Last Night the Richmond Kickers brough to the stands almost 9,000 fans. I also spoke to a grocery man who is from Virginia and told me that soccer is very popular in Virginia and that he does not understand why they dont bring a MLS team. With last night's attendance, I just think that MLS should take a close look at this city. This A-League team, brough more fans than Dallas, San Jose and almost New England. I think MLS should go to Virginia and conduct a serious investigation and look into it. There goes my theory.
No, I think your theory went when you said that it was based on your conversation with a grocer. If MLS had pro/rel, Richmond would be a good D2 city that could fight for promotion. They are a good A-League club. They are not an MLS expansion candidate by any means right now.
FWIW, while the three MLS cities you mentioned all have drawn around or below 9K at certain times, the Freddy show definitely drew more than 9K in Dallas, NE, and San Jose.
It's the largest crowd in their history, numbnuts. I hope you're someone's sockpuppet because if you're not, I'm going to invent a time machine so I can travel back in time and convince your mother to get an abortion. Sachin
That was the largest crowd in their history, and the reason was Freddy. That's the first time they've gotten to see the wonderboy. I overheard some girls say "If Adu doesn't start, then I wasted fourteen bucks." Yeah, I'm sure these girls will make it back to some more games. 9,000 is certainly not impressive in MLS, and they didn't even draw that last night. Richmond is not an expansion candidate.
I go to 80% of the Richmond home games every year, and they are definately not a candidate for expansion...sorry. They usually draw between 2 and 3K. Last night's crowd was a wonderful event for the team, the city, and the fans... But expansion? No way, let's not get carried away.
besides richmond is too close to dc. it would not work. im sure a lot of those fans were dc fans too. richmond did do really well when they had the ncaa final four there though. one year i think they had 20k.
I love Virginia, and think MLS should at least consider an expansion team in Richmond or Virginia Beach. There are better options of course, but they should be there in the Oklahoma City category. There is quite a large population in Central to Eastern Virginia area with no pro sports teams. In fact, the Hampton Roads/Norfolk/Virginia Beach area is the most populated metropolitan area without a major pro sports franchise. That fact probably surprises people BIG TIME. Columbus dominated that stat until the last 10 years.
And how close will Chivas be playing to the Galaxy? Thank you, drive thru. June 8, 2003 USMNT 2-1 New Zealand Univ. of Richmond Stadium (Richmond, Va.) 9,116 Wouldn't this count as their highest attendance since this was a doubleheader? Thx, Jay!
Richmond will be a candidate for expansion when they have an investor(s) willing to put up the expansion fee and money to cover team and MLS operating expenses. Just like Salt Lake City was. It's that easy.
It wouldn't work in Richmond or Va. Beach that way. You're not going to see Chivas Williamsburg any time soon.
Lived in Richmond for 40 years and make it to most of the Kickers home games but can not agree were ready for a MLS expansion team. Last night was the first time ive ever had to sit behind the goal. Often Richmond draws between 2 and 3 thousand at the most. Think everyone was caught up in Freddymania and he didnt disappoint. There was a large groan from the home town fans when his shot clanked off the crossbar. Everyone wanted to see him put one in the back of the net.
I seriously doubt that the Ukrop family would be willing to invest 10 to 20 million dollars in a soccer team in Richmond and a stadium. For those who do not know, The Ukrops are a family that has a chain of very successful grocery stores in the Richmond area. The family has also been very active in the promotion of soccer in Virginia, and even had one family member who was a decent player on the Kickers. They are successful financially in the grocery business, but I doubt that they have millions to gamble on soccer.
And, without the MLB resolution of where to relocate the Expos, a new soccer stadium couldn't be built there just in case land was needed for a new baseball stadium... Or am I thinking of Virginia Beach? Or was it Arlington? DC? Perhaps Dulles/Ashburn? Sorry, I'm just thinking MLS should get DC United's longterm stadium issue determined before worrying about Richmond (and that is not going to happen until the MLB issue is resolved).
I second that... SLC= MLS team Rochester= No MLS team It really doesn't come down to who has the soccer history, who draws the crowds, how much local soccer interest.... it comes down to who forks over the $$$.
Well, after carefully reading all your post, I have to agree that Richmond Virginia should not be even considered for expansion. I try to be humble and I guess there were a bunch of facts i did not know. thanks
Though it's an unlikely candidate for MLS expansion right now, I wouldn't entirely write off the possibility of an MLS franchise in Virginia Beach/Norfolk at some point down the road. After all, both Columbus and Salt Lake City have smaller metro populations than Norfolk/Virginia Beach, and it's the most populous metro area in the U.S. without a major league sports team. From the 2000 Census: 1. NY/NJ/..........................20.1 million 2. LA................................15.8 3. Chicago...........................8.8 4. DC/Baltimore....................7.3 5. San Fran/Oak/San Jose......6.8 7. Boston............................5.6 9. Dallas..............................4.9 19. Denver...........................2.4 24. Kansas City.....................1.7 27. Norfolk/Virginia Beach...1.5 31. Columbus........................1.5 35. Salt Lake City..................1.3
Dumbass. Maybe you should just not start posting random threads while speaking out of your ass. Ignorant son of a bitch.
If you check it out, they have more than the millions (+200m to be closer to exact) to take a crack at it. The thing is, they did not get rich by being lucky and stupid. They are very smart businessmen, who just happen to be soccer nuts and they do spend their money on the sport big time. They just do not seem the type to waste their money on it. If the opportunity was ripe, however, I am sure they would be part of the puzzle.