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Sports and the economy — Will fans keep coming?
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nottyou | 5:42 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Sports isn't entertainment, it's therapy.
Anonymous | 7:17 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
We sometimes make heroes of athletes. Academics, however, will ever be eggheads.
It's part of our culture of disdain for knowledge.
Think About The Thirties | 7:42 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Baseball was the great stress reliever for the nation throughout the Great
Depression. I anticipate that professional sports will continue to be (as
stated above) "therapy" for those who want to escape the pressures of
the day, even if the "in-arena" attendance is down, TV viewership
(ergo revenues) may actually go up.
Comments continue below
Dave | 8:18 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Stress therapy? Maybe Obama will include 'free' seasond tickets for
everyone in his healthcare plan.
Belgie | 8:27 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
I'm so sick of professional sports. People act like I should be loyal to
an entertainment business that consists of people that all make at least 5 times
what I do. And so many of the people involved are immature, greedy, criminal,
or totally out of touch with reality (or all of the above).
College sports is where it's at.
College sports is where it's at.
Every sport is ok... | 8:46 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
...except soccer. Is there any revenue there to speak of in the first place?
re: Think About The Thirties | 8:57 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Attendance may go down but tv viewers? Most sports are mostly on cables and
Satalite that their prices still too high. I careless Pro Sports which they are
spoiled. I sure enjoy so far on those non bcs schools doing well this year and
will continue to do so.
Anonymous | 9:32 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
belgie: Look at world in general. You see immature, greedy, criminal and out of
touch people at the bank, the hospital and in government.
Sports is just a small segment of that picture. Pro athletes just have a brighter spotlight so their failings are more noticable.
Sports is just a small segment of that picture. Pro athletes just have a brighter spotlight so their failings are more noticable.
A Thought or Two | 9:35 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
I think sports provided an outlet for many during the Great Depression and
attendance at the movies and sporting events actually increased despite the
terrible economic hardships of the times. However, the prices today relative to
the incomes Americans generally have are much, much higher than during the Great
Depression.
Also, the relative strength of each sporting league and the relative strength each franchise has in its own city will be important factors. For example, the strongest sporting league in America right now is the NFL and the NFL should do just fine (think about the 30 year plus waiting list to get Green Bay Packer season tickets). But if you are the MLS (soccer), NBA, or MLB you might have some concerns. The Jazz will probably draw well but I'm not sure the LA Clippers or Charlotte Hornets will in a poorer economy. And yes, I would expect tv viewership of sports to remain strong, perhaps even increase, in these dark, troubling economic ties.
The good thing is that perhaps many of these franchises will have to reduce their ticket prices, do package type deals etc. to fill the seats and make these events more accessible.
Also, the relative strength of each sporting league and the relative strength each franchise has in its own city will be important factors. For example, the strongest sporting league in America right now is the NFL and the NFL should do just fine (think about the 30 year plus waiting list to get Green Bay Packer season tickets). But if you are the MLS (soccer), NBA, or MLB you might have some concerns. The Jazz will probably draw well but I'm not sure the LA Clippers or Charlotte Hornets will in a poorer economy. And yes, I would expect tv viewership of sports to remain strong, perhaps even increase, in these dark, troubling economic ties.
The good thing is that perhaps many of these franchises will have to reduce their ticket prices, do package type deals etc. to fill the seats and make these events more accessible.
re:Belgie | 9:36 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
I was just wondering, do you go to the movies? Why is it people get all over
athletes when they make big bucks, but no one bats an eye when an actor gets $15
to $25 million for a movie? Not to mention the fact that when an athlete makes
a mistake, it is there for all to see, but if an actor makes a mistake, they
just do it over and over again.
Anonymous | 9:40 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
What a waste of a stadium. Complete joke, just like soccer.
Here's what's ironic, 846 AM | 9:54 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
If Real Salt Lake can talk Real Madrid or some other big European club into
visiting; some European fans will come along & pay in Euros.
