Everyone has been wondering where the team will play next year...and now we have the answer
http://www.armadafc.com/news/detail/uuid/xe465l9t4fox1t0hlggpzcsb6/jacksonville-armada-fc-to-set-sail-in-2015-on-floating-soccer-pitch#.Uzrb-PldUgw
I've already made the call to reserve my pitch-side floating bleacher seats!
So April Fools.
It's too bad too.
Because that would be all kinds of badass.
I know it's April Fools Day, but you probably shouldn't jokingly suggest an idea that is significantly cooler than what you can actually deliver. Kind of sets the stage for a letdown when the actual home field plan is released.
Ha, I took a bunch of photos of the stadium in Singapore last fall and was thinking this looks like they crudely photoshopped it into our shipyards area.
Also called the phone number listed at the bottom of the article to see if they had a special funny pre-recorded message but it seems like it's just business as usual over there.
How awesome would/colud THAT be? Nice advertising for Maxwell House in the background too. Hmmmm.
I just got an email from the Armada that they sent out to people who made season ticket reservations. It's a link to a survey - they're asking for input on where we want their temporary home to be (JU, UNF or the baseball grounds), where we would like to see them build a stadium (downtown, South Jax, Town Center, Westside/OP or Northside), among other questions. If you made a season ticket deposit but don't get the email, reach out to them. Unless you don't want them to play downtown - in that case, please forget that you saw this. :)
Quote from: Ajax on April 16, 2014, 04:57:36 PM
I just got an email from the Armada that they sent out to people who made season ticket reservations. It's a link to a survey - they're asking for input on where we want their temporary home to be (JU, UNF or the baseball grounds), where we would like to see them build a stadium (downtown, South Jax, Town Center, Westside/OP or Northside), among other questions. If you made a season ticket deposit but don't get the email, reach out to them. Unless you don't want them to play downtown - in that case, please forget that you saw this. :)
It appears as if the Armada do intend to build their stadium downtown.
Per a Times-Union story from today:
Quote
The Armada kicks off next April, but hasn't announced where it will play yet. Livingstone said they're looking at a temporary facility, perhaps the University of North Florida or the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, for the first few years.
But he said the team hopes to build a downtown stadium by 2018.
Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/business/2014-06-24/story/jacksonvilles-own-soccer-team-armada-fc-plans-networking-party-thursdays#ixzz35bQhVvj3
Fun with scribble maps, take the Akron Zips 30,000 seat stadium and plop it all around downtown. Some really nice fits! Dito the Florida Atlantic 30,000 seater. Perhaps we should post some suggestive doodles?
C O L O M B I A !!! JA! JA! JA!
Quote
But he said the team hopes to build a downtown stadium by 2018.
From what I understand, they'd really like to be downtown but the main hangup is the expense of installing and removing the field for every game at the Baseball Grounds. So building a stadium downtown in the future wouldn't surprise me in the least.
Combining the Jaguars practice field with the soccer field at the Shipyards would make a lot of sense
Is there room for a stadium at the Shipyards? Seems like space would be tight for a full blown stadium. While I realize at first it may only be a 10k or so stadium, I believe you would want to be able to expand it in the future to something like 25-30k if hoping to ever move to the next level.
Quote from: John P on June 25, 2014, 11:28:54 AM
Combining the Jaguars practice field with the soccer field at the Shipyards would make a lot of sense
Or putting it where the existing practice fields are.
(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa111/Ocklawaha/CRITICAL%20Cartoons%20and%20Fun%20Stuff/e741fc8c-8c03-423b-9713-2d977bf3e8db_zps1f153d24.png)
Just some quick fooling around, but it does give you an idea of a 30,000-35,000 seat stadium.
Thanks. Looks tight in actual area of shipyards. Perhaps time to rethink the moving of the fairgrounds. As that space and current Jags practice field would work if they move those to shipyards.
I saw on CBS 47 news tonight that the Armada will have a press conference tommorrow at Bragan Field. Could be the announcement of where they will initially play.
they will be playing at the Baseball Grounds for a few years
It will be tough on the excellent condition of the field. Bragan Field is consistently rated as one of the best in minor league.
Any visualizations of how the field (pitch) will be arranged w/in the diamond?
Looks to me like it's length would have to be arranged along the right field line, while the width along the left field line w/ some accommodation for the clay.
