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The Power Five => Big Ten => Topic started by: TyphonInc on November 16, 2017, 01:37:10 PM

Title: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on November 16, 2017, 01:37:10 PM
Anyone else been paying attention to this Sh!t Show?

As I understand it, the Lamar Hunt (founding father of modern professional soccer in America, RIP 2006) Estate had three clubs; they kept the Dallas FC club, sold Sporting Kansas City to 5 Kansas City business men, and sold the Columbus Crew to a trust find baby Anothony Precourt from San Francisco. A stipulation was added that the team can't be move for 10 years. He modified it to say it's can't move unless it's to Austin. 

In 4 years of ownership Precourt eliminated the marketing department for the Crew, and has spent zero dollars advertising the team. He has eliminated 2/3 of the Game Day promotions (stats showing promotions bring in an additional 2,500 casual fans.) Until 6 weeks ago failed to bring in any of the allotted 3 foreign stars each team is allowed. Told Barbosol they were no longer wanted as a sponsor of the team, and planned to run the team sponsor-less; until a 3rd party (Columbus Partners) stepped in and signed the largest Jersey deal in MLS history with Acura America, (Technically it's 2nd largest but Red Bull bought the whole team not just Jersey space.) Then he complained when attendance dropped (~1,400.)

Precourt has also complained that local business do not support the Columbus crew, while the Crew webpage shows 69 sponsors, 2nd only to New York SC's 70 sponsors. Median Local Corporate sponsors in MLS is 45. 

#SaveTheCrew rally had over 8,000 in attendance, while at the same time the Precourt owned mislabeled "grass roots" movement to bring MLS to Austin had almost 80 people.

Also in the last 4 years San Antonio spent 21 Million Dollars to get a soccer specific stadium to reaffirm their expansion candidacy. While Austin has had 2 soccer teams fail. Austin was never a serious expansion location of MLS (their bid was rejected in the 1st round of discussions.) Precourt is aggressively pushing to have the Columbus Crew moved to Austin, screwing over both Columbus and San Antonio. (And most likely the city of Austin by having Tax dollars pay for a stadium.) He has already leased Texas Memorial Stadium for 2019, and MLS has purchased several Austin based web addresses. 

Sucks to be a Crew fan right now, I hope the team can push all the distractions aside and Beat Toronto tonight. 

Have I missed anything? Thoughts?
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 16, 2017, 01:55:47 PM
Yeah, the MLS, and by extension Soccer in general, is officially dead to me. 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on November 16, 2017, 02:51:52 PM
Folks down here believe it's a ploy just to get concessions out of Columbus and don't think any such move will actually occur.  



I'd be pretty surprised if a taxpayer funded bond passed, several such attempts for various hockey/soccer/baseball stadiums have failed over the past couple of decades.  People in Austin like soccer but I don't think there'd be enough support to really prop up an MLS team.  The University of Texas pretty much dominates the sports arena in this town, although the Nolan Ryan/Reid Ryan-owned Round Rock Express have carved out a pretty nice niche for themselves.  But even that franchise was supposed to be located in Austin, until voters refused to fund a public baseball stadium.

Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: medinabuckeye1 on November 16, 2017, 03:40:04 PM
I'm honestly surprised that anyone even noticed.  If the Columbus Soccer team (Crew you say?) moved to Austin and nobody started a post about it on here I wouldn't know.  
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 16, 2017, 04:25:16 PM

The Soccer fan base in Columbus isn't huge by any stretch, but they are devoted.

They are noisy by nature, and currently furious.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on November 16, 2017, 09:34:57 PM
I'm honestly surprised that anyone even noticed.  If the Columbus Soccer team (Crew you say?) moved to Austin and nobody started a post about it on here I wouldn't know.  
Not moved yet, but signed a lease to move to Texas Longhorn stadium in 2019.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: ELA on November 17, 2017, 07:43:44 AM
Yeah, the MLS, and by extension Soccer in general, is officially dead to me.
I think you are the first person I've ever met whose soccer fanhood rode on MLS.
This is like that period in my life when I nearly stopped watching basketball because the Detroit WNBA team moved to Tulsa.  :32:
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 17, 2017, 08:23:44 AM

Heh. Well I only liked the sport at the professional level because Columbus had a team. 

I don't give a crap about the English Premier League. And I'm certainly not going to watch a game broadcast in another language. 

My Spanish is barely good enough to order up a burrito. 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 17, 2017, 08:40:12 AM
Also the WNBA analogy is terrible. It's not the top basketball league in the nation, and all of their teams are in NBA cities, where they play second fiddle. 

Now if you were some short haired woman that preferred women's basketball, then it would be understandable if you stopped watching basketball because your WNBA team moved away. 

The better analogy to the MLS would be the CFL, as it's the top men's tackle football league in their country, but not in the entire world. If the BC Lions moved to Quebec City, then I wouldn't blame the people of Vancouver if they stopped watching Football. 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: ELA on November 17, 2017, 09:07:13 AM
Also the WNBA analogy is terrible. It's not the top basketball league in the nation, and all of their teams are in NBA cities, where they play second fiddle.

Now if you were some short haired woman that preferred women's basketball, then it would be understandable if you stopped watching basketball because your WNBA team moved away.

The better analogy to the MLS would be the CFL, as it's the top men's tackle football league in their country, but not in the entire world. If the BC Lions moved to Quebec City, then I wouldn't blame the people of Vancouver if they stopped watching Football.
Both leagues are nowhere NEAR the top leagues for their sports (soccer/basketball) in the world, and in both cases I've never heard a fan of the sport identify themselves primarily as a fan of an MLS team or a WNBA team.  I'm not criticizing you, if you love Columbus Crew, I get it, that sucks.  I just literally had never heard anyone base their soccer fanhood on MLS
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on November 17, 2017, 09:32:40 AM
Both leagues are nowhere NEAR the top leagues for their sports (soccer/basketball) in the world, and in both cases I've never heard a fan of the sport identify themselves primarily as a fan of an MLS team or a WNBA team.  I'm not criticizing you, if you love Columbus Crew, I get it, that sucks.  I just literally had never heard anyone base their soccer fanhood on MLS
I think most people in the US-- at least most people your age or older (like my age)-- first found their enjoyment in professional and international soccer outside the US.  So for those people, which is likely the majority of Americans, I'd say you're right.



However, if someone developed their enjoyment for soccer based on the MLS and not the world version of the sport, and especially if it were based on a local team like Columbus, then I can completely understand the attitude.  And that sure seems to be where Brutus is coming from.   I'd just say that the nature of his fanship for soccer is the exception in this country, because most people here that like soccer, probably enjoyed the world versions of the sport first.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 17, 2017, 09:49:37 AM
 I just literally had never heard anyone base their soccer fanhood on MLS
Well, as my Father would say, you won't ever be able to say that again.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 17, 2017, 10:00:44 AM
I think most people in the US-- at least most people your age or older (like my age)-- first found their enjoyment in professional and international soccer outside the US.  So for those people, which is likely the majority of Americans, I'd say you're right.



However, if someone developed their enjoyment for soccer based on the MLS and not the world version of the sport, and especially if it were based on a local team like Columbus, then I can completely understand the attitude.  And that sure seems to be where Brutus is coming from.   I'd just say that the nature of his fanship for soccer is the exception in this country, because most people here that like soccer, probably enjoyed the world versions of the sport first.
I liked soccer because I played it up until HS. 
I remember going to Columbus Zoggs games, a professional team that predates the MLS. They played at my HS, albeit before I was in HS.
The Columbus Crew burst onto the scene shortly after I got my drivers licence. They played their games at the Shoe. It was one of the first activities that I would do with my friends where we didn't need to be chaperoned by adults. 
I've watched the league develop from scratch into what it is today. I've seen the Crew win the MLS Cup, the Supporters Shield, etc.
They had the first soccer specific stadiums ever constructed in this Country. 
I had no need to get into English Soccer. We've always had a professional team right in my proverbial back yard. 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: ELA on November 17, 2017, 10:39:18 AM
I think most people in the US-- at least most people your age or older (like my age)-- first found their enjoyment in professional and international soccer outside the US.  So for those people, which is likely the majority of Americans, I'd say you're right.



