Those numbers are good, but they're not MLS good (yet). There's competition from Sacramento, San Diego, Phoenix, Austin, San Antonio, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Charlotte, Raleigh, Nashville, and Atlanta for the limited remaining slots in MLS. The league hopes to expand to 28. Reports have Atlanta as the 23rd franchise, and Minneapolis as the 24th. That means there are really just four slots remaining, with at least one sure to be San Antonio, and one almost certainly sure to be Sacramento. That pits us against the others for what is essentially two slots. MLS will be looking to see who has the stadium, operations, and fan support to bolster their league. The team in Cary (Raleigh) is already averaging 4800 a game. The Indianapolis 11 have sold 7,000 season tickets so far. THAT'S what we're up against.

The year they move to Taft will be more telling, since right now that estimate is pretty close to max capacity of the current venue, plus part of the competition is getting funding a stadium built so some will probably be held up there, the news out of Sacramento about building a NBA stadium makes it sound like the city will be in no position financially to aid in funding a Soccer specific stadium.

Sacramento is a dying city with not much going for it from what I gather, despite being Cali's capital.

Not so long ago that same thing could be said about OKC. Don't count a city out when it's down...

Whether or not Sacramento/San Diego/Phoenix gets a team or not, we still have pretty stiff competition for slots 25-28. Having two teams in no way helps that.


Sacramento is a dying city with not much going for it from what I gather, despite being Cali's capital.

You can't deny how they're supporting their team, what with 5x more season ticket sales than our team.

no doubt rich, but the problems of the city would affect their efforts to grow into much more than they are, I would think.

They just announced that they are opening a retail store and a ticket office in the cricket building at 9th and Broadway.


OKC Energy FC is celebrating a grand opening of their retail store and ticket outlet at NW 9th and Broadway in downtown Oklahoma City on Thursday, April 17 from 6 – 9 p.m. The shop’s opening is an all ages event open to the public. The store’s opening gives fans ample time to prepare for the team’s home opener Saturday, April 26.

https://scontent-a-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/10013127_488050927988822_7825870523435570381_n.png

LOVE IT. Combines 2 great things, the Energy and more retail in AA. Awesome.

Those numbers are good, but they're not MLS good (yet).
The only number MLS is interested in is 75,000,000. That's the amount of the check that will have to be written to get into MLS. If great attendance in a minor league impressed them then Rochester would have been in MLS long ago. All of this talk about "our ultimate goal is MLS", whether it's Prodigal or SoS saying it, is total marketing BS until someone is willing to pony up a huge amount of money to get in.


That's also why (and with apologies to bourchard) I can't support the NASL franchise at this point. That would be cannibalizing the market here. Whatever issues Prodigal and SOS have with each other, at this point playing into that only feeds egos and starves the city.
No problem. But you DO realize, of course, that you HAVE chosen a side. You are just as responsible for "feeding the egos" of ONE side, as I am on the OTHER. I see it exactly like you, but from the other side of the coin. The Energy will not get one dime of my money.

The Energy will not get one dime of my money.

Then leave the Energy thread and don't be a troll?

Good win for them last night, listen to the radio broadcast on KXY.

So will there be a watch party at speakeasy for the away game on Tues? Neighbor (who has season tix) and I might check it out...

The only number MLS is interested in is 75,000,000. That's the amount of the check that will have to be written to get into MLS. If great attendance in a minor league impressed them then Rochester would have been in MLS long ago. All of this talk about "our ultimate goal is MLS", whether it's Prodigal or SoS saying it, is total marketing BS until someone is willing to pony up a huge amount of money to get in.


No problem. But you DO realize, of course, that you HAVE chosen a side. You are just as responsible for "feeding the egos" of ONE side, as I am on the OTHER. I see it exactly like you, but from the other side of the coin. The Energy will not get one dime of my money.

Why don't you start up your own thread for the NASL franchise? That way you can quit spending so much time here telling people who to root for.

BTW, that's a great attitude to have when you're the one advocating for there to be two competing teams in the same market. How successful do you think the NASL franchise will be if everyone who has already heard of the Energy and are supporting them decides to pay zero attention to your NASL franchise? I'm not saying nobody will support them, but you better hope that all the other soccer fans in OKC don't have the same personality as you. If that's the case then they will both struggle and nobody will win. But it sounds like you would rather have that happen than have one team be successful and it not be yours.