Bragan Field is a great ballpark. It'll be fun watching soccer there, but I hope the Armada get their stadium sooner than later.
Speaking of stadium sites, I haven't seen much talk about using the JEA spot. It's massive, so you could build a huge facility or have tons of parking, there's Skyway connectivity, it's riverfront - feasible?
(http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/storyimages/1399308642JEASite.jpg)
When a soccer stadium is built, it will be multiuse. Able to hold things like lacrosse, high school football and concerts. If MetPark gets noise complaints, imagine a stadium being there and how loud it could be.
IMO it's better if something like the rumored Deutchebank office development happens on the JEA site. A muti-purpose stadium would probably not be paying property taxes and so needs to go on less valuable land. Ditto for the Shipyards.
Quote from: bencrix on July 11, 2014, 08:29:06 AM
Any visualizations of how the field (pitch) will be arranged w/in the diamond?
Downtown Vision has an image on their FB page
https://www.facebook.com/DTJax/photos/a.74173448788.75797.59550478788/10152313579058789/?type=1&theater
Pretty similar to the Rowdies playing at Al Lang Stadium in St Pete.
Quote from: mbwright on July 11, 2014, 08:00:51 AM
It will be tough on the excellent condition of the field. Bragan Field is consistently rated as one of the best in minor league.
Agreed.
I'm claiming a lack of motivation to google something, so could someone tell me how the Suns / Armada schedules overlap. I'm not exactly sure of 'soccer season'.
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on July 11, 2014, 03:32:55 PM
I'm claiming a lack of motivation to google something, so could someone tell me how the Suns / Armada schedules overlap. I'm not exactly sure of 'soccer season'.
They're virtually identical.
Shades of the old World Football League's, Portland Storm. Saw the Jacksonville Express get stomped there, and the experience of football in a baseball stadium went a long way in explaining why the league failed. While the attendance in many cities with football stadiums was respectable, the averages in Portland and other 'baseball fields' was probably closer to 4,000 per game.
The JEA site appears destined for office towers, and thats a GOOD thing.
Quote from: tufsu1 on July 11, 2014, 02:32:22 PM
Quote from: bencrix on July 11, 2014, 08:29:06 AM
Any visualizations of how the field (pitch) will be arranged w/in the diamond?
Downtown Vision has an image on their FB page
https://www.facebook.com/DTJax/photos/a.74173448788.75797.59550478788/10152313579058789/?type=1&theater
Armada's website has seating plans (with ticket prices) on their website, too.
http://www.armadafc.com/page/slug/season-tickets#.U8CgL1ad5uY (http://www.armadafc.com/page/slug/season-tickets#.U8CgL1ad5uY)
Quote from: JaxByDefault on July 12, 2014, 10:31:28 AM
Quote from: tufsu1 on July 11, 2014, 02:32:22 PM
Quote from: bencrix on July 11, 2014, 08:29:06 AM
Any visualizations of how the field (pitch) will be arranged w/in the diamond?
Downtown Vision has an image on their FB page
https://www.facebook.com/DTJax/photos/a.74173448788.75797.59550478788/10152313579058789/?type=1&theater
Armada's website has seating plans (with ticket prices) on their website, too.
http://www.armadafc.com/page/slug/season-tickets#.U8CgL1ad5uY (http://www.armadafc.com/page/slug/season-tickets#.U8CgL1ad5uY)
disappointed in ticket pricing considering its minor league soccer in a baseball stadium.
^ tickets as low as $10 a game for season ticket holders ($14 for single game tickets) is too much?
Quote from: tufsu1 on July 13, 2014, 01:21:25 PM
^ tickets as low as $10 a game for season ticket holders ($14 for single game tickets) is too much?
was speaking towards the middle to upper echelon seats.
Quote from: tufsu1 on July 13, 2014, 01:21:25 PM
^ tickets as low as $10 a game for season ticket holders ($14 for single game tickets) is too much?
$35-$50 if you actually want to see the game. That's the same as Jaguars tickets. Does seem a little steep to me...
Quote from: InnerCityPressure on July 13, 2014, 10:02:28 PM
Quote from: tufsu1 on July 13, 2014, 01:21:25 PM
^ tickets as low as $10 a game for season ticket holders ($14 for single game tickets) is too much?
