I don't know if I agree with 70,000 seats, but the rest is spot on.

Pretty much every MLS team that plays in an NFL stadium plays with the upper deck closed unless they sell enough tickets during a playoff game, so there is no reason why it can't work. I have some problems with the way the stadium feels for some of the MLS teams that play in NFL stadiums, but plans I have seen for stadium that were build for both from the ground up all look great IMO.

And I think that we both agree that a lot of people don't realize that we should be building a stadium that is leased by a soccer team, and not a stadium that is owned and used only by a soccer team. The Peake is more than just the "Thunder Arena", they have concerts, WWE, Circus, and other events scheduled there as well.

A stadium, especially in Bricktown, would be a good investment for soccer and much more.

The Oklahoma City Dodgers had an average attendance just shy of 7,000 last year. Granted, they play a lot more games than a soccer team would so their impact is higher. But having another 7,000 people in Bricktown (no idea what the attendance would be, so just throwing that out there) for 15 home games would be a nice thing. Soccer at any level would be a good option because for the most part the season doesn't compete with the Thunder schedule, which would add more diversity and year around options for entertainment in Bricktown. You would have another family event drawing folks into bricktown during the time of year that the Thunder isn't playing, and having both a game at the stadium and a game at the ballpark would make things very lively down there.

Then on top of soccer we would have a great stadium for state championships (soccer or football), preseason college or professional games, bid for the Division 1 NCAA Soccer Championship game, college football bowl game, maybe one of those fancy minor league football teams if we can't get one of them fancy NFL teams.

Non-sport options: we have the already mentioned concerts, motocross, monster trucks. It would be a great opportunity for Bricktown to create a big music festival with concerts held at the stadium, the ballpark, the Criterion, and the event center. What would Bricktown be like if we could hold an event like Rocklahoma there?

I think the NFL would be much more of a long-shot than MLS, and I would rather we pursue a soccer-specific stadium that could still be used for all these other things. But if the choice is mixed-use stadium or nothing, then I would obviously vote for the mixed-use stadium.

The only thing I wouldn't compromise on is turf. Get some grass in that thing!

USL Announces Partnership with ESPN (http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/640008?referrer_id=2333971)

TAMPA, Fla. – The USL and ESPN announced on Friday a new partnership that will bring a new level of coverage to the league throughout the current season, and see the 2016 USL Championship air on an over-the-air ESPN network.

ESPN’s coverage of the USL will begin on Friday night, with the first of 20 exclusive regular-season broadcasts on ESPN3 as the Pittsburgh Riverhounds host Orlando City B at Highmark Stadium. The league also announced the next five early-season matchups that will air on ESPN’s digital platform, as the USL continued to build its online presence following the establishment of the USL Digital Network two weeks ago.

“We are thrilled to announce our new collaboration with ESPN,” said Jake Edwards, President of the USL. “This relationship is another step forward for the League and its digital first philosophy.

“We will be announcing an exciting broad based media and digital content strategy shortly that will meet and exceed the demands of our-ever growing supporter base while positioning our clubs and the League for long-term success.”

In addition to ESPN’s live coverage of the USL season, the league will also be featured on ESPN FC through the network’s television and digital platforms.

Award-winning soccer announcer Michael Watts and Juan Arango will work the booth for the 2016 USL Games of the Week on ESPN3.

Watts, who will serve as play-by-play announcer, has appeared on ESPN3, Fox Sports Go, YES Network, the NWSL, and beIN Sports, as well as several college sports networks.

