Whitecaps MLS news [Archive] - Page 3

djmk

Jun 8, 2010, 5:38 PM

i do not mind it...

from whitecaps website

Caps unveil logo and ticket information

June 8, 2010

VANCOUVER, BC – With just a few short months remaining before Vancouver Whitecaps FC take to the pitch as the 17th team in Major League Soccer (MLS), the club formally unveiled their new brand and logo, and announced a second and final season ticket deposit window that will open to fans this weekend.

"Today was a historic moment for our club, our fans, and our city. I believe our fans and our players will take immense pride in wearing the logo we’ve unveiled here today – and that it will set the tone for the many great years to come,” stated Whitecaps FC chief executive officer Paul Barber. “Having now shared the basis of our club’s new identity, I know our fans will be even more anxious to show their pride and see it come to life in the stands and on the pitch – so I’m also pleased to share the news that we are offering fans the chance to secure their opportunity to be there when we kick off the 2011 season.”

Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2011 season ticket deposits for the club’s inaugural campaign will go on sale again to the general public this Saturday, June 12, at 10 a.m. PT. Season tickets will start at $319, and will include a minimum of 17 matches throughout the season.

This public sales window is just the second opportunity for fans to purchase deposits. The sales window follows a highly successful initial first offering over a year ago where more than 5,000 deposits sold in less than 48 hours. Since that time, an additional 5,000 deposits have been sold to existing season ticket holders, partners, and members of the waitlist. The club will cap season tickets for the 2011 season at 16,500.

In addition to releasing information on tickets, the club also unveiled the new brand and logo following a 10-month consultation process that included world-renowned soccer brand adidas, Publicis Canada, Whitecaps FC ownership group, staff, fans, and season ticket holders. The new brand and logo, which will be used throughout the club come November 2010, draws its inspiration from the spectacular geography of Western Canada's largest city, as well as the club's long tradition of success. The new brand will see Whitecaps FC continue their long tradition of using white as one of their primary colours, while the club have also incorporated the colour of 'deep sea' blue as a reflection of Vancouver's natural landscape.

"This new logo and brand takes into account the rich history and tradition that we have established as a club, while providing a fresh representation of one of the most beautiful cities in the world," said Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzzi. "The new brand and logo not only engages our many fans that have supported us since 1974, it will also engage new fans to our club and to the MLS with a symbol that truly reflects Vancouver and the incredible landscape that makes this city unique."

The new logo sees the words 'Vancouver Whitecaps FC' written in white on a deep sea blue background, with the renowned mountains of Vancouver's north shore sitting above the club's name in white and reflecting down on the city's waterfront - below the club name. The colour used to symbolize the refection of the mountains on the waterfront is a lighter blue or “Whitecaps blue”, which pays tribute to the primary colour on the club’s logo worn during the historic 1979 Soccer Bowl championship. Lining the new mark is the colour silver, a distinct nod to the club's numerous championship titles that have been won since 1974.

A limited line of Whitecaps FC merchandise, including adidas scarves and t-shirts featuring the newly unveiled logo, are now available for sale online at whitecapsfc.com, during matches this season at Swangard Stadium, and at “The Tourist Shop” retail location in the Pacific Centre in downtown Vancouver.

Whitecaps FC fans will be able to purchase a Vancouver MLS season ticket deposit for $50, beginning Saturday, June 12, at 10 a.m. PT. For more information regarding MLS season ticket deposits, visit whitecapsfc.com.

About Vancouver Whitecaps FC
In 1974, Vancouver Whitecaps FC played their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League, and in 1979, the club won the NASL Soccer Bowl championship. From 1987 to 1992, as a member of the Canadian Soccer League, Vancouver won four straight CSL titles. In 2002, the Whitecaps created a full club model that encompasses professional teams for men and women, extensive youth development and grassroots participation programs, facility development, and the Whitecaps Foundation to support specific initiatives related to health and wellness through soccer. Since 2004, the Whitecaps have won two United Soccer Leagues First Division championships and two USL W-League championships. In 2011, Vancouver will begin their inaugural season in Major League Soccer at Empire Field before moving into the new BC Place Stadium in downtown Vancouver. For additional information on Whitecaps FC, visit whitecapsfc.com.

djmk

Jun 8, 2010, 5:53 PM

i think it has very similar colours as the canucks logo...

http://www.sportslogos.net/logo.php?id=2xd2efir5fdew26px6kx

http://www.sportslogos.net/images/logos/1/29/full/2xd2efir5fdew26px6kx.gif

Zassk

Jun 8, 2010, 6:05 PM

I like it...

It's not over the top, it's pretty tasteful.

I saw the "W" right away, but I think most people will see an "M" first, and get confused.

I could wish for a football somewhere on the logo.

PaperTiger

Jun 8, 2010, 7:08 PM

On the whole I like it. We have to remember that it will just be a crest on the upper left of the jersey, (above the Yahoo! logo? or will it be KIA?). It won't be a huge ass thing in the centre like a hockey sweater. I wish they had been a little more graceful with the font though. it looks a little too "Arial Narrow" for my tastes.

NetMapel

Jun 8, 2010, 8:00 PM

Yeah I thought the logo looks good too. It is sharp and aggressive unlike its previous logo which is fairly roundish.

Also kind of reminds me of The Sims :P

Overground

Jun 8, 2010, 9:12 PM

I think it's anything but a football crest. I think locals are so brainwashed with hockey and NA sport brands that they haven't a clue on how to do a proper football logo. So what you get is a complacency with this new logo. People say, "it could be worse" or "it's better than the last one". Well I wanted a top notch brand that was the best and envy of MLS. Instead we got a mid to bottom table logo. Sorry, not good enough. Especially after hearing they spent 11 months on it.

It looks like a brand for an outdoor equipment company. Admit it, it does. Lenarduzzi said they matched it with big clubs around the world like Barcelona and Chelsea and it has a classic look that will stand the test of time.:koko: He's delusional if he thinks that.

djmk

Jun 8, 2010, 10:28 PM

Overground

Jun 8, 2010, 10:59 PM

I'm really trying to, but I really don't like it. And I know myself as I do a lot of graphic design stuff and this isn't going to grow on me, ever. Not sure about the font either...Trebuchet, Avenir?? The colours are great though!

Oh well, not much I can do about it. The good news is the 10k season tickets sold already and they should probably get to the 16.5k mark they have set.
I think the next important thing would be to increase supporter group/Southsiders numbers up to at least 1000 by next year.

Spoolmak

Jun 8, 2010, 11:18 PM

How come Toronto doesn't have a proper team name?

PaperTiger

Jun 8, 2010, 11:58 PM

I think I would like it better if it didn't say "Vancouver" and the so the middle "mountain cam all the way down to the Whitecaps. do that and and improve the font and it would have a nice, simple balance to it. Right now it feels very sharp and a bit cluttered.

