Real Madrid plan theme parks in Miami and Beijing

[Hermey]

Originally Posted by SoccerPrime

OK, but the Panhandle isn't Miami. Is downtown SLC like Moab?

I wasn't trying to imply that, just that I'm not basing my opinion of Florida on absolutely nothing. The Panhandle may as well be in Alabama, which I am well aware of. I can't really say anything bad about Miami since I have never been there, although I know for a fact that I wouldn't like the weather. That's it though.

He could afford it, he was a multi-millionaire, but Horrowitz didn't want to. He expect a profit by 2nd year. BTW Fusion attendance is equal to or greater than average attendance of Revs, Dallas, CRaps, Chivas and Quakes

All right, I did say I might be wrong on that one. :whistle: Thanks for the clarification. 🙂 About attendance, I know that the Fusion were by no means the worst. The numbers were just disappointing considering how good the team was in their last year. I'm sure New England, Dallas, Crapids, Chivas, and the Quakes aren't exactly thrilled with the kind of numbers they've been drawing either.

Yes but you basing your arguement on the premise that Real Madrid would market to only Latinos (like Chivas USA did). I would think that Real would target everyone. So in your example, Real's MLS team would be more like the Galaxy and thus have the potential to sell-out for the home opener. But remember no real SSS there (lets talk about Lockhart later).

Well, yes and no. The article highlighted marketing to Latinos and Europeans, and by Europeans I thought they meant that Spanish population you referred to earlier. Anyway, I used the Chivas example just because it is really the first incidence of a foreign club coming in to the US market, not because I think the marketing will be done in identical fashion. I hope Madrid would plan to market to a broad spectrum.

Its not a theme park as originally reported. Its a Soccer academy.
The mayor of Miami is the one pushing for Real Madrid to start a MLS team in South Florida too

Okay, that makes more sense.

I do appreciate your comments, even though it may seem I am slightly defensive. Forgive me, I am a Florida soccer fan. It should be expected. We are gun shy!

I can imagine you guys in Florida took quite a bit of ribbing for the contraction, so the defensiveness is understandable. I'm just glad to know that I'm not offending you, because that was never my intention.

[Rover]

Hermey, Hermey.

I have let you down. I must have forgotten to advise you to stay away from the "Florida Question" or risk the Wrath of Prime. :naughty:

But, since we're there . . .

I think the southern states need MLS representation. I'd pick Orlando or Tampa over Miami, Atlanta, or Charlotte, but as usual it all comes down to the big three requirements to which Uncle Don holds all proposed MLS sites (well, "all" excludes one new team):

1. SSS or plan in the works;
2. Strong support based on 5,000 season tickets;
3. Local investor/operator

We'll see. These requirements trump population at this point. Where are the investors in Florida? The UK?

[Hermey]

Originally Posted by Rover

Hermey, Hermey.

I have let you down. I must have forgotten to advise you to stay away from the "Florida Question" or risk the Wrath of Prime. :naughty:

So I'm guessing this has been an issue before then. In truth, it wasn't so bad once we cleared things up. I'll remember to stear clear in the future though. 😉

[Rover]

Originally Posted by Hermey

So I'm guessing this has been an issue before then. In truth, it wasn't so bad once we cleared things up. I'll remember to stear clear in the future though. 😉

Yes, we've been down this road before. ⚽

[SoccerPrime]

Thanks for the discussion Hermey. Yes, Master Rover and I have been down the winding path before.

And I am always up for a talk on my favorite MLS expansion subject. Almost as I am for my favorite current MLS club subject, RSL.
🙂

BTW the investors in this case (surprise) would be Real Madrid.

[Hermey]

Thank you too, SoccerPrime. I always enjoy talking soccer. Its a normal thing that we as a board don't always agree and, so long as WWIII doesn't get started somewhere in the process, that's not at all a negative. It can lead to interesting discussions.

So Real Madrid have expressed interest in being an investor in a Florida team, or is it that this soccer academy they are putting in has caused the mayor of Miami to express interest in them bringing a team there? If its both, then that could be a very big development.

[SoccerPrime]

The latter.
Real Madrid has expressed an interest in creating an academy in Miami area and the mayor of Miami has latched on to this, trying to get Real to form a new MLS team in Miami (specifically at the Orange Bowl, which is in Miami).

So if the Mayor gets his way, Real would be the investor in a new MLS team in South Florida.

Nothing else has been reported.