KC sets this year's attendance low 29 June

Rover · 06-29-2005, 08:08 PM

It was a tough one to beat, but a club has finally pulled in fewer than FCD's 18 May attendance of 6,112.

Just 5,519 showed up in Arrowhead tonight to see another gripping performance but the Wizards, who tied the Crew 1-1.

Too bad that's the game we got on DK, instead of the wild one in Chicago.

DadOf8 · 06-29-2005, 08:13 PM

I just hope that RSL's attendance doesn't start to wane after the initial excitement wears off.

Newkidontheblock · 06-29-2005, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rover

Just 5,519 showed up in Arrowhead tonight to see another gripping performance but the Wizards, who tied the Crew 1-1.

Ouch! Isn't that how many season ticket holders we have?

Did K.C. ever have a strong fan base?

Rover · 06-29-2005, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newkidontheblock

Ouch! Isn't that how many season ticket holders we have?

Did K.C. ever have a strong fan base?

The quick answer is no. They've always struggled at the gate, and that's a big reason why Lamar Hunt is selling the team.

I went to a game at Arrowhead earlier this year (they played Metro) and it's clear they have many problems.

The stadium is huge and not particularly soccer friendly. It's stuck out by itself (along with the baseball stadium) between some freeways--absolutely no ambience. The presentation of the game by the club is the worst I've ever seen in MLS--it felt like a single A baseball game, with piped in sound effects, music between plays, and fake crowd noise. They even miked the (small) supporters group for a few cheers and played the feed over the PA. Weak.

The team is dull and summers are hot in KC, but I think the combination of a lack of media interest in soccer (the Chiefs own the town) and a less than appealing game atmosphere keeps people away in droves. This despite the fact that the trophy case is not bare--this is a team that has won championships--including an MLS Cup.

It also doesn't help that there's a chance the team will move.

They draw a big crowd every now and then, although they've drawn less than 10K four out of nine seasons (average all-time is 11,143), the last two years have been their best. In 2003, they averaged 15,573. But this year it's 9,615.

My predication is that if they get a stadium built in Johnson County, they will get much healthier very quickly. That's where much of their fan base lives, and they need to get out of Arrowhead. I hope they can make it in KC.

Mango Jam · 06-29-2005, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rover

The quick answer is no. They've always struggled at the gate, and that's a big reason why Lamar Hunt is selling the team.
....
It also doesn't help that there's a chance the team will move.

Well, if they can't make it there how about starting a campaign to get them to come to Tulsa? :banjump1:

Stucki · 06-29-2005, 08:45 PM

If they can only draw 10,000 maybe they would be better off in a JC stadium or something.

Deuce · 06-29-2005, 08:55 PM

I think that Blitzz matches drew that many last season... if not that many it was certainly close to it.

the cup · 06-29-2005, 10:27 PM

I'm sorry, but KC has got to go.

In their last years of existence even Miami Fusion FC was able to average 11,177 and Tampa Bay Mutiny averaged 10,479.

I know more goes into it than just attendance but still.

DadOf8 · 06-29-2005, 10:58 PM

Just a crazy thought, but can Utah support two teams? I wonder if we could have RSL in Salt Lake and The Wizards in Utah County. Probably not, but it's just a thought.

HibaIssa · 06-29-2005, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DadOf8

Just a crazy thought, but can Utah support two teams? I wonder if we could have RSL in Salt Lake and The Wizards in Utah County. Probably not, but it's just a thought.

We had enough problems with the Blitzz and the Ratzz (or whatever they were called) and they weren't even in the same league.