"ARROWHEAD STADIUM: HOME OF THE CHIEFS! 116 DECIBELS! NO ENEMY WINS HERE!" I remember words like that, I remember those good old days of the 1990s Kansas City Chiefs. Thomas, Montana, Smith, Shields, Gonzales. All names of my childhood. I remember the waiting list for season tickets went for miles and miles, third at one point only to the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys. I remember going to my first game in 1994, the excitement of seeing a game in person. I remember the noise, deafening, nonstop pain nearly.
Those days are dead, forever. The growth of football has taken the 116 decibels away forever, can't disturb the club level (if they are even in their seats) after all. I usually attend a game or two with my dad every year now days. I was there last Sunday, the Bengals completely destroyed the lack wit RAC led squad, but the main issue just wasn't there. The tailgating atmosphere was gone, replaced with either frat boys in other team's jerseys or long time season ticket holders who still hold blind faith that once Pioli is fired, everything will turn around. False faith, but something nonetheless.
My dad and I had about 5 empty seats to share between us, the inhabitants nowhere in sight, must have been in the club level. I remember he stretched over to exclaim to me at one point, "This feels like the late 70s and 80s, the atmosphere, the play, awful." And Arrowhead was. Those Monday Night Football games sounded and looked great the last two seasons didn't they? They still didn't compare to 80k+ standing room nonstop noise of the old days. Pounding on your seats is way too easy when there is 10 empty ones around you.
Which brings me to my point: They couldn't have picked a worse time to suck. The NFL will always make money, the Chiefs will always make money. Anyone thinking that the Save the Chiefs blackout campaign could mount any success is a complete ignorant moron. Dent their pockets by not filling them while going to the game, paying $27 to park, $8 beers, and food on top of that. Spread the wealth on the other football, yeah, the one your buddy at work told you to come to.
I'm entering my 4th season as a season ticket holder with Sporting Kansas City this upcoming season, and I've never been happier. Silverware at long last, that delicious tease of near MLS Cup pride, the potential long term runs at even more domestic and international cups. In the winter, and I came close to getting season tickets for this as well, the Comets are there. Cheap beer before the game, the wackiest unnerving game I've ever seen sure, but at least they're winning and care about their fans. Hell, we'll have two women's soccer teams next season, even if FC Kansas City is the most uninspiring name they could have come up with.
I suppose this is more of a rambling Jack Harry-esque opinion piece than a blog, but hell, here we go. Clark Hunt, I'm not going to lie, I'm not leaving. I enjoy football, I still enjoy tailgating at Arrowhead, I still love walking up between the concrete pillars up to the common man's section. But when your people call, begging me at this point to buy season tickets, I won't listen. I will continue to buy my tickets from Stubhub or from friend's, completely cutting out that potential extra revenue that you might make. My days of merchandise purchases are on hold from here on out.
All we ever wanted was a team to enjoy. 2010 got awfully close but turned out to a short term red herring. Spend the money, splurge on players and front office staff. Stop using the Small Market excuse, you're making tons regardless because of NFL rules. I want to see your snide snarky ass lifting the Lombardi Trophy, don't you want that?
Until then, I become one of those casual fans. I'll still watch games at home until the blowouts worsen or blackouts happen. Redzone being available has been a wonder this season, making complete ignorance of the Chiefs that much easier. If you can chance your ways, you can reach me at M8, Member's Stand/Cauldron, Livestrong Sporting Park, 1 Sporting Way, Kansas City, KS 66111. Just look for the guy with the beard and the US Open Cup next to him, you know what that looks like, you lost the chance of having one in Seattle a few years back while you were wearing yellow.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
8.8.12
I have seen 5 total playoff games in my life. A Mavericks game 5 where they lost, the Chiefs January 2011 playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens where they lost, drove to Denver for the SKC-Rapids game last Halloween where they won 2-0, followed by the 2-0 finishing blow later that week. I was there for the eastern conference final last November, I remember the pain of the Dynamo players celebrating on the field. I remember the orange confetti, I remember the orange fireworks, I remember their fans going wild. I remember each every moment of those triumphs and pains.
I remember sitting in the very chair that I'm typing this from right now in 2010. I remember watching the throw in being taken 10 feet closer to the goal than it should have been. I remember Mike Fucito slotting the ball to the right of Nielsen in the 92nd minute, I remember the noise their crowd made and the hate that I felt. I remember the damn near same thing happening the very next year, twice in fact. I remember the corner kick in the 93rd minute, Jeff Parke who hadn't scored a goal since the first half of the Bush Administration. I remember my friend crying into my sister's shoulder, I remember the hatred I felt. I remember when they gave us our first home loss, the Omar Bravo fake headbutt and red card. The first goal came in the 90th minute, Mauro Rosales in his historical year, the second from Lamar Neagle. The hatred was etched permanently into me that day, I would never ever tolerate the Sounders from then on.
