One and done: Energy FC moving to new stadium after successful debut | The Journal Record (http://journalrecord.com/2014/09/22/one-and-done-energy-fc-moving-to-new-stadium-after-successful-debut-general-news/)

Woot!!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwnJB_OvNjQ

Surprised no one has posted on this yet, but what are everyone's thoughts on the ticket pricing for 2015?

Surprised no one has posted on this yet, but what are everyone's thoughts on the ticket pricing for 2015?

I haven't had a chance to look in depth yet other than noticing it went up.

considerably (doesn't look like Grid pricing went up that bad though)

this season will certainly show how serious fans in OKC are about soccer

considerably (doesn't look like Grid pricing went up that bad though)

this season will certainly show how serious fans in OKC are about soccer

I believe I will be getting tickets again. Haven't decided 100% though.

we're renewing, just not sure where yet

I'll be getting season tickets in the fan zone most likely.

Anybody going to the Energy fan forum this coming Monday?

I am planning on it, my wife may or may not join me

I'll be renewing in the fan section. Didn't look to see how much prices increased though. I'm waiting to buy them through The Grid. Membership is included with season ticket purchase. No extra cost.

I think moving to taft is a huge huge mistake.

I think moving to taft is a huge huge mistake.

reasons being?

I'm certainly going to miss walking over from the Speakeasy. That was really fun to hang out with friends before the match, drink a few beers, then walk over to BMHS.

I think moving to taft is a huge huge mistake.


http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/8433d1404053790t-taft-stadium- https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR2J4BTRQZYo0zxFQLcFbJEdPkDDWjlc 7_MJEl8ZDZcX6rUPJMCoQ

They have far exceeded my expectations with Bob Funk Jr., at the helm. :)

Wouldn't go so far as to say it's a 'huge huge mistake,' it will be a challenge to fill a facility which increased over twice the capacity (7,500) you enjoyed the previous year (3,500). Plus, the fan competition get tough with the NASL-OKC FC scheduled to make their debut in nearby Yukon for the 2015 season.

IMO: If the Energy FC makes the proposed improvements to Taft Stadium with the chair back seats in the east stands & the fan zone experience; this will be a game changer. They've added an experienced executive who has the potential to expand the marketing impact of the Energy FC.

Taft Stadium will be a much better option than Pribil Stadium. The OKC Energy FC has gotten off to a successful start--the new Taft Stadium venue should improve the overall environment with the Oklahoma City Energy FC.

Plus, the fan competition get tough with the NASL-OKC FC scheduled to make their debut in nearby Yukon for the 2015 season.

They announced today that they won't start until the 2016 season. Check the Big Soccer thread.

I'm certainly going to miss walking over from the Speakeasy. That was really fun to hang out with friends before the match, drink a few beers, then walk over to BMHS.

yeah someone with some real vision and cash to spare needs to open a bar near by lol

They announced today that they won't start until the 2016 season. Check the Big Soccer thread.

Wow! Meow business pro, meow...

The Oklahoma City Energy FC will now have a two year head start...

The Battle of Oklahoma City (USL-Pro vs. NASL) is over!

I'll make plans to purchase Energy FC 2015 season tickets for me and my grandson.

The press announcement says they've signed a 3 year lease with Yukon for the use of their stadium.

Oklahoma City FC - OKLAHOMA CITY FC EXECUTES STADIUM LEASE (http://oklahomacityfc.com/news/71-oklahoma-city-fc-executes-stadium-lease)

Wish the NASL-OKC success!

I'm an Energy FC supporter...

I've been thinking about this a lot lately and it feels like we have kinda missed the MLS boat. It feels like there are a lot of cities ahead of us in the pecking order.

I've been thinking about this a lot lately and it feels like we have kinda missed the MLS boat. It feels like there are a lot of cities ahead of us in the pecking order.

I have to agree. It's unfortunate, and it won't stop me from supporting the Energy, but the one slim hope would be if, and it's a HUGE if, the USA ever moves towards relegation.

I have to agree. It's unfortunate, and it won't stop me from supporting the Energy, but the one slim hope would be if, and it's a HUGE if, the USA ever moves towards relegation.