Seriously. I'm trying hard to support both endeavors, but me and a group of folks at a bar Saturday night were discussing this, and it's apparent and sad that the behavior of a few NASL supporters seemed to be turning the entire group anti NASL.

Seriously. I'm trying hard to support both endeavors, but me and a group of folks at a bar Saturday night were discussing this, and it's apparent and sad that the behavior of a few NASL supporters seemed to be turning the entire group anti NASL.

Myself and a lot of the soccer guys at skinny slims feel the same way. We just want live soccer in the city, doesn't matter which group, but the attitudes of some of the NASL guys have totally turned us off the team.

I'm really confused. Can someone explain what's happening here? I haven't been following it closely other than knowing, "Wow, we're getting a soccer team in OKC!" Anyone care to offer a one-paragraph overview?

I'm really confused. Can someone explain what's happening here? I haven't been following it closely other than knowing, "Wow, we're getting a soccer team in OKC!" Anyone care to offer a one-paragraph overview?

There are two groups starting soccer teams; one in the USL Pro league (OKC Energy FC) with hopes to jump up to MSL in the next ten years started this year and one in the NASL league (Oklahoma City FC) which should start play next year. So far just from the press and first few games I would say the OKC Energy FC energy group looks to be running this all pretty solid (though no home games have started yet), the Oklahoma City FC group is a little harder to tell since most of their work is not really that visible to the public yet.

There are two groups starting soccer teams; one in the USL Pro league (OKC Energy FC) with hopes to jump up to MSL in the next ten years started this year and one in the NASL league (Oklahoma City FC) which should start play next year. So far just from the press and first few games I would say the OKC Energy FC energy group looks to be running this all pretty solid (though no home games have started yet), the Oklahoma City FC group is a little harder to tell since most of their work is not really that visible to the public yet.

What is the difference between the leagues? Which team has more financial backing? What is the advantage of starting two teams in two separate leagues?

Energy FC (http://www.energyfc.com/index.cfm?fa=faqs)

How much are the tickets going to be for Energy FC games?
Ticket prices for Energy FC games will range in price from $25 to a center section seat with a chair back to as little as $7 for a seat on the lawn. For a list of ticket prices, click here.

Where can I purchase tickets for Energy FC Games?
Tickets are available for purchase via the OKC Energy FC Website OR by calling the office at 235-KICK. Full Season, half season and individual game ticket packages are available. Tickets will also be available at the Energy FC store and box office located at NW 9th & Broadway in downtown Oklahoma City.

Depending on my seat location, can I bring in a stadium seat or lawn chair?
Stadium seats are premitted to be used as long as they are less than 16 inches wide and do not contain an arm rest.
Lawn chairs are permitted in the grass area on the south end of the field.

There are seats lining the track. Who can sit there?
The Track Side Seating is reserved seating. In order to sit in those seats, you will need to have a ticket for those seats.

What is the inclement weather policy?
OKC Energy FC understands the games played outside are subject to changing weather conditions. OKC Energy FC games kick off at 7 p.m. and will be played as scheduled...rain or shine. If there are weather concerns, fans will be notified at the game and given choices about what their plan of action should be.

If it is raining, fans are encouraged to bring ponchos or water-resistent jackets. Umbrellas will not be permitted in the stadium.

Where can I park for OKC Energy FC games?
OKC Energy FC offers parking in two locations.
First is the lot immediately to the west of Pribil Stadium on the campus of Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School. Season Ticket Holders have the option to purchase reserved parking in this lot. Space is VERY limited. Season Ticket Holders are encouraged to contact their representative to reserve parking by calling 235-KICK.

The second option is to park in Garage #4 on the Chesapeake Energy campus near Classen and Western. A shuttle service can transport fans to and from the garage for just $1 per person per direction.

Are there any pregame festivities?
First is an activity on the lawn just west of the Chesapeake Energy Campus.

Second is a March to the Match that starts at the 51st Speakeasy, located across Western from Pribil Stadium.