Actually I'm finding the more I look at it the less I like it, which is the opposite of how things should go.

jlousa

Jun 9, 2010, 12:56 AM

I think it's an improvement but I would've liked to see a traditional crest style but this is workable.

osirisboy

Jun 9, 2010, 1:17 AM

I really like it!

Nite

Jun 9, 2010, 1:19 AM

I would have preferred the following

http://i40.tinypic.com/14ifpuh.jpg

this was their old NASL badge

http://i843.photobucket.com/albums/zz356/MaximGan/Vancouver-Whitecaps1979-84.gif

trofirhen

Jun 9, 2010, 1:24 AM

I would have preferred the following

http://i40.tinypic.com/14ifpuh.jpg

Yeah, I would have preferred that one much more, too.

Overground

Jun 9, 2010, 1:27 AM

^That's actually my design. Got tonnes of them I did but never sent them into the Caps' Marketing Dir.

I think I would like it better if it didn't say "Vancouver" and the so the middle "mountain cam all the way down to the Whitecaps. do that and and improve the font and it would have a nice, simple balance to it. Right now it feels very sharp and a bit cluttered.

Actually I'm finding the more I look at it the less I like it, which is the opposite of how things should go.

Ya me too. I think it would be better with just the one diamond thing and get rid of the side ones and then expand it out horizontally so it's not so narrow.

I just showed my sister-in-law and she said, "You...are....joking, right? I could do better than that. It looks like a bad beer can label." LOL

Nite

Jun 9, 2010, 1:42 AM

^That's actually my design. Got tonnes of them I did but never sent them into the Caps' Marketing Dir.

Ya me too. I think it would be better with just the one diamond thing and get rid of the side ones and then expand it out horizontally so it's not so narrow.

I just showed my sister-in-law and she said, "You...are....joking, right? I could do better than that. It looks like a bad beer can label." LOL

I think you should have sent it to them, but they probably would have spent the 100,000s they did to come up with the current design:yuck:

nova9

Jun 9, 2010, 2:34 AM

I like it.

Spork

Jun 9, 2010, 3:09 AM

I quite like the logo. I think that we should all keep in mind that they need a big change to make it newsworthy, create some word of mouth, and get people interested in the move to the MLS and new stadium. Aesthetics is second to selecting something different from the previous logo. To me, the two logos that you have posted look too similar to the existing.

Look at it from a marketing perspective rather than an artistic perspective, and you will understand. :)

Prometheus

Jun 9, 2010, 7:31 AM

The new logo is lame.

Vancity

Jun 9, 2010, 8:17 AM

Ugh. The new whitecaps logo is disappointing.

I was expecting something much...better. The logo reminds me of a minor league soccer logo. I don't like it. With that being said, I hope it grows on me like the Canucks uni (with the word "Vancouver" on the front) did. I dunno..anyone have any pics of what the actual uniforms are going to look like? More or less the same as the current ones, just the logo's different?

officedweller

Jun 9, 2010, 9:27 AM

I'm not that keen on it -
Looks very generic - doesn't scream soccer - although it does share the diamond shapes with the Umbro logo.
Doesn't scream Vancouver or Whitecaps (wave).
They could have made the lower elements more wave-like while still retaining a "W" shape.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CHG2GRbeET8/SwGLXKyP-nI/AAAAAAAANWw/ojjCKdwKBGY/s1600/Umbro+Logo+1.gif
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CHG2GRbeET8/SwGLXKyP-nI/AAAAAAAANWw/ojjCKdwKBGY/s1600/Umbro+Logo+1.gif

twoNeurons

Jun 9, 2010, 2:11 PM

How come Toronto doesn't have a proper team name?

They do. Toronto FC. Traditionally, football ( soccer ) clubs don't have colourful mascots or cartoon-like names.

http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/images/2008/04/13/toronto_fc_logo.jpg
source (http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2008/06/toronto-fc-0-wi.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SoccerByIves+%28Soccer+By+Ives%29)

Zassk

Jun 9, 2010, 4:29 PM

A tasteful "shield" like the Toronto FC logo would be nice. The logo that they selected would suffice if it was put inside such a shield.

It is good to have "Vancouver" in the logo because the name "Vancouver" has a lot of market value currently, what with the Olympics. This is why the Canucks added it to their logo, too.

Prometheus

Jun 9, 2010, 5:42 PM

wAXomFcoPlY

mrjauk

Jun 9, 2010, 6:21 PM

wAXomFcoPlY

Informative video. What I find kind of ironic is that the MLS is expanding or has recently expanded into what are arguably the best soccer cities in North America--Seattle, Vancouver, Portland, Montreal, Toronto (though from TO's soccer history one never would have expected the success TFC has had). All of these teams have been selling out and will set out every game next year and the year after. It's quite astonishing.

Compare that to the NHL, which over the last 15-20 years or so has mostly (i.e., save Ottawa) expanded and/or relocated to the most marginal hockey cities in North America. Oh, and before I forget...Bettman sucks!:hell:

Prometheus

Jun 9, 2010, 6:49 PM

What I find kind of ironic is that the MLS is expanding or has recently expanded into what are arguably the best soccer cities in North America--Seattle, Vancouver, Portland, Montreal, Toronto...

Compare that to the NHL, which over the last 15-20 years or so has mostly (i.e., save Ottawa) expanded and/or relocated to the most marginal hockey cities in North America.

What is ironic about it? More like logical. MLS is a fledgling, vulnerable league and is thus establishing itself in the safest cities. The NHL, by contrast, is a strong, established league with franchises already in most major North American cities and which is thus now attempting to expand into new markets.

Overground

Jun 9, 2010, 11:14 PM

A tasteful "shield" like the Toronto FC logo would be nice. The logo that they selected would suffice if it was put inside such a shield.

Exactly. I think a traditional shield or other conventional shapes would give it that "football crest" appeal that this new one doesn't.
I whipped this one together in 5 mins. I don't particularly like it but it shows what can be achieved rather easily.

http://i47.tinypic.com/11vkyyw.jpg

officedweller

Jun 9, 2010, 11:48 PM

Nice.

Looks less like a brand you'd see in the supermarket.

Overground

Jun 10, 2010, 2:57 AM

It certainly makes it look less like a non-carbonated sports drink logo, lol.

Some other news. The kit and shirt sponsor is being announced at a press conference tomorrow morning at Bentall 5 making Bell the expected sponsor. Hopefully they'll be able to get close to $4m a year like LA and Seattle get from their sponsors.

http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Bell+expected+Whitecaps+jersey+sponsor/3133650/story.html

mrjauk

Jun 10, 2010, 5:03 AM

What is ironic about it? More like logical. MLS is a fledgling, vulnerable league and is thus establishing itself in the safest cities. The NHL, by contrast, is a strong, established league with franchises already in most major North American cities and which is thus now attempting to expand into new markets.

