Possible A-League franchises

Uhh whats your point? I was talking about fan base. We can't try that kind of promotion in Vancouver because the damn city of Burnaby has actually set the price of beer higher than what the beer company wants to sell it for. Canterbury (the local brewer) wanted to slash the price of the beer, but the city of Burnaby wanted it set higher because they are afraid we might drink too much or something.

Also I'm quite aware of how beer is sold in the States. We have no problem getting it here though.

 

I'm glad someone mentioned Des Moines as a possibility for the A-League. They'll be opening a new soccer-specific stadium in 2003, play to large crowds by PDL, and A-League standards for that matter (avg. 6,000+) while playing at a high school stadium. The new stadium being built also has a contingency to expand it to a larger capacity should it be necessary. . . .

Hershey indeed had solid coverage of matches. I recall being at a Richmond Kickers match last season and seeing a beat writer for one of the Pa. papers up there covering it. They also had radio, as I recall. For whatever reason, they didn't draw well.

I would love to see Raleigh grow to A-League status at some point, especially with the new facility down there. It would cap off a good southeastern base, with Richmond, Hampton Roads, Raleigh, Charlotte, Charleston and Atlanta. Now that would be a good southern derby.

 

Exactly how is that skewed? They cut their profit on the beer as a part to of their plan to keep attendance up around 6,000/game. This year, their paid attendance is actually UP from their first year, and with a worse record!

What is wrong with that? Sounds like they are doing things right.

 

I would say Philly, too. In fact, in 2000 I inquired about bringing an A-League team to Philly (I had a tentative ownership group lined up and everything, and registered www.philadelphiaatoms.com ).

Anyway, I was rejected out of hand...the USL is convinced that MLS is coming to Philadelphia someday, and is not interested in placing a team there only to have it booted later "without compensation."

Presumably, they adopt a similar attitude towards St. Louis, or any other "major" city currently without an MLS team.

 

Tampa should have an A-League team. The USL offices are located in Tampa. I believe that a team in Tampa could draw between 1,500 and 2,000 fans a game. The University of Tampa would be a great location for the team to play at.

 

I have to admit, I am a bit surprised to see Buffalo listed- let alone finishing number two in the poll. Detriot would be a better market at this time due to "pre-existing" organizations in the area, in addition to a larger population.

Des Moines needs to take it's time, build on it's successes, and get that stadium built. Then it'll be a good candidate.

-r

 

FYI. The ownership of the Rochester Rhinos have territorial rights from Syracuse to Buffalo. So unless they leave the area no one could put a team in Buffalo. $1 beer sounds good to me.

 

This is very true.... no one can put an A-League Team in Buffalo..... unless of course it is beyond 50 miles away from where the Rhino's play. No I think we'll start small. There doesn't appear to be any rule regarding lower division teams.

-r

 

I personally believe that Edmonton should start at the PDL level and build their team like Des Moines is.... and like Calgary attempted, but rushed along too quickly. Thoughts?

-r

 

Where did this thread come from?

 

DoyleG, you started this thread, but I think somebody moved it to the USL directory from somewhere else because I've been looking at this forum all day and hadn't seen it. Just curious where it was originally - usually, a moderator should put some sort of comment when something gets m moved. Guess it's possible it was down the page a little bit - if so, I apologize for my dumbness.

 

Then go for it.... my advise is to start in the PDL, as this is something you can do to help bring a team to your market on your own.

I have started a PDL- Follow the Dream thread at the following location: https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=5148



Unfortunately, the stadium is a big part of getting an A-League team to your city.... so start small and build the financing and support to go BIG

-r

 

Actually, that might not be a bad idea. Consolidationg the old APSL and the WSL was what started the downhill slide to begin with. The teams simply didn't have the finances for the travel, and it killed them. Having an Eastern and Western league, with the two league winners playing for the championship, makes a lot of sense, both in economics and geography.

BTW, Atlanta seems to be picking up somewhat. I was at the game Saturday night, and some of the thing that I think have led to the decline in attendance (besides the Beat hogging all the soccer press) have been dealt with. I had a great time, and will try to go back when I'm able.

 

I am not sure what the point of going back to two seperate league would be.... limiting travel? Take a look at any A-Leage, D3, or PDL teams schedule and you will see that each league has a regional intensive schedule.... and in some instances, a regional only schedule. These leagues are already subdivided into different leagues.... to limit the amount of traveling teams must do.

 

Can they sell beer there?

 

If the University of Tampa allows beer that would be a great place for them to play.

 

Re: Re: Possible A-League franchises

My understanding is that all the other Texas-based D3 teams either dropped down to PDL or folded, leaving the Austin Lone Stars with no nearby opponents on their level.

 

Well, to be honest, in 2000 MLS expansion to ANYWHERE seemed a lot more likely than MLS expansion does now.

I wonder what USL would say now.

 

Re: Re: Re: Possible A-League franchises

They also lost Jackson, MS, New Orleans, Birmingham and then Memphis.

The move of New Orleans to the A-League was the downfall of the deep south region.