2010 Home Opener (revised): Apr 15 vs. Philly

[Rudi]

Just announced:

http://www.mlsnet.com//news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20091014&content_id=7455404&vkey=news_t280&fext=.jsp&team=t280

[pekduck]

expected, but good to confirm

[ArmenJBX]

NO! Not this again! :(

I refuse to go to a home opener with the new expansion team! :(

It screwed us over once, it'll probably happen again.

Boycott the match!

(Just kidding! :D Should be a fun one :P)

[neuf]

http://www.phinallyphilly.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/myersphiladelphia-union.gif

[Suds]

Should be interesting to see how many of their supporters come up for this game. This will be their first away game within driving distance.

[pekduck]

^
as if we have tickets available for them :P

may be MLSE will add some temporary seats for them, i dunno

[rocker]

well there's 3500 seats after season's tickets are accounted for. Since they haven't sold single game seats yet, I'm sure they can work with Philly to create a suitable allotment for them.

[Rudi]

This will be their first away game within driving distance.
Not necessarily.

[pekduck]

i'm pretty sure some of them will go to seattle for first ever game as they've also done the usa vs costa rica away trip in the past

[Red CB Toronto]

Not necessarily.

Philadelphia, who joins the MLS Eastern Conference, will travel to Toronto after opening their season on Thursday, March 25 at Seattle, followed by a home match at Lincoln Financial Field against D.C. United.

[Suds]

Not necessarily.

I guess they could always get a game in week two added as the full schedule has not yet been announced. Week one they are in Seattle and week three they open at home followed by the game in Toronto.

[Rudi]

Philadelphia, who joins the MLS Eastern Conference, will travel to Toronto after opening their season on Thursday, March 25 at Seattle, followed by a home match at Lincoln Financial Field against D.C. United.
That says nothing about potential games between March 25 and April 17, as Suds alludes to in the post above.

I doubt they'll play twice and immediately lie dormant for two weeks.

[Brooker]

mass traveling fans on opening day? i love it!

[kaos197O]

http://www.phinallyphilly.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/myersphiladelphia-union.gif

Is the logo under UNION really a large turd with flies hovering around it? Nasty.......

[FluSH]

aaaaaaaaah Sons of Ben... this should be interesting!

[rocker]

Is the logo under UNION really a large turd with flies hovering around it? Nasty.......

go on Google Streetview and "walk" around the town of Chester, where the new stadium is.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=chester+penn&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=34.259599,56.513672&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Chester,+Delaware,+Pennsylvania&ll=39.833092,-75.389557&spn=0.016214,0.043945&t=h&z=15&layer=c&cbll=39.831627,-75.387725&panoid=dIOcCyUNMbs5VwLnf9Qp2w&cbp=12,351.4,,0,6.49

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=chester+penn&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=34.259599,56.513672&ie=UTF8&t=h&layer=c&cbll=39.835062,-75.382984&panoid=ZRfDYfQJd51QRH5qS21YJQ&cbp=12,292.28,,0,0.43&hq=&hnear=Chester,+Delaware,+Pennsylvania&ll=39.834575,-75.382519&spn=0,359.956055&z=15

I think a pile of steaming shit describes it well!!!!

[AL-MO]

NICE!

Can't wait.

[kaos197O]

go on Google Streetview and "walk" around the town of Chester, where the new stadium is.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=chester+penn&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=34.259599,56.513672&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Chester,+Delaware,+Pennsylvania&ll=39.833092,-75.389557&spn=0.016214,0.043945&t=h&z=15&layer=c&cbll=39.831627,-75.387725&panoid=dIOcCyUNMbs5VwLnf9Qp2w&cbp=12,351.4,,0,6.49

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=chester+penn&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=34.259599,56.513672&ie=UTF8&t=h&layer=c&cbll=39.835062,-75.382984&panoid=ZRfDYfQJd51QRH5qS21YJQ&cbp=12,292.28,,0,0.43&hq=&hnear=Chester,+Delaware,+Pennsylvania&ll=39.834575,-75.382519&spn=0,359.956055&z=15

I think a pile of steaming shit describes it well!!!!

