Saint Kansas United perhaps?
Would never work. KC would likely experience an immediate huge drop in attendance.
Would never work. KC would likely experience an immediate huge drop in attendance.
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^ Why? With half as many home games perhaps the games in KC would be better attended? I love the idea of a "United Missouri".
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^I'm sure the die hard fans (no idea how many exist, I haven't been to any wizards games) would be extremely unhappy with the ownership. Think about the blues ownership allowing half the games to be played in Canada. I doubt fans here would be happy/support the team's decision.
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newstl2020 wrote:^I'm sure the die hard fans (no idea how many exist, I haven't been to any wizards games) would be extremely unhappy with the ownership. Think about the blues ownership allowing half the games to be played in Canada. I doubt fans here would be happy/support the team's decision.
Are there really diehard Wizards fans? My friends that live in MLS cities will occasionally go to MLS games because they enjoy watching one or two soccer games a year and not because they know all the players and stats by heart ala MLB/NFL/NBA/NHL.
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dual city teams don't work, they never have they never will. Give up that dream right now. Also KC isn't that bad at supporting their team. They're averaging 10k through 10 games and they've yet to build their new stadium. -- their current venue holds just over 10k. So they're doing just fine supporting their team.
I don't think a new major league would do very well that's why I'm very apprehensive about 300 million being spent on a stadium without securing any team.
The best course of action right now is for Cooper to promote the USL- PDL team 'St. Louis Lions" to USL-1.
Montreal Impact averaged 12k as a USL-1 team and that's a strong reason why they're expected to get one of the two final spots.
Cooper needs to partner up with the Lions ownership to get into USL-1. Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park is about the right size for the average USL-1 attendance approx 5,000. Its the most conservative course of action and I think the smartest.
Selling out the USL-1 team and finding better support for Athletica would sure a strong pulse should MLS decide to expand in the future.
Starting a new league is not the way to go, but I'm afraid it just might happen.
I don't think a new major league would do very well that's why I'm very apprehensive about 300 million being spent on a stadium without securing any team.
The best course of action right now is for Cooper to promote the USL- PDL team 'St. Louis Lions" to USL-1.
Montreal Impact averaged 12k as a USL-1 team and that's a strong reason why they're expected to get one of the two final spots.
Cooper needs to partner up with the Lions ownership to get into USL-1. Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park is about the right size for the average USL-1 attendance approx 5,000. Its the most conservative course of action and I think the smartest.
Selling out the USL-1 team and finding better support for Athletica would sure a strong pulse should MLS decide to expand in the future.
Starting a new league is not the way to go, but I'm afraid it just might happen.
The KC Wizards are also playing in a 12 million dollar 10k seat stadium. Why can't that be done in Soulard w/ a USL-1 team and Athletica? An MLS team is a longshot in the immediate future and a new league would be disastrous. I'm afraid Cooper is the wrong man for the job.
Hopefully the TOA isn't looking to start a new league and just looking to strengthen USL-1.
Its not like USL is in weak markets. F.C. New York is joining in 2010.
Hopefully the TOA isn't looking to start a new league and just looking to strengthen USL-1.
Its not like USL is in weak markets. F.C. New York is joining in 2010.
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I love the idea of a SLU/MLS stadium of 10-15K. SLU has the land and a Midtown location would be awesome.
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I just don't believe fans outside of the diehards and the curious, would be as interested in a second tier league. I consider the MLS as best in the U.S. Getting an MLS team is the only way to have a long term and successful team in St. Louis, assuming MLS has long term success. Nobody gets really excited about the Rascals, Grizzlies, River Otters (now gone) or any other 2nd tier franchise. Why would anyone get excited about getting a USL 1 team?
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^So, you would object to an MLS-Division 2 team? Good to know. Also if you've never seen a USL-1 game how can you say MLS is the better league?
One of three things will happen before an MLS franchise is in St. Louis.
1) Rogue League formed by the TOA
2) USL-1
3) MLS-2
MLS is out of the picture right now. Its very messy right now especially with the TOA coming out of nowhere. There's a lot of speculation going on.
Grover: SLU and MLS run concurrently there'd be a lot of scheduling conflicts - who gets what dates. I also don't see SLU moving from Hermann stadium ever. I don't think it would work but I agree a consolidated venue would be ideal.
One of three things will happen before an MLS franchise is in St. Louis.