Not nearly-worthless US dollars.
This is more unlikely. But maybe RSL could loan or sell some players to European clubs and receive Euros, Pounds or some other non-worthless currency in return. But first, RSL would have to have some talented players. That's not too likely.
Not nearly-worthless US dollars.
This is more unlikely. But maybe RSL could loan or sell some players to European clubs and receive Euros, Pounds or some other non-worthless currency in return. But first, RSL would have to have some talented players. That's not too likely.
RE: Ironic | 10:43 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
RSL sold Freddy Adu to Benfica in Portugal. Javier Morales has turned heads this
season, just signed a contract extension for the next 3 or 4 years, but I
wouldn't be surprised to see him move overseas when his contract is up, or
for another team to buy his contract from RSL. Cris Seitz, who has been heralded
as the next 'keeper for the US National team also has a good chance of
moving overseas. RSL does have players to loan or sell.
RSL has also played host to Real Madrid, Everton, the Chinese National team, US National team, Monarcas, Saprissa, Tigres, and others. All of these bring in revenue to the team and the county. Now that RSL has their own stadium, these types of teams will visit more often. This will give them more revenue than just ticket sales to league games. This gives soccer teams a bit of an advantage over MLB, NHL, NBA and others who don't have the same international appeal as soccer.
Times may be tough, but I'm still willing to spend $200 to travel from St. George to Salt Lake to see RSL play in their new stadium! Go RSL!
RSL has also played host to Real Madrid, Everton, the Chinese National team, US National team, Monarcas, Saprissa, Tigres, and others. All of these bring in revenue to the team and the county. Now that RSL has their own stadium, these types of teams will visit more often. This will give them more revenue than just ticket sales to league games. This gives soccer teams a bit of an advantage over MLB, NHL, NBA and others who don't have the same international appeal as soccer.
Times may be tough, but I'm still willing to spend $200 to travel from St. George to Salt Lake to see RSL play in their new stadium! Go RSL!
Oh Please | 10:44 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Sports is the biggest waste of time invented by the human race.
RSL on the up and up | 10:50 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Even with the tough financial times, they are able to get a naming rights for
their stadium. Impressive. RSL will be fine. Each year...you haters get
older....and RSL gains more fans.
Thanks for the support.
Thanks for the support.
xenofred | 11:03 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Most of you soccer naysayers obviously know very little about soccer. You also
don't know anything about the stadium deal. The city owns the land and
leases it to RSL. The city and state stand to benefit significantly. Over time
when you factor in tax revenue, out of state sales, etc., the stadium and RSL
will pay itself 10 fold. This is a good, sound investment for Utah. The only
joke is that you can't see the value it brings to us.
Belgie | 11:11 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
To anonymous & re:Belgie:
Professional sports attempt to sell an image at least as much as they do the excitement of the games. In my opinion, the image is severely tainted by all the steroids, criminal activity, contract hold-outs, public feuds, etc. I'm therefore not the least bit interested in the image, and I can get the same level of excitement from college sports.
I'm just as (perhaps more) disillusioned with Hollywood and the music industry. I rarely go to movies or buy CDs because I have such a bad taste in my mouth from everyone involved in the industry. Again, at least to some degree, they are trying to sell me an image along with the entertainment, and I'm not interested.
I know that people in all organizations have character flaws, but banks, hospitals, and other businesses typically just try to sell me a product or service. And, actually, I typically avoid the ones that also push an image (exe. whole foods stores).
Professional sports attempt to sell an image at least as much as they do the excitement of the games. In my opinion, the image is severely tainted by all the steroids, criminal activity, contract hold-outs, public feuds, etc. I'm therefore not the least bit interested in the image, and I can get the same level of excitement from college sports.
I'm just as (perhaps more) disillusioned with Hollywood and the music industry. I rarely go to movies or buy CDs because I have such a bad taste in my mouth from everyone involved in the industry. Again, at least to some degree, they are trying to sell me an image along with the entertainment, and I'm not interested.