However, if someone developed their enjoyment for soccer based on the MLS and not the world version of the sport, and especially if it were based on a local team like Columbus, then I can completely understand the attitude.  And that sure seems to be where Brutus is coming from.   I'd just say that the nature of his fanship for soccer is the exception in this country, because most people here that like soccer, probably enjoyed the world versions of the sport first.
Yeah, like I said I totally get it.  Plenty of people think we are nuts for preferring college football to the NFL.  It's just a take I hadn't heard before, not one I didn't understand.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 17, 2017, 10:57:52 AM


If I were to start watching professional Rugby, it would be whatever league Columbus's pro team plays in.

I'm not going to watch Australian, Celtic or English rugby in the wee hours of the morning, just because that's where the top players play.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on November 17, 2017, 01:03:43 PM
I liked soccer because I played it up until HS.
I remember going to Columbus Zoggs games, a professional team that predates the MLS. They played at my HS, albeit before I was in HS.
The Columbus Crew burst onto the scene shortly after I got my drivers licence. They played their games at the Shoe. It was one of the first activities that I would do with my friends where we didn't need to be chaperoned by adults.
I've watched the league develop from scratch into what it is today. I've seen the Crew win the MLS Cup, the Supporters Shield, etc.
They had the first soccer specific stadiums ever constructed in this Country.
I had no need to get into English Soccer. We've always had a professional team right in my proverbial back yard.

"Always" is relative.  



If I were to start watching professional Rugby, it would be whatever league Columbus's pro team plays in.

I'm not going to watch Australian, Celtic or English rugby in the wee hours of the morning, just because that's where the top players play.
The MLS didn't exist for the first half of my lifetime.  There were other pro soccer leagues that predated it, but they weren't very widespread or nationally known.   Euro and South American soccer were really all most of us had.   And even now, I have no local rooting interest for soccer, so feel no compulsion to watch it played at a lower level than I can when I watch the EPL.  
But if you want to support local-only, more power to ya.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 17, 2017, 01:46:21 PM
To me soccer is one of those games that doesn't translate very well to Television.

Most of the fun is in the crowd participation. 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on November 17, 2017, 03:23:54 PM
That's how I feel about baseball.


But since I've never had any live soccer local to me, all I've ever known the sport is on TV.  Or when playing it as a kid.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 17, 2017, 04:33:48 PM
I'd agree on Baseball, and would add Ice Hockey to the list.

Hoops and FB, conversely, are tailor made for TV. 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on November 17, 2017, 10:41:57 PM
"Always" is relative.  

But if you want to support local-only, more power to ya.

I had no need to get into English Soccer. We've always had a professional team right in my proverbial back yard.
@Brutus Buckeye (https://www.cfb51.com/index.php?topic=1482.msg19779#msg19779) - Guess I got a couple years on you Brutus Buckeye, I was a student at OSU when the Crew showed up to Ohio Stadium. I wasn't a fan of Soccer till the Crew, and will mostly likely stop watching it after the Crew leaves.

@utee94 (https://www.cfb51.com/index.php?topic=1482.msg19838#msg19838) - you gonna support your new local team?
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TresselownsUM on November 18, 2017, 08:27:56 PM
Prob been to 20 crew games. It sucks, but it was never the best fit. Cinci is drawing double for a minor league team.

I hope the US still plays there occasionally, I've seen 3 US wins over Mexico there, fun environment 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on November 18, 2017, 10:08:21 PM
@Brutus Buckeye (https://www.cfb51.com/index.php?topic=1482.msg19779#msg19779) - Guess I got a couple years on you Brutus Buckeye, I was a student at OSU when the Crew showed up to Ohio Stadium. I wasn't a fan of Soccer till the Crew, and will mostly likely stop watching it after the Crew leaves.

@utee94 (https://www.cfb51.com/index.php?topic=1482.msg19838#msg19838) - you gonna support your new local team?
Your post is confusing.  Are you asking me if I'm going to support a soccer team that may or may not ever play a game in Austin, Texas?  Ask again in 4 or 5 years, if they ever play a game in Austin, Texas.  
Meanwhile, I'll focus my attention on teams that actually do play their games in Austin, Texas.  Thanks for asking.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: rook119 on November 18, 2017, 10:56:44 PM
#$%^ Precourt and I feel sorry for the Crew fans as they are a well supported team. However when a city spunks down $150M for a stadium for a niche sport shouldn't they have least have gotten a 30 year commit in writing? 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on November 19, 2017, 09:00:42 AM
Prob been to 20 crew games. It sucks, but it was never the best fit. Cinci is drawing double for a minor league team.

I hope the US still plays there occasionally, I've seen 3 US wins over Mexico there, fun environment
Columbus Crew Average 2016 Attendance 17,125
Cincinnati FC Average Attendance 17,296
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 19, 2017, 10:50:22 AM
Cincinnati is shiny and new. 

Show me their attendance after they've had a team for 5-10 years. 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on November 19, 2017, 01:39:26 PM
Your post is confusing.  Are you asking me if I'm going to support a soccer team that may or may not ever play a game in Austin, Texas?  Ask again in 4 or 5 years, if they ever play a game in Austin, Texas.  
Meanwhile, I'll focus my attention on teams that actually do play their games in Austin, Texas.  Thanks for asking.

I guess I made the assumption that if you sign a lease to play somewhere that you will be playing there. Precourt signed a 2 year lease with the University of Texas to play in Memorial stadium.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 22, 2017, 11:12:31 AM
The first leg of the East Division Final was a scoreless draw with Toronto. 

The second leg will be played November 29th. 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on November 22, 2017, 11:22:44 AM
I guess I made the assumption that if you sign a lease to play somewhere that you will be playing there. Precourt signed a 2 year lease with the University of Texas to play in Memorial stadium.
Hmm, I thought y'all were talking about taxpayer-funded stadiums and whatnot.  Didn't see that happen.  Guess that means it's a done deal.  
I have no idea whether or not Austin will support an MLS team.  It hasn't traditionally supported lower-tier pro soccer, but I suppose ya never know.  For me personally, I'd probably attempt to catch a game here or there, but it's unlikely I'd become a season ticket holder or anything like that.   I probably make it to one Round Rock Express minor league baseball game per year, and maybe one Texas Stars minor league hockey game per year.  I suspect it'll be similar for soccer.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on November 23, 2017, 08:09:15 AM
Hmm, I thought y'all were talking about taxpayer-funded stadiums and whatnot.  Didn't see that happen.  Guess that means it's a done deal.  
I have no idea whether or not Austin will support an MLS team.  It hasn't traditionally supported lower-tier pro soccer, but I suppose ya never know.  For me personally, I'd probably attempt to catch a game here or there, but it's unlikely I'd become a season ticket holder or anything like that.   I probably make it to one Round Rock Express minor league baseball game per year, and maybe one Texas Stars minor league hockey game per year.  I suspect it'll be similar for soccer.
Details of the Precourt/Memorial Stadium lease being leaked that it is contingent on Austin securing him a location to build a stadium. 
(https://www.cfb51.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs2.quickmeme.com%2Fimg%2Ffc%2Ffc2fca5cc8833d35c92822a6af386914480a4e7c2411a6329d9742eb6bc89110.jpg&hash=0f02413c8d753c4c1b9738309ce195af)
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on November 23, 2017, 08:23:35 AM
Details of the Precourt/Memorial Stadium lease being leaked that it is contingent on Austin securing him a location to build a stadium.
(https://www.cfb51.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs2.quickmeme.com%2Fimg%2Ffc%2Ffc2fca5cc8833d35c92822a6af386914480a4e7c2411a6329d9742eb6bc89110.jpg&hash=0f02413c8d753c4c1b9738309ce195af)

