I have been a soccer fan since my high school days. The first game that I saw was a wonderful English Premier League match where a certain hated club, that happens to wear the same colors as the Strikers on their crest, pummeled the opposition. I do not remember the final score, or who the opposing team was. All that I remember was marveling at how easy the victors (whose club name starts with the letter “M” and ends with “anchester United”) made the game look…and scratching my head as I tried to figure out what “offside” meant in soccer. Those early EPL matches are a distant memory in my mind, but the awe that overtook me that first match day is as fresh as the 7-2 thrashing that the Strikers rained down upon the Fresno Fuego last night. That awe is what compelled me to make the 90 minute trek from my home at the edge of the Everglades to Lockhart stadium (in the driving rain and in bumper to bumper traffic) to watch the Strikers play.
Although my awe fuels my journey, gasoline fuels the journey of most of Miami’s sports fans, and many of them would rather watch live sports at a more convenient venue. That is our grim, but very accurate reality, Striker Likers. Miami, as many of you know, has no shortage of fair-weather fans. The ebb and flow of support between the various sports teams in South Florida is undeniable evidence of this, and is directly correlated to the success of those teams. Miami loves a winner, and will rapidly become disinterested in a loser.
Soccer, however, is not for the faint at heart. It is a sport that demands loyalty. Come hell or high water, a supporter stands behind his or her club. A great tackle or a last minute sympathy goal should be celebrated, just as a cup win should. If your club’s league record is 1-10-0, you celebrate that win and you wear your colors proudly.
That’s not Miami’s style, though.
Despite this, Miami loves soccer. The upcoming A.C. Milan vs. Chelsea match sold over 20,000 tickets in three hours. Last year’s F.C. Barcelona vs. Chivas match saw a record crowd of over 70,000 in attendance. There is no question that this is a Soccer town with a very unique demographic, and an even more unique flavor. So, what is missing?
That, my friends, is the enduring question. As a relative newcomer to the Miami Ultras organization, I was surprised by the overwhelming desire that you all had (and still have) for an MLS team in our area. I also quickly developed a desire to watch live soccer after witnessing this season’s exhibition match against the F.A.U. Owls. As I have had the opportunity to spend time and get to know many of you, I have heard various suggestions as to what would need to happen for an MLS team to flourish in south Florida. Here is a fresh perspective from the new guy:
- Make it Miami – No matter what the team is called, or where they happen to play, the team’s image should reflect Miami’s essence. I expect to hear Pitbull blasting over the speakers while beach scenes appear on a JumboTron. Bikini clad concession workers, art deco styling, and empanadas for sale would be common sights. It is not necessary, however, to abandon the traditional elements that we all love about the game in favor of this uniqueness. I believe that they can peacefully coexist, and create a powerful effect.
- Do it right from Jump Street – Miami has expensive taste, and creating a top quality team overnight will not be cheap. Signing a few top players with name recognition, bringing in a competent and charismatic coach (*cough* *cough* Ray Hudson *cough*), maintaining a respectable venue, and (most importantly) advertising this little venture will require an owner who is not afraid to sign checks.
- Create a bond – Most sports fans in Miami feel disconnected from the players that they love to watch. Community outreach and involvement will be paramount to the team’s success. Showing up to local tournaments (like the Strikers do), hanging banners at south Florida youth league facilities, and holding events at the stadium outside of match days will foster a connection that many major sports teams lack with their fans.
- Make it accessible – I had a blast at Lockhart Stadium yesterday, but I did not have a blast getting there. A location that is central for all South Florida fans is crucial. Sun Life is in a great spot, but the powers that be require a “Soccer Specific Stadium”. Unless the new owner decides to buy Sun Life and make the Miami Dolphins rent it from the soccer team (technically turning Sun Life into an SSS), another location near a major highway will have to be procured.
In my opinion, those are just a few of the elements that would make an MLS team flourish in Miami. I’m sure that many of you have discussed this topic at length, and I am positive that some of these ideas have already been brought up. As I stated earlier, this is simply my take on the subject. South Florida is a great place, and I am confident that we will host a phenomenal team one day. The key to making that dream a reality is a well planned and deliberate initial effort. Once that happens, the sky is the limit for top flight professional soccer in South Florida.