When they announced the switching of the orientation of the pitch for next season, they said that it would allow them to bring the playing area closer to the stands for better sightlines. As they had it laid out yesterday is was at best one yard closer. Not exactly the improvement some of us were hoping for. It would be nice if they could move the corner flag tighter towards the stands.
I also thought the "outfield wall" was coming down to have a longer field. Seems it is just over 100 yards (maybe 103). I was hoping for bigger. Imagine players getting the ball and not having someone on them immediately! So many 50/50 balls. I don't think it contributes to injuries, but I do think it contributes to a pace of play that is often frenetic (look it up).
I think the reason they changed the configuration: Their are more sections for the sideline for the fans that want a better view.
Frenetic is exactly what I would describe the pace of some of our games. A longer pitch would help to reduce that. Sometimes I get the idea that we are watching an indoor game, with so little space out their to operate. To your point, I never heard anything from the team (nor expected at this point) about removing part of the outfield wall. I thought the extra length would be from moving the side and end lines closer to the stands. But at this time, it appears that won't happen.
See, now I think you do this stuff on purpose. No one can be wrong this much about so much that is easily refutable. Of course, I won't hold my breath for your thanks for setting you straight. I know you have been to the stadium. For that matter, look at an aerial view. It has a symmetrical layout. There (not their!) are equal numbers of sections on both sides of the stands. You are welcome.
What's the red box is that a new Bud Zone or will they add bleachers: http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/index.php?id=52&newsid=3231
It will be a VIP area. Not sure what that entails, but I would guess it would the closest thing that ALF would have to a suite.
Probably the same VIP area as they have right now (and if you were at the championship, you saw it). Just midfield instead of in the end.
Which will make a pretty big difference, being along the sideline at half field vs tucked away behind one corner flag.
http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/story/20341804/2012/12/13/what-will-ha... Mayor Bill Foster is quite familiar with the conversation, and is quite resolute to keep Al Lang active with Rowdies soccer matches, international baseball and American football games. "It's seeing more use, more people going through the turn style, and as long as it's being used, we're going to keep it in suitable fashion," Foster said, "If we don't use it we lose it."
Just curious ...I am Stuck on the Howard Franklin bridge right now. Leaving St.Pete and traffic stinks! Is this how traffic is on game days for folks coming from Tampa?
Not only that, but nearly everyone who goes to games is driving into St. Pete, not out of it. So even when there is the occasional midweek game (Open Cup for example) it isn't that bad. Traffic on Saturday nights is usually nice going in both directions. While the club is in the NASL, even if we somehow manage to start drawing 5, 6 or 7k at some point in the future, traffic shouldn't ever really be a problem.
Two home games played at Al Lang, how does everybody like the layout of the pitch compared to before? Pro's and Con's? And how about all the new amenities and signage? Yea or Nay?
Love the upgrades such as new craft (and local!) beer selection, better presentation of merchandise with two locations and the gear on racks out in the concourse, awesome branding in and around the stadium, etc. I don't have an opinion either way regarding the orientation of the field. However, IMO the field looks smaller than in past seasons. It would be so much better if we could remove the dugouts and take down some of the out field fencing to allow for a bigger field and a field that is closer to the fans.
Last night's crowd was the highest ever in April for a non-season opener. They have two weeks again to sell tickets for the next home match and it is the first Family Four pack promotion through the Tampa Bay Times, so I am cautiously optimistic that the next crowd will be north of 3,500 again.
If your expectations are realistic, then yes, raising the average to 3,500 is exciting. I never thought this club would start selling out (that was my dream, but not realistic). What is very encouraging is that compared to last season after two matches, we are up 1,200 per game over 2012. It is a very small sample, but still a rather interesting pattern.