Ah, well that changes things IMO.  I'd say it's highly unlikely that Austin taxpayers would vote for a bond to publicly fund a stadium.  To date, every such proposal that has come before voters has been denied.  They've tried a couple of different times for a minor league baseball stadium, and also at least twice for a hockey stadium.  None have passed to date.  I won't say it's impossible, and there's a first time for everything, but I believe it to be highly unlikely.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on November 24, 2017, 11:31:29 AM
Columbus Crew owner ready to finance a new stadium by himself (http://kxan.com/2017/10/18/columbus-crew-owner-in-austin-to-survey-possible-stadium-locations/)
Precourt is willing to pay/build his own stadium, only wants the city to green light a place downtown for him to do it.

Austin OKs resolution to help find stadium site (https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2017/11/10/columbus-crew-update-austin-oks-resolution-to-help.html)
And Austin already approved their willing to do that.

IMHO The Tea leaves are looking good for Austin, and bad for Columbus, San Antonio, and the city of the next "whimsical" owner.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on December 08, 2017, 01:17:53 PM
Well this just got fun. Off the cuff comments are saying they don't think the law can be enforced.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine ready to sue to keep the Crew (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.massivereport.com/platform/amp/2017/12/7/16748236/attorney-general-mike-dewine-ready-to-sue-to-keep-the-crew&ved=0ahUKEwi3xKW4gPvXAhUU8YMKHYa6A1sQFgiIATAa&usg=AOvVaw1eBGKPskxquYG-8nvKAGyO&ampcf=1) 

Basically when the Brows got stolen from Cleveland, Ohio inserted a law saying if a team accepts government aid they are not allowed to leave for 6 months without attempting to sell the team first. Columbus has given The Crew 5 million in Tax breaks and parking revenue.

This is the first this law has been attempted to be enacted, I guess we will get to see if local government can stand up to whimsical billionaires.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on December 08, 2017, 04:47:29 PM
1) I'm all for a law like the above, makes total sense to me.  You accept public money, you accept public intervention.  I'm 100% on-board with that.  I'll leave it to the legal eagles around here to tell me whether or not it will work, because if there's only one thing I've discovered over my decades of discourse on message boards, it's that my logical and efficient method of thinking, rarely applies in matters of the law.  The law is convoluted, illogical, inefficient, and stupid. It rarely does the right thing, the correct thing, the logical and efficient thing.  

2) I'm sure the city council has agreed to help look for a place downtown.  Finding one and commercializing it are completely different, though.  There's just not much real estate available, especially considering transportation and basic functioning infrastructure.  Also, the Austin city council is backward and largely inept.  I'd be shocked if they're able to do anything to help, it's far more likely their interference will drive this whimsical billionaire far, far away.

Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on December 11, 2017, 06:46:30 PM
Crucify him!
(https://s3media.247sports.com/Uploads/Smilies/lynchmob.gif)
Are you really mad at him?
Being sarcastic?
Or something else?
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on December 11, 2017, 07:00:24 PM
A little of each? 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on December 12, 2017, 12:15:09 PM
Tell ya what. Y'all come down here to catch an (Austin Crew?) game with me, and I'll buy your beers.  :)
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on December 13, 2017, 02:06:22 PM
"Austin FC" and "Austin Athletic" are now owned by MLS as trade marks. 

Just in case it needs clarified "FC" stands for Football Club. That's right in MLS's infinite wisdom they have decided to call half their Soccer Teams Football Clubs. :d030:
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on December 13, 2017, 03:51:37 PM
Any American that calls Soccer Football, the field a pitch, the cleats boots, or the ties draws... they have their scarves on a little too tight, imo.
Don't forget about referring to games as "matches" or "fixtures." :)
But honestly it doesn't bother me.  If a Euro referred to an American football field as a pitch, it would seem weird to me, so why can't it be switched the other way around?
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: rolltidefan on December 13, 2017, 04:02:50 PM
Don't forget about referring to games as "matches" or "fixtures." :)
But honestly it doesn't bother me.  If a Euro referred to an American football field as a pitch, it would seem weird to me, so why can't it be switched the other way around?

i will use them each/all depending with whom i am discussing. with my americano friends i'll keep it mostly american lingo. but with european and/or colombian friends, i'll use other terms. exceptions are cleats and pitch. i use those for most every convo.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on December 13, 2017, 04:07:22 PM
i will use them each/all depending with whom i am discussing. with my americano friends i'll keep it mostly american lingo. but with european and/or colombian friends, i'll use other terms. exceptions are cleats and pitch. i use those for most every convo.
Pretty much agree.  I'll switch the lingo depending on the audience.
But since I'm American, even when I'm talking to Euro or Mexican friends, I always say "soccer" so that THEY know I'm not talking about American football.  And similarly, as a Texan I'll always say "cleats" because if I say the word "boots" there's a 99.99% chance I'm talking about cowboy boots.  Of which I have six pair...
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on December 13, 2017, 04:08:17 PM
In The States "Football" means something else. 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: rolltidefan on December 13, 2017, 04:11:24 PM
one other word that took some getting used to was kits. i still use jersey/uniform unless discussing with soccer background people though.

when i first heard kit i thought it meant equipment (like pads/etc) and was confused.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: rolltidefan on December 13, 2017, 04:12:29 PM
In The States "Football" means something else.
and in the sec it just means more... food or tailgating or commercials or fighting or something i don't know.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on December 13, 2017, 05:13:51 PM
Tell ya what. Y'all come down here to catch an (Austin Crew?) game with me, and I'll buy your beers.  :)
Oh, and I prolly be to bitter to go watch and Austin FC game, no matter who supplies the beer.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on December 14, 2017, 08:18:51 AM
Save the Crew Documentary (https://savethecrew.com/documentary)

It's over an hour long, but well done, and has some big American Soccer names attached to it.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on December 14, 2017, 09:11:02 AM
I'm just glad that people stopped calling the Crew "Crew SC" since Precourt is the one that came up with it. 

You used to get admonished by the die hards if you didn't use the new name. Now they themselves use the old and better one out of spite. 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on December 14, 2017, 11:23:16 AM
If they do end up here, I'm going to call them Atletico Austin, regardless of what their actual name might be. :)

Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on December 14, 2017, 11:55:22 AM
Don't forget to wear a scarf, black buddy holly glasses, skinny jeans, and a plaid hat, while ironically holding a can of PBR.


