The Tulsa Forum by TulsaNow

So, the Hubbard brothers/Tulsa Drillers are at the end of a three year commitment to USL soccer in Tulsa at ONEOk Park.
What's next? New owners? Would Funk Jr/Prodigal/OKC Energy FC divest or take over as majority owners?

And Sonny Dalesandro and Dr. Tommy Kern find Tulsa Athletic stuck at LaFortune Stadium for year five of their existence (and beyond?).
You'll have to excuse me, but matches played on artificial turf with permanent lines and tailgates next door to a high school parking lot at a stadium that doesn't serve beer leaves much to be desired.

Conference Championship Finals Highlights 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykXmVN_hnUc

Seems like this was eons ago...

 John Klein: ONEOK Field impact? Nearly 2 million in 5 years
    By JOHN KLEIN Senior Sports Columnist Apr 12, 2015
http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/johnklein/john-klein-oneok-field-impact-nearly-million-in-years/article_722cccd0-a742-5cf4-b3b3-a701b456f7f8.html

Before.
(http://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.BVPR236pMVamtThWZekgXgEsDW&pid=15.1)(http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/78/ff/74/78ff7476dfb8290397512c35e978fc8a.jpg)

After.
http://www.newson6.com/story/35677591/usa-bmx-headquarters-to-relocate-from-tulsa-fairgrounds
(http://kotv.images.worldnow.com/images/14152079_G.jpg)

Tulsa Roughnecks doing great. They have an affiliation with a MLS team, are averaging 4,000 a game attendance, and have an active local fan club with their own podcast
http://www.tulsaroustabouts.com/category/tss/

The team has played well and lost in extra time to FC Dallas (US Open defending champs) just last week .

Tuesday June 27th they play again in Tulsa (Twofer Tuesday) which means tickets are BOGO and even select concession items are $2.

Come to that game and I will buy you a beer.

Sorry but no, Tulsa Roughnecks FC are not "doing great."  
They've lost 4 of their last 5 and currently sit in 11th place out of 15 teams in the USL's Western Conference at a mark of 5 wins, 7 losses, 0 ties.
But after winning only 5 games in all of last year, anything remotely competitive this season is an improvement.

Michael, if I were to spot you at an Athletic game, I'd buy you a beer, but, unlike Energy FC matches at OKC public schools' Taft Stadium, beer sales are forbidden at TPS's LaFortune Stadium.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DCkZF1fV0AAn920.jpg)(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DBcFgZ0UIAAfXr2.jpg)

I went to five Roughnecks FC games last season, and have already attended close to that many so far this year. Other than sitting behind the goals or roaming around the concourse, ONEOk has, by far, the worst viewing angles I've ever been forced to endure in attempting to watch a soccer game.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C74dfC5UwAEFJC2.jpg)

And ever since the final months of last season, the crowds at ONEOk Park are about half what they drew the first season.
Which is less butts in seats than what my Tulsa Athletics drew in 2013 and 2014 at the old ballpark.

https://twitter.com/TheSoccerTour/status/859059600892493824
 The Soccer Tour‏ @TheSoccerTour

How to announce attendance:
1. Count tickets sold
2. Count tickets distributed
3. Pull larger number out of your donkey


FC Cincinnati actually drew over 30,000 fans for their last US Open Cup game against MLS's Columbus Crew, a match they hosted, won, and now they'll be playing Tulsa's affiliated club, MLS's Chicago Fire, in the next round of the cup. Cincy came out of nowhere to become a contender for the next round of MLS expansion in large part due to the kinds of crowds they've been drawing at University of Cincinnati's Nippert Stadium...

(http://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/photo/7425/9025/stadium_toronto_6-18__4__large.JPG)

Wish we had a modestly sized college football stadium like Cincy... oh, wait... we do...

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C8qAwC_UMAE4Atk.jpg)

Roughnecks at Skelly was such a great show...always.

Wednesday night on ESPN...

