In a recent Reddit post by user AzureStarline titled “Crickets in the Foxborough desert 🦗”, the author called attention to the dwindling attendance at soccer matches held at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The post reiterates a familiar sentiment in Major League Soccer (MLS) discussions: midweek games often struggle to attract fans, particularly when they are held in venues that are primarily used for football. The commentary on this post showcases a mix of frustration and understanding regarding the realities that fans face when trying to attend games in such off-putting circumstances.
Summary
- Fans experience difficulties attending midweek soccer games, especially when travel demands are high.
- The conversation reflects a broader call for soccer-specific stadiums to enhance attendance and game atmosphere.
- Discussion hints at the MLS league’s evolution and the need for modernization to keep growing fanbases engaged.
- Frustration mounts over specific teams still playing in vast, empty NFL stadiums—often home to poor attendance.
Traveling Challenges for Fans
One of the recurring themes within the comments is the travel burden placed on fans attending games, especially when they are held on Wednesdays or other weekdays. User RBNYJRWBYFan pointed out, “It’s got to be really hard to get to the game when you work all day, you’ve got an hour’s drive just to get to the damn place and then you’ve got an hour drive back home.” This sentiment resonated with many, highlighting that a substantial amount of fans simply can’t justify the long drive after a day of work for a likely lackluster experience. The lack of convenient weekday games means that casual fans often skip out, contributing to the negative atmosphere that can even affect diehard supporters. In essence, it’s a logistical nightmare that dampens morale and attendance.
The Call for Soccer-Specific Stadiums
Among the comments, a call for soccer-specific stadiums emerged repeatedly. User cherryfree2 stated, “MLS needs to get every team into their own soccer specific stadium. Getting out of empty NFL stadiums would really elevate and improve the league.” This is a topic that frequently arises in discussions regarding the growth and support of soccer teams in the U.S. Stadiums designed specifically for soccer can create an intimate, electric atmosphere that larger NFL stadiums often lack. With the ongoing efforts in cities like Nashville and Austin to provide dedicated soccer venues, fans believe that this move would not only boost attendance but also enhance the overall game experience.
The League’s Growing Pains
The conversation in the comments also touches on the current state, and anticipated future, of MLS. DiseaseRidden mentioned, “Midweek games are rough. We were still top 5 in attendance going into tonight.” This highlights a troubling paradox; while some teams manage to fill seats and attract crowds, others are still battling reputation issues and infrastructural limitations. Additionally, christianjd’s analysis brings attention to the general state of various teams: “With NYCFC getting their stadium soon… teams like Dallas getting nice upgrades… Chicago and Colorado are really the only two left with stadium issues.” This reflects a mixed bag of fortunes within the league, where some franchises are moving towards modernity and modernization, while others seem stuck in a bygone era, compounding attendance problems.
The Mentality Shift
Overall, a noticeable sentiment shift exists both among commentators and fans related to MLS attendance and its implications. Many echo the desire for a more electrifying game environment, questioning how long their respective teams can thrive when located in sprawling stadiums that rarely fill up. Cpl-Wallace cleverly remarked, “Large stadiums in MLS. Oil and Water.” It’s a sentiment that creates a sense of urgency for change. When teams are competing in vast spaces, the absence of fans can amplify noise — or rather, the quiet of crickets, as AzureStarline metaphorically put it. This leads to a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy, wherein poor attendance discourages potential fans from attending future matches. In essence, the disconnect between teams and their communities must be addressed to foster resurgence in attendance and enthusiasm.
As the MLS continues to navigate the landscape of American soccer, the discussions surrounding attendance and venue effectiveness reveal an important narrative. Fans are actively calling for substantial changes to improve their experience and to bridge the gap between the leagues’ expansive ambitions and the on-the-ground reality of soccer culture in the United States. Balancing weeknight games against a laborious commute, venturing into cavernous stadiums that echo your solitary cheers, and dreaming of a vibrant match day atmosphere all signify a pivotal moment for MLS: evolve or let crickets be the loudest cheerers in the Foxborough desert.