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rJJNOjbfJIupu0hUksOuwzvn2FenCYiMyvnU3r2HYVA8K4UwIkmbU3t0HyHr7138a42ttEd98Hb5dz7VBbYaozDxTxRxxSSZM5xoB64GnHSra9uk1q8QAJjijgH%2FmynJ39CD196ofHVGs63kDtpZhjAy5GD6qoX13Jq2eDrll5Yk3Darkn8w%2BCIfPO3tWprSZmb2zYfs9u2kskVyWMTPDrPVhEdOT79j8qslU7wnx%2BzhRbN50WcOwZX2zK%2F4jBSdm%2BLtVxBq%2BO0Z2thRRRXTghooooAoooroI%2FNLTBSg1wDqWkzRQDqWm0tAOBpaZTgaAcKUU0UooBwpabmnUAopaSloBRS0gNFAOopK8by6WJDI5wB%2B5OwA9yaA9yaqfiP7RLCyypl5snQRw%2BY59Ceg39TVK8f%2BMhIzW6yqo2DYY436r5evvVAxagqFOS2Szd1QA40%2BhJ9q42TUfyOvLubiD21o0QKoM5B%2BNidc8ue5cnr2qR4pDEI5DGpimRT%2BEemMdfl%2FwDFRnAHROY8khMrKFiYfCgC6tgOucDA9t64728nulW7Cn8M6WJ6MxBGGPc%2Bw6ZqmS5SLYulo9PB6AMoDArMCMd1deoI9xuPrV94VcywExOV0D164%2FuKo3hWwKRCUx%2BYXC4cMfhVSGBXpjceb6VePEC69OnYkfrVWVLkX4m%2BIziXiIJHJLqCiMdD1Yk4AUd96p1jdzXcqCUM5dx5VxrA6%2BUHooxuTXNxiSMO6nSeWFGo74OckKO7dq9eC2VwZ41jQx6gWY76yCCArH4iMdsYzU4wSiQyTfKkN8Txyc3k6okLy45UZLPns0jnc9qnOFsUWNGGkwOqMdwSmGkVVH5eZpwe%2BarNpYY4lHGSW%2FEyxIHucdTV841OkcxXRk8yCQnH9Khcj5AoD%2Bldb6RWlezm4lwmG4hkuld1e3xzsYwZhg7%2BhIPUelWXw%2F4hJKGzuArYAmt5w%2BhmwPgB%2FwAPO%2B6ZHfFUPxMGiM8MD61uDHMSuerL5gfl%2FwD0fSonhAuZFcrqOSurO5AXvv7VNLyizjFurR9E8H8Z2twwjJaKUnGiRSAzbDEcmNL7nbBz7VYq%2BeOHcYl5SyNkEvrQhSNCo3lYdt8Gtg4F4tSVUE%2FkZwCrEYVgQDk%2FlPtUoy8Mjn9LLGlNfFlnopqOCMggj1HSnVYZQoozRXARlLTaM0A8UtM1YrysryOdBLC4dD0ZTkbbH60B00tNoBoB2aUGm5paAeDTqYKdQC04U0UooBwpaQUUA6jNJS0A6qL9ovFtLx26nflySfUKQpPsMNV5zWR%2BOpdd7cEHJWIxL7HQPKP%2BZqhN0i3Ck5bMbupTkt1Zif1zUlNFiEaAWfmhRjGGAjx9MbnJ9aj4rR2kRdOSCNsjOxycipHj%2FmOIekkSHYEEJj%2BofmYgnPcYrnkk%2BjuNisVrbyYUkSMSNiDgkEFlPTbFddwpRYUfYa%2BekS7QxwgZJZm%2BI4PffNccT%2F8A0%2BJGOWjZ9hv0YnBI26Guvil0lxE04OXLaIkfIVVZACAOmoFSMVXezp0eG4RGrjOQ%2BDjGMZAJwPrTPE3FHPLt4Th3O5HUL069vn7VFpdFD9Fxg9PKOv6GuW0BmkkfPopI9CcaV9WPT2GfWoqO7ZockopEpwfhKOWKANBGQJJT1ll1Z0r6KMfWr%2FM6x3CsqhQsJJx3AB%2FWqnHxyKCxaFAoKyADJydWRkYX%2B5Fed%2FxaS4aaUyCJIURNRGMkDJCqDu3TqTXHGUilNIgfDjM%2FFELggl2Yg9sjv6dRV34r4njs7wkoGBgcKSesmcDt036%2B1ZrwK%2B5crzuT5gVJPU69tv237YqwG4WSFjMuqSVGRdurRtuy%2FToParJR%2BqyMXo9eNcSVZpNfxFEAC9Q7DU2cHYaT%2B9dnh7icSgImvMrcsZzjHV264wB%2FFV7jj%2F7zLIBnoo26nSF%2FXavSxXlByfijXlj%2FAFv8RHyGf1FSTpUWQxc5pfk03hTW1xIsUUildlAI3KL1Pb51dOKJBDCzyKulRjGRhmxsgz9B8hWa%2BAbXSrTEZLYRB69M%2FqdIqU8dXa2jRJIdRC6lUfmJ8xJPQ1GDTbbL%2FXRUZ%2B3DwS%2FhDiDw7hiyt8SbkAgf0k9sb1osUgZQw6EZr59svFMrSADCKTjb1PTJPvite8PcZ8sSyH4zywPR9JYfsKmpq6MUsb4WWeiiirSkiZXwCfQVGcL4wkuVPxhsEYON8469dh2qTJryjtlB1BQCe9cByeI3Zbdyuc42x1zWV%2FZ34mNhbXksgLRrLbeXPQyuyuR76Vzj%2FLWy6a%2BckQvD93XrcXu%2F%2BmNNIJ9gZyf%2BWgPoyKQOocHIYAg%2BoIyDXqtZz4C8UcyW45j4haWKK1U9SUiYFVH%2BhEY%2B7Vf7WfXnbGMV3i%2ByPJXR00tNFLXCRGcZ4jJDjCZU%2FwBee%2FodtqpVz4znjco0CBvcuQy%2Bq%2F3FaPJGrqVYAg9QaofirgOgeb4M5STup9D7%2FwA0BIcO4%2FzkDhAcdVBww%2BWdif5qVs%2BK6xqhfUAcFHzsfyt%2FUh%2FWslbiktlIGGP8w3w49QR0%2FtVgl4kZVPELBTzYwOfAf%2BJH1x6FhjKt8xXUDULG%2FWXI3Vx1Q9R7j8w9xXXVL4Lfi8hjuoG90YdQe6MPpgirjFKGGR7bemRnBrjB6ClzXhPdJGMuwHzqr8S%2B0O0iblRa55c40RKWP1x0%2BZxQUW%2FONzWFeKy1zJdm1JkIkkI5fmyQFIK465HpU9x7x3dujqUgto9PmMuZZCO%2F4UW3T1NVuLjo5gtWu5gxwOXGqW8akgYDCNdaDcDOe%2FaqpSi%2Bt%2F8AC6D4p2QvAfCF6ZOY1o6qcgtJhNIYEHZyDn3xXRJ4IuAgjmubSAHOWabUdOdkwB0AxXekyyRuWtjrQkMl080jbZAILsMjVgH0znpUJb8dlMgiSO1i3x%2Fhx6Rjrh2z6bGlybvj%2Focr8kjZeFbWKIxTcVjxqyBAjN2x6%2F2qT4XwDhkGN7258ysMROE1L02Vdx9aiouM3OM8xlB6AkLj30qm3pUfKLuQ5NzL8leX%2Bc4NFzfhf6RtDfFdgkkzT2IJWR9PLK6SkgGGR89OxHrmm8A4IyMzXEsCJCp2aQHDtuM6ep61yRyMhkgDhucB8Wca8%2BUtnpncE%2B9SypylWKaFbZgwYLHDzDLp6FiMgjP0FdlZ1OzytbK3EUZ1PMdTXEqKNKCMZ05f%2BkFgPnUb4gvIZY1WJWQ7s5OSoJJ8i57ZJ3O52qRvr2Y7ltcj4L7KqAJnSgUfHgnJztkCo57icAjGcnLZUHygZJOPlUUSIEKXYZ%2BHYbdAo61abu8Fw0B0iKOONuWWBwVB0hiBv3%2FaoSO6XllGZkDrqIUAg4Y4Vh1HU9D3FS01vPOOcRpXloETuItRAGPcjJqT%2FZyNWEFozTo3klVQZDpcHJxtkHHfFdNxZOghjdGDPqlfb8xwv%2F6j965Lbg0hULjLSyBO2yjGTvuKn%2BFTubwuGdRH0G%2B0aDZf0AqMtI9X0OOLlzvotPBwI5EgByVUkgde2pvoWri%2B02PVHHKBk9CfQAgj%2Fqrl8J8Vae8eeQ%2F06AQAMgSDfbG5JO9S3jWAtYqOhUnP0B2%2FVRVcVWijPFqdy7e%2F7M21aRn0INaA96whSVP%2BDNbzEL005UE57bNmqJNaMIyz4QY2LnBP%2Blepq5%2BB0jmWSJ3dlkRohtgeSLdl3yN8fpUnF9kI3JNJeDcwc7%2BtFcnCbnmwRSYI1xo2D13Uda660nnFZtrotcvH2WMEfMt%2F2qTz61AW82m7mP8A9tP%2Bo11TzlwQeh6jsR7%2BtSjjciqeVRJCa5Vfc%2Bgr5xYkHAOCBIFPoZXbU2fZB%2FFaT4sE9gBeW07aFZVa2kJZGDNjEedwd%2BnbG3oc%2FwDEFryrqRO2TsewDEAH6AfpXZQURCbls6uAz6J7dlQsUOm1h7kufxLiQDovVvfA7Lmt24d%2FV9KxDwtZGadEAlYOy8wQqSXUEEia4OFjj23Vc56elbwABsNhXOWqO8Pq5D806mZpQagWDgabcQrIpjkUMrbEH%2F31paUGgMq8dcFNvoXWwQuCrL8TJ%2FXHn82N8d8VBWXEGtC11ayc%2BFRh1J8%2BPykdc%2FStr4lw%2BO6iaCZdSN1HQg9mU9mHUGsQvvDkVtcvKJedhiqafKDv1OPiPb0NRlJRJwg5ukXH7OZYjLcPbsv3WcCXSSByJwwDoR2DA5%2Bhp%2FGvGrNNKnDUEjRqElnZwsCY3HmPUjfcD1qncctLJg0kg0uFxpBwMjcalGzem9Um1uTbyRzx5VSwZcAeU53TSdtJBIGfWuKTktEp43B7LvdXD3DKZ5pbtnEjIsRKW7crd1Vh5pWHTA9KjzxXTGFX8JGXWscQEWnS2GilV1bUT1BLANv0xUDxXxOCrRRAFWxkaAqZV2YPpH%2FE8xyy6QfSq9JNLOcHU5%2FKN8fJR0osa7eyHL8Fmn47DEfwtWUZyhQnJEhLMsuDocaiw%2BWAc1EDj0pI82fKqFnOpigIwrHuNq9bTw6dzM%2BkKRrVMFgO4LHCK3%2BUnPWu%2BO1tUUaF5jYUkgFtmHdmwFIyM4BxUyJ4Xty8uOYxbHTVviuXVjcHGOmOx9qsFnw7mLoigDNsMhXkII75GAP0qbtPDV2x2XRggkEogB9wg1D1wRVcssI%2FJ0SUW%2BiKsrszqZDk9pDqc%2BfszF2OS3ywMVytnOQSuD1CoSQds5NdPGPBF1CTIqLoXTllbOknpnODjPU9BXXwvgDXK6lnhHYoxkU56YO%2Frt%2BnrXYyT%2BqPQetMr11ZtpOnU2%2FTTGM7%2FwCXepPgc6lTIoPMClGBLHU5OF2J23IOB6Guz%2FYKvzA18kRjwSzczBDbBhkjbO30qN454cl4W0UwlWSObIDBdlkxkAjpuCcEds0l9SpEo%2FS7ZP21kznSc6QoGT39a8ePNEsToFX4RGmAPjbdjnttiq