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DDc7QHnWsAACLwc.jpg)

FC Cincinnati shows there is no limit to what American soccer can become
On Wednesday night, over 32,000 people showed up to watch a minor-league team play in a scarcely covered secondary competition. It was incredible.
by Kevin McCauley@kevinmccauley Jun 29, 2017, 12:12pm EDT

https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2017/6/29/15891714/fc-cincinnati-chicago-fire-2017-us-open-cup


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-FBc-6IdQk

Meanwhile in Little Rock...

Rangers melting pot leading LR soccer to new heights
http://www.thv11.com/sports/rangers-melting-pot-leading-lr-soccer-to-new-heights/452903763

Tulsa Athletic will be hosting Little Rock Rangers in the regular season finale on Saturday, July 8th at 7:30pm.
It will be VFW Appreciation Night at LaFortune Stadium.

^^ This is just cool as smile!

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DDm9J7ZXsAA2PUd.jpg:large)

Several times before the start of the 2013 season, Sonny and a couple of others consistently mentioned the NPSL's Detroit City FC as a template for what they wanted to do at the old ballpark.
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/2015/09/10/detroit-city-fc-wants--move--hamtramck-stadium/71999716/

Tonight in Detroit at Keyworth Stadium (yes, they are allowed by the local public school system to sell beer there).
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DDm532IW0AAFEf_.jpg)

Regular season finale.
Saturday's match will be VFW Appreciation night as we honor those who have fought for our freedom. Proceeds from ticket sales will go towards our local VFW Post.

(https://scontent-dft4-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19702500_1559037060835447_7275276806951054284_n.jpg?oh=a1f563ef2a7254afe87e34dc9185c7f7&oe=59CF2AC2)

The equivalent of a AA or AAA baseball team playing the Yankees or Mets... from Univ of Cincy's Nippert Stadium... single elimination tourney semi-finals...

http://www.ussoccer.com/lamar-hunt-us-open-cup/open-cup-tournaments/2017-usoc/2017-us-open-cup-semifinals-final/20170815-us-open-cup-semifinals-fc-cincinnati-vs-new-york-red-bulls

Announced attendance at a college football stadium in Cincinnati: 33,250

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DHUGMobXgAArNok.jpg)

Why not Tulsa?

Crowd of more than 30,000...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3cE9w82Bow

Crowd of over 26,000...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzlzaoRyF5M

Crowd of over 30,000...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUVhlSCpA84

(https://www.aupaircare.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_full/public/images/austin-au-pair.png?itok=c8qdk8L7)
Austin, Texas?



Columbus Crew Angling Toward Relocation to Austin in 2019:  https://www.si.com/soccer/2017/10/16/columbus-crew-austin-texas-anthony-precourt-stadium?utm_campaign=sinow&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&xid=socialflow_twitter_si (https://www.si.com/soccer/2017/10/16/columbus-crew-austin-texas-anthony-precourt-stadium?utm_campaign=sinow&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&xid=socialflow_twitter_si)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4329/35289593343_11f43a5bfd_b.jpg)
Not sure how long the USL will give our two state USL teams to get soccer specific stadiums:


Taft Stadium in OKC doesn't meet the specifications for a soccer specific stadium:


(https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/x/football-stadium-arena-green-seats-grass-blue-sky-46733875.jpg)
Oklahoma City Energy MLS soccer stadium plans.

(https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5612e13ae4b0c37386e86b7e/56742caecbced6269950d022/56742dc7cbced6269950dabb/1450454475369/Wheeler+Aerial+2+-+From+the+River.jpg?format=750w)
    OKC Energy moving forward with Major League Soccer stadium plans after Co-Op acquisition falls through:  http://newsok.com/article/5555634 (http://newsok.com/article/5555634)

Wheeler Park area emerges as top candidate for soccer stadium:  http://newsok.com/article/5555631 (http://newsok.com/article/5555631)

.


http://www.kenn.com/the_blog/?p=9186 (http://www.kenn.com/the_blog/?p=9186)


(http://media.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/208/files/2016/05/WHWk29mN_400x400.jpeg)