Who can sit in the Fan Zone at the North End of the stadium?
OKC Energy FC encourages only the most spirited fans to sit in the Fan Zone at the north end of the stadium. The Supporters Clubs of OKC Energy FC are encouraged to make noise, sing chants, wave flags and generally have fun during the entire match. A word of warning. Sitting in the Fan Zone is not for the faint of heart. Fans sitting in the Fan Zone do risk hearing "colorful" language during the match.

Can I bring a bag or backpack into the stadium?
Only small purses and diaper bags are permitted inside the stadium.

Where can we get scarves, t-shirts, etc?
Merchandise for OKC Energy FC such as t-shirts, scarves and flags can be purchased via the online store or at the new Energy FC store at NW 9th & Broadway in downtown Oklahoma City (starting April 17). OKC Energy Season Ticket Holders are eligible for a 10% discount on merchandise. Discount applies to purchases made at the stadium or at the store at NW 9th & Broadway only.

What details can be provided about the soccer-specific stadium discussed during the press conference?
Details about the soccer-specific stadium are ever evolving. Energy FC has committed to work with ADG, a local design group to build the stadium. The two groups are currently working together to find the best location for the stadium that provides the best short-term and long-term success for Energy FC. Remember, the ultimate goal is to play in MLS.

Why USL PRO?
USL PRO is the strongest, best operated and most experienced North American men’s professional soccer league outside and in support of Major League Soccer (MLS). Focused on franchise stability and longevity, USL PRO features 15 teams for the 2014 season, including expansion teams in Oklahoma City and Sacramento. The league not only serves as a springboard to the MLS for players, but also for franchises.

Five of the last six clubs to enter MLS have moved up from the USL’s top professional division. Among the most successful clubs, the Vancouver Whitecaps, Seattle Sounders, Portland Timbers and Montreal Impact all operated franchises in the USL’s top professional division before making the transition to MLS.

On November 19, MLS announced the addition of Orlando City to its league, beginning in 2015. The addition of the Orlando City club brings the years of USL PRO experience by teams in MLS to 63.

When will the schedule be announced?
The schedule is out! OKC Energy FC opens their season on the road April 5th. The home opener is April 26th against Orlando City SC. Click here for the full schedule. Click here for a downloadable version of the schedule.

Who is the affiliate for OKC Energy FC?
OKC Energy FC is the USL PRO affiliate of defending MLS Cup Champion Sporting KC.

Who is the head coach for OKC Energy FC?
Former Sporting KC goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen is head coach for OKC Energy FC. He is assisted by Chris Spendlove.

Will beer be sold at the stadium?
Energy FC is proud to support the family-friendly environment at Pribil Stadium on the campus of Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School. As such will not serve alcohol on stadium grounds during matches.

Will instruments and flags be allowed in the stadium?
Yes!

My favorite part:
Sitting in the Fan Zone is not for the faint of heart. Fans sitting in the Fan Zone do risk hearing "colorful" language during the match.

My favorite part:

I'm glad they threw that in there. I have a feeling some people are going to get a rude awakening when they show up there.

not sure how rowdy people will get with no alcohol during the game.

someone really needs to get a keg or two in the parking lot to the north of Mcguinness and tailgate tailgate there

but i thought the Energy were backed by right wing relgious plutocrats, how could they ever allow such behavior in a fan section?

Just snuck in and was able to get season tix for my wife and I, very pumped! we do have a couple of games we'll be out of town, so we'll be looking to sell if anyone is interested in single game tickets for May 10th and then possibly Aug 24th

moved to proper thread

Oklahoma City FC invites fans to design club scarf » Local News » The Edmond Sun (http://www.edmondsun.com/local/x360404025/Oklahoma-City-FC-invites-fans-to-design-club-scarf)

That is the NASL team.

That is the NASL team.Sorry... I moved that.

Just learned that Prodigal (Energy FC owners) are seeking prelinimary construction bids for a 7,000 seat stadium with concession stands, BAR and restaurant areas.

Just in the early planning stages and haven't specified a site as of yet.

Saw an Energy FC ad on Hulu the other day.

There is an Energy supporters group on Twitter called The Grid: https://twitter.com/TheGridOKC

They are organizing a walk over to the match from 51st Street Speakeasy.


