One day I'll learn to read. Was still thinking about this PDL thing in SF that I also just read... http://midfieldpress.com/2017/12/18/historic-san-francisco-club-sf-glens-sc-launch-pdl-first-team/
Very boring expansion news. 4 years away...you'll have something! Disregard a USL team was already announced and folded before a season even got played.
The team that was announced and folded was in San Francisco This one is in the East Bay, so different beast entirely. And frankly it's far more exciting news, someone is finally taking a proper view toward expansion, ie: taking their time. Rather than just throwing yet another D2 on the fire to flame out quickly as the last few have done in the Bay Area, which have all been in San Francisco proper or very close to SF proper. They've chosen the oft, ignored side of the Bay, that is soon to be lacking in any major league teams. They're taking their time to build an actual venue for D2 soccer where none currently exists in the Bay Area. They're taking time to undoubtedly build up interest, a fan base, sell tickets, market, etc... Frankly this is the most exciting D2 news to hit the Bay Area in a very long time.
This. Never understood why teams in some leagues are rushed. A 2 or 3 year lead time can allow a new club to fix a lot of early mistakes.
I know it was in San Francisco. Not arguing that they are taking time and developing it, and it could be the proper thing to do. But, 4 years from now, who knows what the soccer landscape will be? I'm not in East Bay. Not sure how much "excitement" there'll be in 2018 for a team that won't play until 2021. I've never been a fan of a team that doesn't exist and won't for 3 years. While there is 3 years to build it up, there's also 3 years for it to never get off the ground.
Usually because you generate very little revenue before you play games, yet you have to expend money in that time. I know, people should be prepared for that. But that is not the world in which we live. Still, this is, I believe, the longest lead time I have ever seen.
Holy crap, and I thought waiting from mid-September 2015 (team announcement) to March 2017 was bad...
Frankly I take it as another good sign that they're willing to take those modest losses for 3 years while they get it right. Shows they're not quite as fly by night (read "relatively speaking poor") as the average people who buy into these leagues and flame out in less time than these guys will be waiting.
Oh, I don’t think the lead time is a bad thing. Especially since it involves building a stadium. (15k seems optimistic to me, though.)
15K does seem like a lot for USL. But who knows, they may have delusions of grandeur they’re at least smart enough to not say out loud... yet.
I said it once it initially happened, and have to bring up the same...it didn't matter the team, Charlotte just hasn't shown much. The Charlotte Eagles were successful, but lacked support. Independence are nowhere near successful and continue with the struggles. Somewhat fitting, as the Eagles had a great product on the field and Charlotte failed to back them. Maybe Charlotte doesn't deserve a team after all.
15k sounds good to me, But maybe build the stadium in stages build 5k and start and expand to 10k and if needed 15k. I can see Sacremento Fans travelling in numbers. Question: How many fans did Sacremento bring to Reno this year?
On USL East Bay, I think it is interesting yet risky locating away from the Center of the East Bay, Oakland. Unless they have some dynamo branding and ad campaign, just seems like it could be easily ignored in Contra Costa. Or am I misreading things? That aside, we have Memphis, Birmingham, Chicago, MAYBE Austin (I hope) Baltimore and DC United USL confirmed. Hartford and ABQ, New Mexico (check Soc Takes) are heavily rumored. Any other ones I missed? Shame San Fran fell through. MLS Targets include Cincy, Sactown and PHX. I think all three should be able to get in, especially Sac and PHX as they are rapidly growing markets with heavy Latino presence. After that, it sounds like we'd hit the end of expansion in USL. Wishfully thinking, however, I'd like to see Detroit City FC, New Orleans and perhaps Milwaukee and the Hampton Roads area. Would also be nice if Beckham United bought rights to the Strikers name and made an affiliate in Fort Lauderdale.