2017 USL teams with an attendance average of 3,000 or better:

FC Cincinnati............................    16    339,164  21,198
Sacramento Republic FC.............   16    185,104   11,569
Louisville City FC.......................    16    137,801  8,613
San Antonio FC.........................    16    114,430  7,152
Rio Grande Valley FC Toros.........    16    113,076  7,067    
Phoenix Rising FC......................    16    98,020    6,126
Tampa Bay Rowdies...................    16    94,306    5,894    
Reno 1868 FC...........................    16    88,950    5,559
Ottawa Fury FC.........................    16    86,839    5,427    
Richmond Kickers......................    16    74,636    4,665
Saint Louis FC...........................    16    73,139    4,571
OKC Energy FC..........................    16    68,685    4,293
Tulsa Roughnecks FC..................    16    61,619    3,851
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC .   16    54,222    3,389
Charleston Battery......................    16    50,400    3,150
Bethlehem Steel FC....................    16    48,837    3,052    

            

“A fool and his money are soon parted”.
 
Is MLS A Ponzi Scheme?  


https://deadspin.com/is-mls-a-ponzi-scheme-1797509617?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_facebook&utm_source=deadspin_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow (https://deadspin.com/is-mls-a-ponzi-scheme-1797509617?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_facebook&utm_source=deadspin_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow)    

I enjoy to watch it once in a while....   It seems a shame that they can't work something out to get a better venue than the ballpark.

It seems like a great fit for one of the local high schools to make some extra bucks..   or back in the old Skelly stadium as an 80s throwback.

Tulsa does have a better potential support advantage historically than OKC in that there are currently no major professional sports franchises (like NBA) to compete for the sports dollar.

OKC recently approved on September 12 a bond & MAPS III two year extension initiatives investing more than $1.5 billion (over10 years) in critical infrastructure like streets and sidewalks, including an annual $26 million boost for public safety and other day-to-day operations. Cyber & structural upgrades to The Peake & $27.5 million in funds to expand & renovate ASA Hall of Fame Stadium:  http://newsok.com/voters-decide-bond-sales-tax-measures/article/5563872 (http://newsok.com/voters-decide-bond-sales-tax-measures/article/5563872)

See very little public funds support available (next 2 years) for an MLS stadium. Funk Jr., expects MLS to eventually expand to 32 teams.  

Mayor Mick Cornett did indicate that the city would provide some infrastructure & support if an MLS venue were built & an MLS franchise were secured.

Does Skelly Stadium have the same width problem as Taft Stadium?  I would think so.  The latest renovation moved the stands closer to the sidelines. 

Is there really no other alternative for the A's than LaFortune?  Why can't they play at TU?  As a private institution, surely they could sell beer there.  Even the practice field could hold a decent NPSL crowd.  It has tiered berm-like seating that I think is pretty neat. 

Isn't there a way to move the field at ONEOK closer to the stands with a removable pitchers mound?  I thought I read that somewhere.  It's a pricey technology, but since they are doing pretty well with attendance you'd think it would be worth it by now to improve the sight lines.

A soccer-specific stadium would be a boon for downtown, but there seems to be no push at all for it, and it didn't make Visions renewal, so that won't come back up for a long, long time.  Such a shame.  They could hold a high school "game of the week" downtown and make use of it for concerts and other events.

The front wall at HA Chapman stadium is stone and conrete, it was not moved closer during renovations, but it is really close to the field.


The soccer field at TU could certainly sell beer (the football stadium already does).  Obviously it is regulation sized.  However, I don't think TU generally uses their facilities for outside events for a variety of reasons (using it for their soccer games, security/liability risks, overusing fields kills the grass).  Not saying it couldn't or shouldn't happen, just that I'm not aware of TU or most other Universities doing so.


Here is a list of stadiums with moveable seating:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Movable_seating

15 stadiums in the world, mostly utilized by professional sports teams.  So the $horot an$wer is nope.


The math must not have worked out yet.  Quality soccer stadiums take up a lot of room and cost a lot of money. OKC is spending $25 million plus the cost of the land (probably around $5 million if downtown Tulsa).  I'd love to see UCAT sell land for such a project north of the Tulsa Arts District, but in that it would lesson the use of the Driller's stadium and cost the Roughnecks more money while not being obviously utilized for much else...  it's a tough sell for public money or private investment.