So, it's logical to start your business in the worst possible locations, hanging on by your fingernails, while almost going bankrupt a couple of times along the way, (of which one time the only thing to save you was the generosity of a single, albeit well-heeled, patron), only to add the strongest and most lucrative locations/franchises 15-20 years later? Sounds like a great business plan.

Prometheus

Jun 10, 2010, 5:50 PM

So, it's logical to start your business in the worst possible locations, hanging on by your fingernails, while almost going bankrupt a couple of times along the way, (of which one time the only thing to save you was the generosity of a single, albeit well-heeled, patron), only to add the strongest and most lucrative locations/franchises 15-20 years later? Sounds like a great business plan.

It was not 15-20 years later. MLS started play in 1996. Toronto's expansion was announced in 2005, Seattle's in 2007, and Portland's and Vancouver's in 2009. This constitutes 9, 11, and 13 years respectively. Moreover, MLS started to flourish in 2002 after the 2002 World Cup, and charter teams Los Angeles and Dallas began earning profits in 2002 and 2003 respectively, i.e., years before the above expansions were even announced.

That said, I am not going to defend MLS's specific business plan or its specific choice of charter cities in 1996, except to say that maybe the first 9-13 years of a major sports league can be considered as comprising the opening chapter of this kind of long-term venture, and the franchises established during this period have included some of the "best soccer cities in North America." Thus, the opening chapter of MLS, on the whole, has been logical.

twoNeurons

Jun 10, 2010, 6:57 PM

I think he was talking about the NHL.

Expanding into Phoenix-like cities while denying hockey hotbeds. The most recent being Hamilton.

Vancity

Jun 10, 2010, 7:11 PM

Prometheus

Jun 10, 2010, 7:19 PM

I think he was talking about the NHL.

Expanding into Phoenix-like cities while denying hockey hotbeds. The most recent being Hamilton.

No he was not. He was talking about the business plan and early years of MLS.

nova9

Jun 10, 2010, 8:34 PM

Just saw the new Whitecaps unis. I don't know if I like them just yet. Here are the pics:

Home Jersey (http://www.teamradio.ca/news/story/?id=3058)

Away Jersey (http://www.teamradio.ca/news/story/?id=3059)

What do you guys think?

Here they are:
Taken from the Province website
http://www.theprovince.com/business/3137527.bin?size=620x400
and from TEAM 1040:
http://www.teamradio.ca/contentfiles2/image/Vancouver%20Whitecaps%20-%202011%20jerseys%20blue.jpghttp://www.teamradio.ca/contentfiles2/image/Vancouver%20Whitecaps%20-%202011%20jerseys%20white.jpg

djmk

Jun 10, 2010, 8:35 PM

Just saw the new Whitecaps unis. I don't know if I like them just yet. Here are the pics:

Home Jersey (http://www.teamradio.ca/news/story/?id=3058)

Away Jersey (http://www.teamradio.ca/news/story/?id=3059)

What do you guys think?

the kits seem really form-fitting. and the white one reminds me of the german kit. and i do not know about those horizontal stripes. it forces my eyes to look at his crotch.

the blue one is a little meh.

When i think about the 'caps i always seen them as "mr nice guys" on the field. stable, conservative, laid back yet competitive. This kit does not change this.

cc85

Jun 10, 2010, 8:55 PM

jersey is meh, both LS and SS. wtf is up with that beige-white SS one

PaperTiger

Jun 10, 2010, 8:58 PM

Any word on what the value of the deal was?

EastVanMark

Jun 10, 2010, 9:54 PM

Jerseys are alright but the logo is gawd-awful plain/boring. What is it with this region and its ugly logos for pro sports teams. (Minus the Lions).

Nite

Jun 10, 2010, 9:54 PM

I wasn't a fan of the badge but i love the kit and as a result, i dislike the badge a little less.

Overground

Jun 10, 2010, 10:45 PM

^I've come to the same conclusion.

Any word on what the value of the deal was?

No word yet that I can find. Hopefully it's up around $4m but I have a feeling it will be less.

Kwik-E-Mart

Jun 11, 2010, 12:51 AM

The only thing I've missed from the old jerseys are the white/blue stripes over the chest, which I think would fit well with the new jerseys. Otherwise the new logo will be highly resilient against the changes in time.

Prometheus

Jun 11, 2010, 4:23 AM

...the new logo will be highly resilient against the changes in time.

How so? It's just two days old and it already sucks.

nova9

Jun 11, 2010, 5:01 AM

How so? It's just two days old and it already sucks.

says one opinion.

WaxItYourself

Jun 11, 2010, 6:57 AM

How so? It's just two days old and it already sucks.

For me, I really disliked it at first. But after reading the background story and meaning on it, as it pertains to how the whitecaps got their name, I kind of like it. The name Whitecaps isn't only for the color of the top of waves as they crest. It's also for the top of snowy mountains. When the Whitecaps originally got their name the person who thought of it, I am told, saw the whitecaps of the waves and the whitecaps of the mountains and named it after both of them.

Vancity

Jun 11, 2010, 7:28 AM

Jerseys are alright but the logo is gawd-awful plain/boring. What is it with this region and its ugly logos for pro sports teams. (Minus the Lions).

Yeah. I have a tendency to agree. Though, the Canucks logo isn't that ugly. I like it. The Lions logo is...meh. And the new 'Caps logo is ugly. I would've prefered something along Toronto FC's crest. THAT is going to be a timeless logo. I have a feeling the Whitecaps are going to re-brand their logo in a few years time. What's that Lenarduzzi? The Caps logo standing the test of time? hah.

BCPhil

Jun 11, 2010, 9:15 AM

They do. Toronto FC. Traditionally, football ( soccer ) clubs don't have colourful mascots or cartoon-like names.

http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/images/2008/04/13/toronto_fc_logo.jpg
source (http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2008/06/toronto-fc-0-wi.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SoccerByIves+%28Soccer+By+Ives%29)

Ummmmmmmmmm

The Pensioners, The Gunners, The Red Devils, The Wolves, Villans [sic], Seasiders, Rovers, The Owls, Minstermen, Citizens.....

As far as cartoony drawings:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d1/Manchester_United_Badge_1973-1998.png
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Manchester_United_Badge_1973-1998.png

Or how about from 1905:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7e/Cfcpensioner.png
source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cfcpensioner.png

And how about badass:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fc/Wolverhampton_Wanderers.svg/200px-Wolverhampton_Wanderers.svg.png
source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wolverhampton_Wanderers.svg

That's the official logo for the Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C., or the Wolves. That's it, not even their name, and don't go thinking the club is new and "fresh". the club dates back to 1877.