Also, in perhaps a very telling sign, Downtown OKC Inc. is heavily involved in promoting the club.

There is a lawn party at Chesapeake with free parking in Structure 4 and a shuttle to and from the match.

Kind of a side story but an interesting read. The USL will be a nice addition to the sports landscape here in OKC, but I don't think they should build a 20K+ soccer specific stadium (probably with a lot of taxpayer money) just to get the MLS. its not like the best players in the world come to the MLS like the other pro sports in this country. Just think we need to be cautious about over saturation

MLS Expands To Atlanta, Because The Quality Of Play Was Just Too High (http://deadspin.com/mls-expands-to-atlanta-because-the-quality-of-play-was-1564745075)

I also have concerns about over expansion of MLS diluting play (just when the level of play was getting to a respectable level) but there is something to be said about the growth of the domestic game and the thought that in a few years having this many teams won't produce bad soccer.

I feel like I've seen a ton of advertising for this club. I'm not a soccer fan personally, but it will be interesting to see how it does.

They have spent a ton of time and money on promotion, that's for sure.

Only way they could justify this expense is to reach the MLS at some point.

Just got my tix for Saturday. I was surprised at how few were left! As it is, I'll bring a flask (or something) and I'm definitely bringing my vuvuzela. Can't commit to season tickets, but I hope to get in a few games this season. I've seen ads everywhere and I'm excited to see where this goes.

It seems the original has been taken down, but how about the Energy adapt this OKC Thunder chant that never caught on:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qVnNJN2a_Y

Kind of a side story but an interesting read. The USL will be a nice addition to the sports landscape here in OKC, but I don't think they should build a 20K+ soccer specific stadium (probably with a lot of taxpayer money) just to get the MLS. its not like the best players in the world come to the MLS like the other pro sports in this country. Just think we need to be cautious about over saturation

MLS Expands To Atlanta, Because The Quality Of Play Was Just Too High (http://deadspin.com/mls-expands-to-atlanta-because-the-quality-of-play-was-1564745075)

Just something to chew on. The newest teams, NYCFC and Atlanta, don't have soccer specific stadiums. I even think the fact that Atlanta won't be having one is mentioned in the article you linked. NYCFC will play at Yankees stadium until they get a stadium build, supposedly. Also, several current teams, such as Seattle, do not play in soccer specific stadiums (and that rule was in effect when they joined as well, I believe). I think at one time, it was a requirement, but now it's really just a talking point.

If OKC built something similar to what they have in several places (KC and Houston I believe), it could be build with a heavy soccer influence, but can accommodate many other things, like concerts, other sporting events, etc.

As for the level of play, it's the same reason people are excited about the Energy/NASL team. It's soccer, in the city we live, on a regular basis. Sure, it's not the EPL or Bundesliga, but it doesn't have to be. And there is something to be said about the actual gameday experience.

NYCFC Hasn't Played A Match And Is Threatening To Move Out Of NYC (http://deadspin.com/nycfc-hasnt-played-a-match-and-is-threatening-to-move-o-1566173687)

With the weather we are supposed to be getting on Saturday, has anybody heard of what might happen at the game? Does Bishop McGuinness have a shelter?

i am guessing they will put everyone underneath the cement stands or move some people in to the lockers underground in the basketball gym

i am guessing they will put everyone underneath the cement stands or move some people in to the lockers underground in the basketball gym

they say that they already have a plan in place incase of Severe weather.They may move people to the Gym or the school has a basement/tornado shelter that they can move to that if OKC is under a tornado warning but if it just a small thunderstorm i say they put everyone in the GYM

Looks like we will be going to T-Town for the open cup on 5/14. Should be a fun game.

United Soccer Leagues (USL) (http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/804145.html)

May 14 Oklahoma City Energy FC (USL PRO) at Tulsa Athletics (NPSL) 7:30 p.m. CT Tulsa Athletics Stadium; Tulsa, Okla.

They have spent a ton of time and money on promotion, that's for sure.

Based on the amount of market investments they have accumulated; early indications would have you believe that their goal is to reach the MLS at some point.