Hope I'm wrong.

It could happen.   https://www.si.com/soccer/photos/2015/03/16/soccer-baseball-stadiums#19

But what fun is using someone else's stadium when you can get the taxpayers to spend another $20 million for something that sits empty 75% of the time?


You can ignore the "overusing fields kills the grass" for TU's Skelly stadium...   It is astroturf (or whatever the new version is called).

Not the soccer fields.

Did someone mention the soccer fields?     They only hold 2000 and the lowest attendance was in excess of 3000.   Seems moot.

Yes, both DowntownDan and Cannon mentioned the TU soccer fields and cannon mentioned overuse and the impact on the grass.

Yeah, I'm not talking about moving seats, but the pitchers mound so that you can position the field right along the third base stands.  The ONEOK setup avoids having to flatten the mound, and it causes the bad sightlines.  That one change could make a world of difference.


I'm talking about the A's for TU, not the Roughnecks.  I don't think the A's crowds are as large.

Yeah, the A's for Tulsa's soccer stadium is what I was thinking.  Skelly might work for the Roughnecks, but not if they want a regulation pitch (and other issues with trying to use someone else's facilities).

Also, I misread the movable stands thing.  Moving the mound seems like a much simpler solution, but it would move everyone further away from the lawn.  Of course, you could add bleaches in the "outfield" to make it seem much more like a soccer stadium.  Poor, poor groundskeepers.  :)

In my opinion, baseball stadiums just struggle to make good soccer stadiums.  Then again, $20mil is a lot of money...

I have paid monthly dues for now eight plus years for two kids to play soccer. They have played for TSC, Blitz, Nationals, and WSA. The overwhelming majority of kids who play competitive soccer live in south Tulsa, Jenks, Bixby, or Broken Arrow.

Why do we only consider downtown locations for a new stadium?

There are struggling shopping centers on two corners of 71st and Memorial. The area is packed with everything needed for a stadium to work. Hotels, transit, parking, and restaurants to get money out of fans before and after games.

Tell me why this isn't a better choice for a soccer stadium than downtown.

A downtown soccer stadium makes sense for all the same reasons you pointed out for the downtown baseball stadium...

(I had a longer post no one was going to read, simplified it)

Seems like it would be a perfect partnership for an existing stadium (college or high school)

Maybe someone can talk TCC into building a stadium at their southeast campus.

Oklahoma has two USL franchises (Roughnecks FC & Energy FC); USL wants all of its franchises in soccer specific stadium by 2020.  USL announced in May 2015 a multi-year partnership with the global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm HOK with an eye toward housing all 24 of their clubs in soccer-specific stadiums by the end of the decade.  

Has anyone seen any plans for soccer specific stadium in Tulsa or OKC?

Will the USL allow soccer clubs to retrofit or modify baseball stadiums to accommodate soccer franchises?

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ea/Chukchansi.jpg/1200px-Chukchansi.jpg)
Chukchansi Park (capacity 12,500), formerly Grizzlies Stadium was completed in 2002' it's a city-owned baseball stadium located in Fresno, California, home for the PCL's Grizzlies.
(Looks similar to Tulsa's ONEOK Park).

Fresno (2018) and Birmingham (2019) will be the next franchises to join the United Soccer League.  Can soccer fans find happiness inside a baseball park? Fresno’s new USL club says yes:  http://www.fresnobee.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/marek-warszawski/article176312111.html (http://www.fresnobee.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/marek-warszawski/article176312111.html)

Oklahoma City dismantling the Producers Cooperative Mill:


Clearing & cleaning up this clinking, clanking, clattering collection of collagenous junk; then some real development can begin. TIF (Tax Increment Financing): Council approves plan for as many as six districts near downtown OKC.

