In the potential future derbies thread in the expansion forums, the idea of derby similar to the Carolina Cup Challenge amongst the soon to be 4 teams along the Amtrak Northeast Corridor. I was wondering what the opinions of United Fans were regarding this idea. The idea would be that there could be a train or two from the competing cities to the cup location. There would be supporters cars for each of the supporters groups, that fans from D.C. could buy tickets for the La Barra Brava, Screamin Eagles, or La Norte car in a joint package with tickets for a United Supporters section, and a meal/beverage package. The cost would run between $150 and $350 depending on the location and the type of train (Acela or Regional that the car was on). The cars average between 50 and 100 riders per car, so packages could vary based on budget, and large supporters groups from each team could set up tailgating outside the stadium alongside the chartered buses from the train station. It's an idea I personally think has legs. But I'd like to hear what your ideas and opinions are on it regarding staging, set up, organization, timing etc. It would be a great competition to set up in 2010 when Philly joins the ranks, and the current holders of the Cup (or plate or whatever) could have their supporters group accompany the trophy to and from the competition. Thanks.
Hmm. Link the referenced thread and perhaps it will answer some questions. I'm not sure if the idea is as a preseason tournament like the Carolina Cup, or a regular season competition, like the Atlantic Cup. If it's preseason, my answer is NO. We play those bastards enough, I wouldn't be interested in going, personally. If it's competed for during the regular games, I'd be more interested. In either case, it should be a sell-out Cup and be called the Acela Cup. It doesn't sound bad, promotes the highest cost product Amtrak has, and Acela services Boston, NY, Phillly, and DC. So it's perfect. I am not qualified to speak to the organizational aspect, so I will defer.
it's Potential future Derbies/cups under Expansion bids. most of the discussion happened off of the thread, but I was told by a member of the Philadelphia supporters group Sons of Ben (SoB) that they had already begun discussions of something similar. So, it seems like that would lead to it being an opening series type Derby where the games are technically part of the regular season, but act like a 6 game 3 week event. i.e. Week 1. D.C. v Philly, Revs v Red Bulls Week 2. D.C v Red Bulls Revs v Philly Week 3. D.C. v Revs Philly v. Red Bulls Whomever accumulates the most points wins. Whether you make the points 2 per goal away or 3 points per goal away v 1 point per goal at home. Or if you have 1 point per goal regardless and 2 v 3 points per win, home or away, w/ 1 point per draw. It doesn't really matter, it's all about creating a competitive Start to the season.
Sounds fun in theory, but I have a hard time seeing the league being able to pull that off from a scheduling perspective. In addition, it moves half of your most important regular season games (in conference) to the first few weeks. Not even sure the clubs would like that. I think using the standard scheduling throughout the season is a realistic goal, like the Atlantic Cup.
Doesn't seem cost effective. Cheaper to bus/drive. Probably quicker. Doesn't seem logistically effective. Not sure about Philly. But I didn't think it was anywhere near the "main train station - 30th street?". Also, I thought NY was on a Path, but not necessarily on Amtrak line. Correct me if I'm wrong. Lastly, Foxboro is not near anything but the 7-11 down the street. So if these are correct, how exactly do you expect people to get to the stadium, board a charter bus, get on public transpo, again another logistical nightmare. Most people have a hard enough time making it off the bus and swaggering to the upper deck at the Meadowlands.
it would be a very good way to go, but as Joe noted Amtrak is expensive in the northeast. Maybe if MLS can arm twist them into a sponsorship involving 80 dollar round trip DC to NY for example... otherwise it's much cheaper to drive/bus.
This proposal is obviously not for people whose focus in getting to games is financial. This is more of an idea for something to accompany a cup, for those who were interested in paying a little more for an interesting experience. And for those who aren't, they could still buy tickets for the game without partaking in the rail-bound festivities.
Well Fire and Sounders is better. "interesting experience" - traveling with the barra in itself is an interesting experience!
worst idea ever........ this might be fun for older people or those under 21 or even teetotallers... but most roadtrips, involving any of DC United's supporter groups, involve large quantities of intoxicating substances.... I can not see any supporter wanting to deal with a grumpy conductor and possibly the amtrak police... now if it was possible to charter a train, for less than it costs to drive a car or charter a bus, without having to deal with grumpy conductors.... then I say YAY!! but it ain't gonna happen unless we pack up our bags of vittles and jump a freight train and stay at the northern jersey hobo jungle.........
If playing regional rivals is the focus, wouldn't it just be easier, since the league is going to 16 teams to have a four, four team divisions. So the winner of your Derby Cup will just be the Division Champ? And the MLS Playoffs just become a playoff between the four division champions?
Then we would have the National Futbol League. Get more teams, one table, one domestic cup, let the rivalries create themselves.
So, basically a city without a team is trying to drum up support for a fantasy derby? Please. Let me check my Football Manager and see what it says. Tradition is earned, not made. The lads of Ben should look under the heading of trying to hard. DC United already has a traditional rivalry with NY/NJ, and some would say with LA as well. Let Philly earn their stripes on the pitch. Thx, Jay!
actually mighty you can bring your own food and alcohol- any quantity, probably not kegs- aboard amtrak and drink it while you sit or wander around.
I fixed your post. And what's all this about "derbies?" Our only derbies would be against Real Maryland or the Northern Virginia Royals, or maybe Crystal Palace Baltimore. By default, I blame Christian Miles.
Having gone to school in NC and lived in CT, I spent many an hour on the train both sober and slightly not..... I am VERY aware of the bar car, gentleman but thank you for reminding me... I have also been witness to plenty of drunks, who purchased from the bar car, being kicked off Amtrak in the great thriving metropolises of DOver Delaware and RockyMount NC by conductors drunk on power (please mind the pun).. I can not imagine a conductor being down with the United supporters rolling tailgate...
Well they should be our rolling bar couchette on EuroRail was memorable, and I wish to transplant it here. Although I'll be doing it as a Fire fan when St. L gets a team in 20 or 30 years.