dept?
@ Pittsburgh: 1,155 3,622 @ Wilmington: 2,781 @ Real: 2,615 @ OC: 958 @ Arizona: 3,229 @ Louisville: 6,090
I think the box score is a typo. Tonight's attendance: A season high 2,155. Thanks for coming. Let's hear you these last 15 mins. #PGHvRIC #USL #unleash— Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (@RiverhoundsSC) May 17, 2015 Per one of the local reporters they sold quite a bit more but the rain probably kept people home. It definitely looked a lot fuller than the first few games. Hopefully that means they turned the corner as far as attendance goes this year.
http://dkonpittsburghsports.com/2015/05/16/on-the-scene-a-need-for-speed-up-front/ Looks like others agree. Towards the bottom, the article says 3622 tickets were sold, with roughly two thirds showing up. Best effort so far this season.
Well, the website recap changed it to 3,622. Editing it accordingly. @ VWFC2: 1,217 @ NYRBII: 458 @ Los Dos: 689 Why not?
Big drop again for the Vancouver Whitecaps Usl farm team on a beautiful Sunday weather wise. Still thinking they should be able to maintain 1K plus.
We have to play our US Open Cup match at the University of Tulsa stadium which is pretty small. I hope we can pull off 1500 on Wednesday. If we win, we'll likely play the Energy which would be at our home stadium. That match would really intrigue me attendance wise.
the Charlotte Independence game was played at Winthrop College in Rock Hill, SC - pretty much a full house; considering it is a 30-60 minute drive depending on where in Charlotte you live then it was a pretty good showing. the "permanent" temporary digs are supposed to be ready for the next home game in June.
Don't think there will be a real number for the TFC II game yesterday as they played after the MLS's TFC match. A local reporters game report mentioned 1200 stayed behind to watch TFC's Usl farm team play Rochester, dwindling throughout the match with a few hundred sticking around for the 2nd half.
Saturday : 3717 in OKC 2200 in Colorado (nice round suspicious number) 4318 in Charleston 2868 in Richmond & 3095 in Portland Friday
I was surprised there was a decent crowd this past week at the US Open Cup game against the Upward Stars. Considering it was a mid-week game in Rock Hill, the fans are showing their support. I have no doubts that Charlotte will do well.
That OKC number is not accurate either way - far fewer were there due to area-wide flooding, a storm delay, and then a storm suspension. I'd be shocked if there were more than 600 at kickoff (an hour and a half late) 200 by the end (a full four and a half hours from the original start time. And by the same token, it means absolutely no walk-up purchases were made, which usually accounts for a big chunk of our attendance.