MLS Considering Philadelphia For Future All-Star Game
by Scott Kessler on Jul 28, 2011 9:21 AM EDT
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PrintPhiladelphia is one of the front runners to host a future MLS All-Star Game, MLS Commissioner Don Garber told reporters last night.
When asked about the chances of the city hosting the league's mid-season game, Garber responded, "Yeah they will be. Not quite how soon, but they will be in the mix." He went on to name Kansas City, Vancouver and Montreal as the league's other prospective All-Star Game host cities.
"Every new team, particularly those that make the commitment to build a stadium, that have a passionate fan base, should have an All-Star Game," Garber went on to say.
The Commissioner addressed the ability of the league to maintain longevity, which is shown through its future All-Star Game process, according to Garber.
"The good thing is that we're not going anywhere, so we can start thinking about laying out our All-Star schedule two, three, four or even five years in advance like the other leagues do. That wasn't something we were thinking about a number of years ago."
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Not to put too fine a point on it
…but you have to wonder how much Chester would hold us back for that. Yes, I know RBA is in an industrial site, but within sight of the NYC skyline tempers it, plus it is actually NYC.
Not too dissimilar a thought as the 2000 Republican convention and how NJ and DRPA cleaned up Adm Wilson Blvd. KC’s stadium is a beauty, the new Vancouver one is supposed to be as well, not to mention the fact the city is beautiful (hockey loss days notwithstanding).
I find it interesting Montreal gets a mention when they’re not officially in the league yet. You can imagine the MLS AS’ playing Olympique de Marseilles in Olympic Stadium. That game would certainly have a Euro feel to it.
I guess I’m ambivalent about hosting an ASG, you know it wouldn’t be part of your STH package and I certainly wouldn’t buck up to see Tim Ream nutmegged by world class talent, I can just wait for the RBNY game. Zing!
An All-Star Game would be at the Linc
No questions about it.
by phillyhoosfan on Jul 28, 2011 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions
not sure about that
they could have played the asg at New Meadowlands
by ColeStevens on Jul 28, 2011 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Linc=bigger attendance
More attendance=more money
by phillyhoosfan on Jul 28, 2011 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
New Meadowlands seats 82,500, RBA 27,000. If you go by the numbers of the Real game at the Linc and other Intl friendlies recently – you’re looking at 55,000. So the reality is there’d be about 20,000 empty seats, no one wants empty seats on TV. You’re correct they would make more money for that event, but that goal is secondary to building their brand and exposure. The short term goal of making $X more at the gate is diminished by the lack of buzz that 20,000 unsold seats would bring.
Not to mention the fact that the Linc, like NM, are not MLS stadiums and revenue would be split with those owners in addition to the “guest” team. The Real game and last year’s ManUtd match were part of the WFC and their tours respectively. Not MLS controlled. I think Garber is right to push for new stadiums to host. As for my previous comment re:MTL and whether to use Olympic vs Saputo, there could be other goals such as appeal to the Canadian market, what the revenue split is with Quebec and who controls Olympic,etc. Overall I think the desire is to host it outdoors in MLS soccer specific stadia.
WFC is controlled by MLS through SUM
Managing Editor for Brotherly Game, SBNation's Philadelphia Union blog and contributor for SBN Philly. // @scottdkessler
"College is only 4 years, but the Eagles are for life." - Ironhank
by Scott Kessler on Jul 28, 2011 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
not to mention
on the broadcast last night, they were talking about how they want it to be a smaller venue instead of those “cavernous” stadiums Man U’s other games were in. It makes it “more exclusive” to go to an All Star game that way plus the fanbs sound better, thus influencing the excitement factor for the fan at home, quite p[ossibly earning new fans in the process.
"I will never have my best season," Brian Dawkins
Mike Vick is a piece of shit
We be journalizing, son.
by JimmyK on Jul 21, 2011 7:21 PM EDT
by Talon Talent on Jul 28, 2011 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions
I think there would be questions -
It seems from DG’s quote –
commitment to build a stadium, that have a passionate fan base, should have an All-Star Game,that having a new stadium is the pre-requisite to host. I can’t imagine Sporting KC getting the award and having to host it at Arrowhead. That would be a head scratcher. They’d rather drive up demand and have a 28,000 sell out than 40,000 with 20,000 fans disguised as empty seats.
No question about it. :)
Depends on the opponent. I was surprised to see Man U at RBA, but that stadium is close to 50% larger than PPL Park anyway. If we get one of the mega names for an ASG (Man U, Real Madrid, Barca, Chelsea, Arsenal, maybe Liverpool, AC Milan or Inter Milan), I would expect it to be held at the Linc. If it’s a second tier EPL team or similar, I would expect it to be at PPL Park — they’ve hosted those level opponents at SSS’s frequently before.
but we have plans for expansion
starting as soon as 2 years from now. When it’s all said and done we will be closer to 30000 seats.
http://articles.philly.com/2011-06-07/news/29629437_1_nick-sakiewicz-jeff-l-hote-ppl-park
Ther gist is this;
Union officials are developing long-term plans to expand the arena, contemplating a three-phase process, the first to increase seating from 18,500 to 20,000.
If all goes well, that construction could start in 2014, according to team chief executive officer Nick Sakiewicz.
The second phase, dependent on numerous factors, including the economy, would bring seating to 27,000, and the third to about 30,000.
we are doing this for both Villanova football and because we will continue fan growth for the Union. it might be a few years before we are selected for an All Star game so that will give time for Chester to continue development projects as well.
"I will never have my best season," Brian Dawkins
Mike Vick is a piece of shit
We be journalizing, son.
by JimmyK on Jul 21, 2011 7:21 PM EDT
by Talon Talent on Jul 28, 2011 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
How is Harrison ,NJ .....actually NYC?
…and the area surrounding RB arena is only marginally better than Chester.
Hopefully by the time we get to host it, it will actually be worth watching. This year was a snoozer.
"Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?"
by PraiseMartyMoose on Jul 29, 2011 10:24 AM EDT reply actions
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