Have they? They have been impressive, but I don't believe you can simply insert a multiplier and expect their attendance to jump to much more than 20k in MLS, especially when much of their attendance success is likely based the MLS hype.
We should also remember that while the Timbers vastly underestimated their eventual commercial success from the past 6+ seasons, they are still the exception* rather than the rule. Also, should Sacramento's stadium be expanded in the future, it would likely face fewer logistical and municipal challenges compared with Portland's. * Atlanta might do the same, though it's too early to tell.
There's no way to quantify what attendance will be at the MLS level. Look at Orlando, Portland, Seattle- clubs with decent but unremarkable lower division attendance. I think the best gauge is the overall vibe and impression the team is currently making in Sac. The Republic have ingrained themselves in Sacramento's sports scene and the community has embraced the team.
Sacramento's stadium will be built to around 20k initially, with a max capacity of 25k. That 25k is what MLS considers the "sweet spot" for long term attendance averages. The 5k expansion I'll be built in. They are only taking the south end line stands halfway up. The infrastructure will already be there. This is done intentionally to create a scarcity and demand for tix. I believe they will be able to go above 25k with SRO tickets if the need is there. Personally, I wish they would have the max capacity be around 30k, because I think the market can handle it. But once you cross the 25-27k capacity, you start needing upper concourses, with dramatically increase the cost. I was told that once you cross that 25-27 threshold, you need to go to 40k to justify the upper concourse and all the support facilities that go with it- concessions and bathrooms, Elevators, etc.
it seems to me 25k should be the minimum and 40k should be the goal. to me this sounds like another way of saying "artificially screw your fans out of more money, and leave the poor folks at home." and laugh all you want Andy Mead, just know your tiny-ass stadium in Kansas looks pretty quaint to a Sounders fan.
Evan's finally talked to someone with a clue. @Knave you can put the bottle down now Have heard from someone in the know that Sacramento is for sure the clear frontrunner for one of the two MLS expansion slots this year.— Evan Ream (@EvanReam) May 25, 2017 867559130390769664 is not a valid tweet id Yup. Was certainly wrong about that. https://t.co/lUZHeoa8gN— Evan Ream (@EvanReam) May 25, 2017 I wouldn't be surprised if Sac were in MLS before Miami https://t.co/xmOjR6ms0J— Evan Ream (@EvanReam) May 25, 2017
Being the "clear front runner for one of the two spots" isn't really anything we don't know... I'd be more excited if he said "will be one of the two spots"
I'm pretty sure my birdies are better than his. I'll say that I guarantee nothing- MLS gonna MLS. But if I were a betting man.......
We ain't like that here.....can't speak for anyone else, but i think SD would be a great place for a top-tier soccer team. With 5 teams, it would make the "Golden State Cup" that much more worthy. [emoji4] Although I've read several local articles about the stadium/land proposal, and it does seem to be a political mine field right now. I'm with Knave. Don't mess with my emotions........
No, totally. And I think you guys deserve to be in already. But realistically it's not a zero sum game either. Anyway I bet Sac is in regardless.
It was an 8-1 vote. Not privy to how the SD City Charter works, but the phrase "Veto-Proof Majority" springs to mind. Anyone out there hip to how this sort of thing works in SD?
The Mayor does have veto power but it's subject to a 2/3rd majority override. Question is will the opponents override on second go or were they being symbolic in their first run. As several of the opponents are solid allies of the mayor who may have just been taking a stand for appearances sake.
It's all about the payoff SS. Those pols will negotiate something for their district (I.e. Buddies) in return for the "yes" vote.
Sacramento Republic FC launches MLS stadium construction with #GroundMaking event at the @thesacrailyards. 📝 https://t.co/KPmeaJUBzi pic.twitter.com/uQ05n2BQSN— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) July 27, 2017