Oh, and lets not talk too much of mascots:
Fred the Red with Ferguson
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42400000/jpg/_42400265_fergusonandfred270.jpg
source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/6205679.stm

A large gallery here:
http://www.citv.co.uk/static/kickit/mascot_gallery.html
Totally worth checking out. I'm kind of partial to Herbie the Hammer.

WarrenC12

Jun 11, 2010, 2:16 PM

For me, I really disliked it at first. But after reading the background story and meaning on it, as it pertains to how the whitecaps got their name, I kind of like it. The name Whitecaps isn't only for the color of the top of waves as they crest. It's also for the top of snowy mountains. When the Whitecaps originally got their name the person who thought of it, I am told, saw the whitecaps of the waves and the whitecaps of the mountains and named it after both of them.

Hmm sounds a lot like the BC Lions.. perfect.

WarrenC12

Jun 11, 2010, 4:38 PM

The news is reporting the deal is worth more than $4m US annually (which is awesome), but it isn't clear if that is cash, or more likely includes all kinds of extra Bell coverage of the whitecaps. They mentioned games streaming to phones, stuff like that. Bell's coverage of the 2010 games helped them out.

Smooth

Jun 11, 2010, 4:50 PM

I like the Whitecaps logo alot more than that of the Columbus Crew (aka "America's Hardest Working Team")...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c8/ColumbusCrew.png

Kwik-E-Mart

Jun 12, 2010, 5:21 AM

As a person who highly despises Real Madrid, the new Whitecaps kits unfortunately resemble the ones worn by Franco's favourite squad (especially the navy blue ones). I am really torn about whether to get them in the future despite my love for the locals. :(

Prometheus

Jun 12, 2010, 9:04 AM

Vancity

Jun 14, 2010, 9:06 AM

Some brand new photos of the almost-complete Empire Field, the home of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC for their first season:

http://www.bclions.com/photo_gallery/gallery/id/10977

It looks cool and should have a magic atmosphere with the seats right on top of the action, the summer sun falling down, the mountains silhouetted against the north sky.

wow. that stadium looks amazing with the mountain backdrop. it's unfortunate that the stadium's going to be torn down afterwards :(

any chance that the stadium will be stay? make it permanent?

PaperTiger

Jun 14, 2010, 4:06 PM

No chance. It is made out of scaffolding, porta potties, and shrink wrap. it is Temporary stadium.

WarrenC12

Jun 14, 2010, 4:41 PM

Hopefully it will renew the demand for the waterfront stadium proposal. Especially when the Whitecaps start playing.

Smooth

Jul 29, 2010, 7:42 PM

Looks like the Whitecaps will be getting the first pick for the 2011 draft when they enter the MLS.

Whitecaps win pivotal MLS coin toss over Portland

By Bruce Constantineau, Vancouver Sun
July 28, 2010

VANCOUVER - The Portland Timbers beat the Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 last week to grab the Cascadia Cup – a trophy that symbolizes on-field soccer superiority in the Pacific Northwest.

But the Caps are smiling today after beating the Timbers in a coin toss Wednesday at the Major League Soccer all-star game in Houston, Texas.

That win gives Vancouver the option of taking the first pick in either the MLS expansion draft of unprotected players in November or the SuperDraft of eligible college and youth players in January. They have to make that choice by Aug. 11.

Vancouver and Portland both join MLS next year.

“We’re not going to tip our hand now,” said Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi. “We’ll look at which players will be available in each of the categories and take it from there.”

The league has a priority list of eight player-acquisition mechanisms and once Vancouver declares its first priority, the two expansion sides will alternate choices through the list.

First pick in the expansion draft and first pick in the SuperDraft are the two top priorities.

Other mechanisms include the signing of USSF D-2 players, an “allocation ranking” that gives priority on signing returning MLS or U.S. international players and a designated player ranking that decides which of two or more clubs can negotiate with a designated player whose full salary won’t count against a team’s salary cap.

SIDE KICKS: The Caps announced Wednesday they have signed 19-year-old striker Ridge Mobulu from FC Lausanne-Sport of the Switzerland second division. Mobulu will join the club’s residency program under a Premier Development League contract but will be on loan to the senior team until October.

http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Whitecaps+pivotal+coin+toss+over+Portland/3334516/story.html

Vancity

Oct 22, 2010, 4:06 AM

agrant

Oct 22, 2010, 4:18 AM

Is it strange, or is it just me realizing that the Whitecaps, hasn't really been promoting about next season's MLS? I haven't heard anything about the 'Caps, just tid bits here and there. What's up with the advertising and promotion?They probably already have a demand for season tickets, and met their goal. If they think they are falling behind, then they'd most definitely do an ad campain. I think once tickets are officially available for next season, then you'll see the marketing heat up.

Vancity

Oct 22, 2010, 5:42 AM

They probably already have a demand for season tickets, and met their goal. If they think they are falling behind, then they'd most definitely do an ad campain. I think once tickets are officially available for next season, then you'll see the marketing heat up.

Thanks, agrant.

good stuff. i'm excited to see how this whitecaps franchise in its first year in MLS, is going to do. it'll be interesting.

Zassk

Oct 22, 2010, 7:03 AM

I have seen both TV and radio ads mentioning MLS since the day Whitecaps were eliminated. I thought at the time that it was awfully soon after the painful loss.

Overground

Oct 22, 2010, 7:22 AM

Vancity

Oct 22, 2010, 7:28 AM

They're pretty close to their target of 16k season tickets. I think we'll see a big marketing campaign in the new year coinciding with the signing of a "star" Designated Player before the season starts as well we might see some advertising leading up to Christmas. Their new kits will be in shops starting next month.

I hope we get a "star" player for the team. LA's got Beckham, NY's got Henry. Maybe we should go after Rooney. After all, reports are that he wants to leave Man U. LOL (kidding about him coming here, of course).

PaperTiger

Oct 22, 2010, 3:50 PM

I just heard that Seattle got rid of Freddie Ljungberg for this season. Does anybody know if he was replaced wiht a different DP? I thiought he was playing really well for the Sounders.

