Soccer in Nashville

[Rick Dalton]

This is what I mean. If you replace KC with Nashville the whole middle of the country is empty.

[Melrose]

12 minutes ago, natethegreat said:

 Why didn’t Chicago have a bid?

Chicago (Minneapolis too)  bailed out  on their bid because of FIFA's pretty aggressive demands for tax and other financial concessions as part of the bids,  which is something I don't think has been discussed....

https://www.newsobserver.com/news/business/article262551862.html

 

I think these are notable to point out because these concessions certainly cut against certain categories of positive "economic impact"  you would hope to see.....

[gannman]

Denver would have made more sense than Kansas City.

[nashvylle]

54 minutes ago, gannman said:

Denver would have made more sense than Kansas City.

I think Lamar Hunt, owner of the chiefs, is also an original MLS owner, like Robert Kraft as @Bos2Nash stated. I am sure that played a huge part. 

[markhollin]

Nashville SC is averaging 93% capacity in their first 4 MLS contests at GEODIS Park, with a 3-0-1 record so far. They have averaged nearly 28,000 fans per game, ranking Nashville SC fourth in MLS in average attendance. The three clubs ranked higher all play in much larger NFL stadiums.

The franchise has also reached the23,000 season ticket threshold, and have decided not to sell anymore for the remainder of the season, thus allowing 7,000 singe game purchases per match. 

More behind the Nashville Post paywall here:

https://www.nashvillepost.com/sports/nsc/geodis-park-crowds-sustaining-nashville-sc-through-tough-may-schedule/article_49d0423a-d852-11ec-a490-331c6c4b28b6.html

[Twin Citian]

On 6/17/2022 at 9:40 AM, Melrose said:

Chicago (Minneapolis too)  bailed out  on their bid because of FIFA's pretty aggressive demands for tax and other financial concessions as part of the bids,  which is something I don't think has been discussed....

https://www.newsobserver.com/news/business/article262551862.html

 

I think these are notable to point out because these concessions certainly cut against certain categories of positive "economic impact"  you would hope to see.....

Chicago, Minneapolis, Montreal, and Phoenix (Glendale) withdrew from the selection process.

[Argo]

On 6/17/2022 at 9:40 AM, Melrose said:

Chicago (Minneapolis too)  bailed out  on their bid because of FIFA's pretty aggressive demands for tax and other financial concessions as part of the bids,  which is something I don't think has been discussed....

https://www.newsobserver.com/news/business/article262551862.html

 

I think these are notable to point out because these concessions certainly cut against certain categories of positive "economic impact"  you would hope to see.....

People actually looked at this as some sort of inditement on the city when in actualness it was nothing more than a cash grab. Did people really think the city would sign off on tax and financial compensation? Especially the current mayor and the sport of soccer. If the tourism bureau believed that saying "hey we're Nashville, people have a good time here and that's good for your organization", then they need to be relieved of duty. FIFA knows the soccer goons are going to come irregardless of where the games are played. Their mindset is "blank you! pay us!"

[markhollin]

GEODIS Park (courtesy of MyNashvillePhotos):

[markhollin]

GEODIS Park looking SW from intersection of Benton Ave. and Rains Ave:

Looking inside from NE Gate:

[markhollin]

Attended my first game at GEODIS Park on Wednesday evening. Crowd of 27,000 (90% capacity).  Terrific sight lines from every vantage point. Wide concourses with plenty of good foot/beverage options. Huge restrooms. Despite the lack of parking near the stadium, it seems that most people have figured out options.  My buddy and I parked 4 block to the south on Ligon Drive, just east of Bransford Ave. and made the 10 minute walk.

[smeagolsfree]

I would say 27 K would be a pretty well attended game for a middle of the week game???

[samsonh]

12 minutes ago, smeagolsfree said:

I would say 27 K would be a pretty well attended game for a middle of the week game???

Absolutely! The stadium is awesome. The food options are great. It’s a much better experience than the Titans, and honestly I enjoy it more than the Preds too. 

[Nathan_in_DC]

I'm so glad to see they're able to keep these numbers up into the season. If they're able to hold on to regularly putting 25k+ butts-in-seats for a couple of seasons, I'll be seriously impressed. They're averaging 28,646 this season (according to 2022 MLS Attendance - Soccer Stadium Digest) . For perspective, the most recent numbers for the highest-average-attendance NBA team, the Bulls, are 20,881 for the 2022 season, and 19,092 for the highest average attendance NHL team (Tampa Bay).

[nashvylle]

1 hour ago, Nathan_in_DC said:

I'm so glad to see they're able to keep these numbers up into the season. If they're able to hold on to regularly putting 25k+ butts-in-seats for a couple of seasons, I'll be seriously impressed. They're averaging 28,646 this season (according to 2022 MLS Attendance - Soccer Stadium Digest) . For perspective, the most recent numbers for the highest-average-attendance NBA team, the Bulls, are 20,881 for the 2022 season, and 19,092 for the highest average attendance NHL team (Tampa Bay).

I think NashvilleSC is leading the MLS in attendance, outside of the teams that play in NFL stadiums...

RE the NBA and NHL comparisons, remember MLS has only 17 home games versus 42, and cheaper tickets. Still very impressive. Praying NashvilleSC can get more wins and get on a roll, especially with Shaq Moore joining. 

[markhollin]

[nashvylle]

Incredible first season at Geodis Park. Absolute gem for Nashville and MLS stadiums! 

[markhollin]

Nice summary video of Nashville SC's 2022 season:

https://www.nashvillesc.com/video/nashville-sc-s-historic-2022-season

[markhollin]

I believe this is the first concert being scheduled for GEODIS Park: Shania Twain confirmed that she will perform at Nashville SC’s GEODIS Park on Wed., June 7 alongside special guests Kelsea Ballerini and Breland. Tickets go on sale Fri., Oct. 28.

[markhollin]

GEODIS Park:

[markhollin]

Livability.com feature entitled  "Alive and Kicking: Inside Nashville SC's new soccer stadium."

https://livability.com/tn/nashville/experiences-adventures/alive-kicking-inside-nashville-scs-new-soccer-stadium/

[BnaBreaker]

Walker Zimmerman and Shaq Moore are looking good for the USMNT!

[markhollin]

GEODIS Park will have a free bicycle valet service being tested for the first 8 Nashville SC games this season:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScGRZ_oUS-5kLKroDJCu-VHc1pimO7emGeRHI2D7B7PYojbgQ/viewform

[UrbanWes03]

On 2/23/2023 at 9:02 AM, markhollin said:

GEODIS Park will have a free bicycle valet service being tested for the first 8 Nashville SC games this season:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScGRZ_oUS-5kLKroDJCu-VHc1pimO7emGeRHI2D7B7PYojbgQ/viewform

This is awesome! Great to see them making it easier to and encouraging the use of alternative modes of transportation to go to the games. Since parking is a nightmare, hopefully people will actually ditch their cars. 

[BnaBreaker]

Predators legend Filip Forsberg along with NBA superstar (and all around nice guy) Giannis Antetokounmpo (yes I did have to check the spelling even though I'm a huge basketball fan lol) along with his three brothers are becoming minority owners of Nashville SC!  They join folks like Derrick Henry and Reese Witherspoon.  Exciting!

https://www.wkrn.com/sports/nashville-sc/forsberg-giannis-join-nashville-sc-ownership-group/

 

[markhollin]

Courtesy of Kalucci: