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Full Version: Nippert Defilement - Saw it Tonight
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(04-16-2017 12:27 PM)JackieTreehorn Wrote: [ -> ]
(04-16-2017 12:14 PM)Cataclysmo Wrote: [ -> ]For those who didn't go, it really was a tremendous atmosphere. As someone who dreams of professional soccer in Cincinnati, it really got me.

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As a sincere question, there does seem to be a big hunger for soccer here, so why isn't there more interest and better attendance for UC's soccer teams vs what is a nascent minor league franchise? What accounts for the really wide differences in attendance? Is it just marketing?
I think there is an untapped market in the area, especially with many of UC's international students, that the potential ceiling of international-caliber soccer delivers in FCC. I used to go to Catskellar (the bar beneath TUC) and watch a bunch of international students scream at the TV down there during international soccer matches. I think this and the fact that UC students are nearby helps greatly with attendance (as I think is also the case in Orlando with a similar student makeup), but it appears the locals are getting behind it as well. That's probably thanks to the marketing and capitalizing on the opportunity.

As far as reaching our ceiling, I think the move to MLS is only a matter of time. MLS has to see the attendance numbers and recognize there is a rabid fan base that will support an expansion. Hopefully FCC success translates to more interest in UC soccer (and youth leagues in general).

I was talking to my wife this morning about our one year old son likely being a professional Futbol fan over being a professional football fan in his lifetime - not because of my preference but simply because of the trend here. Times, they are a-changin'.
(04-16-2017 12:27 PM)JackieTreehorn Wrote: [ -> ]
(04-16-2017 12:14 PM)Cataclysmo Wrote: [ -> ]For those who didn't go, it really was a tremendous atmosphere. As someone who dreams of professional soccer in Cincinnati, it really got me.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk

As a sincere question, there does seem to be a big hunger for soccer here, so why isn't there more interest and better attendance for UC's soccer teams vs what is a nascent minor league franchise? What accounts for the really wide differences in attendance? Is it just marketing?

From what I see it is more of "the cool thing to do" then much fandom for the sport itself. Obviously there are some hardcore soccer fans that can tell you not only what is going on in the Premier League or the Champions League but what is going on in FCC's league. But the vast majority are there for the pure spectacle. It's like the Parrot Heads at a Buffett concert 10 years ago. Sold out every time, not because his music is all that great, but it's fun to dress up and go all Caribbean. FCC is the same - all marketing with little substance - wear your scarf, sing team songs, watch the flags wave - and all at a bargain price. Cheaper than taking the entire family to a movie.

Nothing wrong with it but the hype doesn't carry but a whisper when FCC is on the road. I love the sport of soccer and hopefully one day the hype will turn into a MLS franchise so local fans can at least see AAA soccer. But for now I will stick to the best in the world. Even though the result went against my team, the Real Madrid - Bayern first leg match was outstanding clearly defining "The Beautiful Game."
Why not end UC football and sell stadium to the little Prince?

The faculty clowns would be happy, the money could get Micky a jet, Prince Lindner would have a dedicated stadium for MLS, this would help the businesses around campus which is a prime UC mission?
(04-16-2017 01:59 PM)doss2 Wrote: [ -> ]Why not end UC football and sell stadium to the little Prince?

The faculty clowns would be happy, the money could get Micky a jet, Prince Lindner would have a dedicated stadium for MLS, this would help the businesses around campus which is a prime UC mission?

Really great points. What a post.
(04-16-2017 01:59 PM)doss2 Wrote: [ -> ]Why not end UC football and sell stadium to the little Prince?

The faculty clowns would be happy, the money could get Micky a jet, Prince Lindner would have a dedicated stadium for MLS, this would help the businesses around campus which is a prime UC mission?

I miss the days when you could count on quality trolling from Doss. Perhaps it is time for him to hire a social media intern. Hell, he could probably arrange it as an official co-op opportunity for a Lindner College of Business student (as long as they are a member of the College Republicans of course).
(04-16-2017 12:27 PM)JackieTreehorn Wrote: [ -> ]
(04-16-2017 12:14 PM)Cataclysmo Wrote: [ -> ]For those who didn't go, it really was a tremendous atmosphere. As someone who dreams of professional soccer in Cincinnati, it really got me.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk

As a sincere question, there does seem to be a big hunger for soccer here, so why isn't there more interest and better attendance for UC's soccer teams vs what is a nascent minor league franchise? What accounts for the really wide differences in attendance? Is it just marketing?
Everyone else pretty much answered this already but i figured I'd throw in my sentiments as well.

One of my high school coaches headed the former "minor league" soccer franchise in the city before FCC came along. He's a great guy and really worked hard to get things started. Sadly, I assume most on here have never heard of the Cincinnati Saints.