Hourglass

Oct 22, 2010, 4:30 PM

I hope we get a "star" player for the team. LA's got Beckham, NY's got Henry. Maybe we should go after Rooney. After all, reports are that he wants to leave Man U. LOL (kidding about him coming here, of course).

lol, too late. Rooney just signed a new 5-year contract for £180,000 a week. But why not go for Scholes, Giggs or Neville? (ok maybe not Neville) They may be near the end of their careers with United but could still do very well in MLS.

djmk

Oct 22, 2010, 6:15 PM

I just heard that Seattle got rid of Freddie Ljungberg for this season. Does anybody know if he was replaced wiht a different DP? I thiought he was playing really well for the Sounders.

he was traded to chicago last July.

djmk

Oct 22, 2010, 6:20 PM

I hope we get a "star" player for the team. LA's got Beckham, NY's got Henry. Maybe we should go after Rooney. After all, reports are that he wants to leave Man U. LOL (kidding about him coming here, of course).

I will happy if they find someone who can score. This year was pretty bad in that regard. Hopefully Chiumiento will look better next year

Vancity

Oct 26, 2010, 4:24 AM

I will happy if they find someone who can score. This year was pretty bad in that regard. Hopefully Chiumiento will look better next year

I'm really curious to see who the Whitecaps are going to sign and designate as their "star" player. We need a star player like Beckham. A name that would attract the fan, but also the casual fan too.

Canucks in the winter, and the 'Caps in the Summer. Sounds promising in terms of establishing an even more dominant sports culture in this town.

Oh, side thought, but I was wondering if EA ever made a CFL game for consoles, or PC? Cause I think that would be neat if the CFL could brand their game, and make it into the game industry. So many kids growing up in Canada, playing football, end up wanting to play in the NFL. That needs to change. We need our kids who play Canadian football, to want to play in the CFL.

Anyways. End of my rant. hehe

jlousa

Oct 26, 2010, 4:56 AM

Vancity

Oct 26, 2010, 6:21 AM

Interesting idea about a CFL game, I'm sure EA could use their existing NFL engine an revamp it for an extra player, larger field etc. I can't imagine the CFL holding back the rights, in fact they would probably give them away to increase publicity. I just don't know if the hours involved to do so would be made up in sales of the game. I would probably be lucky to hit 50,000 sales.

I don't believe the Whitecaps will be chasing a marque player that is a has been, I would venture with the staff they have on hand that they will be chasing a couple of players that will best make us a competitive team.

Looks like someone hacked Madden 08 to look like the CFL, probably only the jerseys/helmets/names though and not gameplay. Still a good unofficial effort

LXhyZORGfqM

50,000 sales only? really? wow. I thought there were more fans across the nation than just 50,000. I think fans of the game, if EA were to come out with a CFL game, would actually buy the game. I don't know if they could sell it the same price as they would NFL games, but I believe that a lot of fans would buy the game. I'd be interested in buying the game, if EA came up with one.

And they wouldn't have to make it for all platforms. What if they came up with a PC version of the game, and see how well (or not well) the game is received? And if the demand is there from Canadian fans of the CFL, then why not extend that to other game console platforms like the PS2, or the PS3, even.

EastVanMark

Oct 26, 2010, 11:14 PM

so much for the notion of the Caps not being able to capture a decent piece of the market...go Caps go!!!:tup:

Whitecaps may boost season-ticket target
MLS expansion team close to 16,500 sold

By Bruce Constantineau, Vancouver Sun October 26, 2010 The Vancouver Whitecaps say they're closing in fast on their 2011 season ticket selling target.

So fast, in fact, they might have to expand the target to accommodate the demand for tickets to their inaugural Major League Soccer campaign.

Whitecaps chief executive officer Paul Barber said Monday the club has collected deposits for 15,000 season tickets so far -- just 1,500 shy of the original goal of 16,500.

"We have to sit down and have a good discussion about [increasing the season ticket goal]," he said in an interview. "The appetite seems to be great and we want to be in a position where we can sell as many tickets as we can."

Part of the increased ticket demand comes from a recent pitch to the Metro Vancouver business community.

The team has launched a direct-mail campaign to 12,000 small-to medium-sized companies, reminding them that "time is running out to be a part of Vancouver's next big thing."

Several large companies have already secured tickets and hospitality suites for Whitecaps MLS games, but the club felt it still hadn't fully tapped the corporate community.

"We felt we should appeal to more businesses because ultimately we are going to be downtown and there will be a lot of opportunities for people to entertain clients," Barber said.

The Whitecaps will play their first MLS game at Empire Field in March, with Caps' fans spreading rumours Vancouver will debut against Thierry Henry and the New York Red Bulls.

The team is supposed to move to a renovated BC Place sometime during the 2011 season, depending on when builders finish the $563-million project that features a retractable roof.

Barber said the club originally planned to work around a soccer configuration of about 20,000 seats at both venues. But the increased ticket demand and a clearer idea of seating availability at the stadiums during games means capacity should easily exceed 20,000.

The cheapest Whitecaps season tickets will cost $319, plus applicable taxes and fees. A full range of ticket prices will be released later this week.

The Caps' 2011 expansion cousins the Portland Timbers say they are on pace to sell 10,000 season tickets by the end of this year.

SIDE KICKS: Barber met with Seattle Sounders, Portland Timbers and MLS officials in Seattle recently to discuss how many tickets will be set aside for visiting fans to Vancouver-Portland-Seattle games. Vancouver Southsiders supporters are upset with media reports suggesting the Sounders are concerned about security and will allow just 150 tickets for visiting supporters. The teams say the issue will be resolved by next month and Barber expects more than 150 tickets will be set aside for visiting fans.

bconstantineau@vancouversun.com

Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Whitecaps+boost+season+ticket+target/3726289/story.html#ixzz13VeASN8a

Vancity

Oct 27, 2010, 2:02 AM

Seems like the club is exceeding expectations. Fast approaching 15,000 tickets already, huh? That's impressive. Hopefully, by the end of this year, they'll exceed their ticket base of 16,500, and boost it up a little bit more. Pack that stadium, and make it an intimidating place to play for opposing teams.

jlousa

Oct 27, 2010, 2:29 AM

Not to take away from their accomplishment, but deposits are a lot different then actual tickets sold. If I recall you could get on the list for $50, I would imagine a sizable portion of those won't complete either because they lost interest/moved/life changed or they can't get the tickets they wanted. At least the team will get to keep the funds and will be able to resell some of them.
Having them start at Empire Field will make it feel like they have two inaugural seasons.

agrant

Oct 27, 2010, 3:23 AM

djmk

Oct 27, 2010, 4:37 AM

Reminds me of the Whitecaps season when they moved from Empire Stadium to BC Place, 5 or so games into the 83 season. Their first game at BC Place was sold out. There will no doubt be some interest in the new stadium, and that will draw some to see a few games. But by the end of the season, I expect the crowds to be just over the season ticket mark (20 to 25 thousand).

i was there! i must been about 7 or 8. BC place was packed with over 60 thousand people to watch Seattle. It did not take long for people to realize that BC Place sucks.

that said. I have purchased 2 deposits.