Today, today really isn't a playoff game. The format is similar but the field of teams is bigger. 64 teams entered with even more already eliminated from the qualification round. Hundreds upon hundreds of teams with one single goal: to lift that big silver cup. We fought off a team starving for an MLS future in Orlando City, we fought off a team with plenty to prove in Colorado, we fought off a team that most people had never heard of but wanted to be this year's Richmond Kickers in the Dayton Dutch Lions. We went into Philadelphia, a place where we had the snot beat out of us weeks before, and dominated the second half to bring the game to Livestrong Sporting Park.
I have never seen a championship game. My family wouldn't have been able to afford season tickets, let alone flying to DC for the 2000 MLS Cup. My interests were elsewhere in 2004, a lost 15 year old at the time. Those are the only other opportunities I've had for potential championship glory in my lifetime. The last time the Royals won anything, let alone qualify for the postseason, was four years before I was born. The Chiefs, well, they can make the playoffs but usually choke somewhere after regular season play ends. Today is my first day for potential championship glory.
I remember waking up on November 6th. I woke up in a sweat, in the middle of the night, at about 2am. The same time that I woke up this morning but something completely different took my mind. I was afraid, I had many doubts. Could we win? Could we take on the mighty LA at their home ground? I was struck dead with the Terror. But this morning, when I awoke, I only smiled. I had no fear, only the feeling of preparation. I do not dread this game like I did the ECF last November. Today, I only had one feeling, winning.
See you at 4:30.
I remember sitting in the very chair that I'm typing this from right now in 2010. I remember watching the throw in being taken 10 feet closer to the goal than it should have been. I remember Mike Fucito slotting the ball to the right of Nielsen in the 92nd minute, I remember the noise their crowd made and the hate that I felt. I remember the damn near same thing happening the very next year, twice in fact. I remember the corner kick in the 93rd minute, Jeff Parke who hadn't scored a goal since the first half of the Bush Administration. I remember my friend crying into my sister's shoulder, I remember the hatred I felt. I remember when they gave us our first home loss, the Omar Bravo fake headbutt and red card. The first goal came in the 90th minute, Mauro Rosales in his historical year, the second from Lamar Neagle. The hatred was etched permanently into me that day, I would never ever tolerate the Sounders from then on.
Today, today really isn't a playoff game. The format is similar but the field of teams is bigger. 64 teams entered with even more already eliminated from the qualification round. Hundreds upon hundreds of teams with one single goal: to lift that big silver cup. We fought off a team starving for an MLS future in Orlando City, we fought off a team with plenty to prove in Colorado, we fought off a team that most people had never heard of but wanted to be this year's Richmond Kickers in the Dayton Dutch Lions. We went into Philadelphia, a place where we had the snot beat out of us weeks before, and dominated the second half to bring the game to Livestrong Sporting Park.
I have never seen a championship game. My family wouldn't have been able to afford season tickets, let alone flying to DC for the 2000 MLS Cup. My interests were elsewhere in 2004, a lost 15 year old at the time. Those are the only other opportunities I've had for potential championship glory in my lifetime. The last time the Royals won anything, let alone qualify for the postseason, was four years before I was born. The Chiefs, well, they can make the playoffs but usually choke somewhere after regular season play ends. Today is my first day for potential championship glory.
I remember waking up on November 6th. I woke up in a sweat, in the middle of the night, at about 2am. The same time that I woke up this morning but something completely different took my mind. I was afraid, I had many doubts. Could we win? Could we take on the mighty LA at their home ground? I was struck dead with the Terror. But this morning, when I awoke, I only smiled. I had no fear, only the feeling of preparation. I do not dread this game like I did the ECF last November. Today, I only had one feeling, winning.
See you at 4:30.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Chicago Road Trip 2012: Inferior American Fans Follow Inferior American Football
Well well well, back to Chicago again. Last year was abysmal, we lost, the weather decided to play into the Chicago stereotype of windy and cold, and I hadn't slept a wink on the way up on the 10 hour bus ride. You'd think I would have learned, but no, I'm finishing preparations for tonight at midnight, when I do the damn ride all over again. And I'm not going alone, not with 300, but with more.
If this is your first road trip, well, what is wrong with you? Away travel to games is probably my favorite form of the beautiful game. It's not the cozy little tailgate at home, roll up when you want with a 6 pack and friends. These, in the case of Chicago, other supporters don't want you here. You've traveled entirely too far for a 90 minute and change sporting event. Pure insanity that most would want us committed to a hospital for.