$35-$50 if you actually want to see the game. That's the same as Jaguars tickets. Does seem a little steep to me...
Actually want to see the game? Geez, the stadium isn't that big.
Quote from: pierre on July 13, 2014, 11:09:06 PM
Quote from: InnerCityPressure on July 13, 2014, 10:02:28 PM
Quote from: tufsu1 on July 13, 2014, 01:21:25 PM
^ tickets as low as $10 a game for season ticket holders ($14 for single game tickets) is too much?
$35-$50 if you actually want to see the game. That's the same as Jaguars tickets. Does seem a little steep to me...
Actually want to see the game? Geez, the stadium isn't that big.
...which is why it will be difficult to see the game. If one is seated low (all seats at this venue) and behind the goal/in a corner, the match will be very difficult to see.
Which begs the question, "Where is the best place in the stands to watch a soccer game?"
Personally, for the Jags games, I prefer to be a bit higher up and in one of the endzones. Yes. You lose quite a bit of the game when they're on the opposite field, but for the majority of the game, you get the 'Madden' view and can get a solid feel for the defensive scheme and watching the route trees develop is pretty fun if you know what you're looking for. I like to think I do. ;)
I would think that soccer is better viewed from farther away as well, since you get to see the entire play develop rather than just the scoring attacks. I think you'd miss a good bit of the their technical skills with the ball being further away, but I suppose that depends what your preference is.
The Armada will be having seat selection days at the Baseball grounds to check the views from where you would like to sit.
Quote from: InnerCityPressure on July 13, 2014, 10:02:28 PM
Quote from: tufsu1 on July 13, 2014, 01:21:25 PM
^ tickets as low as $10 a game for season ticket holders ($14 for single game tickets) is too much?
$35-$50 if you actually want to see the game. That's the same as Jaguars tickets. Does seem a little steep to me...
that would be taking the highest price Armada tickets and comparing them to the lowest price Jaguars tickets. Sorry but that's not a comparison.
A better comparison would be Suns tickets. Armada is slightly higher, but they only have 20 home games and the Suns have about 80. Costs of running the team are probably somewhat similar.
Quote from: InnerCityPressure on July 13, 2014, 11:46:43 PM
Quote from: pierre on July 13, 2014, 11:09:06 PM
Quote from: InnerCityPressure on July 13, 2014, 10:02:28 PM
Quote from: tufsu1 on July 13, 2014, 01:21:25 PM
^ tickets as low as $10 a game for season ticket holders ($14 for single game tickets) is too much?
$35-$50 if you actually want to see the game. That's the same as Jaguars tickets. Does seem a little steep to me...
Actually want to see the game? Geez, the stadium isn't that big.
...which is why it will be difficult to see the game. If one is seated low (all seats at this venue) and behind the goal/in a corner, the match will be very difficult to see.
Seated too low? That's a new one to me. The Baseball Grounds will be fine as a temporary home. Most of the seating will be "between the goals". Seating goes all the way down the first base line. On the third base line, you have the party plazas and beer garden so there is a lot less seating. It's actually a pretty good set up for soccer.
Quote from: tufsu1 on July 14, 2014, 08:43:25 AM
Quote from: InnerCityPressure on July 13, 2014, 10:02:28 PM
Quote from: tufsu1 on July 13, 2014, 01:21:25 PM
^ tickets as low as $10 a game for season ticket holders ($14 for single game tickets) is too much?
$35-$50 if you actually want to see the game. That's the same as Jaguars tickets. Does seem a little steep to me...
that would be taking the highest price Armada tickets and comparing them to the lowest price Jaguars tickets. Sorry but that's not a comparison.
A better comparison would be Suns tickets. Armada is slightly higher, but they only have 20 home games and the Suns have about 80. Costs of running the team are probably somewhat similar.
And this is a higher level for soccer than the Southern League is for baseball.
Quote from: pierre on July 14, 2014, 09:06:29 AM
Seated too low? That's a new one to me. The Baseball Grounds will be fine as a temporary home. Most of the seating will be "between the goals". Seating goes all the way down the first base line. On the third base line, you have the party plazas and beer garden so there is a lot less seating. It's actually a pretty good set up for soccer.
It's definitely a thing in soccer. I'm not sure if it is worldwide, but in England, the price is higher as you move up the stands.
