I really find it ridiculous that they went through all the trouble and spent all that money to build a brand new stadium and they didn't make it wide enough for international soccer.
Unlike Kraft, who made sure that Gillette Stadium was 75 yards/69 meters wide, I don't think Philly owners give a damn on Soccer Requirements needed for International games. ( men soccer not women soccer) Nothing against women soccer teams, but they are more flexiable and are willing to play on non-confirming field types and turfs.
LOL, the sad part is PA tax payers are footing some of the $$ for the stadium , but got cheated out of national team games. Philly owners really don't want MLS, and the design of the stadium proves it.
Well... given the opposition to RFK hosting WCQs, the same problems will hold true for Philly, which after all, is only 2 1/2 hours away. Sachin
Watching the Solider Field Mach II last night, I doubt that pitch would be more than 68 yards wide, either. Most of these new NFL stadiums still insist on having an oval surface area. Why, I don't know...
The people who built the stadium probably don't care if they play USMNT games there. The stadium was built for the Philadelphia Eagles, not for soccer.
I could be very wrong, but I seem to recall reading on the Fire board about some retractable seating that can be pulled back to make the field wider. Whether this can be used once NFL season starts (or even if it exists at all) I don't know. The oval style increases seating capacity and gives better sightlines for NFL games.
Since I hate the idea of sharing NFL stadiums with soccer, it's just fine with me. All the more likely there may be a SSS in Philly someday.
I figured that, it just that that conflicts with the oft-heard refrain of having international soccer matches at these stadiums.
Likely, as in a 2 out of 10,000,000,000 chance instead of 1 out of 10,000,000,000, so yes, the chances have doubled.
BINGO! you said it, this was done to refrain International soccer games. ( MEN national teams are picker then Female and Clubs) The owners of Philly knew exactly what they were up to.
Then they must have the retractable seats in the corners because I could swear after watching the Packers-Bears game last night that that field wouldn't be more than 65 yards where the soccer end line would be.
That's odd. Why would they want to preclude the men playing there, when in all likelihood, if they wanted to do it (say, spring or summer when the Eagles aren't using the field), they'd make good money on it?
New Chicago soldier field will 110x72 yards, and can be increased to 114 x 76 yards, because the corner seats can be removed at soldier field. when the bears go back to the cave to rest for the season.
Perhaps this means that all USMNT home matches will be in two venues: Crew Stadium and Gillette Stadium. If Seattle wants to lay down the natural surface then that would make it three. If the USSF thinks that Chicago could host without attracting too many "away" fans, that would make it four. But no Miami, no Houston, no RFK, no L.A., no Meadowlands and (it seems) no Philly.
Here is my take on venues for USMNT WCQ. Soldier Field, Crew Stadium, Gillette and RFK will always get USMNT games. Forget about Miami, USMNT will be a away team in Miami. Seattle did put grass for USMNT back in March, so if they do that again, I am sure USNMT will show up there .( Although attendance sucked for it) L.A, if USMNT is not playing Mexico , then it could be a pro-USA crowd and the weather/stadium/field size is a huge PLUS for L.A. (PLUS it's the Official training ground of the USMNT) Philly will have to find a way to get 2-3 yards(Width) from somewhere, without breaking the corner seats or reducing the length. Houston, nice stadium and meets fifa field standards, but then again it's not a well tested soccer venue. Don't forget Denver and KC. Although lots of teams might not want to play in Denver.(high altitude)
RFK will not get qualifiers ever again for national team matches. After the Honduran debacle, I don't think USSF will think twice about having matches there. Also, the economic incentives are not as great to play games at RFK. Even though the stadium seats $50,000, the rent is quite expensive. HDC, Crew Stadium and the new stadium in Dallas are much better options for the national team. As more SSS come online, I can almost guarantee that DC will be left out of the cold for qualifiers.
Follow the Money The geniuses at USSF care only about cash, so I think we will see a game in Philly. They might delude themselves into thinking the Eurosnobs who showed up for Man U will support the US, but in actuality, they will be squeezing in more Hondurans/Guatemalans/Salvadorans/or Jamaicans than RFK can hold. If they have any sense at all, and there is no scientific proof they do, Philly could host Canada or Trinidad without it being an away game for the US. Of course, the crowd would only be 15K, so I'm thinking they will put Jamaica or a Central American team there. Columbus: Mexico Gillette: Costa Rica Casa Depot: Canada Philly: Honduras (San Pedro Sula Norte) Chicago: Jamaica or Trinidad (North Kingston) KC: Guatemala or El Salvador