I know that people in all organizations have character flaws, but banks, hospitals, and other businesses typically just try to sell me a product or service. And, actually, I typically avoid the ones that also push an image (exe. whole foods stores).
Soccer is lame | 11:12 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
I've asked all my friends and they all agree. We wouldn't go see MLS
if it was FREE. Sorry to all the sissies who fake injuries to get a
"card". Soccer will always be seventh or eighth in popularity in this
country.
re: Belgie | 11:38 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
In reference to you first paragraph, you must not thoroughly read the paper.
There are no contract hold outs in collegiate sports, but there have been a
litany of stories about criminal activity among college athletes over the last
few years. Not to mention that at least in pro sports, the money is out in the
open and not under the table as is the case in college sports and if you
don't think that doesn't still happen, you need to get your head out
of the sand.
What? | 11:54 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
When did Utah get a soccer team?
RE: Soccer is lame | 11:56 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Sounds like you need some new friends.
Re: Soccer is lame | 11:59 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Whoa...you asked all your friends? Sorry bro, didnt realize that you had done
that. Once you guys go back in from recess, tell your teacher the good news.
Meanwhile, soccer continues to grow in the States.
Meanwhile, soccer continues to grow in the States.
Alternate | 12:04 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
It may take a few years to "convert" all those who feel that public
money should not have been used for the RSL stadium. There was a lot of
ugliness and a lot of wounds that need to be healed.
The on-field product needs to improve also. I am not sure you can win over fans from other sports with a poor season record, especially one loaded with ties. I dread the thought of sitting for 2 hours only to see a no win game.
Finally, the parking mess will impact attendance. I rarely go to the E-Center because you must pay for parking. I will never forget the high school tournaments at the E-Center and families having to pay to park so they could see their kids play. I hope the same will not apply at the new place. They need some free alternatives.
The on-field product needs to improve also. I am not sure you can win over fans from other sports with a poor season record, especially one loaded with ties. I dread the thought of sitting for 2 hours only to see a no win game.
Finally, the parking mess will impact attendance. I rarely go to the E-Center because you must pay for parking. I will never forget the high school tournaments at the E-Center and families having to pay to park so they could see their kids play. I hope the same will not apply at the new place. They need some free alternatives.
RE: Soccer is lame | 12:23 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
"Soccer will always be seventh or eighth in popularity in this
country."
And yet, it is already 5th in popularity in this country. Here's the proof (average attendance):
1. NFL 67,738
2. MLB 37,717
3. NBA 17,394
4. NHL 17,265
5. MLS 16,770
These numbers are from the respective leagues' 2007-08 seasons. As you can see, Major League Soccer is only behind the NBA by an average attendance of 624 people. With new teams coming in and new stadiums being built, this gap will continue to narrow. MLS has been able to accomplish this with only 13 teams (last year) compared to the NFL's 32, MLB's 30, NBA's 30, and NHL's 30. As more teams are added (San Jose this year, two to come in Seattle & Philly in the next two years, with two more possible by 2012), interest in the league will grow, as will attendance. I suggest you jump on board now, before you and your friends get left behind.
And yet, it is already 5th in popularity in this country. Here's the proof (average attendance):
1. NFL 67,738
2. MLB 37,717
3. NBA 17,394
4. NHL 17,265
5. MLS 16,770
These numbers are from the respective leagues' 2007-08 seasons. As you can see, Major League Soccer is only behind the NBA by an average attendance of 624 people. With new teams coming in and new stadiums being built, this gap will continue to narrow. MLS has been able to accomplish this with only 13 teams (last year) compared to the NFL's 32, MLB's 30, NBA's 30, and NHL's 30. As more teams are added (San Jose this year, two to come in Seattle & Philly in the next two years, with two more possible by 2012), interest in the league will grow, as will attendance. I suggest you jump on board now, before you and your friends get left behind.
