Ok, so the Fire get their stadium. http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=289495&cc=5901 That's cool. However, the article kind of forgets that the Rapids have a stadium in the works as well. The AP lists Chicago, Columbus, Galaxy, and Burn as having or getting their own stadium. Don't mind me. Just irritated. Not like these sportswriters get PAID or anything. (Morons)
That's because these teams all have either built one or have all the pieces in place. All that I've heard that is official from KSE is that they want to build a stadium. Why would they mention that in this article? Chill.
Yes, until KSE puts paper to pen and actually inks a stadium deal, we don't have our own stadium, just the promise that it's coming. Same with the Metros, who have been trying even longer than the Rapids have to get a stadium in NJ somewhere. They weren't mentioned in the article either. No big deal, just wait for the announcement by the Rapids, and may it come soon.
Some season ticket holders have been told by their account reps that a specific stadium announcement will be made within the next few weeks.
Interesting to note that Chicago's new stadium is going to be 20-odd minutes away from downtown (which realistically means 30-40 with traffic) and is weakly served by public transporation (no direct trains or buses from the city). Granted, Chicagoland and other MLS cities with stadiums are all a different beast than Denver, but these plans mean that not one of the four stadiums in the works (five if you include NY) are located in a downtown area. Perhaps Denver and KSE will be different and make their mark with a downtown stadium, but I wouldn't hold my breath. I'd wager we should expect something in a north- or south-east suburb, about 20-odd minutes from downtown and with weak (if any) public transportation.
For all we know, it could already be a done deal with blueprints and everything, they're just waiting for the run-up to the season before they disclose everything for publicity's sake.
I'll believe it when I hear it. Over the last few years we've heard so much about stadium plans, but nothing has ever materialized. I will personally buy 6 seasons when I hear the shovel has gone in the ground. The only thing I worry about is that they will book so many events at a SSS it won't really be a soccer stadium. Oh well, not my problem. No expectations for 2004 so that means we are going to kick ass.
Remember that plans were drawn up for a stadium as early as 1998. If they are sitting on something, more likely it has to do with a need for a coordinated marketing effoty involving not just KSE but the league as well. In addition to wanting to make sure they get as much attention as they can -- to be honest, I'm a bit surprised Chicago announced this during Super Bowl week -- I'd wager that KSE would like to coordinate a big ticket push when they do make a formal announcement. Not to mention have a less-than-embarassing web presence. I'm in no rush to hear specific news from the team regarding the stadium, so long as things are moving forward as planned for opening in 2006. I'm much more anxious to hear about the Rapids doing something to make an improvement on the field for 2004...
Rest assured the Rapids are working on it. They have one of the biggest names in Denver real estate heading up the project. I am sure his time does not come cheap. I believe they are making sure everything is in place and top notch before any further anouncements.
That might be true (I'll have to take your word for it). But that was before Crew Stadium was built, right? At any rate, I'm hoping seeing Crew Stadium and the HDC has given the Rapids some ideas on what works and what doesn't that they will use. Like, a roof for example.
The Rapids did have some stadium plans in the works as far back as 1996 but I don't think they ever got too far. The teams were more focused on getting their play going as opposed to a home to play in. If you google for something like Colorado Rapids Stadium you can find a site that talks about the plans. I don't know how far it went.
You need some uppers my friend. There is no reason to believe that this thing will be like the Metros. And MLS is announcing stadiums left and right now ... it's obviously something they plan on doing. It sure seems to me that we've been making progress each year since they decided to try to make this stadium a go. Hopefully we'll soon know everything and we'll all be stoked for 2006!
KSE SITTING Sorry Greenie, BUTT, with regard to the Rapids, the only thing that KSE has been sitting on is their collective ASSES!