According to this schedule, the next board meeting is the 28th of Feb. http://www.calexpo.ca.gov/PDFs/Meeting Notices/Board_Dates.pdf
Got a bit more info. Being a state facility, the agreement for the soccer stadium has to be approved by various state agencies. It is slowly making its way through the beauracracy. SRFC is still planning for opening day at Cal Expo (praying IMO)
Honestly, at this point, I would rather see them reschedule their home opener than open at Sac City. Opening day for this team is going to be so important. The impression given to the community of a Sac City vs Cal Expo venue are two different things. I don't want a Sac City grand opening and first couple/few games there, only to change venues.
Wish it wasn't so hard to build such a small stadium. And if they don't open in Cal Expo, then that will make distributing tickets harder too, I imagine.
You just don't want that to be the first impression of the club.. Painted lines on turf, field surrounded by track, a rented venue..
Actually, I think the whole flip-flop on location makes things worse than if they just started at the football stadium. Thats more damaging to their image.
Let's not get carried away. Sac City is not a good venue for soccer. Switching venues would be bad, but not as bad as playing there all year... Knock on wood...
Who said anything about playing there all year? It's announcing the 1st game's venue 3 times that's going to sting.
Image? Do we not recall that most clubs in this country had less-than-optimal beginnings? I take it as a sign of progress that we expect more now, but come on, who's kidding whom? If you have to play a handful of games - or even a first season - under not-so-great conditions, boo-freaking-hoo. If you're such an amazing soccer market and you're going to be in MLS in two years, who's going to remember where you played in May of 2014?
It really killed the KC Wizards/Sporting KC to play in the CAB (minor league baseball field) before going to their SSS! They barely recovered!
First off, no more caffeine today. Think of your blood pressure. I was talking initial image, first impressions. Is it that absurd to think fans or casuals might think less of SacRep because they can't make up their minds where the first game is? My comment is based on the fact it would have been better to stick to the not so great football college field then going back and forth. Is it the end of the world? Certainly not and Preki and friends will most likely recover. But, you only get one chance to make a first impression. It's too bad this is Sac's.
Sorry, I read your original post too quickly. I thought you were saying it would be better to play at the same venue all year rather than switch at some point. I agree with your points.
So basically I'd be driving 186 miles round trip, spending 4 hours of my time traveling to and from the venue just to purchase an already overpriced ticket that now has an extra fee tacked on plus the 10-15 dollars it will cost me to park? And I'd want to do that as opposed to staying home and watching the matches on my computer? I'd love to watch some live soccer again but they're pricing me right out of the equation.
I feel your pain, and you make good points. The pricing concerns me already, without the add-ons CalExpo will inevitably add and parking fees.. One option is they are supposed to have bike parking, so you can park somewhere like Sac State and ride your bike the half-mile or so along the river and save on parking But I know what you mean. I wish there was mass transit or free parking at least. Tickets should be relatively cheap in the Endline or supporters section if you're willing to be in there
I'm a little less concerned about the pricing IF we play at Cal Expo. For that type of facility, our prices are comparable (albeit the high end) for other USL/NASL clubs with similar facilities. Playing at Sac City College, with a permanently lined turf field, and a track around it, I felt the prices were too high. I do see the strategy though. The pricing is definitely at the top end of minor league soccer, and close to the lower end of MLS. Showing the ability to attract large crowds, and max out season ticket sales with the current price structure, absolutely helps demonstrate the Sacramento market's ability to support MLS. Its easy to give tickets away and charge bargain basement prices, claiming "great attendance".
Any news?? I'm getting worried... here we are 2/3 of the way through February and there's no approval, and after that they still have to construct the thing! Has anyone been by the site? Is it at least cleared out so they can begin as soon as they get the green light? But there is mass transit... the monorail!
So it's looking more and more like it's going to be Sacramento City College for the beginning of the season. Yay?
I'm not worried about Cal Expo happening...but yes, home opener is def going to be at Sac City at this point, probably the first couple really. Wish it wasn't the case, but I guess we can look at it in a sense that Sac Republic will have two different home openers this year! This might also give the casual fan a chance to see the game played and viewed in two different types of venues and how much better the game is in a stadium designed for the game itself versus american football
True... I just wish we could swap some games with a couple other teams and extend the road games at the beginning.. Really don't want to see the first game on that thing they call a field at Sac City. Not only is it ugly.. I've walked on it.. Terrible turf, not to mention the curvature, which will make for horrible play.