Pretty dumpy indeed!

It'll give TRUE meaning to the "you're shit and you know you are" chant. This will be fun!

[Blazer]

Is the logo under UNION really a large turd with flies hovering around it? Nasty.......

If this is indeed their logo ... I see epic banner possibilities ...

PEE-U STINKS!

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YlH1XSlujrQ/Rp4SfaCXIWI/AAAAAAAAAiY/k_uXYEo6x20/s400/AnimatedPooSteamingCLR.gif

[MrHawk]

And it will be on grass :)

[ArmenJBX]

The real logo has a snake, this one was a logo that even made its way onto the official adidas store. A hacker got in and changed the logo to the poo one.

lols ensued.

[brad]

well there's 3500 seats after season's tickets are accounted for. Since they haven't sold single game seats yet, I'm sure they can work with Philly to create a suitable allotment for them.

That's 3500 scattered around the stadium.

Anything more than the standard 200 or so that are normally sold to away fans means taking tickets away from TFC fans to sell to the opposition fans.

Can't see why TFC would do that...

[jimiv]

Read it again it looks like were playing philadelhia. :drinking:

http://www.redpatchboys.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=52&pictureid=1947 (http://www.redpatchboys.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=52&pictureid=1947)

[rocker]

That's 3500 scattered around the stadium.

Anything more than the standard 200 or so that are normally sold to away fans means taking tickets away from TFC fans to sell to the opposition fans.

Can't see why TFC would do that...

they can probably do 300-400 in the top of 104-105... and maybe more up in the top in 227.

[mighty_torontofc_2008]

at least its not columbus...in 2011 lets hope we open home and away against the caps.

[brad]

they can probably do 300-400 in the top of 104-105... and maybe more up in the top in 227.

What I've heard from other groups is that 200 are all that's available at the top of 104.

Also - why would they go out of there way to provide extra tickets to traveling supporters instead of selling them to TFC supporters?

[Darlofletch]

partial packages are promoted around the big games, home opener, home closer, international friendly. Plus anticipatio for a new season, grass etc etc, there's no way they're going to give more than usual to the away team.

[stugautz]

I hope they come in numbers. Adds atmosphere to the game which I don't think anybody will complain about.

I think any talk about extra seats for visiting supporters in the north end is nonsense. I don't see anybody bringing those numbers up here...but if they can sell the tickets, then why not? A north end of visiting supporters and a south end of TFC supporters...this will be a showcase game for both teams and the league.

[prizby]

first off, it is not tfc who allocate tickets to "away" fans, (in situations like tfc), from what I have been told, a request will come from the league office to make a certain number of tickets available for away fans (no more than about 180-200)


secondly, i think this is stupid, it should be the other way around

the expectation is that Philly should be pretty close to selling out their stadium, but should they don't seem like that there stadium will be ready, thus, since TFC is notorious for their large travelling support, we should be facing Philly in Philly before Chester Stadium (as much as I am sure there will be a fair number of fans that want to see their new stadium) is ready so we can send 2000-3000 fans, that would be the most ideal away game I think a lot of fans would want to see, more so than New England and certainly after the Columbus fiasco



should this be in the News Thread?

[AL-MO]

If this is indeed their logo ... I see epic banner possibilities ...

PEE-U STINKS!

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YlH1XSlujrQ/Rp4SfaCXIWI/AAAAAAAAAiY/k_uXYEo6x20/s400/AnimatedPooSteamingCLR.gif

Not too worry, the gears are already turning!

[jaahuuu]

I just noticed that the home opener is Thursday April 15 at 8pm. WTF!?! When was that changed? I love the 2+ hour drive home after a late game when I have to be up at 6am to go to work the next day. :(

http://web.mlsnet.com/mls/schedule/2010/first_kick.jsp

[jaahuuu]

edit - Internet Explorer problems, sorry for the double post.