But this is the norm in the rest of the world. Some teams even give priority pre-sales to big away cup ties to fans that have followed the team before. Simply the best, I'm going to spend a 10 hour ride up, 10 hour ride back, and all the fun between with some of my best and closest friends. This will be my second time at Chicago, I've done Denver twice, Portland twice, and now added Vancouver in as well(not to mention a lovely Tuesday in Seattle on the way to Vancouver). Away travel is expensive, but the players do love it. You can see it in them when they look over, knowing that some fans love them enough to follow them everywhere.
To put into comparison, the longest trip in the English Premier League right now is Swansea to Newcastle at 359 miles, a 6 hour drive. We're going to our closest rival, at 514 miles away. True, some European fans make that long of a trip for international cup competitions and leagues, but for league play? Only Russia can compare and beat us on some lengths of travel. It's the pure dedication for a team, a movement, a group, that drives us to these games.
But as a fan, Chicago is different from all the other cities I've went to. Denver had a keg waiting for us, Timbers Army threw a night before party for us at their home bar, and Vancouver Southsiders bought me a few Canadian too expensive shots and beers at their home bar. In Chicago, we won't even be on the same side of the parking lot as them, and not allowed any closer to them. I usually bring a scarf to trade with other supporters, not Chicago, not a chance in hell. This is our closest thing to a real rivalry and both sides treat it as much.
At the same time, I love the hate, I love the fact that the people around us don't want us there. Section 8 doesn't want us there at all. They don't need to bring violence, which happened twice in bathrooms last year. We can be rivals and not need to turn into Green Street wannabes who emulate Elijah Wood for some reason(being a hobbit is better. PROUDFEET!). So while you're there with us, don't let them get to you. Say some sly words then move on, no need for things to escalate.
Most of all, have fun. These trips are great, and a fun way to make new friends as well. I have met countless people on my journeys, both Sporting supporters and from other teams. I've slept on floors, slept in chairs, stumbled back to a hostel with the help of two TA guys in Portland. I've waited 20 minutes for a train that wasn't coming all while enjoying the good life of away days. These trips make for good life stories, and I imagine all of us will hopefully have a winning one to tell to everyone at the end of the day. See you at the CAB(THROWBACK!) at midnight.
If this is your first road trip, well, what is wrong with you? Away travel to games is probably my favorite form of the beautiful game. It's not the cozy little tailgate at home, roll up when you want with a 6 pack and friends. These, in the case of Chicago, other supporters don't want you here. You've traveled entirely too far for a 90 minute and change sporting event. Pure insanity that most would want us committed to a hospital for.
But this is the norm in the rest of the world. Some teams even give priority pre-sales to big away cup ties to fans that have followed the team before. Simply the best, I'm going to spend a 10 hour ride up, 10 hour ride back, and all the fun between with some of my best and closest friends. This will be my second time at Chicago, I've done Denver twice, Portland twice, and now added Vancouver in as well(not to mention a lovely Tuesday in Seattle on the way to Vancouver). Away travel is expensive, but the players do love it. You can see it in them when they look over, knowing that some fans love them enough to follow them everywhere.
To put into comparison, the longest trip in the English Premier League right now is Swansea to Newcastle at 359 miles, a 6 hour drive. We're going to our closest rival, at 514 miles away. True, some European fans make that long of a trip for international cup competitions and leagues, but for league play? Only Russia can compare and beat us on some lengths of travel. It's the pure dedication for a team, a movement, a group, that drives us to these games.
But as a fan, Chicago is different from all the other cities I've went to. Denver had a keg waiting for us, Timbers Army threw a night before party for us at their home bar, and Vancouver Southsiders bought me a few Canadian too expensive shots and beers at their home bar. In Chicago, we won't even be on the same side of the parking lot as them, and not allowed any closer to them. I usually bring a scarf to trade with other supporters, not Chicago, not a chance in hell. This is our closest thing to a real rivalry and both sides treat it as much.
At the same time, I love the hate, I love the fact that the people around us don't want us there. Section 8 doesn't want us there at all. They don't need to bring violence, which happened twice in bathrooms last year. We can be rivals and not need to turn into Green Street wannabes who emulate Elijah Wood for some reason(being a hobbit is better. PROUDFEET!). So while you're there with us, don't let them get to you. Say some sly words then move on, no need for things to escalate.