Arango is a Miami-based journalist who has covered soccer and other sports for more than 10 years as a writer as well as a play-by-play announcer for various media outlets domestically and internationally, including Gol TV, ESPN International, TALKSport, BBC World Service, World Football Daily and also appeared on Radio Globo in Brazil.
2016 USL Game of the Week Schedule

April 22 – Pittsburgh Riverhounds vs. Orlando City B, 7 p.m. ET
April 27 - Louisville City FC vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds, 7:30 p.m. ET
May 6 – Rochester Rhinos vs. Charleston Battery, 7:05 p.m. ET
May 13 – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Portland Timbers 2, 9 p.m. ET
May 25 – San Antonio FC vs. Rio Grande Valley FC, 8:30 p.m. ET
June 8 – Sacramento Republic FC vs. Real Monarchs SLC, 11 p.m. ET

The 14 remaining regular-season games to be featured on the USL Game of the Week will be determined as the season progresses to bring supporters the most relevant games each week as clubs battle for playoff positions and seeds.

ESPN3 is ESPN’s live multi-screen sports network, a destination that delivers thousands of exclusive sports events annually. It is accessible on computers, smartphones, tablets and connected devices through WatchESPN. The network is currently available to more than 99 million homes at no additional cost to fans who receive their high-speed Internet connection or video subscription from an affiliated service provider. It is also available at no cost to approximately 21 million U.S. college students and U.S.-based military personnel via computers, smartphones and tablets connected to on-campus educational and on-base military broadband and Wi-Fi networks.

Additionally, ESPN3 can be streamed on televisions through Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One.

That was a great win tonight. Especially against a good keeper in Kempin and some other ex Energy players.

That was a great win tonight. Especially against a good keeper in Kempin and some other ex Energy players.

It was definitely what the doctor ordered. On to Seattle and Arizona. Both are very winnable matches.

Energy FC (http://www.energyfc.com/chivas/)
Breaking News: We are playing a Friendly against a Top Mexican Team called Chivas on June 28th at 7:00 PM at Taft Stadium

Massive news!!

OKC Energy FC will host world renown Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Liga XM), also known as Chivas, at Taft Stadium on June 28, 2016!!! This is the first time the legendary Mexican team will play in Oklahoma, as well as Energy FC's first match against a top-tier international side. In fact, Energy FC is the only USL side that Chivas will play on their tour of the U.S.

Energy FC to Welcome Chivas de Guadalajara in June (http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/641949?referrer_id=233397)
OKLAHOMA CITY – OKC Energy FC announced on Tuesday morning an international exhibition on Tuesday, June 28 with Chivas de Guadalajara, as the legendary Liga MX club visits the state of Oklahoma for the first time. Kickoff at Taft Stadium is set for 7 p.m. CT, as the 11-time league champion faces off against one of the USL’s top clubs.

One of the founding members of the Mexican First Division, of which it has held a permanent place since its establishment in 1943, Chivas is one of the most celebrated clubs in world soccer. In addition to its 11 league championships, the club has finished as runner-up on another nine occasions, and on 2010 reached the final of the Copa Libertadores, South America’s biggest club competition. Most recently, Chivas won the 2015 Copa MX, its third victory in the tournament.

Among the club’s notable current players are Mexican international Omar Bravo, who sits as the team’s all-time leading scorer, and others including recent El Tri selections Isaác Brizuela, Orbelin Pineda, Carlos Peña, and Carlos Salcedo.

Tickets for the international exhibition will be available online at TicketsVIP.net, all three Supermercados Morelos stores in Oklahoma City, both OKC-area Energy FC stores and online via energyfc.com/chivas.

http://www.energyfc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Bonner_Slide.jpg

Energy FC (http://www.energyfc.com/press-release/energy-fc-acquires-fc-dallas-forward-colin-bonner-on-loan)

OKLAHOMA CITY — Energy FC has acquired forward Colin Bonner on loan from FC Dallas, Energy FC General Manager Jason Hawkins announced today.

