Home Field Advantage

Discussion in 'Chicago Fire' started by Chicago1871, Aug 19, 2002.

  1. Chicago1871

    Chicago1871 Member

    Apr 21, 2001
    Chicago
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    We all want to see our beloved boys out there playing their best and winning the East over the next few weeks...but at what price? Atmosphere-wise Cardinal stadium can easily be the best in the league, but that is where it stops. As a fan I have little problem watching from a packed and rocking house, and I don't think the players mind it much either. However, Cardinal stadium is not, I imagine the place where you want to have the majority of your playoff games (field-wise). No player in this league has made secret that Cardinal stadium is not a place they enjoy playing, even Fire players. And who can blame them. It is small, the turf is artificial, and on certain days comparable, on the field, to an oven. In addition it looks cheap. The lines, the camera angles, almost everything about it, but the players and fans that fill it, looks cheap. Is this a field we want to see on TV come playoff time? Is this the field we want to see playoff games played on? I hope the boys go the distance and finish their season in celebration on CMGI...ahem...Gillette's perfect carpet, but what price with MLS pay for having such games on a field like Cardinal Stadium? Of couse there is nothing we can do but watch and fill it each game.
    Is there a price to be paid, or am I off base?
     
  2. -cman-

    -cman- New Member

    Apr 2, 2001
    Clinton, Iowa
    The price to be paid is probably in the injury list. FIFA bans play on artificial turf with good reason and from what I've seen (been to four home games this year) and heard from the players SafePlay(tm) is only the best of a bad lot as far as artificial turf is concerned.

    But otherwise, I like what I've seen from our recent run of games (Sunday vs. the Revs excepted; who are you people and what have you done with my team?) as far as our playoff prospects are concerned, although Wolff will be sorely missed.

    Sure CS looks like ************ on the tube. But with 16,000 butts in the seats the place rocks. And that is an important factor. Everyone hates playing on the field home and visitors alike. But we have more experience with it so, advantage: Fire. I'll take my titles any way I can get them.
     
  3. irishFS1921

    irishFS1921 New Member

    Aug 2, 2002
    WB05 Compound
    i hope that is a MINOR concern of yours. who gives a shite what it looks like on t.v. i'll take what we can get home or away. just as long as it's the playoffs.

    don't forget, it's a game.
    -brandon
     
  4. krolpolski

    krolpolski Member+

    If FIFA banned it, we wouldn't be playing on it.
     
  5. jdm2662

    jdm2662 New Member

    Aug 6, 2002
    Hillside, IL
    I just want to experience the playoffs. I've been able to go to only one game, last year's game one against Dallas. There were a mere 8,000 people in attendence. I wish I would've been at the LA game in '98 where 32K were there. I watched that on TV at EIU, and I enjoyed every minute of it. (I hate shootouts, but oh well).
     
  6. Chicago1871

    Chicago1871 Member

    Apr 21, 2001
    Chicago
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Re: Re: Home Field Advantage

    It is a minor concern of mine. I would rather see a great game in a crap stadium than vice versa.
    People tuning in to see the game care what it looks like--especially those judging the league who aren't fans already.
    And yes, it is a game, but never forget that it is a business as well.
     
  7. CUS

    CUS New Member

    Apr 20, 2000
    The price is about $50mil and a cooperative political environment. Get those two and the Fire would move right in.
     
  8. GoFireGo

    GoFireGo New Member

    Apr 25, 2002
    Chicago
    wont there be slightly less for the playoffs at CS?
     
  9. -cman-

    -cman- New Member

    Apr 2, 2001
    Clinton, Iowa
    Artificial turf in general is banned by FIFA. SafePlay(tm) has received (I think) tentative FIFA approval. But if I recall correctly, the Fire had to get some special dispensation from both USSF and FIFA.
     
  10. Glenwood Lane United

    Apr 28, 2001
    Hanover Park, IL
    Club:
    Chicago Fire
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
  11. gofire2001

    gofire2001 New Member

    Apr 5, 2001
    Section 8 Chicago
    I think it will be around 10,000.
     
  12. Fanaddict

    Fanaddict Member+

    Mar 9, 2000
    streamwood IL USA
    Club:
    Chicago Fire
    Nat'l Team:
    United States

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