Quote from: tufsu1 on July 14, 2014, 08:43:25 AM
that would be taking the highest price Armada tickets and comparing them to the lowest price Jaguars tickets. Sorry but that's not a comparison.
A better comparison would be Suns tickets. Armada is slightly higher, but they only have 20 home games and the Suns have about 80. Costs of running the team are probably somewhat similar.
But the lowest priced Jags tickets, of which I am a season ticket holder, provide a phenomenal view of the field. The same is not true of the $10 - $20 Armada tickets.
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on July 14, 2014, 08:26:51 AM
Which begs the question, "Where is the best place in the stands to watch a soccer game?"
Personally, for the Jags games, I prefer to be a bit higher up and in one of the endzones. Yes. You lose quite a bit of the game when they're on the opposite field, but for the majority of the game, you get the 'Madden' view and can get a solid feel for the defensive scheme and watching the route trees develop is pretty fun if you know what you're looking for. I like to think I do. ;)
I would think that soccer is better viewed from farther away as well, since you get to see the entire play develop rather than just the scoring attacks. I think you'd miss a good bit of the their technical skills with the ball being further away, but I suppose that depends what your preference is.
You're on the right track. I would choose my Jags seats in the bottom row of the upper deck on the 50 yd line for any soccer game. That's where I like to watch Jags games too. I'm surprised this is still a cheap section for football. Absolutely better than lower level for anyone who likes to watch a play develop. I guess people like to see hard hits up close?
Well they may be looking for a new place to play. On news tonight was a story that when they city council cut funding it included the money to convert stadium from baseball to soccer. Some money still there but does not appear to be enough. Story stated no contract had been signed yet between the city and Armada.
Source: http://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/news/local/armada-home-field-hangs-budget-battle-balance/nhLnj/
QuoteJax soccer field funding hangs on budget battle
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. —
(WOKV) There's no question right now that Jacksonville is excited about soccer and ready to see the new home team- the Armada- kick off next year.
There is a big question, however, about how to fund the home field and how many of your tax dollars hang in the balance.
When the City of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Armada announced the tentative terms of a lease agreement in July for the NASL team to play at the Baseball Grounds, we knew that deal would come with a financial contribution from the City. Under the deal at that time, the City would be asked to pay up to $700,000 per season for the three year deal to help convert the field from baseball to soccer while the Armada would pay the City up to $10,000 per game, depending on ticket sales. The Mayor's Office projects the City would actually be required to pay less than the cap and says any overage would be covered by the team. There would also be an initial $300,000 that the City would borrow to make some capital improvements to the Baseball Grounds to support hosting soccer as well.
As the Finance Committee worked through the Mayor's budget proposal, however, they made it clear that there would be no new borrowing this year- so the $300,000 in capital improvement was cut from the list.
I've learned the lease agreement was formally filed just this week, and the proposed borrowing is now rolled in to the money that would come straight from the budget, or your tax dollars.
On any given year, an additional $300,000 request from the budget- bringing the total request for this year to $1,000,000 for the team- may not face much scrutiny. This is not, however, a normal year.
"It'll come down to whether the Council as a whole believes it's a high enough priority to go ahead and put it in place," says City Council President Clay Yarborough.
The exact funding line for this million dollar request- and the $700,000 annual request for subsequent years- has not yet been designated. The Mayor's Office says the Finance Department is finalizing that at this time and it will be available next week. Yarborough has been told the team is hoping to make up at least part from savings in the current year City budget.
With City departments facing an across the board budget cut, however, and non-profits pleading for money- I asked Yarborough why the Armada should get any savings over these other requests.
"If you have any savings in this year's budget, it would seem responsible to suggest carrying that forward and using that to offset what the decrease would be for next year," he says.
At the full Council meeting this past week, the body denied request after request for funding from organizations like Jacksonville Area Legal Aid and the Clara White Mission because they refuse to dip in to reserve funding, as the Mayor's budget proposal had recommended. They also took a stand against any new borrowing, saying the City already had too much debt and they needed to work to pay that off first.
"It's not fair to the others who won't be getting money if we now carve it out for one group and we don't give it to the others," he says.
With that philosophy in mind, he says there's going to be a lot of tough decisions in the next week, as they hope to vote on the lease agreement at the next Council meeting. He says the team will have to make a strong case if they hope to see the funding come through.
