Do you ever read anything that you damn near 100% agree with and it gets you all fired up like a kid who just watched a Bruce Lee movie and now thinks he can kick the entire neighborhood's ass? Usually it's some self-help/spiritual or political author that does that for me, but today I'm all high on a sportswriter.
ESPN's Stephen Davis has written a piece today about Major League Soccer's need for urban stadiums that has got me sprung. I love this article. Seriously, I want to sing Sade songs to it.
I said this when the location of Pizza Hut Park was reveiled and haven't shut up about it since Toronto's home opener . While the orange slice brigade is always welcome, it's the savvy urban adults that will ultimately be the taste makers; that's how it works with niche entertainment like music, indie & foreign cinema, and books that aren't sold at the grocery store. The same could be true for soccer.
But no one is trying to hear what I have to say since I'm just some crazy on some blog. Hopefully since Mr. Davis is a legit member of the media the powers that be won't look at him like he's the help who left through the front door.
6 comments:
not only is he a legit member of the media that they should listen to on this issue, he's also kicking my ass in our fantasy league.
He's spot-on. He also realistically addresses the big elephant in the room -- the real estate costs. For example in Chicago: Soldier Field was downtown, but it was way too big. I lived in the north side of town. I love the Fire, but there's no way I'm gonna get out there consistently without a car.
That being said, I couldn't imagine a place in the 'Chi that would've been reasonable. It would've been sweet to have a site in the Pilsen/Little Village area: you'd have your Latino (predominantly Mexican) fanbase walking up, for the North and West sides of town -- its an easy Orange or Blue line transfer to get out there. Unfortunately, MLS was about 7 years too late, as gentrification already swept through there by the late 1990s.
I don't blame 'em for building out in Bridgeview. (I grew up in nearby Palos, so I'm happy for the area) But unless Hizzoner was gonna give 'em some help, it's just way too expensive to put up a stadium in the 773 (much less the 312).
The league will build because its improving its product year-to-year. However, it could accelerate that by really building up it's (for lack of a better word) coolness -- focus on its urban, global, classic aesthetic. Stern and the NBA did it with hip hop in the late 80s/90s. The opportunity is there...
I totally agree with Davis. I went to Pizza Hut Park for Denilson's debut, and besides being underwhelmed by the chubby Brazilian, I was completely annoyed with the experience. I spent about half the game trying to see the match (kids running around, parents getting up for concessions, etc.) and the other half trying not to punch a little brat for being loud and uncontrollable. Just about the only positive was the (w)hoard of Dallas milfs. I would have rather enjoyed the game though. My experience at Qwest watching the Sounders was even better!
I'm with you, Shawn. Been screaming about this issue for years.
Are you listening, Mr. Wilpon?
He says all this fun cool stuff that can really get your jumping on this bandwagon and then dedicates a few lines for what the real issue is and what he considers to be a possible solution. When you're a young league you can't deny cheap land. For Chicago next season it will be interesting if all the Blanco lovers still come to the games or if they start to whine like everyone else because it's not near public transportation. Chicago's enjoyed awesome crowds since he's come around. I know he's not a long term solution but it's some kind of a solution for a crappy situation like being out in Bridgeview.
Also, my boyfriend and I drive from Wisconsin for most games so I really don't hold much sympathy for people who can't find their way out to Bridgeview from Chicago. But I know I'm the exception.
On a side topic, has anyone seen this calendar? I've never really thought of the fan sections as hot bed of good looking people. ;)
Samantha,
Have you ever lived in a big city where it is very difficult and costly to own a car and you have to rely on public transport?
I do, and I can tell you that it is a big detriment to the league and these clubs not to have stadia located very close to public transportation alternatives.
You may consider it whining, but there are scores of potential fans and season ticketholders who are essentially being shut out by MLS.
By the way, consider all of the truly great stadia and the most passionate of supporters around the world. They are all in cities, not in some suburb.
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