By: Brian Brus The Journal Record   September 17, 2015
As many as six tax increment finance districts could be triggered near downtown Oklahoma City over the next 10 years

(http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/coop122317b.jpg)

Oklahoma City voters approve $967 million bonds and sales tax package measures: http://okcfox.com/news/local/oklahoma-city-voters-approve-bonds-and-sales-tax-measures (http://okcfox.com/news/local/oklahoma-city-voters-approve-bonds-and-sales-tax-measures)

The bond propositions are comprised of a 10-year, $967 million package. The money will go to streets, police and fire facilities, parks and other basic needs. Voters also approved a temporary continuation of an expiring MAPS 3 penny sales tax to raise $240 million to fund street resurfacing, streetscapes, trails, sidewalks and more. The last tax measure creates a permanent 1/4 sales tax to provide funding for police and fire. The tax rates kick in January 1, 2018

So the road to the north of the old Coop, that's the old alignment for I-40 isn't it?  Interesting how they managed to pull that out and improve derelict properties just south of the downtown area.  How much did the re-alignment of I-40 end up costing?

OKC's long-neglected interstate highways and bridges are scheduled to get some much needed maintenance and traffic capacity upgrades. That's the good news. Bad news:  It is very difficult to navigate throughout the Oklahoma City metropolitan area & downtown core where the 6.8 mile streetcar route rails are under construction soon to finish near the new convention center & 600-room Omni Hotel site.

I think OneOk could work full time if they used the same technology as others to remove the pitching mound for soccer, which is why I mentioned it in an earlier post.  It would improve the sight lines immensely.  The third base seats would essentially be parallel to the sideline seats.  I think they might also be able to widen the pitch a little.  The technology is worth the cost.  Here are examples of others that are using it, including MLS at Yankee Stadium.  

https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/soccer/louisville-city-fc/2015/02/26/retractable-mound-saves-louisville-city-fc/24073431/

https://www.si.com/soccer/planet-futbol/2014/04/15/nycfc-new-york-yankees-yankee-stadium-mls-mlb-soccer-baseball

https://www.si.com/soccer/photos/2015/03/16/soccer-baseball-stadiums

The Roughnecks have done well thus far, but a soccer specific stadium just doesn't seem to be in our future.  Attendance average of 4,500 is good, but will be a difficult sell for a $30-$40 million investment.  I would support it, but can see legitimate pushback.  Nevertheless, I don't see any reason a baseball stadium with better sight lines isn't sufficient for minor league soccer.  Even the current setup is fine, though not ideal.

I've been to a couple of games with my kids.   Sitting in the lawn was nice, but it would probably have been better with real seats.

At least until they get the attendance up, it seems that the lower cost, under-utilized stadium option would be the most advantageous to everyone.

And after all that, they still do nothing to fix the I-35 to  I-40 crossover mess.  One lane exiting 40 onto 35.  One lane exiting 35 onto 40.  Shameful.

Drove it yesterday and today - always a mess.

I dunno man, imagine Okrahoma drivers in two lanes going either direction with their cell phones out, putting on make up and screaming at their kids in the back seat.

(http://constructionnews.acppubs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/310295-1-eng-GB_cover-photo-765x409.jpg)

(http://kwtv.images.worldnow.com/images/20220763_BG1.jpg)
Demolition of old Downtown I-35
(https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiL8rOlw63YAhWjjVQKHZ5JAfoQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.news9.com%2Fstory%2F20220763%2Fconceptual-designs-for-western-end-of-okc-boulevard-up-for-review&psig=AOvVaw28ztqJo98LhU17L_dNUcvh&ust=1514578501854804)
(https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiL8rOlw63YAhWjjVQKHZ5JAfoQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.news9.com%2Fstory%2F20220763%2Fconceptual-designs-for-western-end-of-okc-boulevard-up-for-review&psig=AOvVaw28ztqJo98LhU17L_dNUcvh&ust=1514578501854804)

(https://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/w640-750d1f77b0c7a78bc8eabaef2b40b091.jpg) (https://localtvkfor.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/50th-bridge.png?w=388&h=258)
Got to admit, it is very difficult to get in, out & around OKC.                                                                                 New I-44/I-235 interchange under construction.

That's a different place, couple miles north, I think.  Nothing changing at the "Dallas Junction"...right where the "new" First Nations Museum was supposed to go about $100 million ago... it's just another Oklahoma cluster.   I "live" a mile and a half south of there usually at least a couple days a week.