Good possibility the Funks are serious this time about their early intentions to get to the MLS. It's going to be up to the fans who can play the most active role in which league is left standing in OKC. The NPSL Oklahoma City FC has been active of late.


http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif "Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif

Just got word from energy that the parking lot at Mcguinness is sold out so the other option is parking garage 4 at Chesapeake and take a. 1 dollar per person shuttle to the stadium

Something is missing from this list of what's prohibited from being brought into the stadium....


What items are PROHIBITED from coming into the stadium?

* Weapons of any kind
* Fireworks
* Tobacco products
* E-cigarettes
* Vuvuzelas (in Fan Zone / Supporter Section only)
* Air Horns
* Umbrellas (ponchos are allowed to protect fans from inclement weather)

Something is missing from this list of what's prohibited from being brought into the stadium....

No tobacco or e-cigs, but definitely alcohol.

No tobacco or e-cigs, but definitely alcohol.

Who's gonna walk right up to the gate with beer in hand, and then produce that printed out webpage if they try to stop you :)

pocket shot sales will increase at area liquor stores

Heroin?

Having a local team may force me to rethink my position on the game and give it another try.
Until then my position remains...

http://youtu.be/FZaGWGAMjus

Energy FC (http://www.energyfc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.article&articleID=3A729FF5-FECB-E311-A98F-000C296FBAA9)

OKC Energy FC today announced that the season’s home opener on April 26, at 7 p.m., at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School against the defending USL-PRO league champions Orlando City SC, is officially sold out. Official sell out is 3,741.

The box office at Bishop McGuinness will release a limited number of obstructed view seats beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday afternoon. Prices for the obstructed view tickets start at $13. Tickets can only be purchased at the box office at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in person.

There are still available a limited number of prorated season seats starting with the second home game on Saturday, May 10 against Orange County. However, there are only 1, 000 total tickets remaining for the second home match.

“It’s great to watch OKC rally behind this team. This is precisely the start we need to begin the journey to get the MLS to OKC,” said team owner Bob Funk Jr.

Opening Match Day Activities
Chesapeake Lawn (features family activities & beverages) 4 – 6 p.m.
Shuttle Service from Chesapeake Lawn area begins 5 p.m.
Doors open for first ever home match 5:30 p.m.
Kickoff for OKC Energy FC Home Opener 7 p.m.

So this is pretty bush league...Prodigal didn't put enough postage on the envelope they mailed my season tickets in, so now I have to go to the local post office to pick up my season tickets today and pay $1.12 to get my tickets.

Now THAT is actually kinda funny. Should contact them about reimbursement, lol

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

So this is pretty bush league...Prodigal didn't put enough postage on the envelope they mailed my season tickets in, so now I have to go to the local post office to pick up my season tickets today and pay $1.12 to get my tickets.

wow

So this is pretty bush league...Prodigal didn't put enough postage on the envelope they mailed my season tickets in, so now I have to go to the local post office to pick up my season tickets today and pay $1.12 to get my tickets.

Shouldn't they get billed for that? I work at a bank and we do our own postage, and occasionally one doesn't get enough. When it does they bill us the difference, but still deliver the mail. Of course this is the PO we are talking about.

I saw my first commercial for the team last night.

So this is pretty bush league...Prodigal didn't put enough postage on the envelope they mailed my season tickets in, so now I have to go to the local post office to pick up my season tickets today and pay $1.12 to get my tickets.

It is an oversight that happens sometimes, as Zuplar mentioned. I would agree that I thought they got billed the difference.

EnergyFC: It's starting to take shape! #UseYourEnergy http://t.co/BYLorvZI2K
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BmGjMKWIgAAWxh6.jpg

It is an oversight that happens sometimes, as Zuplar mentioned. I would agree that I thought they got billed the difference.

Definitely had to pay the difference to get my tickets. Oh well, still looking forward to tonight! What is everyone's plan pregame? If you are going to speakeasy, are you planning on taking the shuttle or parking elsewhere?

Just came back from the game. It was incredibly professional-- I'm super impressed. Ownership clearly invested a considerable amount, but they also did great work to get advertising and sponsorship. Even though the stadium was small, it was more than sold out (people were everywhere-- all in green!) and it totally felt like a top level soccer game. And all of this even though the Thunder were playing tonight. I have high hopes for the Energy and can't wait to go to the next match!!