FanPost

Will Portland Thorns Fan Support Lead The Way?

There is a reason why Portland is labeled "Soccer City U.S.A". The recent friendly match between Team Ireland and the U.S.A National team drew 10,000 supporters. That is a gold standard mark for a non world cup game or Summer Olympic venue. Once these tournaments end, the fan interest in the Womens game lessens.

The newly formed NWSL is looking toward sustainability. The U.S.A Womens Soccer Federation, Along with Canadian and Mexican Womens Soccer Federation is seeding each of the eight teams with Current players that are starters on their respective national teams. Each Country is paying the wages of these seeded players to lessen the financial burden to the eight new clubs. Along with the allocated players, college superdrafts have provided each club with four additional players to lay a strong foundation to build. Free agency and team tryouts will fill out the rosters to about 20 players.

Portland outshines the other seven clubs in the interest level for season tickets. Merrit Paulson tweeted recently that between 5,000 to 6,000 fans have indicated their desire to acquire season tickets. Jeldwen field should draw 10,000 fans on a consistent basis. The only other club that comes close to Portland in seating capacity is the Western New York Flash. Their stadium seats 13,768 if filled to capacity. I am sure if the interest level ramps up in Portland the fans could equal that number easily.

Seattle Reigns Starfire Stadium in Tukwilla seats 4,500. Sky Blue Yurcak Field can accommodate 5,000 plus.The Washington Spirit play in the Maryland Soccer Complex and can seat 3,200 fans to a maximum of 4,500. The Chicago Red Stars Play in the sports complex and seat 3,000 fans. The Boston Breakers seating accommodates 2,000 fans. FC Kansas City has not announced where they will play the current season.

In my view, Portland is a rare place where soccer appreciation and support by its fans are genuine. Mens soccer draws more interest, but it does not lessen the quality brand that the professional women's league will bring to the fans who support them.

This FanPost was written by a Stumptown Footy community member and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the site or its staff.

In This FanPost

Teams

Trending Discussions