After less than a year with FC Dallas, Bonner comes to Oklahoma City with an impressive soccer history, entering the MLS straight out of college. In his four years at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, the Maryland native earned the following accolades:

2015: NSCAA First Team All-Midwest Region. NSCAA First Team Scholar All-South Region. First Team CoSIDA Academic All-American. First Team All-Colonial Athletic Association. NCSSIA First Team All-State. UNCW Beach Classic Offensive MVP and All-Tournament Team. Preseason All-Conference Selection.
2014: NSCAA Second Team All-Midwest Region. First Team All-Colonial Athletic Association. NCSSIA First Team All-State. NSCAA Scholar All-American. Midwest All-Region Scholar.
2013: Second Team All-Colonial Athletic Association. All-Colonial Athletic Association Tournament Team. Wolstein Soccer Classic MVP.
2012: Colonial Athletic Association All-Rookie Team. Lead team in scoring with 14 points.
“Colin is a player that we have had on our radar since his time at UNC Wilmington. We were very excited when Dallas was able to land him in the draft,” Hawkins said. “He will add another dimension to our attack. His athleticism makes him a handful for other teams to deal with in the air. We look forward to having him here in OKC."

Two things:

Laurendi....stay on your damned line!

If you are watching KSBI on DirecTV switch to rabbit ears to get HD quality

We deserved 3 tonight but will take the road point. Way to fight to the end

Exciting ending. The team deserved the 3. But I'll take the draw. Better than taking an L. On to Arizona!

https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13112787_871886059605305_7832445272983026136_o.jpg

Do you think this has to anything to do with beer sales?12580

^

I had seen that application but I though they already allowed beer sales at Energy games?

They do...

They do allow beer sales but it could head off any future challenge.

From what I understand, the way beer permits work, while they're just renting a high school stadium, they have to apply for a beer permit for each event. If they get it rezoned, potentially they wouldn't have to reapply each week.

http://newsok.com/bringing-major-league-soccer-to-okc-the-stars-are-beginning-to-align/article/5498458

The owners seem to think it's still a possibility even though pretty much everyone else has let it go.

http://newsok.com/bringing-major-league-soccer-to-okc-the-stars-are-beginning-to-align/article/5498458

The owners seem to think it's still a possibility even though pretty much everyone else has let it go.

Even if MLS doesn't happen, if hoping for it drives a dedicated stadium, I'm all for it.

http://newsok.com/bringing-major-league-soccer-to-okc-the-stars-are-beginning-to-align/article/5498458

The owners seem to think it's still a possibility even though pretty much everyone else has let it go.

I think it's a possibility still. There's like 8-10 ahead of us for 8 spots. There's no way it's going 8-8. Just gotta get a dedicated stadium (maps 4) support and wait.

To me that's a fluff piece. Basically trying to drive attendance up his Energy. If he was really hoping to get a MLS team he would be touting the combined attendance not just his.

Not sure he has the cash to even pay for an expansion fee?

What if the city built a soccer specific stadium, would Funk try to block Rayo from playing in it?

Yeah, I believe it is a fluff piece. Just noticed that it was produced by NewsOK Brand Insight group. I've seen a lot of Media companies produce these pieces where it is basically advertising.


NewsOK BrandInsight provides a place for local organizations and companies to connect directly with the NewsOK audience by publishing sponsored native advertising articles of interest on the NewsOK digital platforms and to participate in the resulting conversation. BrandInsight content is produced by the organizations and included in this special section as a service to NewsOK readers. Read more about BrandInsight here. To learn how to participate in BrandInsight, email us at brand-insight@opubco.com.

What if the city built a soccer specific stadium, would Funk try to block Rayo from playing in it?

Since they tend to play on the same days, I'd say that only one team would be able to operate out of a given stadium. That being said, I don't think the city should pay for a stadium besides maybe some assistance or economic incentives. If it's profitable enough to warrant it, the team that wants a stadium should fund it.

Just don't see Funk & McLaughlin building a privately financed stadium development.

It's risky in that you may not get accepted to the MLS. MLS is currently looking at markets with 2 million of more population. An MLS basic stadium would cost at lease $75 million. The MLS entry fee is $80 million and climbing. In 2002 when Funk could have purchased a team the fee was $10 million.

As far as a MLS caliber 22,000-seat stadium built thru MAPS 4; that's our best option because it will be used for other events like 5A, 6A H.S.football, track & field, concerts, motor cross, tractor pulls & a number of spectaculars to the OKC area that wouldn't be attractive for the 85,000-seat OU campus stadium.

