As I watch the turnaround being done in VB I have this nagging thought in the back of my mind. The turnaround has been accomplished by purchasing players. My hat's off to the owners and I thank them. The two games I have seen on TV have been entertaining. Now word is out that VB has signed another xMLS player, Jeff Moore. Nagging thought, how much are they losing financially and how long is their commitment?
No one can answer your question with 100% accuracy. However, their owner, Mike Field, is very active on the VB fan forum over on www.usldiscussions.com http://www.usldiscussions.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum;f=34., (goes by the name Mariner1). I can think of only one other owner, Mr. DuRoss in Rochester, who regularly visits his team's forum and answers questions. Mr. Field even goes so far as to question and even criticize things he sees with his team's performance on the field. Very unorthodox, but very interesting and refreshing to say the least. I haven't scrolled through all the VB discussion threads but within the past couple of months, when asked, I remember him saying he's committed for at least 5 years. He's no dummy with blinders on. He came in last year and rescued the team after only one month into the 2002 season. He paid back wages, got the team on level footing, has brought in some good talent for 2003, seems to be actively involved in what's going on, seems to enjoy the game and wants to see it succeed in the VB area. My opinion is he's one of the more committed owners.
excellent A 5 year commitment is fantastic. I'm not in the area to know how his promotion of the team is going, but 5 years should give him time to at least get his team on firm ground, meaning at least managable losses. I don't think any of us soccer supporters can ask for more. I am in business and I see way too many people come in and "buy" their way in, only to panic when the first year's losses stare them in the face.
From what I understand, he's a fan first, but one who has a lot of money. More power to him if he's willing to spend it on a team that both plays attractive soccer and manages to do pretty well financially (probably as a result of playing attractive soccer). He's may or may not be in this for an ego trip but at least he's succeeding in making the game popular in his community.
The local marketing effort has picked up after a slow start. We're finally hearing some radio ads and seeing some press coverage by the local newspaper. There are also promotions allowing kids in soccer uniforms free entry. Unfortunately the Mariners have had rotten luck with the weather. There's only been one home game when we haven't had rain before or during the game, then they drew a crowd of 3,200. Also the schedule is really front heavy with home dates, just when the team starts building a fan base most of the games are on the road. In the month of August only 2 of 10 games are at home.
I know the fans of VB want more and they want it now, but consider where you are now compared with a year ago. Light years. Be patient, you've got an owner that seems committed and you're doing the best advertising you can do, which is win games. That's what gets the local media's attention, winning teams. I predict next year's attendance will double.