agrant

Oct 27, 2010, 12:56 PM

i was there! i must been about 7 or 8. BC place was packed with over 60 thousand people to watch Seattle. It did not take long for people to realize that BC Place sucks.

that said. I have purchased 2 deposits.I was 10 when I was there. I remember a lot of people just staring at the roof, and all the new video screens. :)

djmk

Nov 4, 2010, 9:16 PM

seat selection is here

http://www.whitecapsfc.com/tickets/

vanlaw

Nov 6, 2010, 8:29 PM

seat selection is here

http://www.whitecapsfc.com/tickets/

Has anyone been contacted yet to select their seats? It says "through November" so maybe they will start next week? I put deposits down the first day (i realize current season ticket holders have priority though), so hoping it will be fairly early.

thedan8

Nov 6, 2010, 11:33 PM

Haven't heard anything but I get to pick with the southsiders so I let you know when I do. I've heard rumblings of later next week.

vanlaw

Nov 6, 2010, 11:55 PM

It looks as though Whitecaps pricing isnt too far off from Seattle. Interesting though, Seattle appears to offer substantial discount for committing to 2+ years:

http://www.soundersfc.com/Tickets/Season-Tickets.aspx

Vancity

Nov 19, 2010, 1:41 AM

USA World Cup star Jay DeMerit becomes first Whitecaps FC MLS signing
DeMerit joins Whitecaps FC
November 18, 2010

Whitecaps FC sign USA World Cup star Jay DeMerit

http://www.whitecapsfc.com/sites/whitecapsfc.com/files/imagecache/620x350/image_nodes/2010/11/JD_0.jpg

VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the signing of American international and former Watford FC captain Jay DeMerit - pending his international transfer certificate. DeMerit becomes the first player named to the Whitecaps FC Major League Soccer roster. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

"Jay is a quality individual and leader - both on and off the pitch - and is the type of player we are looking to build our team with," said Bob Lenarduzzi, Whitecaps FC president. "He has excelled both at the club and international levels, and we are thrilled that Jay has joined Whitecaps FC as our first Major League Soccer player signing."

Jay DeMerit
Internationally, DeMerit has earned 23 caps with the United States of America, and most recently started all four matches for his country during last summer's FIFA World Cup. The 30-year-old centre back helped the USA finish first in Group C and advance to the knockout stages before falling in extra time to Ghana. As a member of the top-ranked CONCACAF nation, DeMerit started all five matches in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and helped form the backbone of the Stars and Stripes' defence that reached the tournament final against Brazil. The native of Green Bay, Wisconsin, made his international debut against Guatemala in March 2007.

Media Conference At club level, DeMerit enjoyed six outstanding seasons with England's Watford FC. He originally joined the Football League Championship side (second tier in England) in July 2004 following an impressive preseason friendly performance versus Watford as a trialist with semi-professional outfit Northwood FC of the Isthmian League Premier Division (seventh tier in England). Watford’s manager during that time was Ray Lewington, who was a starting midfielder for Whitecaps FC during the club’s 1979 North American Soccer League championship season.

DeMerit became an instant starter with Watford and helped the Hertfordshire-based club earn promotion to the English Premier League by scoring the match-winning goal in the 2005-06 Championship playoff final over Leeds United FC. Watford returned to The Championship the following season, and in December 2007, the 6-foot-1, 180-pound defender was named team captain. Following the 2008-09 season, DeMerit received the Community Ambassador award in recognition of his charity and community work with Watford.

http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/soccer/3850495.bin?size=620x400

Last season with Watford, DeMerit played in 27 league matches and one Football Association Cup match. As a member of The Hornets, DeMerit made 213 appearances in all competitions, including 193 starts, and scored 10 goals.

"I am very thankful for my experiences with Watford FC and look forward to this new opportunity in Vancouver," added DeMerit. "Whitecaps FC have a tremendous history and great support in this beautiful city. After spending several seasons in England, I felt it was the right time to return to North America and I have been impressed by the Whitecaps FC organization and the vision they have as a club. I am excited to make Vancouver my new home."

Prior to his time with Watford, DeMerit played the 2003-04 season with Southall FC of the Combined Counties Football League (ninth tier in England), while in 2001, the defender played one season with Chicago Fire Premier of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League. From 1998 to 2001, he was a starter at the University of Illinois at Chicago in the NCAA Division I.

Jay DeMerit
Position: Defender
Height: 6-01
Weight: 180
Born: December 4, 1979, in Green Bay, Wisconsin
Hometown: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Last Club: Watford FC (English League Championship)
College: University of Illinois at Chicago
Citizenship: United States
How Acquired: Free agent signing by Whitecaps FC on November 18, 2010

More than 15,000 Whitecaps FC season ticket deposits have been sold for the club’s inaugural season in MLS. Season ticket deposit holders will be able to choose from seven different seating categories starting at a base price of $319, plus applicable tax and a $10 processing fee per order. Pricing starts at less than $17 per game and more than 60 per cent of seats are available for less than $31 per game. To secure a seat and for additional information about Whitecaps FC MLS season tickets, suites, and loge boxes, call 604.669.9283 or visit whitecapsfc.com.
___________________

I can't believe that it's almost December, and that it'll be about 3 months before the Whitecaps FC debut in Major League Soccer. I hope they do well, and the city packs the newly refurbished BC Place stadium in our first year. It's going to be an amazing experience, I believe, and hopefully, this is a stepping stone in developing more world class premier canadian soccer players. I wonder what the television deals are with regards to the Caps? TSN? Sportsnet? Or maybe they'll develop their own TV (kind of like CanucksTV?)?

mrjauk

Nov 19, 2010, 3:01 AM

I can't believe that it's almost December, and that it'll be about 3 months before the Whitecaps FC debut in Major League Soccer. I hope they do well, and the city packs the newly refurbished BC Place stadium in our first year. It's going to be an amazing experience, I believe, and hopefully, this is a stepping stone in developing more world class premier canadian soccer players. I wonder what the television deals are with regards to the Caps? TSN? Sportsnet? Or maybe they'll develop their own TV (kind of like CanucksTV?)?

One correction: the Whitecaps will play the vast majority--if not all--of their inaugural MLS season at Empire Field.

Vancity

Nov 19, 2010, 3:36 PM

One correction: the Whitecaps will play the vast majority--if not all--of their inaugural MLS season at Empire Field.

Sorry. My mistake. I hope the fans pack Empire Field in the inaugural season, then :) sounds like the whitecaps are making momentum as they approach the new year. I think the city will be surprised, and the franchise may just make a case to being 2nd in the city, right behind the Canucks.

And the uniforms. Well, they are starting to grow on me. I like 'em.