I don't think we'll ever see promotion/relegation here.

As for Taft Stadium, a lighter-quicker-cheaper solution to the lack of bars would be host food trucks and alcohol trucks either in the parking lot of in an adjacent lot. This would provide for a tailgating area that could quickly dispatch and disband for games. Could be a home run solution.

Any team playing in Yukon can count me out. Sorry OKC FC. Hope there's a downtown core stadium in the works.

As for Taft Stadium, a lighter-quicker-cheaper solution to the lack of bars would be host food trucks and alcohol trucks either in the parking lot of in an adjacent lot. This would provide for a tailgating area that could quickly dispatch and disband for games. Could be a home run solution.

Any team playing in Yukon can count me out. Sorry OKC FC. Hope there's a downtown core stadium in the works.

How much parking on property is going to be available? I assume more than at Bishop McGuiness but still not enough for everyone. Are alcohol trucks even something that exist?

How much parking on property is going to be available? I assume more than at Bishop McGuiness but still not enough for everyone. Are alcohol trucks even something that exist?

I know COOP has the ones they bring to H&8th.

I know COOP has the ones they bring to H&8th.

Nice, I just assumed there was a issue with ABLE

Nice, I just assumed there was a issue with ABLE

They might have some special permitting process for H&8th. Not sure.

I've been thinking about this a lot lately and it feels like we have kinda missed the MLS boat. It feels like there are a lot of cities ahead of us in the pecking order.

We had a chance to obtain a franchise back in the initial stages of the MLS framework; now the expansion franchise fee has skyrocketed tenfold.

IMO: I don't buy into the pecking order for cities ahead of us because someone wants us to stand in line. Could the MLS have survived in OKC back in 2005-06 especially at a time when the NBA Hornets made their debut.

CBD/Riverfront stadium MAPS IV - 2017?

The OKC Energy FC should partner with the city (MAPS IV - 2017) to build a riverfront stadium with MLS specs., 18,500 minimum in play after 2020. A city owned venue built for (soccer-football) possible future expansion. The local ownership would have an advantage if they go this route.

Nay-sayers, we are the 42nd largest metro area in the country with one of 30 NBA franchises; as we continue to grow, let's build for our future.

List of Metropolitan Statistical Areas - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Metropolitan_Statistical_Areas)

The MLS wants to expand to 24 teams by 2020. With the subtraction of Chivas USA, and the additions of NYC FC and Orlando City FC for next year, that will be 20. Chivas USA will rebrand with new L.A. ownership, which is 21. Miami and Atlanta will receive teams as long as certain conditions are met. That's 23. That leaves the current favorites Sacramento, San Antonio, and Minneapolis to vie for the final slot. They are simply much further along in the process than OKC.

Should the league expand to 24, OKC only gets in with solid Energy FC attendance, a downtown stadium, and bad luck for at least one of the proposed expansion cities (Miami is not looking so great right now). If the league has a second round of expansion to 28, that could be our time.

If the league has a second round of expansion to 28, that could be our time.

I just don't see that happening, especially since that would be way over what FIFA prefers.

I just don't think we should persue the MLS now, esp with taxpayer money. Too much money to get into the game now for a watered down product. The Energy are just what we need.

Atlanta, Detroit, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Miami, Minneapolis, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, San Antonio, St. Louis and Sacramento are the cities on the current MLS radar.

Midwest: Oklahoma City & St. Louis.


According to the following comments from the MLS Commish, the teams will help spread MLS’ reach to the whole of the US. So expect more teams in the Midwest and Southeast regions.

Which cities will be home to the four new MLS expansion franchises? | ProSoccerTalk (http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2013/08/01/which-cities-will-be-home-to-the-four-new-mls-expansion-franchises/)

We could use a venue for other events besides soccer; so let's not think that a venue would by 'hogged' by one sport.

Good minor league soccer attendance is preferred, it's not the only gauge. Sure, we're an underdog; it's not like we haven't been in this position before (NBA off-radar). Let's anticipate growth as 2020 approaches...

