Pre/In/Post Game: I-4 Derby: Orlando City vs Tampa Bay Rowdies 3/9/13

You dont really know what you are talking about, the crowd was clearly 6.8K

The supporters of the team would know best, the Chivas fans were the ones saying it was less than 7k, so I believe that

 

Everyone?
The Citrus Bowl is deceiving, but that would clearly have sold out Al Lang.
Hopefully AL is sold out in three weeks. But hey its just a preseason game.

 

There might have been 60 Rowdies fans at the game. If that doesn't sum up precisely how most Tampa Bay soccer fans think about games vs Orlando, I don't know what else will. We made an attempt to get more people excited, but it didn't work out.

Of course Orlando fans will say this means that we are somehow shitty supporters. Which is bollocks. But I would have liked to have seen a little more green and yellow at the game, regardless.

can't make Tampa Bay fans want to care about Orlando or playing games against them and I've suspected from the day this was announced that the vast majority of people, Mob and casual fans alike , would care very little.

maybe a bit more than the usual preseason game, but not by much. I also think the Disney Tournament left a bad taste in the mouth and the prospect of yet another drive to Orlando just wasn't enticing.

The place is a shit hole, after all.

 

Haha, yes sir.

So, I'm alllll the way on the other side but what happened with the guy who was "escorted" out.

 

There were absolutely 6.8k at the game. That crowd was legit and there were no ticket giveaways to employees of Orlando Health or Legoland or parents of OCSC youth affiliates. The only tickets given away were a handful to Clear Channel Radio listeners. If you believe otherwise, you are woefully misinformed and frankly are spewing B.S.

OCSC had a profitable night. Considering the flood OCSC fans expected, your softball field will be packed as well in a few weeks.

 

The attendance was legit, but it turns out that approximately 3,500 were from tickets that were given away for FREE to Orlando City's youth soccer teams and their sponsors. So their revenue came from whatever tickets were actually sold and perhaps merchandise. Revenue from concession and parking, I imagine, go to whoever owns the Citrus Bowl (most likely the city).

No B.S. at all.....I've got my sources.

 

I can buy that there were 6800 there. But you'll have to work hard to convince me that half of those were paid tickets. Doesn't matter, to a certain degree, as at least they showed up.

I predict 1500 for the return leg with half of those being Orlando fans. Unless more Orlando fans come than I think will.

Can't force Tampa Bay fans to give a rip about games against Orlando. Over time they might, but who knows for sure unless the two clubs agree to carry on with this derby.

Maybe we'll give away three thousand tickets as well, though and Al lang will be full and we can all pretend.

 

Sounds like a bunch of sour grapes on this end. So many on this board had such a stiffy for this series when it was announced and talked trash about how this would show the Orlando folks who had the upper hand. I think it is ridiculous, because it is very difficult to have a rivalry with a club that you don't play in the same league with.

Now, two matches against the Lions. Two losses. The excuses start. Orlando had more time to prepare. Right, what is the excuse going to be after the Rowdies likely drop the last one in St. Pete?

They draw a good solid crowd to a meaningless preseason match and now either they inflated the attendance or papered the building. So what if they gave away half the tickets. At least they showed up. If the Rowdies gave away 3,000 tickets would ALF be full? I seriously doubt it. The Lightning used to paper the building with free tickets to teachers and other groups for preseason games. Not sure if they do it anymore, but if you are going to thank certain groups, that is certainly the time to do it.

Hopefully a new wind is blowing through Tampa Bay this year and we will finally see the promotion and sales efforts that will take this club to next level. We will know soon enough.

 

The 6800 is legit as well. Props to Orlando for showing up and taking their side seriously, free tickets or not. It's impressive. Now it's our turn.

Personally, no excuses, Rowdies flat out has/have been outplayed by OC$C. Alas, I hope we can return the favor at the ALF.

I like this "rivalry", even if it is preason and we play in different leagues. They both did this for the fans, and as a rowdies fan, and a fan of US lower division soccer, I appreciate it and am thankful. It would be so much better if Orlando came to the NASL. Different story altogether.

 

They would have been a close second in attendance in the NASL. Head and shoulders above the rest of the mighty Division II teams like Strikers, Railhawks, and Rowdies

 

I think it could happen. Just a gut feeling. But as of now, they have us in attendance. That matters to some people.

 

They also have the Rowdies on the pitch. Despite what WSW thinks, Orlando would hold its own quite well in the NASL.

 

Scoreboard baby. OC undefeated against Tampa Bay. For the last time, the Lions aren't hiding, you numpty, they obviously have the resources to play in the NASL. They just prefer the USL.

 

LOL! You kill me WSW

 

I will have to concur with you on both accounts. That helps our side to build on this derby/rivalry. I would like to see the Rowdies beat them. I also think if Orlando joined the NASL, it would of course benefit Orlando and it would benefit the NASL. (but so would having the Rhinos, the Battery and maybe even the Kickers in NASL...but I'm saying that for shits and giggles)

 

Me too. But that's a pipe dream. Cool to think about though.