Anyone have any projections for tv ratings for thursdays game? I'm cautiously optimistic... prime time, rematch, big rivalry, us-mexico has traditionally done pretty well. Would you say this is a reasonable measuring stick to see what kind of influence the World Cup really had on tv audiences?
I have no idea, but please realize the game is going head to head against Friends, Survivor and CSI--three of the most-watched shows on television. Also, keep in mind we are right in the middle of May sweeps. With all that, I'd keep your expectations low--way low.
I haven't seen anyone mention it, but the schedule on my TV has 21/2 hours blocked off for the game, starting at 6:30,Central. So it looks like they are going to do it up right.
If USA-Mexico pulls off a .5 on Thursday primetime, coupled with NBA and NHL playoffs, it'll be a good night for US soccer. Can't compare to the World Cup, though. There really wasn't anything else on at two in the morning.
That will not be good, that will be pretty damn incredible considering the amazing competition on Thursday night. I am expecting more between a .2 and a .3. Andy
Yeah, but it's a dead given that Telemundo will own the lion's share of the ratings for the game, all that really matters to the lot of us is how many English-speaking beer-bellied gridiron-hardcore soccer's-not-real-football-cause-you-can't-use-your-hands johnny-come-latelies will be watching.
The TV audience will be split between Telemundo and ESPN, so it'll be tough to get a solid figure, but it won't be prett considering the shows they are going up against tomorrow.
Telemundo should get anywhere from a 5 to a 7 Hispanic rating (500000 to 700000 Hispanic households), which translates to an 0.5 to an 0.7 national rating. ESPN2, on the other hand, will be lucky to get an 0.3 national rating (300000 households). AEG/SUM is getting the TV time on ESPN2 on a barter basis (in exchange for WC 2002, WC 2006, and WWC 2003), but is getting a big rights fee from Telemundo for Mexican National Team matches (at least $5 million a year, if not more.)
Maybe if it was advertized as "The Wild Bunch, 2003" or "The Alamo, Part 2" the Phillistines would tune in: "It's not soccer. It's a never-ending war." Just get 'em to half-time, Hatch.