So the easy answer is Lindner. The guy has the money to make the dream work and, without knowing much about how the business is run, I assume he hired someone that has an impressive resume in public relations to get things going. And then the money flows down from there. Last year they got a US Soccer legend to coach the team, they're picking up good players, and their facilities are tops in the league. The Cincinnati Saints never stood a chance.

I don't neccesarily believe the sentiment that Cincinnati is a hotbed for soccer. Rather, I think Rag is more on point with his assessment that FCC is "the cool thing to do." Notice how different our football marketing has been in the past two years--it's because Fickell and co. are wisely taking a page out of the playbook.

One final point: I love football, but Soccer is easier for the casual fan to enjoy. The games are quicker, the action doesn't stop for constant commercial breaks (the NFL needs to correct this problem immediately), and the fans are more involved. Throw in some beer, and suddenly you have a great event to attend with friends before going out, which is exactly what I did last night.



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(04-16-2017 01:42 PM)Ragpicker Wrote: [ -> ]It's like the Parrot Heads at a Buffett concert 10 years ago. Sold out every time, not because his music is all that great, but it's fun to dress up and go all Caribbean.

As someone who made the two hour drive to see Jimmy Buffett at Riverbend the last two years and already has his tickets for this year, don't go picking on my Parrot Heads. It is fun to go all Caribbean AND the music is that great.
(04-16-2017 03:09 PM)cpawfan Wrote: [ -> ]
(04-16-2017 01:59 PM)doss2 Wrote: [ -> ]Why not end UC football and sell stadium to the little Prince?

The faculty clowns would be happy, the money could get Micky a jet, Prince Lindner would have a dedicated stadium for MLS, this would help the businesses around campus which is a prime UC mission?

I miss the days when you could count on quality trolling from Doss. Perhaps it is time for him to hire a social media intern. Hell, he could probably arrange it as an official co-op opportunity for a Lindner College of Business student (as long as they are a member of the College Republicans of course).
It would be quality trolling if it didn't consist of repetition of the same talking points ad nauseum and found its way into unrelated threads.

And no way he'd let a Lindner College of Business student handle his affairs. They are enrolled in a college program that bears the Prince's name and as a result are obviously implicated in the defilement of Nippert.
(04-16-2017 01:42 PM)Ragpicker Wrote: [ -> ]
(04-16-2017 12:27 PM)JackieTreehorn Wrote: [ -> ]
(04-16-2017 12:14 PM)Cataclysmo Wrote: [ -> ]For those who didn't go, it really was a tremendous atmosphere. As someone who dreams of professional soccer in Cincinnati, it really got me.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk

As a sincere question, there does seem to be a big hunger for soccer here, so why isn't there more interest and better attendance for UC's soccer teams vs what is a nascent minor league franchise? What accounts for the really wide differences in attendance? Is it just marketing?

From what I see it is more of "the cool thing to do" then much fandom for the sport itself. Obviously there are some hardcore soccer fans that can tell you not only what is going on in the Premier League or the Champions League but what is going on in FCC's league. But the vast majority are there for the pure spectacle. It's like the Parrot Heads at a Buffett concert 10 years ago. Sold out every time, not because his music is all that great, but it's fun to dress up and go all Caribbean. FCC is the same - all marketing with little substance - wear your scarf, sing team songs, watch the flags wave - and all at a bargain price. Cheaper than taking the entire family to a movie.

Nothing wrong with it but the hype doesn't carry but a whisper when FCC is on the road. I love the sport of soccer and hopefully one day the hype will turn into a MLS franchise so local fans can at least see AAA soccer. But for now I will stick to the best in the world. Even though the result went against my team, the Real Madrid - Bayern first leg match was outstanding clearly defining "The Beautiful Game."

That's an easy response and you're not the first to do it. But I noticed something on Saturday that didn't happen much last year before FCC games.

FCC games are becoming events much like UC Football games have become. Tailgating is happening in the parking lots hours before game time. Bars and restaurants in Clifton were overflowing with fans. There were more college students there on Saturday than I've ever witnessed in past games. Jeff Berding has capitalized on something and is reaping the rewards. FCC now has 12k season ticket holders and by years end that number could go as high as 15k. Sure there are casual fans that have never watched soccer in the past, but you get that with just about any sport.
Road Game Experience for those interested. There are numerous other bars that do this, though, as this one can get a tad crowded.

Not my thing, don't like the singing. Just want to watch, so I'll keep watching away games at home.
(04-16-2017 05:30 PM)Bruce Monnin Wrote: [ -> ]
(04-16-2017 01:42 PM)Ragpicker Wrote: [ -> ]It's like the Parrot Heads at a Buffett concert 10 years ago. Sold out every time, not because his music is all that great, but it's fun to dress up and go all Caribbean.

