Houston 1836: Will the Name Stick?

Burninator · 02-09-2006, 01:55 PM

http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/5314566
http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/5296432

Interesting situation in Houston: what does MLS have to lose in naming the Houston franchise? According to their poll, only 5% of those polled had an issue with the name. It appears that this 5% is a very vocal minority, however. Would Garber be doing the right thing financially (and for the sport locally) if he and the MLS brass renamed the Houston franchise?

I can see Trecker's point of view, and I think there are definite advantages to renaming the team, but I also wonder where the Texans are. If there are latinos that are freaking out over this, they should really look at where they are living. Texas won its independence. Big deal. Texans should be Texans, not Mexicans. It's fine to have a heritage, but it's also fine to let the past pass and focus on the future. This is a regional issue, one where Houstonians should be Houstonians first, then Texans, then Latin Americans, Native Americans, or Whatever Americans. This is a regional issue, one where Houstonians should be Houstonians first, then Texans, then Latin Americans, Native Americans, or Whatever Americans last, IMHO. MLS would probably benefit somewhat by changing the name, however...

Any ideas on why the Houston jersey hasn't been released yet? Maybe a name change is being considered.

:rei: --Geoff

Deuce · 02-09-2006, 02:12 PM

If they change the name on a 5% opinion then I think it wioll do more damage than if they just leave it.

Regarless of how vocal they are it is still 5%... So 95% be damned and just wait til tyhe change it and the 95% start making their voices heard.
Will they then change it back.

The way I see it the nameis creating free press for the team and the league so they will not change it.
They did market research didn't they? well they probably banked on the controversy in order to save a dime on marketing...

No one really cares or there would be more folks up in arms about it! Not just 5%

AreliusIII · 02-09-2006, 02:13 PM

No need to change the name even with the Latino issue. Latinos won't get their undies in a bunch because of something that happened almost 200 years ago. They're more concerned with quality football.

fuegote · 02-09-2006, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AreliusIII

No need to change the name even with the Latino issue. Latinos won't get their undies in a bunch because of something that happened almost 200 years ago. They're more concerned with quality football.

🕺

SokkerNut · 02-09-2006, 05:39 PM

Either I'm oblivious to all this uproar or it doesn't exist here in Houston. They must be the silent 5%, or it is a case of sportswriters not having anything better to write about so they'll try stirring up crap. The biggest talk around here is the start of a rivalry between FC Dallas and 1836. Lots of talk between the teams as to who is the best team in Texas.

As for the dates of when the kits are to be released, I've heard by the end of this month.

SoccerPrime · 02-10-2006, 06:00 AM

BTW Latinos don't as a whole care about this. Only some of those of Mexican descent.

In fact, I bet those of hispanic background from countries other than Mexico may in fact get a giggle out of ticking off their Mexican brothers.

Burninator · 02-10-2006, 10:45 AM

It would only be the Mexicans, and I'm sure that latinos of other origins are getting a big kick out of some of the Texicans and their reactions to the name. I find it all very absurd, but perhaps there is something to the "free publicity via meaningless controversy" idea. All in all, I hope it all works out for MLS and Houston. We need strong markets, we need strong attendance and sponsor support, and we need all of this EVERYWHERE in the United States.

Oh, and SokkerNut, do you speak spanish? Do you read the spanish newspapers or watch the local spanish news? I'm sure you'd hear a lot more if you did (I don't know who you are or your nationality, so I'm just posing the question, not trying to insult or anything like that 🙂 ). This is a mexican issue and you'd really only hear a lot about it if you spoke mexican. I'm sure most Texans couldn't care less.

BTW, I read over on SI.com that Juventus has an average attendance of only 28,000 for this season, and they are #1 in Serie A right now (I think). I think that if RSL does well this season, we might stand a chance of becoming the team with the best attendance in the league...

:rei: --Geoff

On a sidenote, I work with a guy who stated that he would go to a baseball game over a soccer game anyday. All I had to say was, "That's what's wrong with America today."

SokkerNut · 02-10-2006, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burninator

It would only be the Mexicans, and I'm sure that latinos of other origins are getting a big kick out of some of the Texicans and their reactions to the name. I find it all very absurd, but perhaps there is something to the "free publicity via meaningless controversy" idea. All in all, I hope it all works out for MLS and Houston. We need strong markets, we need strong attendance and sponsor support, and we need all of this EVERYWHERE in the United States.

Oh, and SokkerNut, do you speak spanish? Do you read the spanish newspapers or watch the local spanish news? I'm sure you'd hear a lot more if you did (I don't know who you are or your nationality, so I'm just posing the question, not trying to insult or anything like that 🙂 ). This is a mexican issue and you'd really only hear a lot about it if you spoke mexican. I'm sure most Texans couldn't care less.

BTW, I read over on SI.com that Juventus has an average attendance of only 28,000 for this season, and they are #1 in Serie A right now (I think). I think that if RSL does well this season, we might stand a chance of becoming the team with the best attendance in the league...

:rei: --Geoff

On a sidenote, I work with a guy who stated that he would go to a baseball game over a soccer game anyday. All I had to say was, "That's what's wrong with America today."

Good point on where I'd here the rumblings (and I'm not insulted--fyi I'm of Italian/German decent). I do speak Spanish but can honestly say I don't subscribe to any Spanish language publications. That being said, most of my "latino" and Mexican friends think this is a bunch of hot air and can't wait for the season to begin. They are more excited about Chivas USA coming here than worring about the team name. I believe you are right when you say most Texicans could care less. Here's to a great season for the MLS and hoping RSL has breakout season this year.

bordelais7 · 02-10-2006, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burninator

BTW, I read over on SI.com that Juventus has an average attendance of only 28,000 for this season, and they are #1 in Serie A right now (I think). I think that if RSL does well this season, we might stand a chance of becoming the team with the best attendance in the league...

for whoever cares, the 28k is about right, but they're only 6th in attendance...

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/stats/attendance?league=ita.1&year=2005&cc=5901

Burninator · 02-10-2006, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SokkerNut

Good point on where I'd here the rumblings (and I'm not insulted--fyi I'm of Italian/German decent). I do speak Spanish but can honestly say I don't subscribe to any Spanish language publications. That being said, most of my "latino" and Mexican friends think this is a bunch of hot air and can't wait for the season to begin. They are more excited about Chivas USA coming here than worring about the team name. I believe you are right when you say most Texicans could care less. Here's to a great season for the MLS and hoping RSL has breakout season this year.

That's awesome. I'm glad that you have firsthand experience with latinos there who are just plain excited to have a professional team. So long as the 5% isn't able to make a negative impact, AEG and MLS are going to enjoy Houston immensely, IMHO...

:rei: --Geoff