Well this is quite early from what we're used to, but apparently the MLS HQ has decided to release the home opening dates for all clubs ahead of the 2012 season. Essentially what we have here is a list of when each team is playing their home opener for the 2012 season.
The Portland Timbers, as the title suggests, opens up Jeld-Wen Field on March 12th, 2012 although against which other team is not yet known. However, with a bit of deductive reasoning we can at the very least say that it's not:
- Chivas USA
- Colorado Rapids
- D.C. United
- FC Dallas
- Los Angeles Galaxy
- San Jose Earthquakes
- Seattle Sounders
- Vancouver Whitecaps
As each of those teams are also having their home opener for that weekend. Anybody care to hazard a guess?
Here's the full rundown of home openers for each team:
WEEK 1
Saturday, March 10: Colorado Rapids, D.C. United, LA Galaxy, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Sunday, March 11: Chivas USA, FC Dallas
Monday, March 12: Portland Timbers
WEEK 2
Saturday, March 17: Sporting Kansas City, Montreal Impact, Real Salt Lake
Sunday, March 18: Philadelphia Union
WEEK 3
Saturday, March 24: Chicago Fire, Columbus Crew, New England Revolution, Toronto FC
Sunday, March 25: New York Red Bulls
WEEK 10
Saturday, May 12: Houston Dynamo (new stadium opener)
Houston is pulling something similar to what Portland and Sporting KC did last year with regards to their new stadium. In both occasions in 2011 it seemed to turn out well for each team with both experience a nice boost. So maybe Houston will be able to ride off that.
Also it's interesting to me that both Chivas USA and LA Galaxy are having their home openers on the same weekend (not the same day) as they both share HDC. Looks like some cleaning crew are going to be pulling double time.