Well, not all the way to San Jose, but the Cascades do extend into California. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cascade_Range That said, the idea of the Quakes thinking they can join into the Sounders-Whitecaps-Timbers rivalry is laughable.
Not sure why Anthony mentioned the Cascadia Cup, since supporters of both the Sounders and Earthquakes have already developed the Heritage Cup to start in 2009, which is a home and away competition to honor the teams namesake NASL roots.
Can someone explain to me the stadium situation there? All I know that they're moving to a HUGE stadium with 60,000+ seats, why MLS and its fans aren't making a big deal out of it. I'm a Sounders fan but I do not like the stadium we are going to play on but I'm dealing with it since this is the strongest option we have so I really don't want to see more "football" stadiums in the league. Any idea how the stadium is going to look for soccer and what is the progress with the proposed SSS? Thanks.
yes you are correct, i just can't see people in the bay area talking about the great cascade mountains that surround them.
Here is the link with the renderings for the renovated BC Place. http://www.whitecapsfc.com/stadium/bcplace/renderings/ The soccer configuration is unique to say the least. It will hold 20,000 in that config but can be expanded to an unknown size with the moving back of the behind the net drapes. There is no news on the SSS other than it is still the Whitecaps goals to get the land from the Federal government to build the stadium on.
The reason MLS prefers its teams play in soccer-specific stadia is because they don't want the stadium to look empty during games (most teams, when they play in football stadia, do) That, as we've witnessed, will not be a problem in Seattle.
What they really want is for MLS ownership to OWN the stadiums they play in. That's why Qwest is perfect for Seattle...which was designed with soccer in mind. BC Place, although a temporary option, is going to be sweet when it's done. I'm guessing Vancouver will push Seattle for average attendance.
No, that is not it at all. They want the teams to have operational and revenue control over the stadiums, since actual ownership opens them up to paying property taxes. Qwest is not owned by the Seahawks, Sounders, or Paul Allen. Toyota Park is not owned by the Chicago Fire. The planned Earthquakes stadium won't be built with a dime of city money, yet, the plan is for the city to actually own the stadium.
When MLS expanded to both Seattle and Philadelphia, each club had a "Meet the Owners" pub nite with the local supporters clubs. Since the press conference is scheduled for today to announce the expansion in Vancouver, I was wondering if Vancouver had a MTO bash...
I'm happy for all you guys in Portland and Vancouver, although I'm a bit sad now that you'll be leaving when Cleveland has just moved up. I was looking forward to it. I guess we'll get one season at least. Man, I wonder what this will do to the USL. Make it mostly an Eastern league I suppose.
MOD NOTE: I'm moving this thread to the Vancouver subforum - so that when you get moved to Philly-like status, it travels with you. Again, Congrats
We had a pub night with the coach a few weeks ago, although that had nothign to do withthe MLS bid. But yes, all supporters received an e-mail last night inviting us to booze it up downtown with the owners and front office at 6 pm tonight.
Congrats to Vancouver for acquiring their new MLS team for the 2011 season. Let's hope the Whitecaps have a great first season when they hit the B.C. Place Stadium pitch (except when they play TFC! ). BTW, their new website, in case you're still in the dark, is http://www.vancouvermls2011.com/
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVbz36wAyPs&feature=player_embedded"]YouTube - Vancouver MLS 2011[/ame] Great Video
Garber is being interviewed on Vancouver radio right now... http://www.team1040.ca, click on the Listen Live link.