http://www.sbisoccer.com/2015/02/looking-example-florida.html The Jacksonville Armada know exactly what stands in the club’s way. As part of a growing Florida soccer market, the NASL expansion side understands the need to carve out a niche in the state. However, the Armada aren’t just looking to find their place; they are looking to set some examples.
Let me tell you. Other pro soccer teams situated in Florida are not going to draw away the Armada's ticket-buyer, season ticket purchaser support and potential support. Win or lose, Miami or no Miami, Beckham or no Beckham, MLS title or no MLS title for Orlando. The Armada supporters, as the hard core (and long suffering) fans of the NFL's Jaguars do, already intone "Duval" at the start of the match. That is the name of the county Jacksonville inhabits. Pride in their county! Of all things! It is different. A powerful self-identification with a specific place on the earth. Other teams and fanbases may lead in various metrics. Jacksonville leads in the emotional bond between the fans and the dirt the stadium stands on. The Armada management are astutely aware of this and they and the new players seem to be fostering it further.
So, attendance thus far: 2/7 v. Philly (@ Everbank): 13,934 (NASL preseason record) 2/28 v. FTL: 5,232 3/8 v. Charleston: ~6,000 Totally not bad numbers. The premier match number was especially impressive. Next up is the Rowdies friendly this Saturday, then the actual premiere 4/4 v. FC Edmonton. Both will be at Everbank Field.
I don't know anything about Florida, but with several soccer teams in the state it certainly seems like fertile ground for a soccer club. Do the other minor league teams in Jacksonville get a lot of support? And will they be rivals to the Armada for fans and fans disposable income? 13K, almost 14K is great attendance, especially for a preseason game. I'd love to see the Armada draw large crowds regularly. Good luck!
I don't know about the NPSL team (Jacksonville United), but FC Jax did above-average numbers (for the SE Division) in their one season in PDL. (Of course, it was still triple digits, so that's not saying much.) What you need to look at are the NT friendlies Jacksonville has hosted in recent years. The Scotland match in 2012 drew almost 45,000. The WNT friendly in 2013 (also against Scotland) drew over 18,000. The 2014 World Cup sendoff (against Nigeria) drew 52,000.
I can see Jacksonville being similar to Indy from last season and putting up very good attendance numbers. I don't know enough about Jacksonville to say whether they can sell out every game or not, but from what I've heard it sounds like you guys have a really good fan base.
LOL That's a good one: NEW: #ArmadaFC to wear commemorative kit to celebrate season kickoff! #SetTheRecordJaxMORE: http://t.co/XkpmDoxqGU pic.twitter.com/Hh5H0UO15V— Jacksonville Armada FC (@JaxArmadaFC) April 1, 2015
Congratulations to Jacksonville for a fantastic opener, both on the pitch and in the stands. Looking forward to seeing you in Indy.
Congratulations on your first win and great turnout at the gate. Jacksonville Armada sink FC Edmonton in opening match of season http://boxscorenews.com/jacksonvill...on-in-opening-match-of-season-p118497-108.htm Record crowd enjoys fast start, opening win for Jacksonville Armada http://jacksonville.com/sports/othe...ory/record-crowd-enjoy-fast-start-opening-win
What sucks about that is doing so well at EverBank, then having to play at the Baseball Grounds for the rest of the season, where the best you can do is not much more than half that.
Also cost, renting the Football stadium has to be hell of lot more expensive than the baseball stadium.
http://jacksonville.com/sports/colu...frenette-not-difficult-make-room-jacksonville Jacksonville is getting in on the action. Our city, whether it’s the U.S. national team or the Armada setting the attendance bar, has acquired a reputation as a place to do business. For two hours Saturday night, Jacksonville’s expansion NASL franchise showed it was ready to live up to its self-created hype as a bold, attacking unit with NASL championship aspirations. “We should be contenders this year,” declared owner Mark Frisch.
That depends on a lot of things, too. Orlando City got a plum deal to rent the Citrus Bowl in USL because Orlando was just that desperate to have events there. The only reason we didn't play there in 2014 was because of the construction. It's also why there was/maybe still is pushback on the SSS: why build it when there's the Citrus Bowl sitting there unused? Nevermind the revenue control issues at the top flight level. Jacksonville may not be that desperate to pimp out EverBank since they have the Jaguars.
ESPN3 telecast tonight vs. San Antonio claimed 8000+ in attendance. What a great crowd! Congrats to Armada fans on an exciting win. Akeele looks like his mom had to drop him off for the game - what is he, 14? Still love ya Pascal Millien - enjoy playing in Jax.
Thriving clubs and fervent fans: could Florida become the US's soccer capital? Attendances are up across the Sunshine State, and many within the game think there is even more room for growth http://www.theguardian.com/football...nt-fans-is-florida-now-the-uss-soccer-capital
Armada has tough time with the refs against Silverbacks last night. Borderline offsides call prevents a potential goal. And then another goal called back due to handball which also looked suspect. Armada players were livid. A couple getting yellow cards after the handball call. Was pretty contentious. As the game concluded, the players went after the ref again to voice their displeasure. The other linesmen had to come stand guard and a few Armada players had to be pulled back. Without a scoreboard and no replays it's hard to tell how bad the calls were. None of the Silverback players were putting their hands up after the last goal so I dont think they thought it was a handball either.
Petke would be my vote... http://www.twiceacosmo.com/2015/11/...la-in-the-running-for-jacksonville-armada-job
I like the idea of Tony coaching them. Alphose Mondello should be happy a lot of his former players are coaching everywhere now. Two head coaches Gio Saverese and Tony. Not to mention those in the front office in the MLS. Watch there keeper agility drill. Tony always did this. The coach rolls the ball between your legs, and then you have to turn and save it. Meola said he thought it was the stupidest drill ever... until it happened to him in a game and he turned and made the save! Actually it is very good for keeper quickness.
http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/leagues/nasl2.php?article_id=43378 Former LI Rough Rider & MLS all-star Jim Rooney named assistant coach of the Jacksonville Armada FC