I asked whether there is another plan in the works in case the Council decides not to move forward with the funding. Yarborough says he's not sure what negotiations are taking place, but he hopes the team is looking at opportunities to partner with the community and private business.
"If you're actually getting the dollars from out there that are not the actual tax payer dollars, that shows to me a commitment to sustainability in the long term," Yarborough says.
For now, the Mayor's Office and team remain hopeful there will be an internal deal reached.
I asked the Armada whether they're looking at other options and how they feel about the ongoing negotiations, but was told they are not doing interviews while they continue to work with the administration and City Council. The Mayor's Office in turn says they're finding the money and hope the deal will pass.
Yarborough says whatever decision the Council reaches, it's not a reflection on their desire to have the team playing here in Jacksonville.
"The Armada group is doing great work, they could be a positive not only for Downtown, of course, but for the City," he says.
But he says in tight fiscal times, all groups involved need to be creative about how they approach the deal and the City can't be the only revenue source. At least four Council members have currently signed on to the bill as co-sponsors.
The current lease agreement pending a Council vote would be for three years with five optional one-year renewals. Armada leadership has previously indicated they're looking to build a stadium, but couldn't speak on a timeline for when that would be.
- See more at: http://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/news/local/armada-home-field-hangs-budget-battle-balance/nhLnj/#sthash.pIKsRrbw.dpuf
When it comes to the Armada and cleaning up the Shipyards site, both of which are tied into the mayor's capital improvement plan, the city council needs to find a way to makes these two things happen. Opportunities like these don't come around every day, and to potentially sacrifice dollars for pennies, we just can't afford to do that.
Quote from: edjax on September 12, 2014, 06:23:31 PM
Well they may be looking for a new place to play. On news tonight was a story that when they city council cut funding it included the money to convert stadium from baseball to soccer. Some money still there but does not appear to be enough. Story stated no contract had been signed yet between the city and Armada.
Per someone very close to the situation, there's a handshake deal in place between the city and the Armada for funding for the Baseball Grounds.
Appears that there will be a joint committee meeting at 2pm of Finance and RCDPHS 3 hours prior to the city council meeting. A contract was not made available for Finance committee meeting. There are time crunch conditions that are the basis of the emergency.
Quote from: KenFSU on September 12, 2014, 08:50:07 PM
When it comes to the Armada and cleaning up the Shipyards site, both of which are tied into the mayor's capital improvement plan, the city council needs to find a way to makes these two things happen. Opportunities like these don't come around every day, and to potentially sacrifice dollars for pennies, we just can't afford to do that.
Actually, I believe the funding for the Shipyards environmental cleanup was just approved by Council in August through Ord. 2014-555.
Funding for Armada to play at Baseball Grounds approved by City Council tonight.
The Armada will debut (regular season) on April 4, 2015 against FC Edmonton at EverBank Field.
http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2014/12/17/jacksonville-to-play-fc-edmonton-in-home-opener-at.html
^^That's so MLS/US Club soccer 1.0... that big empty stadium is gonna really show how far they got to go
^ stupid. The Baseball Grounds is not available at that time...all other matches will be there.
^Sorry I didn't read the article I just assumed they were playing there because they thought they could fill it being the inaugural game. By the way playing in a big empty NFL stadium is a defining characteristic of the MLS 1.0 era so maybe we should recognize the lesson already learned that 10 thousand fans in a 70k stadium doesn't make for a good experience. Was UNF not available also?
Not many other options till they get their own stadium. This has happened with several teams at various levels without many problems. And also, Seattle and Vancouver play in football stadiums to huge success.
Quote from: Tacachale on December 17, 2014, 08:44:19 PM
Not many other options till they get their own stadium. This has happened with several teams at various levels without many problems. And also, Seattle and Vancouver play in football stadiums to huge success.
I don't know, plenty of teams have gotten creative playing one off games at local universities. It's actually a pretty great way of getting the product out in the community and exposing it to new segments. Also Vancouver's football stadium is modified for soccer games to make the environment more intimate (which has been successful as you said, so much so ATL is copying the mechanism for their stadium). As for Seattle. What can one say? It is hard to argue that the Pacific Northwest isn't the most passionate soccer region in North America, and Seattle is definitely doing its part putting 45 thousand fans in the seats every game. It should be said though Seattle does have some major problems with their field once the NFL preseason starts.