Major League Soccer In The Works For Oklahoma City - NewsOn6.com - Tulsa, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports - KOTV.com | (http://www.newson6.com/story/22870027/major-league-soccer-in-the-works-for-oklahoma-city)

MLS franchise competition - NewsOn6.com - Tulsa, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports - KOTV.com | (http://www.newson6.com/story/7708840/mls-franchise-competition)

Honestly - and I know I will be crucified for this - but I would almost thing MLS would be a better fit in Tulsa. One of the reasons the Thunder is so successful as a small market franchise is that they don't have to compete with another major league team in the market. Such competition could tip the scale and actually make it difficult for BOTH major league teams in a small market. I would like to see us get a population of over 2 million and an even more robust corporate community before we introduce more competition for dollars.

Not to mention that I think Tulsa is a much more firmly-entrenched soccer market, historically. The thing that probably has most tipped the scale some to OKC's favor is the burgeoning Hispanic population here. But I think much as Tulsa peeps come here for NBA hoop, hardcore MLS fans wouldn't think twice about going up the turnpike. I would love to see the Energy continue to thrive and for soccer interest here to grow organically rather than artificially.

Honestly - and I know I will be crucified for this - but I would almost thing MLS would be a better fit in Tulsa. One of the reasons the Thunder is so successful as a small market franchise is that they don't have to compete with another major league team in the market. Such competition could tip the scale and actually make it difficult for BOTH major league teams in a small market. I would like to see us get a population of over 2 million and an even more robust corporate community before we introduce more competition for dollars.

Not to mention that I think Tulsa is a much more firmly-entrenched soccer market, historically. The thing that probably has most tipped the scale some to OKC's favor is the burgeoning Hispanic population here. But I think much as Tulsa peeps come here for NBA hoop, hardcore MLS fans wouldn't think twice about going up the turnpike. I would love to see the Energy continue to thrive and for soccer interest here to grow organically rather than artificially.

They apparently had a pro soccer team years ago, that apparently did alright, however the league collapsed.

They apparently had a pro soccer team years ago, that apparently did alright, however the league collapsed.

Do you know why?

The entire league collapsed. For everyone who during/after this most recent World Cup told you that soccer was here to stay and would soon be neck-and-neck with or surpassing football/baseball/basketball/hockey, I will show you someone saying the same thing in the early 90s when the WC was here or in the 70s when NASL and Pele were here. For whatever reason, Americans have never fully embraced soccer. That said, at least MLS has lasted for a while now.

Supposedly, the Roughnecks were somewhat of a success compared to the other teams (per their Wikipedia page, so that that for what you will). I agree with Urbanized in that I think Tulsa has more of a soccer "culture". I'd like to see T-town get a team, even if it's unrealistic.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see OKC get a team and for it to be successful, but I think it would be great for Tulsa.

Honestly - and I know I will be crucified for this...

"Crucify him!" :tiphat:

As the seasons are different, NBA and MLS do not tend to compete. I could see OKC doing well as a SLC/Portland-type market having only those two leagues. As for Tulsa, I'll be crucified for this but I really never spend a second of my day thinking about Tulsa. That is... until the OKC vs. Tulsa debate bafflingly hijacks one of the tower threads.

The North American Soccer League (NASL) folded 1984; the Tulsa Roughnecks won the Soccer Bowl '83. None of the NASL teams were profitable. The Roughnecks were among the NASL attendance leaders throughout the years they were in the league. The NASL peaked in 1980.

Listed below are the attendance figures for the Tulsa Roughnecks 1978-1984:


1978 - 11,256 (13,084)
1979 - 16,426 (14,201)
1980 - 19,787 (14,443)
1981 - 17,188 (14,084)
1982 - 14,554 (13,155)
1983 - 12,415 (13,258)
1984 - 7,797 (10,759)
(League average)

Source: » Attendance Project: NASL (http://www.kenn.com/the_blog/?page_id=496)

Major League Soccer (MSL) is currently the highest level of soccer in the U.S. & Canada followed by the North American Soccer League (NASL) and the United Soccer League (USL-Pro).