[zamperina]

On the U-Sector site PB has confirmed the game has been switched to April 15th 8pm


"But - as a special Christmas gift for U-sector - we're going to change our home opener against PU to an evening game. April 15. 8pm. mark your calendars and someone go knock 2 days off the countdown clock!"

"Happy Christmas everyone. See you on the other side!"

[stugautz]

I like the idea of a season opener being on in Prime Time on a week night. New pitch, lights, ESPN in the house, should make for a great showcase as we lay down a beating on the newest expansion franchise. I'm calling a 2-0 victory.

[FluSH]

I just noticed that the home opener is Thursday April 15 at 8pm. WTF!?! When was that changed? I love the 2+ hour drive home after a late game when I have to be up at 6am to go to work the next day. :(

http://web.mlsnet.com/mls/schedule/2010/first_kick.jsp

It seems I will be taking that Friday off from work!

[Roogsy]

It seems I will be taking that Friday off from work!

Perfect time to start kickoff a spring bender!

[reggie]

so its PU and those S.O.Bs

[RPB_RED_NATION_RPB]

I like it!

[Yohan]

I like the idea of a season opener being on in Prime Time on a week night. New pitch, lights, ESPN in the house, should make for a great showcase as we lay down a beating on the newest expansion franchise. I'm calling a 2-0 victory.
didn't we call a 2-0 victory against Sounders and we got beaten by 2-0 score? lol

from what I see of PU roster, they are forming a decent base, and has loads of money to splash before the season starts.

[lips]

It seems I will be taking that Friday off from work!
Yes I think I will have to do the same
It would have been nice to have a tailgate for the home opener:(

[JonO]

didn't we call a 2-0 victory against Sounders and we got beaten by 2-0 score? lol
I also thought we'd make the playoffs for sure... Doesn't meant I'm going to change my expectations...

[DurhamAthletic1]

won't it be a little chilly out, mid April in the evening?

[flatpicker]

^ you aren't scared are you?

[Mark in Ottawa]

So which is it?
Thursday the 15th or Saturday the 17th???

[Gixmo]

Its the 15th, at 800.

Party on, Bring your parkas...

[Mark in Ottawa]

So which is it?
Thursday the 15th or Saturday the 17th???

Never mind... refer to:
http://www.redpatchboys.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=19177

[James17930]

Hopefully the S.O.B.s will still be sending people.

[Redpunkfiddle]

Hopefully the S.O.B.s will still be sending people.

They seem crazy enough to give it a go even though its a Thursday.

[uncle p]

Weeknight home opener = epic march to the grounds!!!

[CretanBull]

I don't really care when the game is, but it does suck that Thursday will prevent the SOBs from coming up in numbers, and even if they do come up there won't be a tailgate where we can meet up with them.

[Always There]

http://www.phinallyphilly.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/myersphiladelphia-union.gif

I'm starting to think people around here have a bit of a shit fetish. We have the Crapids, Shitcago, Shite Bulls, and now this. Let's not forget the references to Columbus and their piss coloured shirts.

Very strange.

[Phil]

I'm starting to think people around here have a bit of a shit fetish. We have the Crapids, Shitcago, Shite Bulls, and now this. Let's not forget the references to Columbus and their piss coloured shirts.

Very strange.

When you start making the accusations that you are, I seem to think you are just looking for reaction.

Its simple, crap = bad, so sometimes its an easy road to go down and has nothing to do with a fetish. Keep it up if you want an infraction.

[FluSH]

I'm starting to think people around here have a bit of a shit fetish. We have the Crapids, Shitcago, Shite Bulls, and now this. Let's not forget the references to Columbus and their piss coloured shirts.

Very strange.

Seriously...?

[rocker]

umm, it's obvious...... shit isn't a good thing ... so it's a natural diss.
i mean, when you want to insult someone it's the easiest route. :)

but if shit is a "good thing" in your world, then that's ok too ;) some people quite enjoy it ;)

[flatpicker]

but if shit is a "good thing" in your world, then that's ok too ;) some people quite enjoy it ;)

well, sometimes a shit can be incredibly satisfying!


