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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'.