sounderfan, therein lies the biggest obstacle we face. The corporate and business community in Portland really hasn't done much to support sports outside of the kiddies in general. Nike and Adidas are the biggest, but there could be a conflict of interest there for Nike to get involved. They'd be wise to, but I don't see it happening. We don't have the money that these other cities have outside of those two companies, Intel and Tektronics. However, Paulson does have some great connections elsewhere (like Hanauer has with Roth) that could potentially help out. I believe that MLS wants Portland in, but it has to show that it'll work before it happens. As far as the turf sucking ass last night. Yeah, that's going to get fixed regardless of MLS coming to Portland.
The second half of the article involves likely to become Portland Mayor Sam Adams: "City commissioner and mayoral candidate Sam Adams, at the meeting Wednesday with Garber, Abbott and Paulson, said he was excited by the interest of MLS in Portland. At the same time, Adams said, "We have a lot of work to do to determine what our prospects are and what a sound business decision it might be for everyone." He stressed "there isn't any stomach . . . to take money from basic services for MLS." Possible revenue sources for PGE Park renovations include ticket fees and using taxes on player salaries to pay off bonds, Adams said. "With the right level of investment from the owner," Adams said, "with the right kind of fan-base support, with the right level of corporate sponsorship, and revenues derived from the soccer team and the facility itself, it is possible to put together a deal that could be successful here." Much more work lies ahead. "We're probably halfway there," Garber said. "It could come back the feasibility study says it's going to cost too much and there's no appetite on either the city's part or Merritt's part or both." "
How wealthy is Paulson? I know he's definitely got the money connections, what with being the son of the Secretary of the Treasury and all, but is he wealthy enough to pull this off on his own? I assume not.
That is very narrow minded... And what the heck does pro/rel have to do with the viability of city relative to the MLS ? If I were commish, my ultimate MLS table would be 40 teams. 20 in the West (& Cananda) and 20 in the East (& Canada) - These teams would not play each other during the regular season save for the US Open cup or other non-league matches and meet in the MLS Cup. Single table West / Single table East -- playoffs -- MLS Cup. Minneapolis, Cincy and Atlanta would be great for MLS... and many others too..
Yeah, and Garber said it is soccer city not because we call it that but because it is. He said that last night. There needs to be a pride smiley. EDIT: I should note that's not an exact quote. I'm too lazy to look for it. Oh and it wouldn't matter, somebody here would bitch anyway.
I wonder how KSL's John Canzano hanging up on Garber will effect things? Man that's rude. Then Paulson refused to come on the show. Nice job there fellas. http://newsradio750kxl.podOmatic.com/enclosure/2007-10-17T19_29_28-07_00.mp3
Yikes. And he calls MLS "a minor league" as well. It's not all gung-ho in PDX for a move to MLS, amongst media, businesses, politicians and even Timbers supporters.
Canzano is an outspoken anti-soccer asshole and always has been. He represents Portland's opinion on things about as well as the views on that conservative talk show hosts that rule that SAME RADIO STATION represent the political opinions of Portlanders (like 10%). His outburst and unprofessional behavior is called "fear" the guy is afraid that soccer will come and baseball won't and good riddance because John, it's coming bitch.
thats really what i got from it. if those two guys are any indication of the normal sportsfan (and by that i dont mean you guys on here) then i dont know if portland will work. one of the main things that drives up attendence is the laid back fan that will go to a game or two. the season ticket holders will be there in every city, but the real question is the casual fan going to spit up the money to go to the games, in portland's case from what i heard i dont think so. no doubt the will have a number of season ticket holders, but holding up attendence level when the going gets tough is different... any thoughts?
Well doesn't Portland have one of the higest attendance records in USL? Like around 10,000? Seems that a MLS team would do at least 15,000 a game based on that alone.
