According to reports in Brazil, Jacksonville is one of 23 possible cities still in the running to host Copa America Centenario games. Really hope this comes through. Would be great for the local soccer community.
http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/12/11/report-23-us-cities-identified-potential-sites-2016-copa-america-centenario?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=News&utm_campaign=Unpaid
Thanks for posting this! They were discussing this on that new soccer show on sports radio 930 but I only heard like the last fifteen words so I really couldn't figure out what they were talking about. Nice to just be in consideration. The more often we're in the discussion, the sooner we'll actually start hosting events like this.
For anyone interested here are the teams that will be participating. CONCACAF will be sending USA, El Tri, Costa Rica, Reggae Boyz, and 2 teams to be determined against all of CONMEBOL, i.e. Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile (ALEXIS!!!!!!), Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Okay Gamblor, first to poke a little fun... There is no such country as Columbia. It's C O L O M B I A as in Cristóbal Colón. Not pronounced 'Co lum' rather it is like 'Co lo' as in colon.
Seriously guys, it would be more cool if Copa would consider adding a direct Jacksonville-Panama City route, which would open us to all of Latin America. The airport in Panama City is freaking huge and Copa has a major hub there. Anyone not familiar with Copa and traveling south of the border, check it out.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7498/16006506961_ff4566f35c_z.jpg)
Everytime I fly south I have to go to through Miami. My last one was to Bogota.
Copa flies to/from Tampa
Seriously, we're making this thread about flights to South America? I post that Jax might host some games in one of the worlds biggest soccer tournaments, and one post from Ock noone-ing the thread on one of the only two topics he seems able to discuss, and boom, forget the hordes of tourist that might flock to the city, the international exposure, the opportunity to see some of the world's greatest athletes up close and personal.... *Sigh*
Quote from: Gamblor on December 13, 2014, 01:19:51 PM
Seriously, we're making this thread about flights to South America? I post that Jax might host some games in one of the worlds biggest soccer tournaments, and one post from Ock noone-ing the thread on the only two topics he seems able to discuss, and boom, forget the hordes of tourist that might flock to the city, the international exposure, the opportunity to see some of the world's greatest athletes up close and personal.... Sigh
I think what Ock is referring to is that there aren't enough flights in and out of Jax to support a large contingent for this. That makes it tough to be a host.
My reply was that for a number of flights in and out of SA, I have to route through Miami. Therefore any one trying to get here would probably have to do the same.
So while we wen't jumping on the Copa bandwagon per se, I think we were trying to say that there are some hurdles to overcome to attract large crowds from our latin neighbors.
I agree that if Jax is able to host a part of it, that would be great for us and for US Soccer.
Quote from: spuwho on December 13, 2014, 01:27:05 PM
Quote from: Gamblor on December 13, 2014, 01:19:51 PM
Seriously, we're making this thread about flights to South America? I post that Jax might host some games in one of the worlds biggest soccer tournaments, and one post from Ock noone-ing the thread on the only two topics he seems able to discuss, and boom, forget the hordes of tourist that might flock to the city, the international exposure, the opportunity to see some of the world's greatest athletes up close and personal.... Sigh
I think what Ock is referring to is that there aren't enough flights in and out of Jax to support a large contingent for this. That makes it tough to be a host.
My reply was that for a number of flights in and out of SA, I have to route through Miami. Therefore any one trying to get here would probably have to do the same.
So while we wen't jumping on the Copa bandwagon per se, I think we were trying to say that there are some hurdles to overcome to attract large crowds from our latin neighbors.
I agree that if Jax is able to host a part of it, that would be great for us and for US Soccer.
It is great for US soccer, which has already been chosen to host, and we're probably only going to host some early games. As for the other so called hurdle, not to be rude, but, oh no people have to take a connecting flight... how terrible, I'm sure no South American soccer fan would be willing to do that to support their team. Sorry, I had to go there.
Plus after the conditions many fans went through in Brazil, Jacksonville could be a paradise
(https://s.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/gZ5FslKX87EKtW2PW73sVA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD00MTc7cT03NTt3PTYzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2014-07-11T191948Z_713204726_TB3EA7B1KC3QJ_RTRMADP_3_BRAZIL-WORLDCUP.JPG)
Would love to see us land this
Sometimes a connecting flight is useful. Gives you a chance to stretch your legs, maybe get something to eat or drink, etc. I agree this should not be much of a hurdle to overcome. We hosted the SuperBowl and JIA got kudos for their performance and professionalism.
Darn, no Gold Cup matches.
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2014/12/16/7404407/gold-cup-2015-host-cities-usmnt-mexico-venues
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on December 16, 2014, 09:55:49 PM
Darn, no Gold Cup matches.
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2014/12/16/7404407/gold-cup-2015-host-cities-usmnt-mexico-venues
Saw this earlier and my thinking is it doesn't bode well for us, but still keeping fingers crossed for some centenario matches (which I think would be a bigger get)
Bummer.
Worlds largest screens weren't enough of a draw? Here's hoping for some other soccer events soon!