Most of all, have fun. These trips are great, and a fun way to make new friends as well. I have met countless people on my journeys, both Sporting supporters and from other teams. I've slept on floors, slept in chairs, stumbled back to a hostel with the help of two TA guys in Portland. I've waited 20 minutes for a train that wasn't coming all while enjoying the good life of away days. These trips make for good life stories, and I imagine all of us will hopefully have a winning one to tell to everyone at the end of the day. See you at the CAB(THROWBACK!) at midnight.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Too Early to Crown Sporting KC? Yes, but isn't it fun to say we're number one right now?
As a sports fan, I've grown up as a "glass half empty" type guy. The Royals were already past glory by the time I was born and the Chiefs were in a promising stage that never fulfilled the hype. Needless to say, I have appreciated the negatives towards my teams so I could enjoy bashing them and being overly critical towards them. Sporting Kansas City the last two seasons have taught me a new way to my sports life, how to enjoy winning. Because of them, I never want to lose again or feel the pain of the loss.
Various people around MLS, fans, journalists, players, have been hyping us and criticizing us for being a little too cocky. Pretty true as well, when I first started supporting the Wizards, the only way to go was up. And up we went, little too high for some people but for many others and myself, we were now in the penthouse of MLS teams. We deserve it, fans, players, owners, team employees sponsors, everyone involved. We deserve to be cocky.
Sure, we can get a little bit ahead of ourselves in telling everyone how much they suck compared to us, how much SKC might beat their team week in and week out, but can't we just enjoy that as fans for a little bit before coming back down to Earth and relaxing a bit? Even the new bandwagoners, let them brag, let them be annoying. You won't have to deal with them if/when we ever have a bad season or two again. Let everyone have their fun and ignore them if it upsets you too much.
To keep this up though, we need results to continue being in the W slot, the big 3 points every time. We need silverware or the rest of the league will never take us serious ala New York Red Bulls. The true coming out party for "We Da Best, Listen" could be Saturday. This Real Salt Lake team is the real deal, my opinion of best team in the league right now. They have the talent, they have the depth, they have a frightening starting XI combo that is still pretty much the same as the 2009 MLS Cup winning squad and 2011 runners up for the CONCACAF Champions League. We beat them, the league shall know for the rest of the season that we will not let anyone knock us down.
All of this is my rambling opinion though. I don't want to throw out any stats to try and back myself up or anything. Just know that I believe in this team. I believe they will bring home a piece of hardware this season. I believe they can pull it off if they continue to believe in themselves. I believe we will win. Now go ahead and shoot me for that terrible finisher.
Various people around MLS, fans, journalists, players, have been hyping us and criticizing us for being a little too cocky. Pretty true as well, when I first started supporting the Wizards, the only way to go was up. And up we went, little too high for some people but for many others and myself, we were now in the penthouse of MLS teams. We deserve it, fans, players, owners, team employees sponsors, everyone involved. We deserve to be cocky.
Sure, we can get a little bit ahead of ourselves in telling everyone how much they suck compared to us, how much SKC might beat their team week in and week out, but can't we just enjoy that as fans for a little bit before coming back down to Earth and relaxing a bit? Even the new bandwagoners, let them brag, let them be annoying. You won't have to deal with them if/when we ever have a bad season or two again. Let everyone have their fun and ignore them if it upsets you too much.
To keep this up though, we need results to continue being in the W slot, the big 3 points every time. We need silverware or the rest of the league will never take us serious ala New York Red Bulls. The true coming out party for "We Da Best, Listen" could be Saturday. This Real Salt Lake team is the real deal, my opinion of best team in the league right now. They have the talent, they have the depth, they have a frightening starting XI combo that is still pretty much the same as the 2009 MLS Cup winning squad and 2011 runners up for the CONCACAF Champions League. We beat them, the league shall know for the rest of the season that we will not let anyone knock us down.
All of this is my rambling opinion though. I don't want to throw out any stats to try and back myself up or anything. Just know that I believe in this team. I believe they will bring home a piece of hardware this season. I believe they can pull it off if they continue to believe in themselves. I believe we will win. Now go ahead and shoot me for that terrible finisher.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
NBC Sports: The Hipster of American Sports Networks. A Calvin Early Morning Musing
Believe it or not, MLS rarely gets respect from ESPN or Fox. I know, I know, with how often they show games and cover highlights, very hard to swallow that fact. ESPN is more concerned with Tebow Time while comparing Tim with Lebron than covering the Superdraft on the main channel. Fox was always too concerned about showing the abysmal Fox Soccer Report in stunning standard definition while ignoring MLS outside of actual games played(they even show Australian A-League highlights while no MLS highlight show was broadcast). That all changes March 11th in Frisco, Texas, when NBC Sports Network broadcasts their first MLS game. Coverage can only improve from there.