Math Whiz | 12:39 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Belchie: If the average sports player makes only 5 times more than you either
you are doing okay and will fall under Obama's soak the rich program or you
don't have a clue what kind of money professional
"athlete/entertainers" make.
That arrogant suspended receiver for the New York Giants was recently fined almost $250,000 for being suspended one game. Are you making $50,000 per week?
That arrogant suspended receiver for the New York Giants was recently fined almost $250,000 for being suspended one game. Are you making $50,000 per week?
RE: 11:11 AM | 12:47 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
We live in the richest society, with the most leisure time and discretionary
income, that the world has ever known. We can afford to be entertained.
A great deal of our entertainment has been created for us by people who like to think they know what we want. That's what Hollywood is all about--glitz and glamour in a bright, shiny package that promises a thousand times more than it actually delivers.
Sadly, it's what many of our sports--pro, college, and even some of the more noted high school programs--have become, too. As spectacle, greed, showmanship, competition, and egoism replace substance, service, integrity, cooperation, and teamwork, our modern way of enacting sports shows itself as of little lasting value.
Sports, like media, that speak to lasting values will survive. This will include soccer--the passion for this sport in Europe and much of the globe makes our devotion to football seem casual by comparison. It might be a tough sell for some of us, but it'll catch on eventually. Meanwhile, the greed, showboating and trash talk in U.S. sports will die, along with trash media, and I won't be sorry to see them go.
A great deal of our entertainment has been created for us by people who like to think they know what we want. That's what Hollywood is all about--glitz and glamour in a bright, shiny package that promises a thousand times more than it actually delivers.
Sadly, it's what many of our sports--pro, college, and even some of the more noted high school programs--have become, too. As spectacle, greed, showmanship, competition, and egoism replace substance, service, integrity, cooperation, and teamwork, our modern way of enacting sports shows itself as of little lasting value.
Sports, like media, that speak to lasting values will survive. This will include soccer--the passion for this sport in Europe and much of the globe makes our devotion to football seem casual by comparison. It might be a tough sell for some of us, but it'll catch on eventually. Meanwhile, the greed, showboating and trash talk in U.S. sports will die, along with trash media, and I won't be sorry to see them go.
to Oh Please @ 10:44 | 12:56 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
If sports is the biggest waste of time invented by the human race, why on earth
are you wasting YOUR time reading this article?
RE: Soccer is lame | 1:00 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Also, when you add up overall attendance (2007-08 seasons) for the big 5 sports
worldwide, here's how they stack up:
1. Soccer 181,547,684
2. Baseball 146,226,505
3. Hockey 57,227,776
4. Basketball 27,362,036
5. American Football 17,341,012
It looks like soccer outdraws football by over 164 million people. Yeah, soccer isn't a big sport.
1. Soccer 181,547,684
2. Baseball 146,226,505
3. Hockey 57,227,776
4. Basketball 27,362,036
5. American Football 17,341,012
It looks like soccer outdraws football by over 164 million people. Yeah, soccer isn't a big sport.
15 to 32 | 1:04 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Wayne: but how will we get people to come
Jim: if you book them, they will come.
Wayne: what?
Jim: IF YOU BOOD THEM, THEY WILL COME
dont mind the naked indian
Jim: if you book them, they will come.
Wayne: what?
Jim: IF YOU BOOD THEM, THEY WILL COME
dont mind the naked indian
Re: Alternate | 1:09 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
I agree with two of your three points. Yes, there are wounds that need to heal
over the stadium issue, yes the on field product needs to improve, although, no
win games are not always boring. One of the most exciting games I've seen
this year was the 0-0 draw between RSL and Chicago (at Chicago). not only was it
a no win game, it was a no score game, yet I was on the edge of my seat the
entire 90 minutes!