(http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/imported_assets/2320214/Screen_Shot_2014-08-10_at_7.57.26_PM.0.png)
(the black bits on the field are small rubber pellets used to try and make the field behave like a natural surface)
http://www.sounderatheart.com/2014/8/11/5991761/centurylink-turf-awful-bad-statement-quidditch
Also in regards to NFL stadiums, we can take Washington off the bad NFL stadium list soon (and they had it real bad playing in RFK). Congratulations to DC for unanimously passing the new United stadium today. The new facility in Buzzard Point is going to be one of the best in the nation, with the team and city both really stepping up to bat.
(http://www.dcunited.com/sites/dc/files/image_nodes/2014/06/CAMERA-7---projector.jpg)
(http://www.dcunited.com/sites/dc/files/image_nodes/2014/06/CAMERA-5---projector.jpg)
(http://www.dcunited.com/sites/dc/files/image_nodes/2014/06/CAMERA-2---projector.jpg)
(http://www.dcunited.com/sites/dc/files/image_nodes/2014/06/CAMERA-1---projector.jpg)
That is one sweet looking stadium!
^I know. I can't wait to catch a national team game there! Watchin the stars and stripes play in a soccer-specific stadium actually in the capitol, I never thought the day would come. Really the new wave of MLS 3.0 stadiums opening in Orlando, San Jose, and D.C. are going to be outstanding. Each is really unique, and they all seem to really fit the civic community and their immediate surroundings. Atlanta's is going to be spectacular from the stadium as a whole stand point, but I'm waiting to see how well it really does adapt to soccer games. Then there's still Frank Lampard stealing Man City 2 drifting out there. You know there gonna end up with something ace. On top of that, word is the Kraft's are moving hard to get a soccer-specific stadium more in urban Boston. And don't even get me started on what Division 2 teams and cities are doing to get MLS's attention... Speak of which, yesterday Vegas passed their funding for a soccer specific stadium pending being awarded the 24th MLS franchise. Good for you as well Vegas.
I still have my doubt that we will ever see a soccer stadium here in Jacksonville. Who is going to pay the 50-100 million? Certainly not the Frisch family.
^It doesn't have to cost that much. Portland and San Antonio have very nice stadiums in the range of $35 million (and Portland is MLS). Depending on the land costs you could probably build a really nice NASL stadium for $20 million.
Portland did not build a new stadium. They retrofitted an existing baseball stadium.
And they did a really nice job on it for only $36 million. Heck, our own baseball stadium is also really nice and cost $34. Point is, an NASL team doesn't need to spend $50 or $100 million for a nice facility.
Ya Portland spent way more than 36 million! They spent almost 40 mil in 2001, 36 mil in 2009 (which in the depths of the recession may have really equated to a 50 mil upgrade as they got cut deals on labor and goods as stadium building in 09 wasn't really happening much). The initial stadium was built back in the 20s which was when it was given its beautiful stone entry ways, it has had many other upgrades over the years and the Timber spend a large amount each year in upgrades to littler things like wifi, art, signs. I agree Pierre, I doubt we see a soccer stadium under this management group. I've spoken briefly with the Frisch about soccer before and what maybe needed/should have happened here in terms of marketing the team, and to be perfectly honest, he is a nice guy but he doesnt have a clue. To be really honest this is an average to mediocre div 2 team in terms of where they are at vs. where they should be, and the team is paying the price in only 3000 tickets sold, which is pathetic in an inaugural year that coincides with a World cup that had so much enthusiasm for the game that should have been harnessed. It's especially bad when one looks at the significant drop in ticket sales most NASL teams experience after their first year. I would bet the 2016-17 season will see around 1.5-2k in tickets sold per game. Any takers? I'd love to be wrong but I don't see it happening.
I will say you're right on with San Antonio Tac, as that stadium was in your range, and it was wisely planned to be upgradable. I've been to a Scorpions game and you can really see the room to upgrade as you walk around the stadium. There are poles sticking up in many places where they plan to add seats, and it has an air of being unfinished in spots which is a good reminder to fans of what the aim is for the stadium. Not that any of that took away from the gameday experience. It was very festive and fun. It should be a model for Jax if we ever get anything off the ground.