Energy FC & OKC County Health Department to build training facility

Energy FC (http://www.energyfc.com/index.cfm?fa=pressreleases.article&articleID=F879E391-8B7A-E411-9931-000C296FBAA9)

https://twitter.com/EnergyFC/status/542424098719006720

I'm real curious to hear how renewals for season tickets for 2015 is going...

Not exactly OKC Energy FC related, but I thought this was kind of cool. Tulsa was apparently the 6th top local viewership market for the MLS Cup.

https://twitter.com/thegoalkeeper/status/542398603361546240

The Energy just announced plans to build their new training facility here:

Northeast Regional Health and Wellness Campus - OKCTalk (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Northeast%20Regional%20Health%2 0and%20Wellness%20Campus)

Energy FC (http://www.energyfc.com/index.cfm?fa=pressreleases.article&articleID=F879E391-8B7A-E411-9931-000C296FBAA9)

The Energy just announced plans to build their new training facility here:

Northeast Regional Health and Wellness Campus - OKCTalk (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Northeast%20Regional%20Health%2 0and%20Wellness%20Campus)

Energy FC (http://www.energyfc.com/index.cfm?fa=pressreleases.article&articleID=F879E391-8B7A-E411-9931-000C296FBAA9)

Commitment & investment by the Oklahoma City Energy FC with a top notch $6.5 million MLS style training facility. Put a competitive product on the field for the Taft Stadium era and partner with the City of OKC to get an MLS ready stadium (20,000-seater) on the riverfront for MAPS VI. You will have the 'partners' to invest.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/northeasthealth1.jpg


He said it will take the teamwork of fans, the city, the community, and the corporate community to bring an MLS team to the city.

We got NHL-NBA ready, now let's get ready for the MLS: Oklahoma City to Study Feasibility of Future MLS Stadium - Athletic Business (http://www.athleticbusiness.com/more-news/oklahoma-city-to-study-feasibility-of-future-mls-stadium.html)

OKC Energy Announce New Practice Fields | KFOR.com (http://kfor.com/2014/12/09/okc-energy-announce-new-practice-fields/)

The North American Soccer League (NASL) folded 1984; the Tulsa Roughnecks won the Soccer Bowl '83. None of the NASL teams were profitable. The Roughnecks were among the NASL attendance leaders throughout the years they were in the league. The NASL peaked in 1980.

Listed below are the attendance figures for the Tulsa Roughnecks 1978-1984:


1978 - 11,256 (13,084)
1979 - 16,426 (14,201)
1980 - 19,787 (14,443)
1981 - 17,188 (14,084)
1982 - 14,554 (13,155)
1983 - 12,415 (13,258)
1984 - 7,797 (10,759)
(League average)

Source: » Attendance Project: NASL (http://www.kenn.com/the_blog/?page_id=496)

Major League Soccer (MSL) is currently the highest level of soccer in the U.S. & Canada followed by the North American Soccer League (NASL) and the United Soccer League (USL-Pro).

MLS is already much older, and much more successful than the original NASL ever was. Next year will be the 20th year of operation.
And those numbers were really good for that league. They would TERRIBLE numbers for MLS. Here are some of the top teams from the past year:
Seattle - 43,122
Toronto - 22,019
LA Galaxy - 21,961
Portland - 20,803
Vancouver- 20,760
Kansas City-20,067

I was a big Roughnecks fan back in the day. There were two things that killed them; The whole league going under, and the USFL coming to Tulsa. As soon as pro football came to town, their attendance went in the toilet.

Tulsa's attendance figures were good for a league that went down. IIRC they won the Soccer Bowl in 1983 with a 2-0 in over Toronto in Vancouver B.C. Roughnecks averaged 13,000 in '83 the year they won the Soccer Bowl. Their banner year was in 1980 with an average attendance of 20,000.

Good point, Bouchard about the USFL's move into T-town that took its toll on the popularity of the NASL along with Tulsa Roughnecks' attendance.

Tulsa World ran a story about building a 65,000-seat stadium dubbed the Oklahoma Dome in Tulsa if the USFL were to become a success. The league just didn't have the financial backing to sustain itself long term.