:D

[Always There]

I'm just joking around, not so sure I need to be threatened with an infraction for making an observation. Sheesh.

Seriously though, just because something is coiled doesn't mean the association needs to be shit. I'm just saying.

[Get In There]

I'm starting to think people around here have a bit of a shit fetish. We have the Crapids, Shitcago, Shite Bulls, and now this. Let's not forget the references to Columbus and their piss coloured shirts.

Very strange.

Nerd alert.

It's a good observation but not specific to this board. It's rather the English language in general i.e.: asshole, you're an ass, shit, shitty, shit faced, bullshit, crap, dip shit, shit the bed, holy shit, full of shit, shit happens, get your shit together, chicken shit, shit eating grin...

It realtes to the Anal stage of development...

B

[Roogsy]

umm, it's obvious...... shit isn't a good thing ... so it's a natural diss.
i mean, when you want to insult someone it's the easiest route. :)

but if shit is a "good thing" in your world, then that's ok too ;) some people quite enjoy it ;)

:lol:

Talk about a wet blanket. The inference is obvious and yet he feels the need to seem bewildered by it. Like he does it get it. Riiiiiiight... :rolleyes:

[Roogsy]

I'm just joking around, not so sure I need to be threatened with an infraction for making an observation. Sheesh.

Seriously though, just because something is coiled doesn't mean the association needs to be shit. I'm just saying.

Yes because using a "slinky" reference is so much more effective than a "shit" reference.

Remind us never to consult with you on our banners. :thumbsup:

[wzhxvy]

I am not sure I am excited about a night game in April...

[Yohan]

I am not sure I am excited about a night game in April...
bundle up a little more, have a beer and you're good to go

if it gets too cold, it'll keep all the soccer moms away. win!

[flatpicker]

I am not sure I am excited about a night game in April...

Toronto's home opener...
Give me a good reason why you wouldn't be excited about that.

[FluSH]

Nerd alert.

It's a good observation but not specific to this board. It's rather the English language in general i.e.: asshole, you're an ass, shit, shitty, shit faced, bullshit, crap, dip shit, shit the bed, holy shit, full of shit, shit happens, get your shit together, chicken shit, shit eating grin...

It realtes to the Anal stage of development...

B


I liked the name Always There... but Get In There sounds even better! :D

[Kaz]

I might pass on this game and either head to Boston on Columbus. Would be nice to travel to watch a game. Haven't done that since I saw the Jay's in Minnesota in... umm... 89 or 90.

[Redpunkfiddle]

I'm starting to think people around here have a bit of a shit fetish. We have the Crapids, Shitcago, Shite Bulls, and now this. Let's not forget the references to Columbus and their piss coloured shirts.

Very strange.

You should have seen Nascar's avatar before the 09 Columbus early away game. It was even animated.

[Get In There]

I liked the name Always There... but Get In There sounds even better! :D


Why, do you have a 'There' fetish?....;)

Since I take people at face value, at first blush, here's the inspiration. The great escape - what a day ..well to Spurs fans at least.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcE1kHHW_E8&feature=related

B

[Always There]

:lol:

Talk about a wet blanket. The inference is obvious and yet he feels the need to seem bewildered by it. Like he does it get it. Riiiiiiight... :rolleyes:


I certainly didn't mean to give the impression that I didn't understand the reference to shit. It seems fairly self explanatory. I laugh that people are trying to explain the connotation to me.

Like I said, I was joking around. It just seems like a real fixation on shit to me. I find that humorous. No big deal.

I won't try and consult with you on any banners, but I'll tell you to seek out the words of Jim Lahey if you're ever stuck for ideas.

I'm very excited for the first game. Philly is going to be a great addition to the league. Someone wanted a good reason to be excited for the home opener. How about a beautiful, natural, grass surface.

[TOBOR !]

Does anyone know what the ticket allotment for away support is these days ?

[FluSH]

Why, do you have a 'There' fetish?....;)

Since I take people at face value, at first blush, here's the inspiration. The great escape - what a day ..well to Spurs fans at least.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcE1kHHW_E8&feature=related

B

haha This made the name even better! Great Video!