As for the parking, I don't think it's really an issue. When are people in Utah going to realize they don't need to drive everywhere they go? TRAX has a station just a block away from the new stadium. Yeah, you've got to pay to ride, but it's cheaper than paying for gas and the cost of parking. Plus, the walk to the stadium will do you some good.
Go RSL!
As for the parking, I don't think it's really an issue. When are people in Utah going to realize they don't need to drive everywhere they go? TRAX has a station just a block away from the new stadium. Yeah, you've got to pay to ride, but it's cheaper than paying for gas and the cost of parking. Plus, the walk to the stadium will do you some good.
Go RSL!
re: re: | 1:29 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
The MLS may only trail the NBA in average attendance by 624, but the % of seats
filled is quite a bit higher in the NBA and I am sure there are several NBA
teams out there that if they played in arenas the same size as MLS stadiums,
that differential in average would be much higher. It would be even higher
without the freebees and the phantom seat dwellers like RSL had at RES. You
could always count on them announcing a crowd that was around 4-5,000 higher
than the actual gate.
the NFL | 1:36 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
all of you big headed americans do realize that american football is just that,
only american.
It does not exist in other parts of the world in anywhere near the capacity of that which it does here.
To say that american football is the biggest sport is a ridiculous thing to say.
The MLS is only growing, the NHL, NBA, and MLB are somewhat on the decline. How much longer can people stand american football? who knows? I doubt soccer will ever surpass it in this country, at least not for a long while.
Soccer could realistically pass up the NBA in 10 years, the numbers suggest it will.
oh, and the ever increasing foreign population to this country tends to help just a bit ya know...
It does not exist in other parts of the world in anywhere near the capacity of that which it does here.
To say that american football is the biggest sport is a ridiculous thing to say.
The MLS is only growing, the NHL, NBA, and MLB are somewhat on the decline. How much longer can people stand american football? who knows? I doubt soccer will ever surpass it in this country, at least not for a long while.
Soccer could realistically pass up the NBA in 10 years, the numbers suggest it will.
oh, and the ever increasing foreign population to this country tends to help just a bit ya know...
Sorry | 1:40 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Soccer is growing and will probably pass the NHL in popularity. But it will
never get into "big three territory."
You can cite attendance numbers all you want. What about television ratings? NFL, college football, college hoops, NBA and MLB TV ratings demolish anything from MLS.
The only reason the NBA doesn't draw a higher average of fans is most arenas only hold between 16,000 and 20,000 people. Some teams would certainly draw better if there were more seats.
Comparing attendance numbers doesn't always work. Baseball only averages 37,000 fans? Well, there are six games a week. Times it by six and you have an average of 190,000 fans per week. The NFL averages 67,000. There's only game per week.
Where the proof comes that the NFL is king is in the television ratings.
The ratings for the MLS Cup are dwarfed by the Super Bowl, NFL playoffs, March Madness, MLB and NBA playoffs.
I like soccer. But I like GOOD soccer. I never miss the World Cup or UEFA champions or the Euro Cup finals. I can't stand the MLS because it is tantamount to watching AAA baseball.
You can cite attendance numbers all you want. What about television ratings? NFL, college football, college hoops, NBA and MLB TV ratings demolish anything from MLS.
The only reason the NBA doesn't draw a higher average of fans is most arenas only hold between 16,000 and 20,000 people. Some teams would certainly draw better if there were more seats.
Comparing attendance numbers doesn't always work. Baseball only averages 37,000 fans? Well, there are six games a week. Times it by six and you have an average of 190,000 fans per week. The NFL averages 67,000. There's only game per week.
Where the proof comes that the NFL is king is in the television ratings.
The ratings for the MLS Cup are dwarfed by the Super Bowl, NFL playoffs, March Madness, MLB and NBA playoffs.
I like soccer. But I like GOOD soccer. I never miss the World Cup or UEFA champions or the Euro Cup finals. I can't stand the MLS because it is tantamount to watching AAA baseball.
sports is an outlet | 1:55 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Even during the depression, baseball still provided packed stadiums. Sports is
an outlet from the woes of the world if even for a few hours.
re: re:lame | 2:34 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Sorry, but this is about sports in the United States, not the rest of the world.
