I thought of this today while reading the WSJ article on NFL games. Perhaps its not the greatest idea, but I'm curious to hear feedback. I'm sure there are other pros and probably a lot of cons. I think the date for MLS Cup 2007 is set, but what if starting with MLS Cup 2008 the final was played on Thanksgiving. I think that the audience would be captive, consider how soccer is a "family" game in the US, there would be less NFL competition (and other competition for that matter), and as a sign of strength it establishes soccer as an american game, played and watched by millions of americans on an american holiday. I can picture the ad campaigns--be thankful for MLS. It also pushes the season back maybe 2 weeks tops. I think having the MLS Cup on Thanksgiving is a step toward improving the stature of the event itself and MLS in general. Anyway, just a thought. File this one in Garber's busy suggestion box.
Probably, I don't know. I don't (and presumably you don't either) have any data one way or the other and we're just going on hunches and our gut. My gut is getting 20,000 fans into Pizza Hut park or another SSS shouldn't be impossible and the TV audience will be larger.
Me too, largely because it's the only thing on! I think having the MLS Cup on Thanksgiving would capture some new viewers who are sports fans with some familiarity with soccer.
I think most people have a father/uncle/cousin who would beat the living crap out of them if they dared touch the remote during the Detroit game. I don't even know anyone who likes Detroit (I grew up in WI) but we still watch that damn game every year. But to give them some credit you can't fall asleep after a huge meal as easily watching soccer.
It's not a bad idea, but oval ball is so entrenched in peoples minds when it comes to Thanksgiving that your going to have a hard time changing that, or offering it up as an alternative. It would be a way to show case the championship game though, and ABC currently does not have an NFL contract. The only thing that could throw a wrench in it is if there is an NCAA oval ball game schedualed on turkey day. ABC could never hope to beat CBS or Fox in the ratings race that day
Don't we play the MLS Cup final on Sunday where the oval ball is even more entrenched? I just don't think that's a reason to give up. A criticism like, we don't think we can sell tickets...that's a valid reason in my opinion (obviously).
Anyone know what the TV ratings were for the Cup this year? how many does Pizza Hut park sit? I know it was supposably sold out.
play MLS cup on a saturday night and play give the team with best record the MLS cup game, that way u get better atmosphere at the stadium.
Not trying to be cynical, but I'm just curious what percentage of those were curteousy tickets? You know tickets that are given away for promotional purposes.
My point is, a game that relies on significant amounts of casual fan ticket buyers and travelling support is not going to draw fans on Thanksgiving. You're asking people to give up their family holiday plans and/or travel during the busiest travel week of the year to go to a game that just isn't very popular. There is no comparison to the Lions and Cowboys, who have decades-long traditions of Thanksgiving games and widespread local interest, and who include the game in their season-ticket packages.
I've always wanted to see a play off series; Best two out of three. it would put an interesting spin on the Championship, and increase the tension.
(emphasis mine) Didn't stop to think about that. You'd be having the championship in the same city, on the same day as the Cowboys home thanksgiving game. Not good for local sales.
And I think you have a very good point. My gut is that it can work. At very least let's agree that its worth looking into.
Hold on a moment. There is something to this theory. How about the Friday after Thanksgiving? I think the point is, lets get the game on during a period of minimal competition from the NFL. Also, the current Sunday schedule is horrible for traveling support. How many people cannot go to the games because of work? Hell, we had a four hour drive and it was terrible as we didn't get home until 1. Thanksgiving may be tough as it is a holiday, but the Friday after? You have a handful of college games to compete with but you have a lot of people off work already. I would friggin love that - I could go to more Cups!
This sums up my house. No one cares for Detroit but it's the one game of theirs people watch every year.