1984 preliminary efforts to build a domed stadium in Oklahoma City:


That is what the OKC Chamber of Commerce did Tuesday morning by calling for a study that would tell us if it's both wise and prudent to build a new stadium. Chamber chairman Gerald R. Marshall pointed out the new football stadium not only could provide a place for the Outlaws to play, but also could be the new home of the National Finals Rodeo, OKC's one international sports event that everyone in town is interested in keeping...

...The city of Indianapolis, unlike Oklahoma City, had no client waiting when it built the Hoosier Dome. The citizens of that city built their stadium on faith. Faith that a team would come along to use it.

It Could Hurt, But Dome May Be a Good Buy | News OK (http://newsok.com/it-could-hurt-but-dome-may-be-a-good-buy/article/2074303)

The USFL Oklahoma Outlaws tried to secure a lease at OU's Memorial Stadium. The OKC Chamber was in favor of a feasibility study to build a domed stadium in Oklahoma City if Memorial Stadium could be used as a temporary home. We were in jeopardy of losing the NFR to Las Vegas.

Congratulations to the Oklahoma City Energy FC


The United Soccer Leagues honored teams and executives in a ceremony Friday night in Clearwater, Florida. Oklahoma City Energy FC earned one award, Rookie Franchise of the Year.USL Pro: Energy FC earns Rookie Franchise of the Year | News OK (http://newsok.com/usl-pro-energy-fc-earns-rookie-franchise-of-the-year/article/5375600)

The new Eastern & Western Conference format came out. Nice to see us with an additional home & home vs. Tulsa & Austin, plus the home & home with St. Louis.
USL PRO 2015 Conference Alignment and Scheduling Format | Reckless Challenge (http://www.recklesschallenge.net/uslpro-2015-conference-alignment-scheduling-format/)
9780
edited to add link

USL Pro is applying for Tier 2 sanctioning from the USSF, and you can bet that the MLS is behind the efforts. That development will be very interesting to follow.

The new Eastern & Western Conference format came out. Nice to see us with an additional home & home vs. Tulsa & Austin, plus the home & home with St. Louis.
USL PRO 2015 Conference Alignment and Scheduling Format | Reckless Challenge (http://www.recklesschallenge.net/uslpro-2015-conference-alignment-scheduling-format/)
9780
edited to add link

It would be interesting to see how much less travel miles the East teams has verses the West teams, it looks like it could be a big number over the course of the entire season.

Energy FC (http://www.energyfc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.article&articleID=E531592B-178A-E411-8761-000C296FBAA9)
Breaking News: STATEMENT FROM GENERAL MANAGER JASON HAWKINS

"We are stunned by the news today of murder charges being filed against OKC Energy FC assistant coach Chris Spendlove in England stemming from an altercation involving several individuals on Friday, December 19. The incident resulted in the death of an off-duty law enforcement officer. Details of the incident will be forthcoming as the matter winds its way through England's legal system including the extent in which Chris was involved. Given the seriousness of the charges, we have made the decision to dismiss Chris from the organization. That said, we are deeply saddened by the news of the incident and our hearts go out to the family of the police officer who lost his life. We are also disheartened for Chris. As an assistant coach, he was always professional and conducted himself in a proper and respectful manner. Our thoughts are also with him and his family during this difficult time."

Energy FC (http://www.energyfc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.article&articleID=E531592B-178A-E411-8761-000C296FBAA9)
Breaking News: STATEMENT FROM GENERAL MANAGER JASON HAWKINS

What a way for Bob Funk Jr and Prodigal to get their precious soccer team in the news right after destroying the Barons.

What a way for Bob Funk Jr and Prodigal to get their precious soccer team in the news right after destroying the Barons.

low brow comment

nm

What a way for Bob Funk Jr and Prodigal to get their precious soccer team in the news right after destroying the Barons.

Something tells me Prodigal had very little joy in this announcement involving staff from their soccer team..

Should we start another thread for OKC Energy FC 2015 season

I'm pretty disappointed that we haven't heard anything about their own stadium yet.

I'm pretty disappointed that we haven't heard anything about their own stadium yet.

Taft Stadium?