Do you remember the Outdoor Life Network, or OLN for short? Not many outside of the diehard hunters and fishers do. Average channel but a genre that many others, including ESPN, covered quite well in the 90's. 1999 rolls around and, in a bizarre fashion, OLN bid and won the rights to the Tour De France, cycling's biggest event. I'm fairly certain that cycling is the exact opposite of hunting, although they are both held outdoors. By tossing their programming up in the air with picking up those rights, they changed for the better and never looked back. They proceeded to pick up the rights to Survivor reruns, marathons, the Iditarod, sailing, and auto racing.
As a hockey fan myself, the 2004-05 season was and is still the only major sporting season to be eradicated by a owner's lockout. The league looked towards an uncertain future coming back in 05-06, with two(at the time separate, now one contract. Companies merged, long story, go watch 30 Rock for that info) new TV contracts with NBC and OLN. The NHL was so messed up from the lockout that they didn't get the usual up front fee from NBC, instead simply sharing ad revenue. ESPN wanted to do the same deal but Comcast, owners of OLN and the Philadelphia Flyers wanted to change things up, offered the NHL 2 years, $130 million with a third network option year. The game began, the competitor to ESPN title that Fox Sports Net failed to raise as a national network had fallen to the former hunting channel, and they weren't finished.
OLN's name brand was changed to the questionable Versus in late 2006 along with a renewal of the NHL rights in 2007 and leading to the massive $2 billion 10 year renewal in 2011. They also attempted to bid for rights to MLB and NFL games but lost out(still rumored to be getting the NFL Network Thursday night games for 2012 though, watch for that). NHL shared the lack of spotlight role at ESPN before and alongside MLS, virtually ignored while NBA and MLB seasons overlapped and NFL coverage dominating all. NHL were the big boys at Versus, highlight shows, dedicated coverage, and helping broadcast nearly all playoff games. NBC picked up the rest but we're slow with the uptake, only picking up coverage after New Year's. Then 2008 happened, then NBC suddenly helped the NHL take over a holiday.
Bowl season had abandoned New Year's Day, only 3-4 minor bowls played. Somewhere in a room full of rich guys in 07, the Winter Classic was cooked up. The game has now been played 5 times along with the 2nd Heritage Classic last year. People love hockey outside in it's original home. Football and baseball venues completely filled up, huge TV audiences, clearly the league's big event for the year. The true rebirth of the sport and this, along with NFL rights in 2006, made NBC look like smart bastards at last.
NBC put on their glassless Ray-ban frames and cardigan sweater for MLS rights bidding in 2011 along with a handful of USMNT games to broadcast on both their networks. They also announced the rebranding of Versus to the NBC Sports Network, the battle of Fort Sumter in sports TV. The World Wide Leader vs The Old Duck Hunting Channel war had begun.
NBC also loves to mess around with cameras and the internet. Go watch a Sunday Night Football or NHL game on their website at gametime. Prepare to have complete control, numerous camera angles, stats running, live Twitter updates, everything. For football, it's the closest I can get to the All 22 presentation as a spectator along with more camera angles than needed for NHL. Just imagine what they can do with soccer presentation eh?
Oh, the other thing. All those MLS games NBCSN picked up? All 41 of them? Broadcast online for free. The days of searching for illicit streams of Fox Soccer Channel are over. You pick up Matchday Live and bookmark NBC Sports and as a fan, you're set. You can have the computer running the game on one camera angle while watching the main feed on TV, if you're as nerdy as the diehards tend to be.
NHL and MLS should also team up to be good roommates as well. The 4th and 5th in total revenue big sports in America can easily take out the scandal and prima donna ridden NBA. After all, the two fanbases are similar: young, full of cash, bearded crazy fans(Mavericks don't count, minor league hockey isn't the same. Independence destroys hockey, the fanbase is trashy). Flyers borrowed Doop from the Union, various teams owned by same owners. The two partnering up just makes sense. Cross promote through each other, offer deals to the other, buy a hockey ticket, get a soccer ticket. People will eat it up and love both teams.
I think I'm simply excited to see what NBC wants to bring with their MLS coverage. This isn't Fox or ESPN, they didn't need MLS with other rights like EPL and NFL. NBC needs MLS to succeed and will help out in every single way. Signing Arlo White was a great idea, and their nightly sports show has already had Grant Wahl on, an instant selling point for me. Simply keep it up, MLS weekly highlight show, coverage on everything every night, and I see no reason why the league and the network can't benefit from this partnership.
