SC Soccer Forums SCSoccer.com Forums College, Pro & International Soccer MLS In The South

Isn't Memorial Stadium where the Charlotte Eagles soccer team plays?

I really don't think any city in SC could support a major league team. Does anyone have attendance figures for the Carolina Challenge Cup at Blackbaud last Sat.? There are two games tonight as well. I will be there this Saturday. Have been several times before (last year, the night we went was canceled but we got to spend time in the pub)and the crowds have been great but the stadium was not sold out. Even when Freddy was there. As for Greenville. The Grrrowl lose money and they are pretty good this year and soccer would have to compete with the Drive (what an awful name). Let's how well they do (and with only 5000+ seats)

Charlotte Eagles play most of their matches at Waddell HS. Occasionally they will play a game at Winthrop. I think the Eagles usually draw between 1,000 - 1,500 for a match. When they played a US Open Cup match against an MLS opponent at Davidson a couple of years ago, they packed the place.

I still like the size of Memorial Stadium for a potential MLS team.

Yea a MLS could start a franchise there and then look for a bigger stadium around (Carolina Panthers stadium or build their own) if they feel they need more space.

Hasn't the Battery lost money almost every year they have been in existence? The 5,000 seats a Blackbaud are not being filled now.

Do you expect attendance for each soccer game to more than double because of the MLS connection?

Charleston is just not large enough to support a professional sports team. I think Atlanta would be the most likely site.

Hear is an idea that some of you might not like. I know we are talking about getting a team in teh south east, but personally i think Sante Fe, New Mexico would be a really good place to start a team. It is a huge city, and that culture is huge into soccer.

Yea that is true but the main point is that there is nothing in the southeast. In the west they already have teams they can drive too, while we have nothing. If you put an MLS team in SC, NC, or GA you can attract people from at least 4 states. For alot of people because that team will be close, that will become their fav MLS team and will help sell merchandise and tickets.

I don't know what santa fe you're thinking of cap'n walt, but it is not a very large city. But for a perfect venue for a proffesional team, I would recommend Albaquerque. It is much larger than Santa Fe, Columbia, and Charleston.
The recent Run of UNM to the National Soccer Championships has created tons of hype around the state. Even my grandma is into soccer now. Plus, the people in New Mexico have been dying for a proffesional sports team for years and years. My vote definately goes to Albaquerque.

Las Cruces. ;.)