You have some good things going in terms of sports facilities & new park you have built; a soccer specific stadium would be the next best venue.

(https://smartgrowthtulsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Soccer-Stadium-Sketch.jpg)
A VISION 2025 EXTENSION PROPOSAL in 2015 includes a soccer specific stadium & a Tulsa streetcar:  https://www.smartgrowthtulsa.org/a-vision-2025-extension-proposal/ (https://www.smartgrowthtulsa.org/a-vision-2025-extension-proposal/)


We've seen much progress between Oklahoma's two largest metropolitan areas within the past 20 years;  there's more to come.

.

Looks like new plans are underway for the soccer side of ONEOK Field:

http://www.roughnecksfc.com/news_article/show/877298?referrer_id=2689357

Best answer ever.   I almost wish someone here had proposed something similar.

That should honestly make going to the games even better.   

Nice, and only a few weeks after I suggested it in this thread!  It will help the sight lines tremendously!  Not as ideal as a soccer specific stadium, but a massive improvement!  I still don't think it will fit an american football field, so a soccer specific stadium could still be pitched as a venue for a high school "game of the week" to make sure it gets a lot of use.

Maybe someone in their organization watches this place.

I'd be a fan of a stadium similar to what FC Dallas, and The Columbus Crew have in the parking lot black hole downtown. Those stadiums have a stage element behind one of the goals, adding another use for concerts and whatnot. I was thinking (Though I know this would be super far-fetched) it would be cool to have a sort of "Outdoor Chili Bowl" happen every year. Hell, you could even get away with having some rodeo action going on there, given Tulsa's relationship with the PBR. Tons of opportunities that Tulsans will overlook because they see an empty soccer stadium half of the year unfortunately. I'd love to see this as a mixed use opportunity, and to have something architecturally significant (to compliment the BOK).

I was also thinking that the stadium would include a building fronting a street that includes retail and restaurant space open year around (think how Greenwood businesses were sort of incorporated into the ballpark) and the field could be open to the public when not in use for a formal event.  But yeah, should have a staging area and a commitment to find ways to use it for things other than soccer games to keep it active year around.

Agreed! If it were to be in the parking lot district, you essentially have a clean slate to create something really cool that could inform future development. As an architect, this would be the coolest project to tackle - One of the most difficult things is to create density from basically nothing. It's fragile too because you can't just force new context to exist, it has to listen and speak to the city.

Despite the land acquisition setback, Funk Jr.'s stadium timeline remains on-track. The new location for the stadium, when finalized, will not have the originally planned real estate and commercial developments. The PCOM site also had a complicated clearing and cleanup process, which would have taken up to two years before building could begin.

The Energy also recognizes that Taft Stadium is not viable long-term because it does not meet United States Soccer Federation standards. Taft is only 67 yards wide, three yards short of the minimum USSF standard. Funk Jr. confirmed that the club is unable to host U.S. Open Cup games at Taft because the pitch is too narrow.--Excerpts: Oklahoman, July 8, 2017

From my office I can see them installing the sinking mound.  My iphone doesn't take good enough pics to make it worthwhile to post.  But it seems to be going quickly.

Athletic are making an announcement on Thursday, including a different venue this season.  Any speculation or insight?

Holy cow, I'm an oracle.  I mentioned the sinking mound for OneOk and then they do it.  In another thread I suggested Veterans Park for the Athletic, and today they announce they'll be playing their games there this season.  I think its a great move!  I'll be buying tickets for sure!

https://twitter.com/BradLundokc/status/1008530653737050117

Top five markets for Thursday's WC opener:

1. Tulsa - 3.0
2. Austin - 2.6
3. Birmingham - 2.4
4. San Francisco - 2.4
5. New Orleans - 2.3

5:46 PM - 16 Jun 2018

Where is the link to the raw data on this?   I need to understand the numbers better.