Of course, if you throw in the rest of the world, soccer is going to be first,
although if that's the case, you have to lump in all forms of auto racing
and that would likely surpass soccer.
Re: the NFL | 2:36 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
You got one thing right, we don't care about anyone/thing else! Go America.
re: sorry | 2:47 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Actually compared to the rest of the world I was thinking the MLS is more like
class A or rookie league (ie: Pioneer League) baseball.
Soccer is lame | 2:56 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
1. NFL
2. NASCAR
3. NBA
4. MLB
5. Golf
6. Soccer
Attendance in America per event as published by Newsweek Nov. 2007
Soccer will always be a second or third tier sport in America. Twenty years ago people were saying soccer was going to be mega popular. Never happened...never will.
I'm just glad soccer gives non-athletic kids some exercise and allows boys and girls to play together. Just don't make me pay to watch minor league (MLS) soccer. The Euros are even boring to watch and they are supposedly the best. BOOOORING!
2. NASCAR
3. NBA
4. MLB
5. Golf
6. Soccer
Attendance in America per event as published by Newsweek Nov. 2007
Soccer will always be a second or third tier sport in America. Twenty years ago people were saying soccer was going to be mega popular. Never happened...never will.
I'm just glad soccer gives non-athletic kids some exercise and allows boys and girls to play together. Just don't make me pay to watch minor league (MLS) soccer. The Euros are even boring to watch and they are supposedly the best. BOOOORING!
Davis | 2:58 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Why waste money on spoiled, undereducated, rich idiots?
I go to the local HS games. These kids actually deserve support.
I go to the local HS games. These kids actually deserve support.
Surpass the NBA | 3:02 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Soccer surpass the NBA? Now I know who I'm talking too and I'll
thank everybody and leave.
I guess high school let out at 2:40 pm. Good gracious......MLS stinks.
I guess high school let out at 2:40 pm. Good gracious......MLS stinks.
To: sports is an outlet | 3:08 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Not when you get online today and see that single game tickets to the Jazz for a
family of 4, sitting on the endline in the upper bowl will run you close to $200
once all the fees are paid! And that doesn't count gas to get there and a
hot dog once you're there.
Of course, you rich people will be able to keep going to Jazz games...your economic "sacrifice" will be that you might have to drive to ESA in your Acura instead of your Hummer.
Of course, you rich people will be able to keep going to Jazz games...your economic "sacrifice" will be that you might have to drive to ESA in your Acura instead of your Hummer.
Cardiac Attack | 3:08 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
So many of you sports "FANS" have beer guts. Playing sports is one
thing. Sitting around polishing the leather couch with your rear end is another
thing. Get up and get some exercise.
Soccer fans | 3:15 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Along with all the other Americans who love socialism and soccer, please leave
the country immediately so the rest of us can move on with capitalism and the
National Football League. Thank you in advance.....
I hear the food is good in England, the ladies are pretty in Italy and the cops are nice in Germany....NOT! Soccer, puhleaaase!!!
I hear the food is good in England, the ladies are pretty in Italy and the cops are nice in Germany....NOT! Soccer, puhleaaase!!!
Truth-Sayer | 3:32 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
"Sports is the biggest waste of time invented by the human race."
As we are beholding with our own eyes, so is trying to "keep up with the Joneses."
So is gambling with the stock market.
Sports will always be a healthy outlet--it's been around since the beginning of the human race in some form or fashion.
As we are beholding with our own eyes, so is trying to "keep up with the Joneses."
So is gambling with the stock market.
Sports will always be a healthy outlet--it's been around since the beginning of the human race in some form or fashion.