Quote from: Gamblor on December 16, 2014, 10:00:56 PM
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on December 16, 2014, 09:55:49 PM
Darn, no Gold Cup matches.
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2014/12/16/7404407/gold-cup-2015-host-cities-usmnt-mexico-venues
Saw this earlier and my thinking is it doesn't bode well for us, but still keeping fingers crossed for some centenario matches (which I think would be a bigger get)
Absolutely the Centenario in 2016 is what we want. Much bigger competition - it will probably be the biggest event for USMNT fans since World Cup 94 - the next time we might be lucky enough to host something as large would be the 2026 World Cup at the earliest.
Also, Atlanta and Miami are already out of the running for 2016 since their venues will be undergoing construction. So Jacksonville's competition in the southeast for the 2016 matches will be Tampa and Charlotte. I would think Jacksonville is ahead of both of those cities based on recent attendance, although we can't overlook the fact that Farrukh Quraishi has just been named GM of the Tampa Bay Rowdies, and he had a prominent role in Orlando's hosting of World Cup games in 1994. Charlotte has an opportunity to shine or stub their toe with the 2015 Gold Cup. It will be harder to get fans to turn out for that game, especially if the US isn't involved. So if Charlotte gets stuck with, say Panama vs. Honduras (nothing against those teams - I would go but that's not exactly going to fire up the moderate fans), I'm not sure if that really helps their cause.
Maybe I'm guilty of being a homer, but Jacksonville has stepped up for the last two USMNT games, and remember that Shad Khan did US Soccer a solid favor by letting them use Craven Cottage a couple of months ago for the USMNT match vs. Colombia on short notice. Even if we don't get a US game, there are going to be some really good teams competing in this tournament and as others have mentioned - those fans travel. One or two plane connections isn't going to stop them.
Quote from: johnnyliar on December 17, 2014, 08:30:02 AM
Worlds largest screens weren't enough of a draw? Here's hoping for some other soccer events soon!
Oh yeah, that reminds me - we have the Florida Cup here at Everbank on January 17th: http://jaxevents.com/event/florida-cup-soccer/ (http://jaxevents.com/event/florida-cup-soccer/)
It's a doubleheader featuring Bayer Leverkusen and FC Koln from Germany, and Corinthians and Fluminense from Brazil. If we have a good turnout for this we can get some more nice stuff in the future. :)
Hey, marksjax. Which one of these teams will you be the local headquarters for? :-)
Quote from: Apache on December 14, 2014, 08:55:42 AM
Quote from: spuwho on December 13, 2014, 01:27:05 PM
Quote from: Gamblor on December 13, 2014, 01:19:51 PM
Seriously, we're making this thread about flights to South America? I post that Jax might host some games in one of the worlds biggest soccer tournaments, and one post from Ock noone-ing the thread on the only two topics he seems able to discuss, and boom, forget the hordes of tourist that might flock to the city, the international exposure, the opportunity to see some of the world's greatest athletes up close and personal.... Sigh
I think what Ock is referring to is that there aren't enough flights in and out of Jax to support a large contingent for this. That makes it tough to be a host.
My reply was that for a number of flights in and out of SA, I have to route through Miami. Therefore any one trying to get here would probably have to do the same.
So while we wen't jumping on the Copa bandwagon per se, I think we were trying to say that there are some hurdles to overcome to attract large crowds from our latin neighbors.
I agree that if Jax is able to host a part of it, that would be great for us and for US Soccer.
Nah. Ole Ock has no idea this thread is about soccer.
Yeah old Ock still walks around the house in MEDELLIN NATIONAL slippers! If your city is insignifigant enough not to have international services at least to the Americas, your not getting much notice on the international scale. Copa flys 737's (smaller AC) and is aggressively expanding. An aggressive COJ might have turned this into a GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL! Crickets... See you at the Armada matches!
Mexico loves playing in Charlotte, so that isn't a surprise that they get Group C matches.
Quote from: fsquid on December 17, 2014, 11:52:42 AM
Mexico loves playing in Charlotte, so that isn't a surprise that they get Group C matches.
El Tri is happy to play anywhere in the US but Columbus Ohio! :D .... but in all seriousness, while you're totally correct Mexico has had a lot of success in Charlotte, they've had success packing out/winning in any NFL size stadium they get put in to here
Just to relate it to Copa America though, while I can't stand El Tri, I'd love to play host to that contingent. That'd be a dream come true. Could probably expect around 70 to 100 thousand fans.
Officially under consideration...
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10898029_10152857860553941_7325456864807205613_n.jpg?oh=162928d00db7b033d6bba78ef42d4d93&oe=553E0B39&__gda__=1433301356_d98a9fea9fa9656ba304fe91c41a6106)
oh please sweet baby Jesus.
Orlando is a surprise. Anyway, hope our giant scoreboards help us land something!!
Great opportunity to show Jacksonville's support of soccer next Saturday at Everbank, double header of Corinthians vs. Bayer Leverkusen & Fluminense vs. FC Koln. When was the last time a knockout-stage Champions League team played here?
