But but USL hates NASL they would never agree to play against eachother. I predict a USL vs NASL final (unless the FIRE is one of the MLS teams).
Whether or not we face OC$C in that tourney, I'll leave that to chance. I'm just happy that we'll be primarily competing against MLS Clubs in our preaseason instead of College teams.
Uh, not to nitpick, but the preseason against college teams got us to second place and a playoff win so far. But, yes, it will be nice to square off against pros next spring.
LOL! True, but not only is it great for our players and manager going into the new season, but it can also help with our club's visibility.
In my dreams, this ownership group goes out and hires PMI or some other real go getter and spends some bread on marketing this off season. Really does a full court press like we were promised when 'the brand' was relaunched. They set a goal of selling out the little place they have committed to for four more years. Playing in a tournament like this would be a part of that plan. Would think you could get some mileage out of playing MLS clubs at Disney for crying out loud.
I hope you know that Rowdies don't give-away free tickets, so attendance has to grow naturally thru marketing hopefully.
Ok, so the Rowdies hired an agency to handle the brand & marketing. Let's hope they give them an actual budget to do something with!
Nice that the agency has experience in sports marketing. Of course the Rowdies aren't going to be spending anywhere what the Lightning have in the past, but still, there is hope. Maybe we will get that big push for next season. Would certainly be nice.
This is an extremely interesting move, to me at least. With Jeff Vinik attending recent Rowdies games (including last night's epic playoff game) as well, rumors are starting to swirl. As usual. At least they are fun rumors. Seriously though, I like the hire by the Rowdies and ya let's see them provide an actual budget to work with.
Please. Vinik's only got time on his hands because his main sporting interest is on ice. Figuratively.
This is a different Rowdies team than the one the Stars upset last year, definitely. Much tougher to beat, more experienced and they seem better prepared. Over a two game series, I like our chances much better than the one and done quarterfinal last year. We can afford to drop a game this time around and still lift the soccer bowl.
New hire and promotions. They appear to be making the investment in selling the product and creating the environment at the best stadium option they have at the moment. Probably won't be able to say in a year that they haven't given it a good effort.
“The Rowdies are an iconic brand in Tampa Bay and the world of soccer,” said Robbins. “The potential to grow our business and to create our niche in the market is very strong ''
I don't have an opinion on the two promotions. If they are good guys, that is great. Could be just fancy new titles for all we know. The Robbins hire is the more interesting one. He has prime time experience with the Lightning. If he did alright there, then maybe he can help leverage his contacts to get more high profile sponsors for the Rowdies. Those partnerships is what helps bolster your marketing and sales efforts. I was kind of hoping that they would make a point to fill Al Lang next year. If they could make a jump in attendance up to the 5,000 range that becomes a game changer. That could roll into either further soccer friendly renovations at ALF or movement on their own new stadium. I am going to hope for the best.
I also noticed all the Lightning related moves (as the shared contacts we have in common with the Lightning franchise now) I think it will work out. We have asked for these things and they are happening. I feel we have no where to go but up.