1) Rogue League formed by the TOA
2) USL-1
3) MLS-2
MLS is out of the picture right now. Its very messy right now especially with the TOA coming out of nowhere. There's a lot of speculation going on.
Grover: SLU and MLS run concurrently there'd be a lot of scheduling conflicts - who gets what dates. I also don't see SLU moving from Hermann stadium ever. I don't think it would work but I agree a consolidated venue would be ideal.
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I don't think support for USL-1 and especially the Athletica have anything to do at all with projecting any type of support for an MLS team. Let's be realistic here, how closely do women's sports mirror any male team? So Athletica is out. USL-1 falls under the same basic idea as the grizzlies, etc. mentioned above. I don't think either of these teams really has anything to do with MLS projections whatsoever.
I have said it before but Cooper is sinking himself with this grandiose 400 million dollar plan. Take it one step at a time. Secure a team and build a suitable stadium. THAT'S IT.
NO HOTELS.
NO SHOPPING CENTERS.
NO CONDOS/APARTMENTS/ANYTHING ELSE BESIDES A STADIUM.
Whoever had the idea to try and attempt this enormous financing effort should be fired. Let the team settle, create a base, and move from there. What is necessary will be built pretty quickly once demand is gauged.
I just do not get it.
I have said it before but Cooper is sinking himself with this grandiose 400 million dollar plan. Take it one step at a time. Secure a team and build a suitable stadium. THAT'S IT.
NO HOTELS.
NO SHOPPING CENTERS.
NO CONDOS/APARTMENTS/ANYTHING ELSE BESIDES A STADIUM.
Whoever had the idea to try and attempt this enormous financing effort should be fired. Let the team settle, create a base, and move from there. What is necessary will be built pretty quickly once demand is gauged.
I just do not get it.
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^You do know the Seattle Sounders were a USL-1 team that got tapped for MLS expansion don't you? The team that stands head and shoulders above every other team in the MLS in attendance figures.
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^I did not, that is a fantastic point.
I would still stick to my gut though that MLS attendance figures in STL would be vastly different from either of the two leagues mentioned.
I would still stick to my gut though that MLS attendance figures in STL would be vastly different from either of the two leagues mentioned.
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Arch Genesis wrote:
I would not object to a lower level team. I just question the fickle St. Louis market. We have not been great at supporting teams from second tier leagues. Would there be some support from diehards and the curious, yes, but the long term success of a franchise would require many new fans and a base of fair weather or 'place to be for the moment' types, to keep the team viable. I was aware of the fact that Seattle started in this way. If we had a great shot at getting promoted as an expansion team, I would be all for it. Regarding MLS vs. USL, you'd have to assume that the best players in the US would be offered spots on MLS rosters. Unless you have data to prove it, I would stick with that belief. CFL doesn't get world class football players over the NFL, AHL over NHL, etc..etc...can't imagine a star would not want to get exposure in the MLS over another league. Could a USL team hold their own against an MLS team, probably. Majority of the time, not likely. Happens in Europe sometimes, when a lower tier team competes with a top notch team, not common though. If a star wants to make it on the US National Team , he is going to play in the MLS or higher level leagues, not USL typically.
^So, you would object to an MLS-Division 2 team? Good to know. Also if you've never seen a USL-1 game how can you say MLS is the better league?
I would not object to a lower level team. I just question the fickle St. Louis market. We have not been great at supporting teams from second tier leagues. Would there be some support from diehards and the curious, yes, but the long term success of a franchise would require many new fans and a base of fair weather or 'place to be for the moment' types, to keep the team viable. I was aware of the fact that Seattle started in this way. If we had a great shot at getting promoted as an expansion team, I would be all for it. Regarding MLS vs. USL, you'd have to assume that the best players in the US would be offered spots on MLS rosters. Unless you have data to prove it, I would stick with that belief. CFL doesn't get world class football players over the NFL, AHL over NHL, etc..etc...can't imagine a star would not want to get exposure in the MLS over another league. Could a USL team hold their own against an MLS team, probably. Majority of the time, not likely. Happens in Europe sometimes, when a lower tier team competes with a top notch team, not common though. If a star wants to make it on the US National Team , he is going to play in the MLS or higher level leagues, not USL typically.