TV Ratings... | 3:36 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
are all that matters, and MLS ratings stink. The largest regular season MLS
number was a 1.4 for David Beckham's first game. (Each rating point is just
over a million people.) That's about like a Fox Saturday afternoon baseball
game between, say, Kansas City and Seattle. The MLS Cup did a 1.8. That sucks.
The Super Bowl does around a 40, and the World Series does between a 12 and a
15. A good prime time show does a 10-12. An NBA regular season game does
2.0-2.5. So, MLS is basically a dog when it comes to ratings, and that's
where the money comes from. That's why MLS's TV revenue is about $30
million compared to the NFL's average of $3.75 billion, the NBA's $765
million, and baseball's $340 million. Until MLS gets its own version of
Tiger Woods, the league will be an also-ran.
Watch out Blaze and Grizzlies | 3:43 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Sports teams, especially the minor league teams, will feel the crunch because
their owners can't afford 3-5 years of operating losses like LHM. These
teams are leasees of their builidings, and are tied into ticket and sponsorship
revenues only. Thats why you don't see this article mentioning anyhting
about parking, concessions, or merchandise. The buildings keep all of that
money. The teams don't see any of it. If these revenues go down, watch
out. REAL bought themselves 2-3 years of good business with the new stadium.
Everyone likes new things, and they will give it a try. The Blaze and Grizzlies
are in trouble because the shine has worn off and the entertainment budget is
the first thing to get cut in tough times...
Regarding lots of posters | 3:49 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Yes, football is king, I agree. It will be for a long time to come too. Yes
television ratings come into factor here, and yes, NBA, MLB, NFL, & NHL have
higher ratings than MLS. but they don't have higher ratings than the World
Cup.
Yes the NBA would have higher attendance in some markets if their arenas were bigger. The same argument can be made for some MLS teams. Both the LA Galaxy and Toronto FC sell out nearly every game. If their stadiums were larger, so would be their attendance. That's two teams out of 14 for a total of 15%, or about one in 6 teams. That would probably be about the same result for the NBA if their arenas were larger.
Regarding NASCAR, I left it out on purpose, yeah it probably deserves inclusion, but I only included participatory team sports. By that I mean, a sport in which any kid from Anywhere, USA can play on any given day. I don't see the average kid picking up a race car and racing around a track after school, so I left it out.
Yes the NBA would have higher attendance in some markets if their arenas were bigger. The same argument can be made for some MLS teams. Both the LA Galaxy and Toronto FC sell out nearly every game. If their stadiums were larger, so would be their attendance. That's two teams out of 14 for a total of 15%, or about one in 6 teams. That would probably be about the same result for the NBA if their arenas were larger.
Regarding NASCAR, I left it out on purpose, yeah it probably deserves inclusion, but I only included participatory team sports. By that I mean, a sport in which any kid from Anywhere, USA can play on any given day. I don't see the average kid picking up a race car and racing around a track after school, so I left it out.
Soccer? | 3:49 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Non athletic? Are you serious? your ignorance is showing. It takes more
coordination than any other sport period. This coming from a highschool
basketball, football, and soccer player.
As for the MLS passing NBA, NHL, NFL. ect. I dont think it will ever pass the NFL but possibly the NBA and the NHL.
Go Chelsea, RSL, And AC Milan
As for the MLS passing NBA, NHL, NFL. ect. I dont think it will ever pass the NFL but possibly the NBA and the NHL.
Go Chelsea, RSL, And AC Milan
Super Bowl | 3:51 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
The super bowl had 160 million viewers last year.
The world cup final had 2.1 billion viewers.
Enough said.
The world cup final had 2.1 billion viewers.
Enough said.
Re Soccer Fans | 3:56 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Only those of the aging generations still think that soccer players are
socialists..
The older generations are just going to have to accept it. The up and coming generations embrace and enjoy soccer.
Accept it, its not going anywhere!
MLS does stink now but its growing
The older generations are just going to have to accept it. The up and coming generations embrace and enjoy soccer.
Accept it, its not going anywhere!
MLS does stink now but its growing
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