9%2FtSUj%2FGAHdcYG3zz%2B1RU3EGYoj53IY753Jz33G3vVMcbsvc1QogVpHzskYXf1IwMfU7VdeBWMswcSupaUqF0nKAIupMH9f1qhXbFkLKMBnJIHfT0%2FT%2B9Wvh%2FEjBZRmI4YmQ6h0z5Vb5fERU53RXCrovUyx2jR824UaU0hPiOthjoe2570%2BwtEhinmIULy9mGVPn9umQM1lDO8rZc6iSOvz3qx8fcw8PWPcNcNk9vJkHt1GFAI9649tI1wi1hk150enhloo7iIMScvJqAOAFKkgM3c7Dp6VN%2BLfHERgkt4GAcud4xsAGzkudzt6etcHgsxt%2BL5OYdiGIydsd%2FgHy65wa7%2BK%2BBFuvxbfCnPmDbDr0AHf2NcTVss9TkTapdKtlBsWWTJbUz5zqOWB9mz1HvWicAiEEiNygCRhUjZcqzjLFFHxjBJ9RUz4b8KR2q4cK7d9tv36mu3ivhw34W3iPK86M0i7MqK2W0kb6iNvrRu3RRDNKKb%2FRaPAtyZLOMltQXUitjBKodPmHY5Bqern4fZR28SQwrpRAFVR2A%2Fk9810VoRhfZRz%2F4uT%2Fy1%2FwCo1JQ27N229TUVJfxW94zTnSroArEHTkHue31qzRSBgGUhgehByD8iKsWXiqRRLDylbPnnxTxG7F64uWJaGVtCf0qAxKMq9Nxg571JcS4Dff8Ai7qF15h%2BIlTgk5y%2Bk%2BTJOctpHY6dq0T7QfDaT8m8UASwSw6j%2BeHmqGVvXGcj6jvU3feIo11cvMhBILD%2FAAx836H5DNVt2WpJdFd8AeGGixc3CnVj8NXLllz1beV0GxwMb1eCarFpxuaRmxp%2BEHfZE%2FFCFjnzbAMfNjp0qX4PMzR5dw7ZPmByD8jpG3t%2B5rh0kRSg0zNKDXQegpc15g04GgKt458Rfd0MEbYdh5mHVVPYe5rN7SXQjSPux%2BAflB6Y9zVk8f8AD40uTI75DgPoz0PTze21Vq9ujABIwIZl1LkdFPQ49TWWTbkb8SSiQ97w9v8AEuiVXtH3P%2Br0%2BVQ19fG8lWJVATp5egA6fQV7cTv5Lt%2BWp%2F1N2FMvjHaJy03Yjr%2Ff5VbHRHI%2BS%2FRwnhscVwYrljgdCMDOfhJIzhfX0qx21wI%2Fw7VEC4O7B1ABOMmQnVN1OwwvSqob0yRctgCUJZTjzb9QT3Ht7D0qx%2BHGW5TDOTIuMqTsyDofcj36bYq26MaVsbckspd21Kg%2BI%2BWNNJBAjQbE9hpz7muvhfDmmLGVV0hQSNTFlDf8RtPlwAR5dsjpVo4dwM3eUP8ASuGz2QnHff8Aual%2BEfZ3onDzztJCFKooOllO2NeNmG2Ki7aLEors5PBvEWjH3E4GxMJI2HfSyqBpBByMnO5qTuLYrl5Xfykkt0Cj5DORUbxexhLkW0uvlMRj%2BuNg37%2Bb%2Brtiuq%2BklkhyVKSEebUPpqBfZQfYda8n1OHjPmun2aMctUzk4pxkIpiRw0mRpDNkPnqjk76SNvbNcb%2BFXZy8cyHWS2MsDhjuNQ64%2BQrgvuIRhRBKg6DDjcYz3Yjc158PinGXt5BIM7KxPT2YVqwXCFJk3jjLbLdc%2BFISVdhKdKlMhj5gy75Ybneq7ccElkiktHkjSAghOafMHXLKynoMdOvQ1I2fjXljlTq0bf5un0bpUtG1vf4aRFfBypOMj6%2BntUpSn4dfwR9pVsqf2aSwSK1tcJHqUlXZgDvvg79iAR6bVyeN7fhwylvEOYuxddsjsferZbeEFhvfvkcg0uMSQ6BpYYxtjZTkA9PX1qb4nw6CdGieLZgRkYJU9mU9jVvNLorcW%2BzCuGpnTE2MY1A%2BmpiN%2FwBKkVObcwImwfKH82WYkr6jbH6V4cd4FPZ3AjdTp0aUftIucAj3yeld1uiSYRiwGCiqpxhlbOHf8pO21SeyWHFKbqKPDhllqcIMuxIBCbhQTvkjvj9KlftItfxbcwsNJDIo7DAG5Hy%2Fiu7wgJlmLIpVYwdSLlR3XHuc569ah%2FtBvM3sIbIKKuoE5AJ649Kitys1ephwhGF9bf8AJOeD%2FCAJWaWTJ%2FKvT6k9vatTsolRcAe1UXwdd5XHertbybVVd9lORtumLcVIeGE3kb%2FSP5NR8jbV3%2BGJN5F%2F0n%2BRUsfyKZ%2FEsFJQaStZlK9d2aSjDqD86gX4BLbkvZSlPVDuh%2Banapm7vljIB714T8WCprAzn4QO5pWrC26OKHxKR%2BFfQFc7a1BaM%2FNeo%2FeuW1tC7awGkbBGW1LCMjHlTYt338vU%2B2PZeLtKwUxrjbcqTj1PX2P7VJLxVBsMVGP1dE8kHjqwg4ODvMdW%2BdIACAnckKNs%2B%2FWpWNQBgDAqLPFh7V22lxrGqpUVKSZ1ZpaZmlBrhIeDTwa8gacDQFM%2B0Tg0ZAvC5BXSrJ%2FS2%2BAfY%2FzWccUvmnPLKhyE0IzEhYlzu2lfjbtkmt4uIUkUpIoZTsVYZB%2BYNU7xF4CSRc2WiJv6kbOlvcHcqf2qqUXdo0Y8ka4yMhv1jtY9KHJ9urH1qssru2tutalf%2FZlen%2BlH9NLjA%2FXFVu%2B8J3Fsfx15Y9xnPyx1onROTUnorttwiSZgbcAk76dQBB79e1e01tc8OljmKaCTsMgjI%2BJDjsR%2FNe9qrRSBgCMetWq6VLuHlyd%2Bh7qezCnPZH2k1aLJwDjx%2B6Sz2ekuyK2hhnDIcujDOS2M49q7%2BGeO7ZowXZ2mYf4UaFmyeg0r0696y3w7xg8Mu8ENySwDh98H84xtjB%2FQ1rPFuJw2ds09vbqiLhmEYGWZyMAEdSSRvXJ5Pb7ffS%2FJFVJdFbjs74scItvGza2eQoZQN%2FiC9%2Fme9dF%2Fx9hKkSOrIFbVgHUxxnCnHX0A9KjJ%2FFNwS8V3boh0hgVbICnA8wPfcfrUTxxxHFzk83l20kbHOAG9CprnLnFxcTkm07s6LziSkESIwDHpJ8Wn856kZ9DTLThcqDmWUox1KN0%2Bh7VW7bjNw74lOWOTuuTj0wN8CuqDjLo2FBweuAdx6gVH22tF0cqrZZY%2BLoDpvY9B6ZYZRvr2qXseGWsnmt5WhY9DG3l%2F%2FE7VFcO4vkKjqHR9sMM9e499%2BldsHh%2B0cl7CWSPc%2BWQnB%2Ban4T7dqi0XcvwWjh9pcIMNMJN9jpwf5qSj1DysAD6iqlw8X1vKG08yPuAc498HtUxLf6jlsq37f9qhdBpnrxuyW5j5cozuCp%2FKw6EVnltw2O2mmW5xhSGQZ2IbA2B2znHXbetFguydm%2Bh9aZxHhUF0umZQfQ9CN%2FUV1SJ45uEkHhCaHltLzg5YnJwOijYZxvuDWFeJ7tpbiSQtkl2OfrtitktODmyTCsXjUs2e4BB2OOvzrFOKEFzgY3P6VdiZm9Sk5OSL74Ov%2FhOeoFaPZ3W1ZrLwFuHW9hcsTi5jJbP9LnzBR7aDn6VbeFXPMUEdKoyXFl0anGyzyS1IeFH%2FABX%2FANP96r6yYwKnfCAPMkPog%2Fc%2F9q7idzRXlVQZa6TNJmitxhK7LErdQDTeQuANIoorgFW3UdFFN%2B6p%2BUUUUCFFsn5RXTGoAwKKKAfTlpKKAeKdRRQC0ooooB4pssKuCrqGHoQDRRXGEYn4mtkWaRVUAK5A9hmoW3Yg7UUVnZtieXGow6HUM%2BRz9VwRWgfZN%2FvPDBHP%2BIgeSPS240DThfkM0UVT6v7F%2FsrX3GRnDrGOD3nmXXIshVWYk4VZXUDGcHZRuR2FVG%2FmKC907aZRjYHGTvsfmaWit0PtmefzR68Tb7rBzbfyP5fON2367nNJ4TtkmEjSrrIGxbcjyk7fU0UVTDo1pJpjeJKI76SFNo1YaV7D8NTtn3NdMnlOVJBOc4PWiimQ76f4sufgO9kaJ1ZyQOmf%2FXrUhdrjJooqiRYuzmJ2rqtUGx770tFQJncu%2FwClUL7QeEwBeYI1DEHJG2f0ooqceytll%2B2sBeHWQXYCWPA9AIDVc8K3Dcsb%2FwAUlFWeo8HPTfBlmsp2fOo5x7D%2B1WvwV0l%2BafwaKKqwfMZ%2FgWaiiivQMB%2F%2F2Q%3D%3D&hash=d3e27ed00b9da204be22d0c2b3f04fd6)
Yeah, each and every one of those things is highly unlikely.  Especially the PBR.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on January 31, 2018, 02:50:09 PM
As I predicted, the Austin City Council has made a real mess of this.  I suspect you're going to get to keep your Crew after all! :)
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Entropy on January 31, 2018, 02:54:20 PM
what have they done now?
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on January 31, 2018, 03:22:09 PM
Offered up some potential sites for the Crew ownership group to lease and develop as a stadium complex, one of which was the one the owners clearly preferred because it is basically downtown waterfront, but it's on city-owned "parkland" and so of course all of the greenspace advocates protested, and the city council pulled that site.  The only truly viable options remaining on the list are all suburban sites which are far less desirable to the Columbus ownership group, for obvious reasons.