Unfortunately I have heard that ticket sales have been very low.
Quote from: control on January 08, 2015, 03:21:21 PM
Great opportunity to show Jacksonville's support of soccer next Saturday at Everbank, double header of Corinthians vs. Bayer Leverkusen & Fluminense vs. FC Koln. When was the last time a knockout-stage Champions League team played here?
Unfortunately I have heard that ticket sales have been very low.
Not a surprise. This does not have the cache of the US team, which sells well here.
Quote from: control on January 08, 2015, 03:21:21 PM
Great opportunity to show Jacksonville's support of soccer next Saturday at Everbank, double header of Corinthians vs. Bayer Leverkusen & Fluminense vs. FC Koln. When was the last time a knockout-stage Champions League team played here?
Unfortunately I have heard that ticket sales have been very low.
I've been hearing this too, which is fairly disappointing. I was hoping sales would ramp up after the holidays, and while I doubt teams will run out their top talent, for those of us that turn out, I'm sure we'll still see some great football. We're going to at least see a UEFA Champions League team that has been really, really solid all year (atleast in the 10 games or so of theirs I have caught)... and I believe we all know the answer to your question is zero. At least from the UEFA Champions League. DC United were in CONCACAF Champions League when they visited but I doubt that's the Champions League you were referencing :D
Does JAX still have skin in the game?
http://www.sportingnews.com/soccer-news/4659077-copa-america-2016-centenario-us-host-us-soccer-conmebol-concacaf
Quote from: blizz01 on October 24, 2015, 12:29:40 AM
Does JAX still have skin in the game?
http://www.sportingnews.com/soccer-news/4659077-copa-america-2016-centenario-us-host-us-soccer-conmebol-concacaf
I just saw this article this morning:
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/us-move-forward-hosting-2016-copa-america-222027090.html#MRlaZPw (https://uk.news.yahoo.com/us-move-forward-hosting-2016-copa-america-222027090.html#MRlaZPw)
Apparently the FIFA (and CONCACAF) corruption issues have caused the tournament to take a bit of a back seat.
Looks like Jacksonville will not be a host. Orlando got the nod along with 9 other cities.
http://www.abc15.com/sports/sports-blogs-local/copa-america-2016-phoenix-stadium-chosen-for-special-edition-of-south-american-soccer-championship
Well, that's a shame. I guess it makes sense that they are holding it in Orlando. It would've been nice to have got a match in Jax, though.
The COPA venues are...
Citrus Bowl in Orlando
Centurylink in Seattle
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford
Rose Bowl in Pasadena
Gillette Stadium in Foxboro
Soldier Field in Chicago
NRG Stadium in Houston
Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia
University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale
Orlando is probably a benefactor of Miami not having their renovations ready in time for the games.
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/2015/11/19/orlando-seattle-among-10-us-cities-hosting-copa-centenario/
Jacksonville winning one of these would have been a huge upset. We seriously punched above our weight class in getting an NFL franchise -- this is a historic sporting event that reasonably sought out venues that are located in major transportation hubs with easy access via airplane travel. For comparison, our airport is approximately ranked in the mid-50s.
Location and airport rank:
Citrus Bowl in Orlando
Airport: #15
Centurylink in Seattle
Airport: #13
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford
Airport: #5, 14 & 20
Rose Bowl in Pasadena
Airport: #2
Gillette Stadium in Foxboro
Airport: #18
Soldier Field in Chicago
Airport: #3
NRG Stadium in Houston
Airport: #11
Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia
Airport: #19
University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale
Airport: #10
Atlanta? No. Charlotte? No. Airports number 1 & 8. Honestly, Jacksonville had no real shot to host one of these.
I love for us to have big sporting events in Jax (no matter what they are) but personally, will I lose any sleep because a South American soccer league isn't gonna come rolling in town next year? Not at all.
Quote from: I-10east on November 26, 2015, 06:15:52 PM
I love for us to have big sporting events in Jax (no matter what they are) but personally, will I lose any sleep because a South American soccer league isn't gonna come rolling in town next year? Not at all.
Lol, that's not what it was, but I get your point. Still, this would have been far more significant than anything else we've ever hosted save for the Super Bowl (possibly). Yeah, it was a long shot.
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on November 26, 2015, 07:01:38 PM
Lol, that's not what it was, but I get your point.
Excuse my ignorance, is it not 'futbol' from South America?
Lol it's indeed the sport of soccer but you made it sound like one of those professional overseas soccer leagues doing an exhibition tour of North America with a few of their teams. This is more like a World Cup-lite. 16 nations (half of the world cup) from 2 of the 6 FIFA conferences sending their top national teams for a World Cup-style tournament. If the economic impact is akin to a World Cup-lite then it is about as huge as it gets (well short of the actual World Cup if we can land that) And the US is competing...it's not like this has nothing to do with us.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copa_América_Centenario (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copa_Am%C3%A9rica_Centenario)