Let's get rid of this notion that a stadium (baseball, soccer American football) would be built solely for professional sports franchises. It does help to have an anchor tenant on board to help pay for the maintenance & upkeep of a venue once it's constructed. A venue would help add stability to the core area especially restaurants & hospitality in the Bricktown Entertainment District.

12582

I watched the game last night and it was bit embarrassing. No one could finish. So many chances. I don't know what happened to Danni but he is not the same striker he was a year ago.

so does Rayo and the Energy play now? when and where is the game?

There is no way we beat Rayo with the performances I've seen this year. Our best player is a loan player and isn't even allowed to play in the Open cup games. We have no attacking threat whatsoever, it's like Danni got his contract and said well I don't need to perform anymore. Midfield has been sloppy, it's just a mess right now.

so does Rayo and the Energy play now? when and where is the game?

Yukon on June 1st

This should be an exciting game to watch; definitely will be a record crowd in Yukon for soccer. Rayo OKC will probably be favored to win this game. The Energy FC just may put on their best performance of the year.

Hope both teams can give it their best shot.

http://www.energyfc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/MOM0524.jpg
Attendance was 4,219

Energy FC's offense finally warms up and beats Real Monarchs 3-1 in front of 4,219 fans. Not bad attendance considering the Thunder playing.

Energy FC's offense finally warms up and beats Real Monarchs 3-1 in front of 4,219 fans. Not bad attendance considering the Thunder playing.

Great Oklahoma City Energy FC response after initially trailing 1 - 0.

Good attendance during a Thunder WCF game.

Man that storm that blew through was so random. Would have loved to have waited it out but that one lightning strike spooked the little one enough to have to leave.

12599 that caused the delay

12599 that caused the delay

when was this picture taken? because that does not look close to 4k in the stands

when was this picture taken? because that does not look close to 4k in the stands
It looks like it got taken during the weather delayed

when was this picture taken? because that does not look close to 4k in the stands

yeah everyone was on their way out to the parking lots at that point

when was this picture taken? because that does not look close to 4k in the stands

The teams were already or were heading toward the locker rooms. That shot is from the broadcast cameras. The first significant lightning a few minutes earlier caused the stadium to clear out quickly.

I can't find anywhere on the website where they report game attendance. Where should I be looking?

I can't find anywhere on the website where they report game attendance. Where should I be looking?

I don't know on the Energy site, but I know the USL pro site lists game attendance under game summary at the bottom.

Like here - http://www.uslsoccer.com/game/show/13218200?subseason=280291

12599 that caused the delay

That looked...
(•_•)

...like it had...
( •_•)>⌐■-■

...a lot of energy.
(⌐■_■)

"yeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!"

You owe me for a new keyboard and monitor.

Rayo can go eat a dick...

More info to come

Rayo can go eat a dick...

More info to come

I see the outrage on twitter and am curious why opposing team fans think they deserve to sit together? Its the home team's call if they want to allow it or not.

edit: if you go to the website to buy tickets a person can buy up to 14 tickets. Why not just have a couple of people buy 14 each together?

Whats the outrage for very confused?

I see the outrage on twitter and am curious why opposing team fans think they deserve to sit together? Its the home team's call if they want to allow it or not.

edit: if you go to the website to buy tickets a person can buy up to 14 tickets. Why not just have a couple of people buy 14 each together?

Whats the outrage for very confused?

Because they had already promised us a block of tickets, some grid officers had already been in contact with ticket reps then five minutes before the tickets go on sale today they take back all they said.

Because they had already promised us a block of tickets, some grid officers had already been in contact with ticket reps then five minutes before the tickets go on sale today they take back all they said.

what actions did several of the Grid members do? (looking at a Grid tweet)

what actions did several of the Grid members do? (looking at a Grid tweet)

I have no idea, I went through their twitter and couldn't find anything malicious. I mean there is the regular banter between clubs and fans but besides that I really don't know what they are talking about.