Below is not a detailed statement of methodology per se, but I believe the numbers will always skew a bit in favor of eastern standard time based on morning times these matches are played.
Also, Tulsa may have a skewed advantage in older fans who watch on network tv versus streaming.
Still.....

https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/tv-ratings-down-for-world-cup-opener/2018/06/15/0c4766a6-70db-11e8-b4d8-eaf78d4c544c_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.8b9abd07e6fd

Baseball belongs downtown while soccer belongs in the burbs?
Sure, why not.  Southeast Tulsa sounds like a great place to take a lousy, uncompetitive USL franchise.
And while we're at it, take the Roughnecks out of your name, please.

Really?  Not sure how you got that out of what he said (long ago), but it does seem like soccer would draw just as well out east as it would downtown.  Or maybe even closer in at the fairgrounds.  Downtown is fine, but are you sure it would hurt it not to be there??


As for starting times - affecting viewership, how much of a hit did it take by not having the US team in the game?   Almost like being a Green Bay fan when the Eagles and Patriots are playing in the Superbowl...


Edit; I would love to have one of those Nielsen meters - but I am afraid my watching patterns would break their models...!

When you're losing home matches to the tune of 0-5, 1-5 and 0-3, it literally doesn't really matter where you play.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=169&v=vAFsvu9dJ5s

Still not over the new Roughnecks are we?   ;)

Phoenix is pretty much that all over...dry and dusty.


Tulsa doesn't seem to be doing too great...is that their scores?   So, Fairgrounds it is!!   Or Alsuma!


Edit;  don't take it too hard - if the market were here to support them better than it does now, stadiums would happen.   They always do...  It is what it is for now, and maybe will get better, but maybe not.  It's all about the foosball here...

Via OKCTalk.com
Published on 07-07-2018 06:33 AM

Soccer stadium planned for far North OKC (as a part of the Chisholm Creek development)

Plans have been submitted that show the intention to build a soccer stadium and related facilities as a part of the Chisholm Creek development on the south side of Memorial Road between Pennsylvania and Western.

(http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ccsports4.jpg)

Although the application was submitted by an engineering company on behalf of an unknown client, the obvious implication is that this could be the future home for Oklahoma City's professional soccer team, The Energy.

Plans show stands on all four sides of the stadium. Given the size and extent of the grandstand, it appears capacity would be between 5,000 and 10,000.

Also indicated are a small office building, controlled entry gates at each corner of the property, drink stands, restroom buildings, a video scoreboard, press box, ticket booth, VIP parking, and a removable stage at the south end of the field. The configuration appears to allow for future expansion of the east and west granstands.

The planning application describes a “multisport and entertainment complex in order to accommodate team sports such as soccer, rugby, track and field and concert events”. The site plan designates two different options for a food truck park.

The property is 13.11 acres and very near an 80-acre park being consctructed by the city to the south.

(http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ccsports2.jpg)

The Oklahoma City Energy are owned by Prodigal LLC which is headed by Bob Funk Jr.

The team was launched in 2014 and played its first season in Pribil Stadium on the campus of Bishop McGuiness High School. In 2015, the team moved to a newly renovated Taft Stadium which is owned by the Oklahoma City Public Schools.

There has been much talk among fans that the current season would be the last at Taft, as the field is unusually narrow for a soccer facility and the Energy is the last team in their league to be playing at a high school stadium.

The United Soccer League, of which The Energy is a member, has a stated goal of having each of its clubs playing at soccer-specific stadium by 2020.

The Energy have been averaging about 4,000 spectators per game this season, with their largest crowd being 6,757.

Looking for a long-term home, Funk had sought to purchase the 37-acre former Producers Coop property just south of Bricktown in 2016. The plan, which ultimately fell through, was to use 10 acres for a new soccer stadium and partner with investors to develop a mix of hotels, retail, housing and other uses on the balance of the property.

Funk has expressed the desire for the Energy to ultimately join Major League Soccer (MLS) within 6 to 9 years. Previously a plan had been discussed to open a new stadium with near 10,000 seats and the capability to add 10,000 more as part of an MLS bid.

If the Energy were to occupy this Chisholm Creek stadium, it would likely be a temporary home. Funk had previously expressed the desire to locate somewhere near the Oklahoma River. Engaging the large hispanic population on the near southside has been seen as an important long-term goal.