[uncle p]

I'm starting to think people around here have a bit of a shit fetish. We have the Crapids, Shitcago, Shite Bulls, and now this. Let's not forget the references to Columbus and their piss coloured shirts.

Very strange.

I think this post is shit....
(just kidding dude)

[wzhxvy]

Toronto's home opener...
Give me a good reason why you wouldn't be excited about that.

Why, because we live in one of the coldest countries in the world...thats why. Because animals dont deem it warm enough to be outside, and we are holding a night game for our home opener thats why. Not to mention last year where we played most of our home games in April and May, and were on the road for most of the summer.

It was down right freezing a few games last year...and the opener game is on a week night...cant speak for everyone but some people have jobs. Why dont you give me one good reason why 8pm on a Thursday in April is a good idea...there is none. The comments around it being prime time TV time are laughable. I am sure there is a reason for the time, but I dont know it.

[flatpicker]

^ Complaining about the weather just seems kinda wimpy to me.

I saw two English games on tv yesterday that had heavy snow falling.
I often see CFL and NFL games being held in blizzards.
Fans deal with it... wear a sweater, put on a jacket, wrap your scarf around your face, put on a toque.

As for people working... we had other weekday games in the past.
It's bound to happen... sure it sucks for people who work a late shift.
And weekend games suck for people who work weekend shifts.

[ag futbol]

I can understand to a degree defering to ESPN but at the same time, you can't organize your league around TV.

Success on TV is the end result of demand. Demand created by serving your customer base. As much as i'm not a fan of the sport, NASCAR is the perfect example. They grew out of the Southern USA to a fever pitch, TV followed because it was popular ... people elsewhere started to catch on ..

Compare this to the NHL who bends over for TV and subsequently gets bent over in the ratings department (and at the gates in certain places). The existance of the NHL in various TV markets did not make it necessarily popular (although the geographic spread made it in theory ideal for a national TV deal).

Is what's being taken away from TFC worth playing on Thursday night with ESPN?

This is to a lesser degree just like scheduling the LA game every year durring the international break. Toronto is successful anyways, so why toss them anything extra when we could incramentally sell more seats elsewhere?

The existance of this game on TV will not necessarily make it a hit in Phily or anywhere else. Their market can be served by local TV if fans are that interested in watching.

Continuing to take away from strong markets to feed the weak never seemed like a good business strategy imo.

[menefreghista]

I can understand to a degree defering to ESPN but at the same time, you can't organize your league around TV.

Every league in the world does though.

Do you really think the tradition in England was to have 6 different time slots for top division matches? They use to be played all at the same time.

[ag futbol]

^ Understood. And the same definately goes for the other pro sports leagues as well.

But to clarify (i didn't really articulate well in my other post) EPL was on solid footing prior to big time TV deals ... and that's when i think you have the greatest likelyhood for success. If you've got a halfway there product like MLS and you start messing with the fans at the gate to get ahead on TV, i have my doubts if it will work. The biggest obsticle this league faces to getting TV ratings is the quality of play IMO.

I remember how terrible the weather was for the Seattle game, can you imagine how that would look on a week night ? The casual end of the stadium would be outa there in a hurry.

[Get In There]

^ Complaining about the weather just seems kinda wimpy to me.

I saw two English games on tv yesterday that had heavy snow falling.
I often see CFL and NFL games being held in blizzards.
Fans deal with it... wear a sweater, put on a jacket, wrap your scarf around your face, put on a toque.

As for people working... we had other weekday games in the past.
It's bound to happen... sure it sucks for people who work a late shift.
And weekend games suck for people who work weekend shifts.

I agree regarding the weather - dress like you're going Skiing or ice fishing and I do like the lights at night.

But for a home opener I would prefer to have the day to continue our home opener pre-game traditions and getting a group of friends together as we have done for the past three. Sure it can be done on a weekday evening....but it just becomes a rush, just like leaving and no time for a drink cool down with the game ending at 10:00.