I just don't get that kind of sentiment down there. They will forever remain a 'minor sports town' until the money comes forth, and people like those two 'radio personalities' are run out of town. Merritt Paulson, who owns the Timbers/Beavers, refused to go on the show. After listening to more of it, it's just a tirade against public money and pro soccer in general. They talk about all of the minor league franchises that have failed in the last decade down there, and how MLS would just be another one. Then they speculate PDX MLS attendance at 12-15k, 'being generous.' Idiots also think that Chivas USA plays in Mexico. Then they talk about NHL being a 'better fit for Portland." Also, a mention of the NFL, ffs! Seattle media may completely ignore soccer (or at least the USL), but after hearing that I consider it a small blessing as compared to that bile.
Seriously, Canzano is MILES AND MILES away from the general feeling of sports fans in Portland. Most are very laid back and this city supports soccer. He's seriously the opposite of the norm. Imagine for a moment if Bill O'Reilly started talking about Portland being ultra conservative and hating on the few liberals in the city. Would you believe him? HELL NO! That is the general idea.
PDX's average was about 6K. I think their high point was the last game of the season, held on cheap beer night. The pulled just over 15K for that one. They do cheap beer night at the Tacoma Rainiers also, unfortunately they don't know how to administer such a thing. Logistics at Cheney are lousy.
Please believe me when I say this. The only people who listen to that station are Bill O'Reilly/Rush/that other fat ultra con listening types, which in Portland, the total demographic for that is like 25%, so of 25% of the populace, how many people are going to listen to that station. Not many. In Cincinnati it would be a hit, but not as much here.
almost 7k for regular season. over 7k for reg season, playoffs and friendlies. over 10k for the last 5 matches of the season.
Look, I WANT PDX in, but... Their attendance is 6.5k average...not 10k (still great for USL, though) Many Timbers supporters don't want MLS, either, or at least not unless it comes on their exact terms. The possible Seattle entry has softened that stance a bit, though, from what I can tell from afar.
There is the problem of it not being the Timbers. It would HAVE to be the Timbers. It just would, that's how the people here roll. FC Portland, Portland Rovers (which would be cute with a duplicate rose crest of Blackburn for the Rose City... hahaha terrible) wouldn't fly here. Out of PGE would be tough, because seriously, PGE is the perfect location. Brewery blocks are close, there are a number of pubs and restaurants ACROSS the street. Light Rail on the street at the park and a bus line or two runs right by the park. However, I think another inner city stadium would work for most people if it were the Timbers. If not the Timbers, things could get shaky, but I think 99% of the supporters would still support an FC Portland, just not as well. I'm with pretty much all Timber's fans in saying this though. If we don't get MLS, that's great, we still have the Timbers (till the USL folds then we're screwed). Most Timbers fans just want the clubs to succeed and to enjoy cheering them on win or lose.
Putting all the Seattle vs Portland rivalry stuff aside, Portland would be a great addition to the league. Beside the Timbers, the University of Portland has a strong men's and women's program. There is a history of support for soccer at many levels. The majority of fans really know the game and travel well. PGE has stadium issues to deal with...but really which expansion franchise doesn't? There is either NO stadium, a proposed stadium or a stadium that folks feel is inadequate. Having Seattle, Portland and San Jose playing in the same league would re-establish rivalries that have roots going back 30 plus years.
KJR doesn't ignore soccer, nor do they insult it. Gas and Groz both are huge supporters of the Sounders, and of Seattle MLS. Oh, and I might add that I would absolutely LOVE it for PDX to get an NHL franchise. I don't honestly see one ever appearing in Seattle, and I'd sure rather not have to go through the Border to go see the Canucks.
thats why i asked, i didnt know if this guy is on par with the general level with the rest of portland. ill take your word that this guy might be a little off the edge as i could see with his interview with Garber. Could you imagine Bud Selieg or Goodell comming in and being treating like that. i wish more of the soccer fans would have called up to correct him, to bad it didnt happen
Outside of the Timbers Army, though, if Seattle goes MLS and Portland stays USL...long term attendance will likely fall off for the Timbers, or at least will 'cap off' at under 8k somewhere. They'll be permanently a 'league below' their biggest rivals. The world over that affects clubs. It will also affect the Timbers if they can't find a way to MLS. Paulson seems to see a bigger vision for pro soccer in PDX. Let's hope he finds rich allies, and fairly soon. In PDX's MLS rear-view mirror: Vancouver Whitecaps and a desire to also go Division One.