Peter Interview on US Soccer Player.com Thought you guys would like this read. Some of his observations about atmosphere are spot on. Paul Part I Part II Part III
So, the way I read this is that there is not much of a possibility of there being a Firehouse in the next four years or so. We are pretty much going to be at Soldier Field. I'm not saying they still wont be looking, but it sounds like they wont be pursuing a new stadium as vigerously as they were when we almost landed Arlington Heights. (Five blocks from my home *sobs*)
In part 1 he says "It's a special person who can sell a soccer ticket." This is so true, if you can sell soccer you can sell anything.
Re: Peter Interview on US Soccer Player.com Great interview there. I found it interesting how PW worked his way up the sports management ladder all the way from an entry level position with an indoor team. Maybe this is what makes him such a good GM, he probably has a good understanding in the importance of the lower level positions all the way up to the top. Great read, thanks for passing this along Paul.
I guess. I just don't like that sort of tone, as if we're trying to sell the bubonic plague or something. It's a sports ticket, like any other. It may take a little more cajoling of the general public in this country, but when you get right down to it, it's a professional sporting event and should be treated as such.
i think that attitude is kind of naive. If we were anywhere else in the world that would apply. And down the road you may be able to treat MLS like any other sporting event, however if it were treated as such now we would have attendance like teams like the rapids and wizards used to a few years ago.
I don't think you understood me. I'm not saying what we do is bad...far from it. The game should not be treated as a sideshow. If you give the actual event the respect (like a Cubs, Sox, Bears, Bulls, Hawks game) people will recognise that. This doesn't dispute anything PW said, but this sort of contradicts with the "It takes a special person to sell a soccer ticket" like it's an injection of anthrax. At the same time, you can't throw open the gates, and expect people to come pouring through because it's soccer. THAT'S what's naive.
respect? "The game should not be treated as a sideshow. If you give the actual event the respect (like a Cubs, Sox, Bears, Bulls, Hawks game) people will recognise that. Cubs games are nothing more than an opportunity to drink. Most in attendance could care less if the Cubs win or lose. I think water PW was going for was the reputation of soccer being a "boring" sport within the general public here in the United States. It's a tough sell with all the other sports and entertainment avenues available to the paying public.
i enjoy soccer because there's always something going on. i can afford it. and the fans are hella amazing. it gives me something to look forward too every weekend. baseball and football i still follow because i love sports. but you can forget me going to see a game live. college football is the only thing than can hold a torch to soccer for me. basketball is nonexsistant.