Sure it's doable.......but the preference.......no, it's clearly the weekend.

You prefer this scenario or just putting on a brave face?

B

[wzhxvy]

^ Complaining about the weather just seems kinda wimpy to me.

I saw two English games on tv yesterday that had heavy snow falling.
I often see CFL and NFL games being held in blizzards.
Fans deal with it... wear a sweater, put on a jacket, wrap your scarf around your face, put on a toque.

As for people working... we had other weekday games in the past.
It's bound to happen... sure it sucks for people who work a late shift.
And weekend games suck for people who work weekend shifts.

I am not looking to look like a tough guy on here :-) just being realistic with babysitting a pain in the butt at night for me...coming in from work at that time...and it will be even colder than a day game where at least the possibility of the sun being out exists...

[rocker]

i don't really care either way... saturday probably would have been more relaxing in terms of getting there and getting out. But some of the best games i've attended for atmosphere were night games. I also froze my ass off at the Seattle game this year and that was during the day. you never know with this weather.

i think once I see the grass I won't care about the temps. maybe they can turn up the undersoil heating to warm us up! ;)

[kaos197O]

Going to the Olympics in February and will be attending several outdoor events that will take far longer than a soccer match, so the home opener is going to be a breeze. Love the fact it's at night and I hope it snows. Totally jacked for this one. What a great way to start the season!

[TOBOR !]

Why, because we live in one of the coldest countries in the world...thats why. Because animals dont deem it warm enough to be outside, and we are holding a night game for our home opener thats why. Not to mention last year where we played most of our home games in April and May, and were on the road for most of the summer.

It was down right freezing a few games last year...and the opener game is on a week night...cant speak for everyone but some people have jobs. Why dont you give me one good reason why 8pm on a Thursday in April is a good idea...there is none. The comments around it being prime time TV time are laughable. I am sure there is a reason for the time, but I dont know it.

tear... *sniff*

[flatpicker]

^ can robots cry?

[James Oliphant]

cant speak for everyone but some people have jobs. Why dont you give me one good reason why 8pm on a Thursday in April is a good idea...there is none. The comments around it being prime time TV time are laughable. I am sure there is a reason for the time, but I dont know it.

They're only laughable in as much as you feel like dismissing that as a legitimate reason for re-scheduling the game without acknowledging that having games on prime time (inter)national is a boon for the league.

As for the comment about people having jobs...not everyone works Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.

Suck it the fuck up.

[wzhxvy]

A boon for the league ? Define and quantify boon.

What kind of logic are you using, not everyone works 9 to 5 ? who cares !! most people work 9 to 5...since when does scheduling for the night shift working people come into play for sports teams...

I will suck it up when I get an intelligent argument as to why I should.

[AL-MO]

I like night games.

That is all. :D

[wzhxvy]

I like night games as well...as a matter of fact...in the summer, they are the best, bar none.

What I am bitching about is a night game in April, mid week...but to each his own. If I am in the country, I will be there.

[JamboAl]

I was watching the highlights from some of the German Bundesliga matches and wouldn't mind a pitch full of snow for our home opener.

[kitchener-TFC]

Does anyone know when single tickets will become available for purchase? I'd gladly drive to BMO Field on a cold Thursday night to watch the 4th season opener!

[James Oliphant]

A boon for the league ? Define and quantify boon.

–noun 1. something to be thankful for; blessing; benefit.

Are you honestly suggesting having a Thursday night prime time game on ESPN every week during the MLS season isn't beneficial to the league?


What kind of logic are you using, not everyone works 9 to 5 ? who cares !! most people work 9 to 5...since when does scheduling for the night shift working people come into play for sports teams...The point is that an inconvenience to you isn't an inconvenience to all. This isn't a 9-5 world any more. If it were, malls would still close at 7 and the only 24-hour restaurants would be at truck stops.

Since when does scheduling for the day shift people come into play for sports teams? The Chicago Cubs went 100 years playing the vast majority of their home games on weekday afternoons.

And from what I can tell in this thread, you're in the minority.