So now I've heard the Crew ownership group is in discussion with the city of Columbus for the first time in months.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on January 31, 2018, 03:34:16 PM
Far out. 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on February 02, 2018, 09:23:36 AM
Offered up some potential sites for the Crew ownership group to lease and develop as a stadium complex, one of which was the one the owners clearly preferred because it is basically downtown waterfront, but it's on city-owned "parkland" and so of course all of the greenspace advocates protested, and the city council pulled that site.  The only truly viable options remaining on the list are all suburban sites which are far less desirable to the Columbus ownership group, for obvious reasons.

So now I've heard the Crew ownership group is in discussion with the city of Columbus for the first time in months.
A lot of shade still going on. The Precourt Owned, Columbus Based, "local" "grassroots" MLS2ATX group sent out a tweet saying it was Columbus fans that bullied the Austin City Council into removing the downtown site.
This is the definition of Irony right? A billionaire's shill is claiming to be a grassroots fan, while posting from Columbus claiming to be local to Austin, all the time whining it's Columbus fans polluting the minds of Austin city council members. Just wow.
What I've heard is that that Precourt Sports Venture (PSV) has been talking to Columbus Partnerships about  local investors. While at the same time Columbus Partnership is talking to Columbus City at an Arena District Stadium site.
I really want Precourt to sell. He has burned to much much. If you owned a business would you want to support an owner whose fan base Universally hates him?
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on February 02, 2018, 09:39:15 AM
Oh and another things that has annoyed me:

Precourt and MLS business metrics claim the Crew is lagging in Season Attendance, 15,400 for 2017 (However, The Crew lead the league in Cold Games [March and April] and in Week Night Games. If you remove those the season attendance shoot up to 17,800.)