Several professional soccer franchises have utilized 'pop-up' stadiums as a way of creating a dedicated soccer facility for their teams in a quick and efficient manner while continuing to work on longer term plans.

Chisholm Creek is a 190-acre mixed-use development featuring TopGolf, Cabela's, and many other retails and restaurants and bars. Recently, Uncle Julio's recently opened to long lines and several other restaurants are under construction including Birra Birra, Hopdoddy, Firebirds and Chalk.

Negotiations are close to being finalized for Oklahoma's first Alamo Drafthouse and construction will start soon on Costco just to the east of Chisholm Creek on the southeast corner of Memorial and Western.

(http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ccsports3.jpg)

(http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ccsports1.jpg)

Stay tuned; you will be hearing more from Oklahoma's two USL's entries (Tulsa Roughnecks FC & Oklahoma City Energy FC) on soccer specific stadiums.

Great viewership!  Certainly proud of Tulsa being atop the 3 smaller markets among the top five:

     58.  Tulsa 531,230    0.463
     39.  Austin   771,210    0.672
     45.  Birmingham  696,380    0.607
     06.  San Francisco  2,488,090   2.169
     50.  New Orleans  641,620    0.559

Viewership reveals a lot about the sophistication of a market.

Here a breakdown of the most recent Nielsen DMA TV households rankings:  https://www.lyonspr.com/latest-nielsen-dma-rankings/ (https://www.lyonspr.com/latest-nielsen-dma-rankings/)

 From World Cup ratings to youth participation, soccer is huge in Tulsa, but does that mean the city should get an MLS team? It’s a complicated issue.
  By Alec McChesney Tulsa World Jul 14, 201

https://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/soccer/from-world-cup-ratings-to-youth-participation-soccer-is-huge/article_0c9ee994-e34a-5328-bc9b-1a6b38534704.html

Curious why you wanted to make sure we all knew that Tulsa is the smallest Nielsen TV market in the Top 5. Why is that?  
Is it because you and your OKC boosters want to use Tulsa so you can get an MLS team and we can all drive down to OKC for MLS the same way we do for the OKC Thunder?
I'm surprised you were subtle enough to just provide a link for TV market size rather than cut-and-paste with the size and ranking of OKC's Nielsen TV market.

Just impressed with the interests Tulsa has in soccer for its market size.  The TV Households combined factored into the NBA relocation in OKC--Professional Basketball Club LLC sold the NBA on the impact of nearby Tulsa, just 91 mile Turner Turnpike travel to OKC--they didn't factor Wichita which has a strong Thunder season ticket base.  

Seeing a lot of positives as Tulsa moves past our recent drop in oil prices which has negatively impacted all of Oklahoma.  Price of Oil will continue to have its ups & downs.

Tulsa has brighter days ahead. The Gathering Place will revive the Arkansas River and provide a boost in tourism dollars spent in your area.  Your downtown will see more economic investments as your city continues to make improvements.   The competition between OKC-TUL benefits all of Oklahoma.

Doubt if you'll see MLS in Tulsa or Oklahoma City anytime soon.   MLS will first fill the 2 million MSA population markets like Austin-San Antonio,  Indianapolis, San Diego, Sacramento, Nashville & several others.

Personally, IMO MLS is better suited for Tulsa.  True, you don't meet MLS requirements; however if MLS were to expand into Oklahoma, you would see a repeat and revival of the Tulsa Roughnecks' 1978–84 hype & heyday.   Combined, the TUL-OKC market exceeds 1.2 million TV households. MLS wouldn't ignore those figures or an interest group willing to bring a franchise to Tulsa.

Tulsa, IMO deserves better than USL minor league soccer--you don't need USL fan support numbers to gauge Tulsa's potential . You have 1 million MSA with more pop., urban density than OKC.   Yes, OKC  fans would drive to T-town to support MLS; I'd be the first in line for tickets.  

The NBA Thunder has dominated OKC & its corporate support--Thunder wouldn't benefit from MLS in OKC; a major soccer franchise would be a big risk in central Oklahoma.