Here's an idea. Chivas USA DOES NOT NEED to be based in one city. You could have a set up where it plays 1/3 of its "home" in Los Angeles and 1/3 of its "home" games in Chicago. Chivas supporters in both cities would still turn out in big numbers and Galaxy/Fire supporters would feel better about having most of the games at HDC and Soldier Field. Chivas could then play the rest of their "home" games in non MLS cities like San Diego, Houston, Phoenix and maybe even Florida. The turnout by Mexicans, Mexican-Americans, other Hispanics and interested Anglo aficionados would still be huge if Vengara and the MLS promoted it right. What do people think of this idea? Tricky, I admit, but it could work...
The players would hate it. Where would they live and train? Who would want to play for a team that travels for 75% or more of their games. It would be too expensive, because every Chivas "home" game played away from wherever the players live would have travel expenses for two teams rather than one. Also you remove the possibility of developing a loyal, season-ticket-buying fan base, and why do you expect big crowds to show up for one-off games at neutral sites to see a fake Chivas team?
This was tried once in NASL with Team USA. While I admire what NASL was for American soccer in it's time, they had some really bad ideas. That was one.
I actually suggested something like this before (less emphasis on traveling), just 2-4 rotating sites. But of course all of the players would live in Mexico, the Chivas owner could afford to fly the players about to games. Maybe build a dorm at the Chicago training grounds. This will make the team so much easier to contract in a few years.
Ok, so the players would hate it. But you could promise them it would be for a year. By then you would know if you could share HDC or Soldier with either the Galaxy or the Fire without taking away from their supporters (or having riots on derby day). I also think Chivas should be allowed special dispensation from the MLS to field a team of 80% Mexicans so Chivas USA supporters wouldn't feel it was a "fake Chivas." Then I promise you would get sellouts at the neutral venues if Spanish media in those cities promote it. Yes the players would hate the travel, but the cost could be swallowed by Vengara. Chivas USA is coming in 2005, so either way get ready. I don't really like it but the MLS missed the boat with Hispanics the first time around so this is the 2nd and last chance.
chivas USA....should be among all the other MLS teams forums? what do you think....they are no longer a rumored club for expansion
There may still be time for the league to back out if they can't sell any season tickets or luxury boxes..