Crew Stadium used to hold 22,500. Precourt has shrunk the stadium down to 19,000. IE there isn't much room to allow for new fans to join. Right now Saturday night games in nice weather are standing room only. All this hub bub about attendance not growing I feel Precourt has added an artificial ceiling by reducing seating capacity.

Now, after all of this the New Stadium he wants to put in Austin is, wait for it, set to hold 20,000 fans. One thousand seats larger than the stadium he has in Columbus, 2,500 seats smaller than the stadium he started with in Columbus. It really seems they haven't thought this through. He literally can only add 1000 fans before he reaches his ceiling again.  ~???
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on February 02, 2018, 10:00:05 AM
The guy sounds like an a-hole.  To answer your earlier question, no, I wouldn't much want to support a universally hated owner.  Sounds a lot like Bud Adams who was very much hated in Houston before, during, and after he moved the Oilers to Tennessee.

Anyway, no, there was no need for any external "pressure" on the Austin City Council to kill the downtown waterfront site.  It's officially designated at "city parkland" which is an immediate hot button for all of the greenspace advocates around town.  You can think of Austin as being very similar to Portland, or Berkeley, politically.  So there was pretty much zero chance any publicly owned parkland was ever going to be allowed to be developed for such a venture, and ESPECIALLY not anything that is right downtown at the epicenter of the "save our greenspace" political interests.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on February 02, 2018, 10:58:29 AM
(https://www.cfb51.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcrewzers.globat.com%2F2011crewposterlow.jpg&hash=4dd00165c36f7f469c6d63c602643e0d)
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on February 02, 2018, 01:44:02 PM
Heh, love the Crewzers! I had several "friends" who were Crewzers while I was in college. Just to kinda show How "pro" Ohio State is compared to the Crew, all my friends that were Crewzers joined after being cut from OSU dance teams. 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on February 02, 2018, 01:59:28 PM

I was always partial to the Bombshells, from the old Columbus Destroyers Arena League team. 

(https://a3-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/40/db3057aa84e8172e14bf563c6bf344e2/300x300.jpg)


But alas, we are now confined to the Ohio Dance Machine. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CnauabwW8AAqsH5.jpg)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVDO36dVQAI6nH9.jpg)
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on March 11, 2018, 11:36:58 PM
Well this just got fun. Off the cuff comments are saying they don't think the law can be enforced.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine ready to sue to keep the Crew (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.massivereport.com/platform/amp/2017/12/7/16748236/attorney-general-mike-dewine-ready-to-sue-to-keep-the-crew&ved=0ahUKEwi3xKW4gPvXAhUU8YMKHYa6A1sQFgiIATAa&usg=AOvVaw1eBGKPskxquYG-8nvKAGyO&ampcf=1)

Basically when the Brows got stolen from Cleveland, Ohio inserted a law saying if a team accepts government aid they are not allowed to leave for 6 months without attempting to sell the team first. Columbus has given The Crew 5 million in Tax breaks and parking revenue.

This is the first this law has been attempted to be enacted, I guess we will get to see if local government can stand up to whimsical billionaires.
Dewine puller the trigger and filed suit against Precourt Sports Venture, in an effort to keep the Crew in Columbus. 48 Hours later MLS and Precourt issued a joint statement saying "They strongly disagree with the application of the Modell Law."
Ohio Sues MLS And Anthony Precourt (https://deadspin.com/ohio-sues-mls-and-anthony-precourt-over-the-columbus-cr-1823554455)
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 22, 2018, 03:56:36 PM

Anthony Precourt makes donation to George Costanza's Human Fund. 

https://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2018-03-23/courtship-by-precourt/
In a portion of the letter labeled "operations phase," Precourt and Greeley identify three nonprofits­ – the Boys & Girls Club of AustinFoundation Communities, and the AISD Foundation – which could stand to benefit, they say, to the tune of "$2.5 million [in] direct cash contributions and 2,500 total annual hours of volunteerism" from PSV and its partner organizations. Addi­tion­ally, Precourt and Greeley mention the Workers Defense Project as a potential partner in the development.
What do these four nonprofits have in common? Besides being well-regarded around town, they also have not reported to have had any contact with anyone who represents Precourt Sports Ventures. The groups were included in Precourt's list as potential partners, but representatives inside some of the organizations expressed surprise to find out they were listed in the letter without any prior discussion of what their potential partnership might look like.
WDP said they've never heard from PSV, as did a representative from the Boys & Girls Club. The AISD Foundation doesn't actually exist. The Austin Ed Fund does; it used to be known as the Austin Public Education Foundation. But a spokesperson there said they also have not been contacted. Founda­tion Communities' Executive Director Walter Moreau said his nonprofit has had "zero relationship with PSV" and that he had not had any conversation about developing affordable housing in conjunction with stadium development.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Cincydawg on March 22, 2018, 05:25:17 PM
We were in Atlanta resting in the hotel room and I was channel flipping and came across a soccer game that happened to be taking place about a mile from our hotel so I watched a bit.  Interesting, they said attendance was over 73 K.

I found that fascinating.

It was being played in the new dome thingee on "turf".
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on March 22, 2018, 07:15:38 PM
Was the Mexican national soccer team involved?  'Cause they can sell out a stadium in the USA right quick.

Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Cincydawg on March 23, 2018, 12:29:45 PM
Was the Mexican national soccer team involved?  'Cause they can sell out a stadium in the USA right quick.


https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mls/2018/03/11/atlanta-united-dc-united-mls-attendance-record/415386002/

The opponent was DC United.

Miguel Almiron scored a goal and set up another about two minutes apart in the second half, leading Atlanta to a 3-1 victory over D.C. United before 72,035 on Sunday.
In the home opener, Atlanta broke its own single-game mark of 71,874 for a game against Toronto last October in its inaugural season. Atlanta United has now drawn three crowds of more than 70,000 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where fans crammed into standing-room-only balconies behind one goal and temporary seating was needed at the top of the massive facility.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Cincydawg on March 23, 2018, 12:30:33 PM
Sorry, over 72 K attendance, I exaggerated.   :57:
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 23, 2018, 02:08:05 PM
I'd've never guessed that humongous beetles were so rabid about regular season MLS games.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on March 24, 2018, 07:40:43 AM
I'd've never guessed that humongous beetles were so rabid about regular season MLS games.
It's new and shiny, and really amazing. The town seems gaga over soccer, more so than the other big tickets in town. (and tickets are 1/4 the price of the Falcons.)
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on May 10, 2018, 11:34:00 PM
Is anyone still following this soap opera?

Austin City Council unanimously approved a hazardous waste site (Mcalla Place) to allow Precourt (PSV) to build a stadium. The approved site is only 10 miles from Downtown (as compared to the 5 miles Mapfre is from Columbus' Downtown.) However, it is only 2 miles from "The Domain" which is Austins "2nd Downtown" but from pics and google maps seems alot more like Easton here in Columbus than an actual Downtown. The city council woman Leslie Pool who didn't want Parkland to be used abstained from voting.