I will suck it up when I get an intelligent argument as to why I should.Stop dismissing the ones which have already been presented to you. You don't want to go? Don't go. You can't handle the cold? Don't go. You think it'll cut into your sleep? Don't go. You'll have no trouble finding someone to take the tickets off your hands. These are your choices as a consumer.

[Kaz]

What sucks is that this game, the Home Opener for the lone Canadian Team, won't be widely available to Canadians, as ESPN2 isn't on all Cable networks in Canada, and ESPN2HD is on even fewer.

This would have been much better for the CBC or even Sportsnet. As at least those Channels are widely available in the Country the Match is being played.

[Roogsy]

I have to agree with James...we whine and complain when our soccer team doesn't get a national broadcast (especially in the US) and when we do we complain because it might be a little nippy?

Fact: Prime Time on ESPN midweek is good for soccer, north and south of the border.
Fact: Better coverage is what we wanted, now better coverage is what we are getting.
Fact: I am no expert but I am pretty sure that Thursday prime time is worth more in ratings than Saturday afternoon.

I will be shocked...SHOCKED if the stadium is not full. So what exactly is the downside to doing this on a Thursday? Full stadium on a Thursday is the same revenue to a full stadium on a Saturday. The only difference here is that with Thursday, TFC and MLS will have a much much larger audience to play to. That's a good thing! Somebody explain to me how it isn't.

I know I will be in full voice whether it's Saturday or Thursday. And since I work 9-5 as well...I certainly don't have a problem getting to the game although I can understand those that have to come from outside Toronto will find it inconvenient. But my reasoning is that it's one game, the home opener. It's not like they're scheduling all games for frigid Thursday nights.

I am looking forward to this unique experience.

[Roogsy]

What sucks is that this game, the Home Opener for the lone Canadian Team, won't be widely available to Canadians, as ESPN2 isn't on all Cable networks in Canada, and ESPN2HD is on even fewer.

This would have been much better for the CBC or even Sportsnet. As at least those Channels are widely available in the Country the Match is being played.

I am not sure (we can ask PB this question) but having it on ESPN2 does not mean the game won't be on a Canadian broadcaster. I will be surprised if this game isn't also available on Sportsnet or CBC...I am guessing Sportsnet. The ONLY worry I have is that there will be an important NHL game that night that will cause programming issues...which is why I hope Sportsnet gets this game as CBC will definitely have scheduling problems if that is the case.

[james]

mass traveling fans on opening day? i love it!

i really doubt Toronto would save more then 100 or so seats for Philly fans. TFC really doesnt care about travelling fans comming there, they just wanna sell tickets to fans here. TFC doesnt seem to realize what an impact having away fans travel here would have on the atmosphere and how it would make it even more fun to go to TFC games.

[RicoSuave44]

^^^(what James O last said) as a 23 year old bartender who has 100s of friends in all workforces, most of whom don't work M-F 9-5, I wholeheartedly agree.
Getting Thursday night off is a breeze. Try getting summertime Saturdays off as a bartender, and even worse.... thats your best income night of the week.
And weeknight games are always a blast! Bring on the opener!

[Kaz]

I am not sure (we can ask PB this question) but having it on ESPN2 does not mean the game won't be on a Canadian broadcaster. I will be surprised if this game isn't also available on Sportsnet or CBC...I am guessing Sportsnet. The ONLY worry I have is that there will be an important NHL game that night that will cause programming issues...which is why I hope Sportsnet gets this game as CBC will definitely have scheduling problems if that is the case.
This is true.
I was shocked to learn how many games the NHL plays... I haven't been without cable for a long time, and so CBC and CTV have been being watched more... I'm also totally shocked by the ugly uniforms team play in now, and the stupid stupid names they have... Blue Jackets really?

I might actually try to make it out to the Game, if I decide that a road trip to Boston is not possible. Then I get to have the best picture possible.

[Yagbod]

What sucks for me about this change, is that the sun will set at exactly 8pm on Apr 15. So, our first look at the new pitch will be under the lights.

Since it isn't plastic anymore I expect it not to shine though. Which will be nice.