Do you remember the Outdoor Life Network, or OLN for short? Not many outside of the diehard hunters and fishers do. Average channel but a genre that many others, including ESPN, covered quite well in the 90's. 1999 rolls around and, in a bizarre fashion, OLN bid and won the rights to the Tour De France, cycling's biggest event. I'm fairly certain that cycling is the exact opposite of hunting, although they are both held outdoors. By tossing their programming up in the air with picking up those rights, they changed for the better and never looked back. They proceeded to pick up the rights to Survivor reruns, marathons, the Iditarod, sailing, and auto racing.
As a hockey fan myself, the 2004-05 season was and is still the only major sporting season to be eradicated by a owner's lockout. The league looked towards an uncertain future coming back in 05-06, with two(at the time separate, now one contract. Companies merged, long story, go watch 30 Rock for that info) new TV contracts with NBC and OLN. The NHL was so messed up from the lockout that they didn't get the usual up front fee from NBC, instead simply sharing ad revenue. ESPN wanted to do the same deal but Comcast, owners of OLN and the Philadelphia Flyers wanted to change things up, offered the NHL 2 years, $130 million with a third network option year. The game began, the competitor to ESPN title that Fox Sports Net failed to raise as a national network had fallen to the former hunting channel, and they weren't finished.
OLN's name brand was changed to the questionable Versus in late 2006 along with a renewal of the NHL rights in 2007 and leading to the massive $2 billion 10 year renewal in 2011. They also attempted to bid for rights to MLB and NFL games but lost out(still rumored to be getting the NFL Network Thursday night games for 2012 though, watch for that). NHL shared the lack of spotlight role at ESPN before and alongside MLS, virtually ignored while NBA and MLB seasons overlapped and NFL coverage dominating all. NHL were the big boys at Versus, highlight shows, dedicated coverage, and helping broadcast nearly all playoff games. NBC picked up the rest but we're slow with the uptake, only picking up coverage after New Year's. Then 2008 happened, then NBC suddenly helped the NHL take over a holiday.
Bowl season had abandoned New Year's Day, only 3-4 minor bowls played. Somewhere in a room full of rich guys in 07, the Winter Classic was cooked up. The game has now been played 5 times along with the 2nd Heritage Classic last year. People love hockey outside in it's original home. Football and baseball venues completely filled up, huge TV audiences, clearly the league's big event for the year. The true rebirth of the sport and this, along with NFL rights in 2006, made NBC look like smart bastards at last.
NBC put on their glassless Ray-ban frames and cardigan sweater for MLS rights bidding in 2011 along with a handful of USMNT games to broadcast on both their networks. They also announced the rebranding of Versus to the NBC Sports Network, the battle of Fort Sumter in sports TV. The World Wide Leader vs The Old Duck Hunting Channel war had begun.
NBC also loves to mess around with cameras and the internet. Go watch a Sunday Night Football or NHL game on their website at gametime. Prepare to have complete control, numerous camera angles, stats running, live Twitter updates, everything. For football, it's the closest I can get to the All 22 presentation as a spectator along with more camera angles than needed for NHL. Just imagine what they can do with soccer presentation eh?
Oh, the other thing. All those MLS games NBCSN picked up? All 41 of them? Broadcast online for free. The days of searching for illicit streams of Fox Soccer Channel are over. You pick up Matchday Live and bookmark NBC Sports and as a fan, you're set. You can have the computer running the game on one camera angle while watching the main feed on TV, if you're as nerdy as the diehards tend to be.
NHL and MLS should also team up to be good roommates as well. The 4th and 5th in total revenue big sports in America can easily take out the scandal and prima donna ridden NBA. After all, the two fanbases are similar: young, full of cash, bearded crazy fans(Mavericks don't count, minor league hockey isn't the same. Independence destroys hockey, the fanbase is trashy). Flyers borrowed Doop from the Union, various teams owned by same owners. The two partnering up just makes sense. Cross promote through each other, offer deals to the other, buy a hockey ticket, get a soccer ticket. People will eat it up and love both teams.
I think I'm simply excited to see what NBC wants to bring with their MLS coverage. This isn't Fox or ESPN, they didn't need MLS with other rights like EPL and NFL. NBC needs MLS to succeed and will help out in every single way. Signing Arlo White was a great idea, and their nightly sports show has already had Grant Wahl on, an instant selling point for me. Simply keep it up, MLS weekly highlight show, coverage on everything every night, and I see no reason why the league and the network can't benefit from this partnership.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Some simple "Can't Sleep" thoughts going into 2012
Been a while since I've done this. Lost the will to write after all the random blogs popped up over the SKC fanbase, most absolutely terrible, along with one of the best losing the head writer then turning into a total crock of shit. Regardless, I just haven't felt the bug to write much. But I can't sleep, rarely do, so I'm gonna think deeply for a moment.
