Here's a nice little article about Rapid's attendance. The club is on course to shatter its previous attendance record for the Bundesliga: http://www.kurier.at/fussball/380401.php And here's a link to the current Bundesliga attendance averages: http://www.sport1.at/cgi-bin/cm33.p...ax.Bundesliga/2003&content=Zuschauer&id=54523 I think this could be a sign that soccer is starting to boom in Austria in the run-up to Euro 2008. Also, Pepe Hickersberger is hoping for a sell-out in tomorrow's game against GAK. I don't know if that's realistic. Unfortunately I won't be able to make the game, as we're trying out a new bassist for my band.
As long as a team plays good soccer, the people are coming to the games. Always been like this, and unfortunately ever will be. You saw Rapid's true fans after that horrible season Rapid finished in 7th...
True, but like the article says, attendance hasn't been this good in 30 years, and Rapid has had winning teams many times over that period. It's true that there is a feeling of euphoria, because it's such a talented young team with a lot of promise for the future. But I also think there's more to it than that. The stadium has been renovated and is now absolutely a beautiful place to watch soccer, and I also honestly believe that Euro 2008 is giving the league a boost. All the new stadiums are making the league more attractive as a whole. Plus the good performance of the... what was it, the under 19s this summer in Liechtenstein? Do you disagree that the league is becoming somewhat more fashionable at the moment?
Re: I don't read German but... Yeah, but we don't pad our attendance with national team games and fireworks displays. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Re: Re: Re: I don't read German but... That was a pretty good comeback I guess, because I have to admit I'm at a loss for words!
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: I don't read German but... Wait a minute, wait a cotton-pickin' minute!!!! You're suggesting I'm jealous of the Colorado cRApids? Why would that be the case, when on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in the fall I need only step out my door, take a 20-minute tram ride to this scenic location: http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/europe/austria/wien_gerard_hanappi.shtml ... and watch a first-place team play attractive attacking soccer played on a pristine pitch unspoiled by pointyball lines with 18,000 of my closest friends, while the wind echoes softly through the beautiful Vienna woods nearby?
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: I don't read German but... (Sigh) I guess I walked right into that one, huh?
Yes, but... But at least we don't name our stadiums after worn-out movie stars trying to start a new career in politics. http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/europe/austria/graz_arnold_schwarzenegger.shtml
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: I don't read German but... Um, I don't think tour drawing an average of 18,001 for most of your games. (Although it is a nice, if somewhat un-original looking stadium) It may be time break out the fireworks shows. I think I can round up the number for Los Tigres Nel Norte if you need it.
Depends on the opponent I guess. I'll be in touch about Los Tigres Nel Norte's number when Bregenz comes to town. Actually scratch that, do you think you could set us up with Falco instead?
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: I don't read German but... Oh yeah, well I can step out the door, take a 20 minute drive towards the foothills, and then sit in I-70 traffic for 3 hours until I reach the Eisenhower tunnel. There.
I guess the the secret is... I guess the secret is knowing your potential fans. So who do you have working in the kitchens of restaurants in Austria?
Re: I guess the the secret is... I see what you're saying. We need some kind of Turkish superstar. Does such a thing exist? Hard to believe it took this long to establish a Rapid vs. Rapids rivalry thread on BigSoccer, huh?