Seriously, it will just be better. I shouldn't complain, but still...

[menefreghista]

What sucks is that this game, the Home Opener for the lone Canadian Team, won't be widely available to Canadians, as ESPN2 isn't on all Cable networks in Canada, and ESPN2HD is on even fewer.

ESPN and ESPN2 are not available in Canada at all. Unless you have a grey market satellite of some sort. Every single MLS match TFC has ever played has been made available to Canadian viewers. I'm not sure why into our 4th season you are expecting this to change. The game will be on TV here. Broadcast by one of TFC's partners.


I am not sure (we can ask PB this question) but having it on ESPN2 does not mean the game won't be on a Canadian broadcaster. I will be surprised if this game isn't also available on Sportsnet or CBC...I am guessing Sportsnet. The ONLY worry I have is that there will be an important NHL game that night that will cause programming issues...which is why I hope Sportsnet gets this game as CBC will definitely have scheduling problems if that is the case.

This game will not be on CBC for sure. They have shown no interest at all to show games unless its on Saturday afternoons. So this game will be on either Sportsnet or Gol TV. Better hope the Jays don't play on that day, or there will be a bunch of people on these forums upset that the home opener is on Gol TV.

[rocker]

What sucks for me about this change, is that the sun will set at exactly 8pm on Apr 15. So, our first look at the new pitch will be under the lights.

ohhh, so you're one of those guys that shows up right at gametime eh? ;)

i usually come in an hour before the start time.. so I'll see that fine grass long before sunset.

[TFC_Junky]

has there been any word from the Sons of Ben as to how many supporters they're trying to bring up? Time to give them a nice welcome to the league...

[TOBOR !]

I was perusing their site t'other day. Maybe I missed something, but I got the impression that they don't have a very large membership. I really don't expect them to be much of a presence at all... not even at home.

[uncle p]

I was perusing their site t'other day. Maybe I missed something, but I got the impression that they don't have a very large membership. I really don't expect them to be much of a presence at all... not even at home.

wow, pretty shocking indeed!! For the past year and a half i have heard rumor's about the SOB's being the hardest of hardcore. It'll be interesting to see if they show up flat home and away!!

And i've worked weekends for the last two seasons, but have attended EVERY weeknight game rain or shine, IMO weeknight game's are TOPS!!! cant match the atmosphere!! Looking forward to the opener

[Strikers]

I guessing Gol TV will broadcast the home opener here in Canada. I'm guessing that
MLSE might push to have the game on freeview.

I doubt CBC or Sportsnet will broadcast the game.

[menefreghista]

I guessing Gol TV will broadcast the home opener here in Canada. I'm guessing that
MLSE might push to have the game on freeview.

I doubt CBC or Sportsnet will broadcast the game.

I think you are right. The Jays have a game that same night which probably means the TFC game won't be on Sportsnet and as I mentioned above CBC only shows Saturday games.

[Kaz]

ESPN and ESPN2 are not available in Canada at all. Unless you have a grey market satellite of some sort. Every single MLS match TFC has ever played has been made available to Canadian viewers. I'm not sure why into our 4th season you are expecting this to change. The game will be on TV here. Broadcast by one of TFC's partners.


My bad I got ESPN2 confused with ESPN Classic... which I'm sure showed up as ESPN2 on my cable channels at some point, I don't watch alot of sports channels... Thus My assumption was that it was going to be broadcast to Canadian viewers... you coulda given the benifit of the doubt that I was confused, and worded this a little more politely.

[TOBOR !]

any chance of the Score picking it up ?

[brad]

I will be shocked...SHOCKED if the stadium is not full. So what exactly is the downside to doing this on a Thursday? Full stadium on a Thursday is the same revenue to a full stadium on a Saturday. The only difference here is that with Thursday, TFC and MLS will have a much much larger audience to play to. That's a good thing! Somebody explain to me how it isn't.


It will be full at the start (well,20 minutes in when folks finally arrive like usual) and half empty by the end. People will leave when they get cold. This happened en masse last year..