We're going to lose Teal this year, I haven't a doubt about it now. Not talked about much, think only Gooch has mentioned the subject, but he's gotten a lot of looks now in Europe and the money is waiting for him. There's nothing we can do probably, but we can lock up CJ. Pay the man, keep him in KC indefinitely. If you want MLS to grow, you need to stop the bleeding of young talent running away. There is a reason why the KHL, the main Russian hockey league, is booming right now, all because they're paying their players similar wages to play at home. Pay him, lots of money, keep 17 in KC forever.
I look at the schedule, holy shit does it ever play into our favor? If we do not repeat as Eastern Conference regular season champs, the season is a disappointment unless we tear up in the playoffs/USOC. After that awful ten game road trip to start the season last year, no trips longer than two games is absolutely beautiful. Really only one true coast to coast trip this year, after we leave Seattle, we're done with the West for the entire season. We're done with the big bad unstoppable western teams in June, that seriously couldn't play in our favor any better.
From a constant away traveler's point, the two best looking road trips are Vancouver/Portland and NYC/Montreal. Four of the most cosmopolitan (see what I did there?) cities in North America and we even visit the latter two twice. I'd certainly traveling to Vancouver and Portland myself, hoping to get Montreal in there as well by driving the insane and stupid distance up there. I'd almost love to do US Independence Day in Canada and hang out with expat Americans in Montreal for the day along with celebrating Canada Day on the 1st.
I love Lot F. I seem to, part of the time at least, get stupidly drunk at the games and wander the short distance from the tailgate, under the bridge, into the gate, very easily. They move us farther away from the entrance, they risk various Cauldronites wandering into the West Stander's tailgates on St. Patrick's Day, where I will most likely ask them for a beer and a burger. Think about that move before you do it Front Office, just think of the potential complains of the unsightly hairy guy wanting to hear their best chants while slurring every word.
Bobby Convey is such a nancy. I've watched the guy go down easily, ask the ref for calls, make a bad tackle then try to act as if he didn't do anything, and fight his way through anything (see versus Chance at LSP last season BRAH). He is the Anti-Arnaud, the Kyle Orton of the team. He wants to get paid to play, do his job, move on. The man doesn't give a shit about the team most likely and has a long way to earn my respect, most likely never.
Three players who need Twitter accounts this year: The Dragon (imagine his smack talk against the week's opponent), Leapin' Larry (anyone with that nickname obviously has many stories to tell, especially after playing with the enigma team that is Orlando City), and first and foremost, BIRAHIM DIOP. First of all, the fact that Diop isn't my best friend depresses me enough. To not see the Smiling Man on Twitter makes it worst. He really is one of my favorite players on the team. The Diop Game Part Deux was 4 days after my 21st birthday. I was in such disbelief in his hat trick that I believed that I had drunken too much and was hallucinating. The man is the best influence in the locker room, so he needs to join his teammates on Twitter ASAP.
Every time I drive past LSP, I smile and feel so content in life. Every time I see a picture of RFK, I feel a bit of sorrow for the DC fans, then I remember how much they suck, and I move on. I seriously hate seeing MLS 1.0 still exist to a certain extent in New England and DC while the rest of the league has moved on to 3.0. Shocking how this is allowed but I believe things are about to change, DC easily, NE a little harder. The Don needs to force Kraft's hand and either convince him to build a stadium closer to the heart of Boston or simply sell the team off and let them flourish. I imagine someone in Boston would love to buy em and build em an awesome stadium.
I have nothing good nor bad to say about Bravo. A simple "good luck with Cruz Azul" is all there is to say. He made an instant impact, was a fan favorite, but always seemed to have his foot out the door to a certain degree. I don't know if he ever truly wanted to be here, never could mesh in. Just gotta say oh well and move on by getting someone better and younger.
Cosmos are dead, Cantona wants to be French president, I'm starting to feel that Pele has no idea what's going on, and where are the apparent owners suddenly? MLS needs to focus on fast growing, high tech, youthful cities. Top three for myself have to be Nashville, Austin/San Antonio (give or take, one or the other for now), and the Twin Cities. For the future, watch the Research Triangle. Those cities are booming at the moment and continue to grow plus they are all sports crazy. The Carolina Hurricanes have a great turnout and fanbase, along with all the college teams. They're going to pass Charlotte soon enough and become a major eastern metropolitan area.