Prometheus

Nov 19, 2010, 4:44 PM

I think the city will be surprised, and the franchise may just make a case to being 2nd in the city, right behind the Canucks.

Don't count on it. The B.C. Lions and North American football have a place in the hearts of Vancouverites and Canadians that soccer will never have.

That said, and as much as I don't care for soccer, I hope the Whitecaps and MLS are as successful as they can possibly be.

Vancity

Nov 19, 2010, 5:12 PM

Don't count on it. The B.C. Lions and North American football have a place in the hearts of Vancouverites and Canadians that soccer will never have.

That said, and as much as I don't care for soccer, I hope the Whitecaps and MLS are as successful as they can possibly be.

No offense. But I don't really care for north american football. I dunno why. I guess I just never got into the game for some reason or another. I think the Whitecaps can capture some new fans, IF they can stay competitive, and win a lot of games. If they build a strong tradition of winning, as they enter into Major League Soccer, then yeah, I could see people shifting their allegiances to the 'Caps. And it's not like they're "new". They've been around. They're just entering into a new league. But they have a lot of tradition, and a ton of history. I personally think it's up in the air, of who gets 2nd place in the hearts of Vancouverites. Time will tell, whether the Lions, or the 'Caps will take that spot. The Canucks, obviously, are King in this town, and will be, for a long, long, long time.

twoNeurons

Nov 19, 2010, 7:25 PM

WarrenC12

Nov 19, 2010, 8:07 PM

BC Lions will outdraw the Whitecaps next year, per game, guaranteed. :cheers:

They have a rich history, and many season ticket holders.

I hope the best for the MLS Whitecaps, but I have my doubts about how many season ticket holders they will end up with, and if the excitement level will be the same in 5 years.

Overground

Nov 19, 2010, 9:23 PM

Don't count on it. The B.C. Lions and North American football have a place in the hearts of Vancouverites and Canadians that soccer will never have.

Sorry, I think that should say suburban Vancouverites. Association football is played by more Canadians at the amateur level than any other sport as well. The interest is there, especially for immigrants. I think CFL will be on the decline in years to come in large urban centres, especially Van and TO.

As for how popular WFC will be in 5 years. Who knows, but the Caps were outdrawing Seattle before they went up to MLS and now Seattle sell 36k a game. We can hope that the Caps will do just as well. The attendance numbers between both cities were even similar back in the NASL days.

I think for the club to be successful in the long run it needs to control its own purpose built stadium with natural grass, which can attract better players leading to better success on the pitch, and more money in the coffers.

WarrenC12

Nov 19, 2010, 9:35 PM

Sorry, I think that should say suburban

I live in Yaletown and I'm a BC Lions season ticket holder. Sorry, but, you don't know what you're talking about. :rolleyes:

Vancity

Nov 20, 2010, 1:18 AM

Sorry, I think that should say suburban Vancouverites. Association football is played by more Canadians at the amateur level than any other sport as well. The interest is there, especially for immigrants. I think CFL will be on the decline in years to come in large urban centres, especially Van and TO.

As for how popular WFC will be in 5 years. Who knows, but the Caps were outdrawing Seattle before they went up to MLS and now Seattle sell 36k a game. We can hope that the Caps will do just as well. The attendance numbers between both cities were even similar back in the NASL days.

I think for the club to be successful in the long run it needs to control its own purpose built stadium with natural grass, which can attract better players leading to better success on the pitch, and more money in the coffers.

I think the Whitecaps definitely need to reconsider building their stadium elsewhere, or else their stadium may never be built. BC Place, even with all of it's renovations, may not be enough, to attract the fans after year 1. so that soccer specific stadium needs to get built asap. I heard it may be 2016 at the earliest, that is a long ways away. but i have faith that the 'caps will get it done. either way, i think because there is a lot of immigrants (particularly from hk, taiwan, mainland china and india), there may be more of an interest in soccer than there would be in north american football. i think the 'caps will be successful, assuming, of course they can win their shares of games in year 2. year 1 may be a bit more forgiving, but year 2 will not be, and i think, if the caps don't win consistently enough in year 3, then some fans may begin to lose interested and commitment. so they really need to build strong, and build quickly towards fielding a competitive team out there.

who knows? maybe christiano ronaldo will come to the 'caps ;) haha. kidding, of course.

SpikePhanta

Nov 21, 2010, 4:13 AM

Zassk

Nov 21, 2010, 5:34 AM

nova9

Nov 21, 2010, 5:54 AM

It certainly does seem that soccer is on the rise and football on the wane locally. The soccer leagues absolutely dwarf the football leagues. I would even say local basketball is much healthier than local football.

soccer and basketball can be played without much equipment and thus has been picked up in countries where the citizenry would never be able to afford all the equipment for american football.

and c'mon, who plays north american football outside north america? in europe, you have rugby and football to fulfill the entire niche.

Prometheus

Nov 21, 2010, 8:16 AM

Guys the next generation (todays kids and teens) are more associated with Soccer. Soccer is the most played sport among kids. I don't even know one kid from North of the fraser to play football. The only kids and teens I know that play football are from Abby, Delta, Surrey.

Neither do I.

And yet the Grey Cup is the most-watched television program in Canada. More than 6 million people watched last year's Grey Cup from start to finish and more than 14 million people (43% of the population) watched part of the game: http://www.thestar.com/sports/football/cfl/greycup/article/732817--zelkovich-grey-cup-a-ratings-champion

Your problem is you are committing the logical fallacy of assuming that what we play as children is what we will spend our entertainment dollars on as adults. This is a grave mistake.

For instance, how many Vancouver kids do you personally know play ice hockey? Probably none. How many Vancouver elementary or secondary schools have ice hockey teams? Definitely none. Yet an ice hockey team is Vancouver's premiere professional sports franchise.

Soccer, by contrast, has always been one of the most widely played sports by kids in Vancouver. (It is not a new phenomenon, as you seem to think.) I grew up in the seventies and soccer was the main organized sport played during the fall. I and everyone I knew played soccer for our entire childhoods. Yet professional soccer (with a brief exception during the late seventies/early eighties) has largely failed to attract significant interest in Vancouver or North America.

What sports we play as children is mainly a function of what our parents find the least expensive to equip and the most physically beneficial. Soccer is that sport. But what we spend our entertainment dollars on as adults is purely a function of what we find entertaining to watch as adults. Unless it can evolve and improve itself (i.e., change certain rules to make the game more exciting and more palatable to North American sensibilities), soccer is not that sport for most people in North America.

That said, there is a market for professional soccer in Vancouver, and with the arrival of MLS, interest in professional soccer will increase even more. But it is wishful thinking to hope that the Whitecaps FC will ever overtake the B.C. Lions in popularity.

