Second National Stadium

[Fort York Redcoat1555362293]

snake, can one play soccer in winter in Vancouver?

[Winnipeg Fury]

quote:Originally posted by snake

poorly attended?

there were 6800 fans packed into a stadium built for 3200

the atmosphere in the stadium prior to kickoff was electric

No offence to anyone at this match. Like I said, I love Swangard, but no way does 6800 attendance suffice these days (I realize that is capacity).

Swangard has been buried by BMO FIeld and Saputo.

[SthMelbRed]

^I doubt that SVG will draw much more than that in Toronto or Montreal, so Swangard should be in the mix when the decision is being made where to host that match. Honestly, even as a passionate Vancouverite, I concede that until WWS is complete we should take a backseat to Toronto, Montreal, and Edmonton for all major matches (including most WCQ matches).

[youllneverwalkalone]

The Costa Rica match did not sell out, IIRC.

[Winnipeg Fury]

quote:Originally posted by SthMelbRed

^I doubt that SVG will draw much more than that in Toronto or Montreal, so Swangard should be in the mix when the decision is being made where to host that match. Honestly, even as a passionate Vancouverite, I concede that until WWS is complete we should take a backseat to Toronto, Montreal, and Edmonton for all major matches (including most WCQ matches).

You are correct about SVG not being a major draw, but this is the start of World Cup Qualifying.

If we are going to lower our target capacity from what should be a draw of over 10,000 attendance, then Kingston and the Maritimes should also be in the mix. I'm sure there's other stadiums that are also suitable with under 10,000.

So if we broaden our alternatives, I still don't see Swangard in the mix.

[SthMelbRed]

quote:Originally posted by Winnipeg Fury

You are correct about SVG not being a major draw, but this is the start of World Cup Qualifying.

If we are going to lower our target capacity from what should be a draw of over 10,000 attendance, then Kingston and the Maritimes should also be in the mix. I'm sure there's other stadiums that are also suitable with under 10,000.

So if we broaden our alternatives, I still don't see Swangard in the mix.

But Vancouver is arguably the historic heart of Canadian soccer. Also, as the third largest city, it's far more important to maintain a presence there than it is to play in the Maritimes or a different venue in southern Ontario.

[Winnipeg Fury]

quote:Originally posted by SthMelbRed

But Vancouver is arguably the historic heart of Canadian soccer. Also, as the third largest city, it's far more important to maintain a presence there than it is to play in the Maritimes or a different venue in southern Ontario.

I hear what you are saying and would be outraged if Canada just decided to never play in BC again.

But when it comes to World Cup Qualifying, I don't think we should be worried about 'maintaining a presence.' While I do agree that is very important (tell that to the Maritimes), I think that should be left to exhibition matches come World Cup Qualifying.

6800 capacity no longer cuts it for professional soccer in Canada and it's a fraction of what is required for important international matches.

It was almost a certainty before that Swangard was used, but now with BMO Field and Saputo, I simply do not see the justification.

[Cheeta]

quote:Originally posted by youllneverwalkalone

The Costa Rica match did not sell out, IIRC.

Right you are. And still drew 3,000-4,000 more fans than any Canada fixture at Swangard.

I'm going to guess the under promoted CR match at BMO Field, given the crazy ticket prices, also probably drew in more dollars and cents than a great many of the matches played out of Swangard over the last decade. Important factor given the hand-to-mouth budget realities of the CSA. A very important factor.

Fury makes a great point and I'm going to echo it. Vancouver not only has geography working against it these days but it's now handicapped by an unsuitable venue. The good times are over on the Left Coast.

[youllneverwalkalone]

quote:Originally posted by Cheeta

Right you are. And still drew 3,000-4,000 more fans than any Canada fixture at Swangard.

I'm going to guess the under promoted CR match at BMO Field, given the crazy ticket prices, also probably drew in more dollars and cents than a great many of the matches played out of Swangard over the last decade. Important factor given the hand-to-mouth budget realities of the CSA. A very important factor.

Fury makes a great point and I'm going to echo it. Vancouver not only has geography working against it these days but it's now handicapped by an unsuitable venue. The good times are over on the Left Coast.

Sorry, I actually meant the 2004 qualifying match at Swangard (responding to Snake). But I agree the one BMO match has shown better support than Boundary Road. And I would hope so if it's the National Stadium. I just have this feeling, with no evidence obviously, that Montreal can be better than TO.

[lefoot]

i don't think vancouver should really be involved in the qualifying. that stadium is too small, and the crowds do not seem very pro canadian. plus the travel. we should be playing in more extreme conditions. prairies in the fall, or ontario or quebec. we want to literally freeze out the caribbean and central american countries. its a huge advantage we have making them play in cold cold climates. vancouver is too mild. both in terms of climate and national team support. and no it is NOT the heart of canadian soccer. how can anyone claim that? just as toronto is NOT the heart of canadian soccer, even though they have been getting good crowds out for TFC games. we should selectively and carefully pick venues that really put the opposition under pressure. and we should not be treating them like celebrities.

[Trident]

Look at you guys.

[devioustrevor]

Why is everybody using the U-20 as a justification for attendance? Turnout was absolutely massive. Our poorly attended matches last summer would be considered epic turnouts for most U-20 World Cups. I forget which site I did it on but I had listed attendances for previous U-20 World Cups and rare was the game where there were games not involving either the hosts, Brazil or Argentina where 10,000 people would show up. In fact most years many games have attendances in the 2,000-4,000 range. The year Portugal hosted, games with Portugal had upwards of 100,000 in attendance and another game on the same day drawing something like 3,000.

[Aljarov]

Others may have pointed this out, but the US plays in Carson all the time and has plenty of guys flying in from Europe...hell, even Becks makes that trip for England (or is at least willing to do so).

I don't think having a set national stadium is a great idea, it should be on rotation to factor in the size of the game, opponents, date/season etc...which is pretty much what seems ot be happening at the moment,.