Seriously... thier response to...

"The Grid ‏@TheGridOKC May 20
Click it. Do it.
@EnergyFC at @RayoOKC
3rd round @opencup match at Miller Stadium
Wed., June 1st
#WeAreOKC"

is this?

12636

If there's not some clarification or explanation... then I've totally changed my mind on supporting both teams.

Were there tweets/messages that went out from The Grid talking about "the dangerous" field? Were there pictures of injured players accompanying them? This is what I heard was literally the last straw. This is just what Ive been able to gather. Creating a special section for The Grid was a favor to them, but after what one of the owners kept seeing as "low blows", lies, and just outright BS, they decided not to extend that favor to people that they saw as continually taking "the low road"
I also heard that the Prez of The Grid DID call the office yesterday and was upset about his members doing these things.
Sorry, I really make an effort not to ever come on this thread, but I wanted to try to shed some light.

Were there tweets/messages that went out from The Grid talking about "the dangerous" field? Were there pictures of injured players accompanying them? This is what I heard was literally the last straw. This is just what Ive been able to gather. Creating a special section for The Grid was a favor to them, but after what one of the owners kept seeing as "low blows", lies, and just outright BS, they decided not to extend that favor to people that they saw as continually taking "the low road"
I also heard that the Prez of The Grid DID call the office yesterday and was upset about his members doing these things.
Sorry, I really make an effort not to ever come on this thread, but I wanted to try to shed some light.

Thin-skinned front office. It's ok. We already have a plan.

Were there tweets/messages that went out from The Grid talking about "the dangerous" field? Were there pictures of injured players accompanying them? This is what I heard was literally the last straw. This is just what Ive been able to gather. Creating a special section for The Grid was a favor to them, but after what one of the owners kept seeing as "low blows", lies, and just outright BS, they decided not to extend that favor to people that they saw as continually taking "the low road"
I also heard that the Prez of The Grid DID call the office yesterday and was upset about his members doing these things.
Sorry, I really make an effort not to ever come on this thread, but I wanted to try to shed some light.

And if this is the case, then fine, but they should really explain. As a casual fan of both teams, all I see is that tweet from the grid encouraging folks to buy tickets, and the response from Rayo to that tweet. It's bad optics.

So last year it was the GRID vs the Energy front office, this year its the GRID vs the Rayo front office.

Does anyone see the correlation?

I see the outrage on twitter and am curious why opposing team fans think they deserve to sit together? Its the home team's call if they want to allow it or not.

edit: if you go to the website to buy tickets a person can buy up to 14 tickets. Why not just have a couple of people buy 14 each together?

Whats the outrage for very confused?

It's usually a common curtesy to the away team to give their traveling supporters a section to sit together.

It also makes it easier for the home team to police the supporters. There is always the risk of fights between home and away groups, and by sticking the away group in one section you gain the ability to police them more effectively.

Having supporters from both teams scattered through the whole stadium can result in many individual fights that are hard to stop. Not saying that this will happen here, but just talking about soccer culture as a whole.

So last year it was the GRID vs the Energy front office, this year its the GRID vs the Rayo front office.

Does anyone see the correlation?

Except we made nice with our FO. **** those Rayo bastards.

i understand the idea of grouping the visiting team fans together i have been to Premiere League games and Scottish Premiere League games. Most stadiums the away teams are shut off from the other sides and one cannot walk around the whole stadium.

Now didn't the Energy do something like this to the fans of St. Louis or KC earlier this year?

The traveling fans from what I can remember have always had a section for themselves at Taft. The first time St. Louis had people down last year their fans just sat a few rows away from us. Even Tulsa had a section for their supporters.

Tulsa and Energy, the original Oklahoma Derpy and annual pissing match, are both somehow able to figure out how to do this "visiting supporters" thing right.

Can't the Energy pay their usual consulting fee to the Judge and Sheriff to get this resolved?