Slightly OT: Source "WWC in US -- RFK, Foxboro, Toolshed Likely Venues"

I absolutely would, too. I went to see games at FedEx and loved it. But I'd love RFK even more.

 

How about doubleheaders with WWC games? Wouldn't be bad to have a couple 53k+ numbers at the end of our attendence reports.

 

I could see that possibly happening with WUSA games, but not with MLS games.

Winoman

 

Why not?

Worked for the Quakes in 99'...

 

Yes, but the WUSA didn't exist back then, so now one could assume that the WWC would choose WUSA games for double header partners over MLS.

 

One little problem with this theory....

The WUSA season ends before the WWC even starts, thus it is a moot point....

MLS would be nuts not to consider doing doubleheaders, especially in the big stadia like RFK and Gillette (or CMGI or whatever the hell it's called nowadays)...

 

I totally agree.

 

Agreed. Frankly, at the double header with the Freedom, I'd say there were more Freedom fans there than United fans. I was impressed with the Freedom crowd, but more than disappointed with the United crowd.

-Digital

 

I thought the WUSA was ending their season early so that players could play in the WWC.

I guess that might change since the country is going to change and the dates might have to change if the WWC comes to the US.

Anyway, I think a doubleheader or two with an MLS game is a good idea. Showcase MLS to WWC fans and WWC to MLS fans. Its a good idea for soccer in this country and can save on the precious marketing dollars that are few and far between.

 

The WWC is scheduled to take place between Sept. 23 and Oct. 11. In that time frame, there is only one DCU home game, Sept. 28 against the Metros.

 

An even larger crowd to witness us thrash the Scum, then...

 

oops, my mistake

 

I suggest being in a supporters club then to insure your tickets.

 

I have no problem getting tickets.

I was in La Norte before there was a La Norte. Unfortunately, I moved away very early in the life of MLS and couldn't maintain my vocal and annoying stance behind the goal, or else I would be there with you every home game. I usually visit La Norte when I make the trek to DC for a game. I was with you during the Spurs match, briefly anyway, and you didn't even know it did you? My two year old has even spent time in section 120, so my entire family feels a kindred spirit with you, brother.

 

Would FIFA even consider packaging the WWC into a doubleheader w/ MLS?

 

They did in 1999, when the SJ v DCU match on July 4 was moved to Stanford for a doubleheader with the US v N. Korea semifinal.

 

We played Brazil in the semi. BTW, the Norway/China semi in Foxboro Stadium was also a doubleheader with the Revs.

The problem then was that there was a total "blackout" of info in the stadium about the MLS game to follow. Eyewitness reports from Stanford Stadium indicate that around 10k of the crowd of 75k stayed for the DC/SJ game.

FIFA is likely going to have to make a lot of concessions this time around, I suspect co-marketing of MLS doubleheaders, will be involved. I can see the 3 non-US groups being played as straight DHers, and the US's group games being moved around to big stadiums as MLS doubleheaders (eg. Gillette, Soldier Field, Arrowhead) with the other game being DHers in smaller MLS stadia (CCS, etc..) The knockout rounds could be interesting.

The other thing to remember is that the WWC will have games most every day, whereas MLS plays most games on Saturdays. I'm not sure how much schedule monkeying MLS will want to do to get a game on a Monday for a double header with Nigeria/Argentina.

 

I don't remember all the teams that are involved but if I was in charge of fixing the groups-- excuse me, the draw-- I'd do this:

Group A, based in DC, Boston, and Philly:

USA
France
Ghana
Argentina

Group B, based in Columbus and Kansas City:
Norway
Germany
Somebody else
Somebody else

Group C, based in Seattle and San Jose (would have been Edmonton but they are out):
Canada
Brazil
Somebody else
Somebody else

Group D, based in Carson and San Jose:
Mexico
China
Somebody else
Somebody else

The US would play one game as part of a doubleheader in each of the three Northeast cities. Canada would play two games in Seattle and one in San Jose. Same goes for Mexico and Carson, and Seattle and San Jose.

Quarters would be in Carson, San Jose, DC, and Columbus or a Northeast venue (probably depending on how much money Lurie or Kraft want to put into this thing). Semis in Seattle and DC. The final would, if I were in charge of the world, be in DC, but it will likely be in LA. Unfortunately, Carson's too small and the Rose Bowl is too big, but Soccer America said that they might go to Carson regardless as a hedge against the US not making the final.

And although it would make the MLS attendance numbers look good, I somehow think that it will be a bit too much logistically to move WWC games around if they are going to be doubleheaders with MLS teams. Unless you want to start talking tripleheaders, and we may not know the feasibility of that until after the Gold Cup is over so MLS/USSF can plan off of what they see there.

 

One thing to keep in mind is that SUM will be in control of promoting and running this WWC.

I would imagine, therefore, that there would be doubledeaders involved, and that it will be used to benefit both the WUSA and MLS. And I imagine MLS games would be moved or rescheduled to coincide with it.

 

I knew it was one or the other, but couldn't remember which it was.

I remember watching that game and seeing all the empty seats. It was just like watching a regular San Jose game.

 

First of all, you'll not see more than 7 venues, and two or three or those are likely to see only one match date.

MLS will provide the stadia and likely facility operations staff, but since the MLS season will be in the penant chase stage, game and media staff will be busy. WUSA's likely involvment, in their off-season, will be as a source of venue/group media/player/liason staffers.

I fully expect that CCS and the HDC will be very busy. My guess is that you'll see two west coast groups based out of HDC/Spartan Stadium, and two east coast groups based out of CCS/other. With other being stuff like a WWC Opener at Gillette, a second game at RFK, a third at Soldier Field/Arrowhead. (just a supposition, not a schedule.)

My guess is that the final will either be in the HDC or RFK. I don't think they'll opt for the Rose Bowl, unless FIFA agrees to cover the costs.

 

Therefore, the DC match should be before the World Cup match. Like the freedom, united double headers. they put the less mainstage match first.

 

Depends on TV needs. The June 7th DH has United playing first I think.