Games on Holidays--Establishing the Tradition

Rover · 03-03-2005, 02:31 PM

I was looking over the RSL schedule again and something occurred to me. I know Uncle Dave and the FO are playing up certain games as specifically scheduled to draw big crowds. Home Opener of course, Pioneer Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. Now the USMNT twin bill as well.

Then it hit me. What a coup for RSL to snag a home game on July 4th and the ONLY game on Labor Day.

Only two teams have been given July 4th games from 1996 to the present--LA and the CRapids. Colorado draws their biggest crowd each year for their game (I guess locals like the fireworks), usually over 50,000. LA drew big crowds too, and now in the HDC the Independence Day game is always a sell-out.

Other teams had July 4th games in the early seasons, but only LA and Colorado got them as traditional games.

So now RSL gets a HOME game on the big day. And on Labor Day, when soccer fans around the country will have no other MLS games to watch, in primetime.

I can't overdo how big this is. For whatever reason, and I don't care why, RSL has been given a gift with these games.

These are games we MUST sell out! Oh sure, we want to fill the stadium for all our games in the RES. But realistically we'll be pleased with anything over 15,000 and thrilled with 20,000+. But these games will be in the regional and national spotlight.

Add in the June 4th games, and we have a chance as fans to establish ourselves as the best fans in MLS.

The challenge is made. We can do it.

Aero · 03-03-2005, 02:45 PM

I hadn't really thought about it like that, but you are absolutely right. We really need to show everyone that not only do we deserve our team, but that we belong in the upper echelons of the league.

bordelais7 · 03-03-2005, 02:55 PM

Although could you all wait just a couple of days before selling out the place? I need to get my tickets, first.

Thanks.

jasoncox · 03-03-2005, 03:48 PM

I've been using the WCQ as bait to all the non-soccer fans out there. If they're a football fan I tell them that this is like having an NFL playoff game come to Utah or the Rose Bowl game in SLC. It's big time. I tell them that if they only go to a single soccer game all year, this is it!

I think it should be a good game to promote soccer to the uninitiated in Utah. It's high caliber soccer and will be an excellent introduction into the soccer culture for them. We'll have the Loyalists and Sam's Army there to represent. The stadium will be packed and full of energy. It will show them that it IS a serious sport with serious fans.

I've pretty much talk to everyone I know about this and you should too. With tickets starting at about $25 each, it's a great value.

Czar Jake · 03-03-2005, 05:03 PM

We need to make sure to get people to watch also the RSL game, not just the qualifier, too. I hope they are marketed together.

Scilaci · 04-15-2005, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rover

I can't overdo how big this is. For whatever reason, and I don't care why, RSL has been given a gift with these games.

These are games we MUST sell out! Oh sure, we want to fill the stadium for all our games in the RES. But realistically we'll be pleased with anything over 15,000 and thrilled with 20,000+. But these games will be in the regional and national spotlight.

Add in the June 4th games, and we have a chance as fans to establish ourselves as the best fans in MLS.

The challenge is made. We can do it.

I think that the fans will be up to it. What better place to spend your 4th of July afternoon than at a soccer game? You've seen the parade in the morning, you've had your KFC for lunch in the park, you go to a fabulous RSL victory and then stick around for fireworks at night. Excellent points Rover. I heartily agree. 😎

Rover · 04-15-2005, 01:33 PM

I think the signs are good, although we won't be playing on Labor Day due to a schedule change.

GoReal · 04-15-2005, 11:18 PM

Does anyone know why they changed the Labor Day game?

Rover · 04-15-2005, 11:57 PM

I looked back through the releases and couldn't get a good idea of why they made the change from Labor Day.

You have to figure it's likely connected to Utes football. Even so, Utah hosts a game on Thursday the 1st and then on Saturday the 10th, so it actually would have made more sense to keep the game on Labor Day (September 5th) rather than shift it to the 3rd.

Maybe they wanted a night game, which would have been unlikely on a Monday holiday followed by a work week. It's still fairly hot during the day in early September.

I know I was looking forward to starting a Labor Day tradition. Too bad, but at least we've got our foot in the door with the Fourth of July.

GoReal · 04-18-2005, 12:33 PM

Most people use Labor Day weekend as their last chance to get a vacation or camping trip in. They'll usually leave Fri. night and then be back by Monday day or evening. So I thought the game would do better crowd wise if it was on a Monday instead of the Saturday before Labor Day.

Is the US Open Cup being played that week?

Anyway...GOReAL!!!!!!!