IMO there just isn't a big enough draw in this region to sustain a soccer franchise over the long haul.
Quote from: Downtown Osprey on December 18, 2014, 02:06:58 PM
IMO there just isn't a big enough draw in this region to sustain a soccer franchise over the long haul.
keep in mind this is second-tier soccer. The franchise will be ok if it draws 6,000-8,000 for every game. So far, they have sold 3,000 season tickets.
^Bingo
^^And BINGO was his name O. Community First Park? Another Park? 2014-741
How much for the naming Rights? How long?
Will the new guy Tony Lopez be involved with this?
Community First Soccer?
Stay positive.
6k-8k would be above average for the NASL
also, no clue why season tickets for the armada are twice as much as many of the other NASL clubs.
I think berm "seating" for $10 and grandstand starting at $15 is very reasonable....the price of the on-field seats is a different story.
Quote from: fsquid on December 19, 2014, 12:48:39 PM
6k-8k would be above average for the NASL
In terms of what has been viable long term, in non-MLS US soccer leagues, 6-8k tends to be the range where you see teams last and start to build a strong culture. For the Armada in terms of financial longevity, I would think the number is closer to 6 since their ticket prices maybe upper end for NASL, not to imply they are unreasonable though.
Quote from: tufsu1 on December 19, 2014, 02:29:13 PM
I think berm "seating" for $10 and grandstand starting at $15 is very reasonable....the price of the on-field seats is a different story.
I was comparing the season ticket sideline seats (not premium) for all the teams except the one in New York. Not all the teams have the GA tickets behind the goal that the Armada have. I'll take in a few games, but I'm not ready to do the season tickets at this moment.
Looks like San Antonio and Minneapolis aren't the only NASL teams trying to make the step up to MLS. Our NASL brethren Indy Eleven released their newest plans for a stadium today. Price tag 82 mill, has a nice Birds Nest kind of vibe, and i hate to say this about anything Indy but I kind of like it. If they get this done I'd consider them one of the front runners for the next round of expansion (when MLS moves from 24 to 28)
(http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/16fe8e3ae9056d00cd97d366639af9de594b22ec/c=504-0-3497-2250&r=x513&c=680x510/local/-/media/2015/01/28/Indianapolis/Indianapolis/635580296335219900-Stadium1.jpg)
(http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/16fe8e3ae9056d00cd97d366639af9de594b22ec/c=504-0-3497-2250&r=x513&c=680x510/local/-/media/2015/01/28/Indianapolis/Indianapolis/635580296336155912-STadium-3.jpg)
(http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/16fe8e3ae9056d00cd97d366639af9de594b22ec/c=504-0-3497-2250&r=x513&c=680x510/local/-/media/2015/01/28/Indianapolis/Indianapolis/635580296346920050-Stadium-4.jpg)
If you'd like to read more or see a video of the design check out
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/2015/01/28/indy-eleven-soccer-stadium-indiana-legislature-indianapolis/22454537/
(http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/2015/01/28/indy-eleven-soccer-stadium-indiana-legislature-indianapolis/22454537/)
Also the Sacramento Kings and owner Vivek Ranadivé announced they are joining the financial backing of Republic FC's MLS bid. That's a huge boost for them. They already had an outstanding vision and massive fan enthusiasm (they are adding 3k more seats to their temporary home for next year after 1 season in existence due to demand), and now they have an outstanding ownership group in place. With Las Vegas seeming to unravel over challenges to their stadium, both the Minneapolis groups clashing with each other, and San Antonio yet to bolster their ownership and their stadium being so far out, I think that last expansion slot is Sacramento's for the taking now.
Good news, Armada announced they've now sold 5k season tickets. Its not the 6-8 range you'd want to see yet, and there isn't much time to get there this season, but that's a lot more viable than the 3 they were hovering at. Hopefully with some good word of mouth, some nice gameday deals, they can get the per game average up to around 6 by the end of the season.
Also in unrelated soccer news, to add to what I mentioned about Sacramento in the post above, they have since also added the 49ers to their growing ownership group. In my mind that should be a done deal for the 24th spot, but it seems MLS maybe trying to force the hand to Minneapolis to get some of their potential big corporate sponsors involved with the league (Target, Bancorp...)
Let's all go have fun at the game tomorrow. Be safe people!