Denscity

Nov 21, 2010, 8:48 AM

They have 15000 season tickets sold already. and they're playing in a newly reno'd stadium, and the team is now in the highest league in n.a.

red-paladin

Nov 21, 2010, 10:35 AM

Neither do I.

And yet the Grey Cup is the most-watched television program in Canada. More than 6 million people watched last year's Grey Cup from start to finish and more than 14 million people (43% of the population) watched part of the game: http://www.thestar.com/sports/football/cfl/greycup/article/732817--zelkovich-grey-cup-a-ratings-champion

Your problem is you are committing the logical fallacy of assuming that what we play as children is what we will spend our entertainment dollars on as adults. This is a grave mistake.

For instance, how many Vancouver kids do you personally know play ice hockey? Probably none. How many Vancouver elementary or secondary schools have ice hockey teams? Definitely none. Yet an ice hockey team is Vancouver's premiere professional sports franchise.

Soccer, by contrast, has always been one of the most widely played sports by kids in Vancouver. (It is not a new phenomenon, as you seem to think.) I grew up in the seventies and soccer was the main organized sport played during the fall. I and everyone I knew played soccer for our entire childhoods. Yet professional soccer (with a brief exception during the late seventies/early eighties) has largely failed to attract significant interest in Vancouver or North America.

What sports we play as children is mainly a function of what our parents find the least expensive to equip and the most physically beneficial. Soccer is that sport. But what we spend our entertainment dollars on as adults is purely a function of what we find entertaining to watch as adults. Unless it can evolve and improve itself (i.e., change certain rules to make the game more exciting and more palatable to North American sensibilities), soccer is not that sport for most people in North America.

That said, there is a market for professional soccer in Vancouver, and with the arrival of MLS, interest in professional soccer will increase even more. But it is wishful thinking to hope that the Whitecaps FC will ever overtake the B.C. Lions in popularity.

You're right on.

By the logic of some people on here, swimming should be the most popular summer Olympic sport in Canada because we all took swimming lessons as kids.

In addition to what was said above, consider that there are more CFL teams in Canada than NHL, NBA, MLB combined! (If you don't count Ottawa it's tied) Personally I don't even like Canadian football all that much. However, myself and at least half the people I know watch the Grey Cup every year. There is no doubt many people watch foreign soccer like the World Cup. Hell, I work at Shaw so I know there are tons of people who have the GOL TV and Setanta channels. However, and this is critical, of all the people I know that watch those international soccer matches, none of them watch WFC games, or give a damn about them. I'm not anti-soccer, and I hope the Whitecaps succeed. I wouldn't mind seeing them build a stadium (as long as it's not at the proposed location). I'm just not interested in believing they will be the most popular team in the city when they never have been more than a niche interest before and I will be surprised if they can ever get large amounts of those fans of international soccer in the city to become their fans.

Vancity

Nov 21, 2010, 4:38 PM

You're right on.

By the logic of some people on here, swimming should be the most popular summer Olympic sport in Canada because we all took swimming lessons as kids.

In addition to what was said above, consider that there are more CFL teams in Canada than NHL, NBA, MLB combined! (If you don't count Ottawa it's tied) Personally I don't even like Canadian football all that much. However, myself and at least half the people I know watch the Grey Cup every year. There is no doubt many people watch foreign soccer like the World Cup. Hell, I work at Shaw so I know there are tons of people who have the GOL TV and Setanta channels. However, and this is critical, of all the people I know that watch those international soccer matches, none of them watch WFC games, or give a damn about them. I'm not anti-soccer, and I hope the Whitecaps succeed. I wouldn't mind seeing them build a stadium (as long as it's not at the proposed location). I'm just not interested in believing they will be the most popular team in the city when they never have been more than a niche interest before and I will be surprised if they can ever get large amounts of those fans of international soccer in the city to become their fans.

Yeah, of course the CFL has more (or tied) teams than the NHL, NBA, and MLB combined. It is, after all, the CANADIAN football league, no? There is ONE NBA team in Canada (the Raptors), and ONE MLB team in Canada (the Blue Jays), and SIX canadian NHL teams in Canada (Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa). Most of the leagues you've listed - mainly the NHL, the NBA, and MLB, have teams based predominately in America, with one or two teams located outside of the USA. So...okay.

Personally, I've watched the Grey Cup once or twice before, but that's only because there's nothing else on. I support the CFL, but really, outside of Canada, nobody plays the Canadian version of football. Nobody outside of Canada really knows what the CFL is about. And absolutely zero people in Asia know anything about the CFL. If you ask the asians what the CFL is about, they'd think it's a canadian SOCCER league. lol.

Nobody was interested in Whitecaps FC soccer, I think mainly because they were in such a small league. Smaller than the CFL. But now that they've made their move to MLS, which has better marketing, and I suppose better branding too, I think people will jump on board, and get excited about the game of soccer. Plus, this is going to help Canadians get a crack at playing in north america's top tier soccer league. the better players both canada and the usa can develop, the better it is for the league (because it brews more competition, which is better generally, for the league, and the sport). The 'Caps do need to keep marketing their brand, and recruit more fans, particularly the asian community. I think the 'caps are going to be successful, maybe even more so than the Lions. I'm not saying that the 'Caps are going to be instant successes. Surely, many soccer fans, are fans of a lot of european clubs (manchester united, etc), but that doesn't mean that they won't, and can't root for their home team.

personally. i don't think the 'caps are going to be the most popular team in the city. the canucks have that title (even though they've lost 3 in a row, and the latest setback to the 'hawks in a 7-1 thrashing at home, on national television). but i think the 'caps will make a point in being second in the city in terms of popularity. we'll see, i suppose. but the lions better be looking over their shoulders, because the 'caps seem to have a vision, that the lions are lacking (unless they have a vision, that i'm unaware of).

agrant

Nov 21, 2010, 5:41 PM

The Whitecaps will be about as popular as they deserve to be. I think it really depends a lot on the level at which the sport is played. NHL has the best players in the world. People are smart enough to know that. MLS has players that would fit into 2nd and 3rd teir leagues of other countries. If Canada and the US developed players like Ronaldo, Messi, Kaka, Rooney..., and were able to retain this talent in MLS, no doubt it would be a hell of a lot more popular.

personally. i don't think the 'caps are going to be the most popular team in the city. the canucks have that title (even though they've lost 3 in a row, and the latest setback to the 'hawks in a 7-1 thrashing at home, on national television). but i think the 'caps will make a point in being second in the city in terms of popularity. we'll see, i suppose. but the lions better be looking over their shoulders, because the 'caps seem to have a vision, that the lions are lacking (unless they have a vision, that i'm unaware of).This brings up a good point - Unfortunately a lot of so called sports fans only start watching when the team is winning.