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newstl2020 wrote:I have said it before but Cooper is sinking himself with this grandiose 400 million dollar plan. Take it one step at a time. Secure a team and build a suitable stadium. THAT'S IT.
NO HOTELS.
NO SHOPPING CENTERS.
NO CONDOS/APARTMENTS/ANYTHING ELSE BESIDES A STADIUM.
I just do not get it.
I agree...Personally, I think they should build the stadium into a city neighborhood. Soulard, Dogtown, heck why not on the Southeast corner of Chippewa & Kingshighway. I'm sure Cotter's would like it.
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- 10K
Pretty cool. What is the difference between first and second division? Quality of players?
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MLS is supposedly the first division and the 2nd would be the teams on the outside looking/wanting in, according to the materials I have read. That is assuming that this league is sanctioned by the USF or whatever entity sanctions leagues. The talent level is lower, from what i've heard, but some MLS caliber players play in the league for whatever reason.
I wonder if this puts his fantasy of a large MLS stadium on hold or off the books. He will not have enough fan support to build a 20K seat venue without an MLS team. He obviously did not have deep enough pockets to buy an MLS team, does this mean he really mean he does not have enough, now that he has purchased another franchise??
It would be disappointing if the top notch facility proposals are off of the books. There goes my pipe dream of world cup qualifiers, friendlys again English premier teams and exhibitions bringing world class players here, not to mention an MLS team.
It would be disappointing if the top notch facility proposals are off of the books. There goes my pipe dream of world cup qualifiers, friendlys again English premier teams and exhibitions bringing world class players here, not to mention an MLS team.
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Cheer up Dogtown you can still hold World Cup Qualifiers at the EJD and there's still a chance you'll get a decent stadium from this NEW league (its not USL) its a yet to be named league.
If its going to be somewhere between MLS and USL-1 then I'd think they'd be eyeing a venue at around 10k seats. That would rule out Soccer Park and Hermann so there's a chance a nice 10k stadium could be built maybe even in the city. USL-1 has some nice stadiums so I think a nice venue can be expected for this new league. We know Cooper wants to build a stadium it just might have to be scaled back on capacity but I think it'll retain some nice amenities.
This league wants to be taken seriously. Its a good day for soccer fans in St. Louis, you have lots to be excited about.
If its going to be somewhere between MLS and USL-1 then I'd think they'd be eyeing a venue at around 10k seats. That would rule out Soccer Park and Hermann so there's a chance a nice 10k stadium could be built maybe even in the city. USL-1 has some nice stadiums so I think a nice venue can be expected for this new league. We know Cooper wants to build a stadium it just might have to be scaled back on capacity but I think it'll retain some nice amenities.
This league wants to be taken seriously. Its a good day for soccer fans in St. Louis, you have lots to be excited about.
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^I know, anything is better than nothing, but Soccer Park is not good enough and after all of the hype, I had my heart set on a 20K outdoor venue, where you can get a true WC/European atmosphere. Hopefully this turns out to be a great thing and the US can eventually go with a relegation system that is fair and allow STL United to move up to MLS. Why deep-pocketed investors ever step up in this town is beyond me. (IE..The Rams and soccer franchise)
A delegation from St. Louis traveled to NYC (or DC?) this week to advance our chances to bring the World Cup to St. Louis. For those unaware, the World Cup is the world's biggest sporting event and it would be an amazing honor for us to host.
Please sign the petition here: http://www.gousabid.com/city/local/st-louis-mo/
Enlist your friends via Twitter and Facebook. All the cool kids are doing it these days.
Please sign the petition here: http://www.gousabid.com/city/local/st-louis-mo/
Enlist your friends via Twitter and Facebook. All the cool kids are doing it these days.
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AC St. Louis
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Link
Soccer team here named AC St. Louis
By Tom Timmermann
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
12/09/2009
St. Louis' new team in the new North American Soccer League now has a name, a coach, a director of player development and two partners who have joined East Alton attorney Jeff Cooper in running the team. Coming soon will be players, because the start of the season is another thing that's coming soon.
Link
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I don't LOVE the logo but I'm glad they went with the Fleur-de-lis. We need MORE fleurs-de-lis around IMO. I feel as if we are losing our touch with our city roots. More FDL and more city flags.
Do we know yet where AC STL will play?
Do we know yet where AC STL will play?
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According to KSDK, the new soccer team will indeed play at the Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park in Fenton.