As someone who made the two hour drive to see Jimmy Buffett at Riverbend the last two years and already has his tickets for this year, don't go picking on my Parrot Heads. It is fun to go all Caribbean AND the music is that great.

Enjoy your Cheeseburger...
(04-17-2017 09:47 AM)The T-Shirt Wrote: [ -> ]Road Game Experience for those interested. There are numerous other bars that do this, though, as this one can get a tad crowded.

Not my thing, don't like the singing. Just want to watch, so I'll keep watching away games at home.

Bonus article on former Bearcat, current FCC player Matt Bahner: http://local12.com/sports/fc-cincinnati/...ege-campus
(04-16-2017 01:06 PM)BeerCat Wrote: [ -> ]Bob Williams
@williamsbob75

.@fccincinnati had the second highest attendance over the weekend, including every MLS game
Orlando 25527
#FCCincy 23144
Vancouver 22120

1/

Ninth largest in the Western Hemisphere.

The Crew drew 12,000 and change.
If MLS comes to Cincinnati, the FCC experience will suffer without the irreplaceable environment that is Nippert.
(04-17-2017 10:55 AM)BearcatsUC Wrote: [ -> ]If MLS comes to Cincinnati, the FCC experience will suffer without the irreplaceable environment that is Nippert.

I know this has come up a ton, but I think the idea that they cannot continue to play Nippert in the MLS is a big leap. Soccer specific does not mean "Soccer only." I think the changes made are built towards showing the MLS that Nippert could work beautifully as a soccer specific stadium. Maybe the MLS won't agree, but I'm not so sure. Something special has been happening there and I could easily see Nippert being a long term MLS home for FCC.
(04-17-2017 10:55 AM)BearcatsUC Wrote: [ -> ]If MLS comes to Cincinnati, the FCC experience will suffer without the irreplaceable environment that is Nippert.

I agree. I'm not real big on soccer, bit I would have to think that FCC needs to stay at nipper for future success. I just can't see it drawing the same crowds to some new, sterile location tucked somewhere off of an interstate ramp.
(04-17-2017 11:14 AM)dave108 Wrote: [ -> ]
(04-17-2017 10:55 AM)BearcatsUC Wrote: [ -> ]If MLS comes to Cincinnati, the FCC experience will suffer without the irreplaceable environment that is Nippert.

I agree. I'm not real big on soccer, bit I would have to think that FCC needs to stay at nipper for future success. I just can't see it drawing the same crowds to some new, sterile location tucked somewhere off of an interstate ramp.
Unless it's closer to the urban core, then maybe.

I think the big hurdle with the move to MLS is scheduling. I'm sure Nippert can work with UC sports as the primary tenant and FCC getting the remaining dates, but it's not as easy or flexible as them having their own. I'm sure there are plenty of open dates as is now so maybe it won't be too bad.
I thought I read that MLSs concern with respect to stadiums was they wanted their owners to have some control over their stadiums so they could use it as a source of revenue. Obviously that cannot happen at Nippert. Wonder if UC could give lease terms that MLS would be comfortable with. I'm okay with anything​ just so long as it's at least revenue neutral. Having all those non traditional visitors on campus is great exposure for the university
(04-17-2017 11:55 AM)RealDeal Wrote: [ -> ]I thought I read that MLSs concern with respect to stadiums was they wanted their owners to have some control over their stadiums so they could use it as a source of revenue. Obviously that cannot happen at Nippert. Wonder if UC could give lease terms that MLS would be comfortable with. I'm okay with anything​ just so long as it's at least revenue neutral. Having all those non traditional visitors on campus is great exposure for the university

I think FCC controls most of the revenues at Nippert, which is what most people on this board have a problem with. Whereas the team in Louisville who uses Louisville Slugger stadium gets very little revenue from their home games. That team has trouble breaking even each year.
(04-17-2017 12:15 PM)Edgebrookjeff Wrote: [ -> ]
(04-17-2017 11:55 AM)RealDeal Wrote: [ -> ]I thought I read that MLSs concern with respect to stadiums was they wanted their owners to have some control over their stadiums so they could use it as a source of revenue. Obviously that cannot happen at Nippert. Wonder if UC could give lease terms that MLS would be comfortable with. I'm okay with anything​ just so long as it's at least revenue neutral. Having all those non traditional visitors on campus is great exposure for the university

I think FCC controls most of the revenues at Nippert, which is what most people on this board have a problem with. Whereas the team in Louisville who uses Louisville Slugger stadium gets very little revenue from their home games. That team has trouble breaking even each year.

Well, not quite. FCC keeps all the concessions until UC pays them back for making them a soccer field, but after that, it's 50/50. UC keeps all the parking revenue. There is also the rent, but that's really not the biggest chunk in this picture.
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