Those are the thoughts, well, soccer thoughts going through my head right now. Probably about 10 of you will read this, I hope, so just comment and such. Enjoy the madness.
We're going to lose Teal this year, I haven't a doubt about it now. Not talked about much, think only Gooch has mentioned the subject, but he's gotten a lot of looks now in Europe and the money is waiting for him. There's nothing we can do probably, but we can lock up CJ. Pay the man, keep him in KC indefinitely. If you want MLS to grow, you need to stop the bleeding of young talent running away. There is a reason why the KHL, the main Russian hockey league, is booming right now, all because they're paying their players similar wages to play at home. Pay him, lots of money, keep 17 in KC forever.
I look at the schedule, holy shit does it ever play into our favor? If we do not repeat as Eastern Conference regular season champs, the season is a disappointment unless we tear up in the playoffs/USOC. After that awful ten game road trip to start the season last year, no trips longer than two games is absolutely beautiful. Really only one true coast to coast trip this year, after we leave Seattle, we're done with the West for the entire season. We're done with the big bad unstoppable western teams in June, that seriously couldn't play in our favor any better.
From a constant away traveler's point, the two best looking road trips are Vancouver/Portland and NYC/Montreal. Four of the most cosmopolitan (see what I did there?) cities in North America and we even visit the latter two twice. I'd certainly traveling to Vancouver and Portland myself, hoping to get Montreal in there as well by driving the insane and stupid distance up there. I'd almost love to do US Independence Day in Canada and hang out with expat Americans in Montreal for the day along with celebrating Canada Day on the 1st.
I love Lot F. I seem to, part of the time at least, get stupidly drunk at the games and wander the short distance from the tailgate, under the bridge, into the gate, very easily. They move us farther away from the entrance, they risk various Cauldronites wandering into the West Stander's tailgates on St. Patrick's Day, where I will most likely ask them for a beer and a burger. Think about that move before you do it Front Office, just think of the potential complains of the unsightly hairy guy wanting to hear their best chants while slurring every word.
Bobby Convey is such a nancy. I've watched the guy go down easily, ask the ref for calls, make a bad tackle then try to act as if he didn't do anything, and fight his way through anything (see versus Chance at LSP last season BRAH). He is the Anti-Arnaud, the Kyle Orton of the team. He wants to get paid to play, do his job, move on. The man doesn't give a shit about the team most likely and has a long way to earn my respect, most likely never.
Three players who need Twitter accounts this year: The Dragon (imagine his smack talk against the week's opponent), Leapin' Larry (anyone with that nickname obviously has many stories to tell, especially after playing with the enigma team that is Orlando City), and first and foremost, BIRAHIM DIOP. First of all, the fact that Diop isn't my best friend depresses me enough. To not see the Smiling Man on Twitter makes it worst. He really is one of my favorite players on the team. The Diop Game Part Deux was 4 days after my 21st birthday. I was in such disbelief in his hat trick that I believed that I had drunken too much and was hallucinating. The man is the best influence in the locker room, so he needs to join his teammates on Twitter ASAP.
Every time I drive past LSP, I smile and feel so content in life. Every time I see a picture of RFK, I feel a bit of sorrow for the DC fans, then I remember how much they suck, and I move on. I seriously hate seeing MLS 1.0 still exist to a certain extent in New England and DC while the rest of the league has moved on to 3.0. Shocking how this is allowed but I believe things are about to change, DC easily, NE a little harder. The Don needs to force Kraft's hand and either convince him to build a stadium closer to the heart of Boston or simply sell the team off and let them flourish. I imagine someone in Boston would love to buy em and build em an awesome stadium.
I have nothing good nor bad to say about Bravo. A simple "good luck with Cruz Azul" is all there is to say. He made an instant impact, was a fan favorite, but always seemed to have his foot out the door to a certain degree. I don't know if he ever truly wanted to be here, never could mesh in. Just gotta say oh well and move on by getting someone better and younger.
Cosmos are dead, Cantona wants to be French president, I'm starting to feel that Pele has no idea what's going on, and where are the apparent owners suddenly? MLS needs to focus on fast growing, high tech, youthful cities. Top three for myself have to be Nashville, Austin/San Antonio (give or take, one or the other for now), and the Twin Cities. For the future, watch the Research Triangle. Those cities are booming at the moment and continue to grow plus they are all sports crazy. The Carolina Hurricanes have a great turnout and fanbase, along with all the college teams. They're going to pass Charlotte soon enough and become a major eastern metropolitan area.
Those are the thoughts, well, soccer thoughts going through my head right now. Probably about 10 of you will read this, I hope, so just comment and such. Enjoy the madness.
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