Here in Columbus, Judge Brown declined PSV/MLS attempt to dismiss the case. Precourt changed his twitter handle from owner/chairman to investor/operator, and then claimed MLS owns the team and they are based in Delaware, not Ohio, so Ohio law doesn't apply. *shakes head* Judge also said PSV/MLS had 14 days to figure out an acceptable NDA (non-disclosure act) or he will allow for a Discovery Phase; which everyone seems to think MLS wants to avoid. Judge Brown also added a 90 day "Toll" saying PSV/MLS had to meet with him and potential offers, that the Judge would would receive all potential offers sealed.

All that to say nothing really ruled in favor of Columbus Staying, but more of a "Hey, Precourt/MLS you have to take this process seriously."
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on May 10, 2018, 11:39:25 PM

Heh, another fun point in PSV/MLS motion to dismiss is that Columbus never technically paid Precourt (who isn't the owner) they just gave him a tax break, their definition of "Financial Assistance" is to pay someone not to give them a discount. (I'm guessing they also don't count letting him collect Parking Revenue off the City owned State Fairgrounds parking lots doesn't count as payment either.)

These guys are clowns.

Link: PSV/MLS File Motion to Dismiss Modell Lawsuit (https://socceresq.com/2018/04/20/psv-mls-file-motion-to-dismiss-modell-lawsuit/)
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on May 11, 2018, 07:41:13 AM
Another day in "As The Soccer Ball Turns."

Nothing would be as cool as a true downtown site, but that was never a realistic option.  There's just not enough available land.

I think Mccalla would actually be a pretty good site for an MLS soccer stadium.  The Domain isn't a "second downtown" but it is a huge mixed use development with tons of aparments and condos housing young professionals, many mid-to-high end restaurants and bars, and a ton of mid-to-high end retail.  The Mccalla site is also close to quite a few breweries with excellent tap rooms.  It has relatively good road access and potential for parking (WAY better parking than any downtown option could ever hope for), as well as good rail access from both downtown and the suburbs.

I'm certainly not saying the team SHOULD move, but if they did, that would be a decent site option.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on June 21, 2018, 04:32:25 PM
DRAMA!

PSV/MLS appeal in Ohio/Columbus lawsuit has been dismissed. (Link: Columbus Dispatch (http://www.dispatch.com/sports/20180621/crew-sc--mls-precourt-sports-ventures-appeal-dismissed) [Soft Paywall]) Columbus is allowed to continue to fight to keep the team in town.


Austin City Council Members issue press release to solicit other plans for McKalla Place. (Link: Columbus Dispatch (http://www.dispatch.com/sports/20180620/crew-cuts-four-austin-councilmembers-call-for-open-and-fair-process-regarding-mckalla-place)) Austin said the offer PSV gave them was bunk; lets see what other offers are out there. The one public offer that's been released for mixed business/residential use claims to generate 22.5 million in tax dollars for the city compared to the .08 cents the PSV offer has listed.


and wait for it... PSV releases a statement claiming "we have no other option but to look at other cities." (Link: SB Nation (https://www.massivereport.com/2018/6/21/17486890/precourt-sports-venture-may-begin-looking-at-other-cities-for-columbus-crew-sc-mls-2018)) This whole shit show continues to rise.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on June 21, 2018, 06:05:58 PM
I told you the Austin City Council would find a way to screw everything up, even if all other factors went entirely in their favor.

Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on June 21, 2018, 06:17:10 PM
Speculation is coming out that an MLS mandated relocation threat could be real. a la what happened to Chivas USA in 2014. Precourt and the Crew both lose. 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 21, 2018, 08:38:56 PM

Good ole Club Deportivo Chivas USA


I thought they had dissolved, as opposed to relocated? 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on June 21, 2018, 08:50:05 PM
Chiva means goat in Spanish. :steeringwheel:

MLS purchased the club from the previous owner, sold it to new owners, and is releasing the team as Los Angeles Football Club starting next season.

New speculative threat is; MLS can buy back the team from Precourt, see which city has the best offer and sell to an ownership group in that city, and move the team there. 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on July 17, 2018, 09:27:10 PM
Parallel Paths my @ss! (After Precourt announced he wanted to move to Austin, and the #SaveTheCrew movement gave some push back, MLS/Garber backed off the move and announced there would be Parallel Paths taken to see if Columbus or Austin was the better fit.)

https://socceresq.com/2018/07/17/major-league-lobbying/

Precourt/MLS have hired 7 lobbyists in Austin who have been paid 35k for 2 quarters of work; and they and their spouses have given over 100k (on the books) via a law firm that represents PSV/MLS to the Mayor and 4 council members.

No other city had any paid lobbyists. Columbus has no lobbyists campaigning for MLS. None of the current MLS cities have lobbyists. Expansion cities Miami nor Cincinnati have any lobbyists (and MLS Miami seems to be in a dog fight to get approved even with their sweet heart offer proposed.) None of the 12 potential expansion cities have any lobbyists. Only Austin. Seems like some pretty shady shi!t going on.

Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on July 20, 2018, 05:46:39 PM
Feeling dirtier than school yard gossip girl...

"Overheard conversation" at local restaurant from a Columbus Partners affiliate: deal to purchase Columbus Crew from MLS will be completed in 45 days. MLS gets to choose between 3 local bids, all of which include 10 local businesses that will add up to 10 Million each to be minority partners. Projected Sale to be in 160 Million dollar range. All 3 deals include  gifted downtown stadium location, with city provided Tax-exempt Bonds to assist privately funded stadium construction.

This getting leaked on the coattails that Austin is moving forward with it's USL team in 2019.
https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/821487

#SaveTheCrew
:72:
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on July 20, 2018, 05:53:47 PM
There's really no "moving forward with the USL team."  That was all planned by the owners/operators of the Circuit of the Americas race track a couple of years ago, and was placed on hold with the potential of a MLS team moving here, because it would be pointless and stupid to go forward with it if indeed a MLS team did come here.

However, I will tell you that some of the paid anti-MLS-soccer support in Austin, has come from the COTA folks, who do indeed wish to preserve the plan if bringing USL here.

Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: ELA on July 21, 2018, 02:18:59 PM
There was a USL match on ESPN the other night.  I found it watchable.  With my son starting to play, a Pittsburgh Riverhounds game seems like a fun night out.  They are actually pretty good this year too, I think 2nd place behind Cincinnati.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on July 21, 2018, 03:48:05 PM
It was my understanding that the USL group agreed to put on hold their plans until the MLS drama was settled. The Circuit of Americas group stated that both teams (USL and MLS) could not be successful together. So something has happened ... for the USL team to green light going forward again.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on July 21, 2018, 07:51:51 PM
Chiva means goat in Spanish. :steeringwheel:

MLS purchased the club from the previous owner, sold it to new owners, and is releasing the team as Los Angeles Football Club starting next season.

New speculative threat is; MLS can buy back the team from Precourt, see which city has the best offer and sell to an ownership group in that city, and move the team there.
Oh, I didn't realize that LAFC is an extension of the Banditos. 
There's been a lot of name changes over the years. FC Dallas was the Burn. The San Jose Earthquakes were the Clash. Sporting KC started off as the Wiz, and then promptly changed it to the Wizards, after the inevitable happened with regards to the "Wiz" moniker. 
Then there's the one that definitely should have never been changed... 
The NY Red Bulls used to be called the New York/New Jersey Metro Stars.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on July 23, 2018, 07:54:41 AM
It was my understanding that the USL group agreed to put on hold their plans until the MLS drama was settled. The Circuit of Americas group stated that both teams (USL and MLS) could not be successful together. So something has happened ... for the USL team to green light going forward again.
They didn't really "agree" to put it on hold, they just knew that if MLS did come to Austin, it would severely impair their own chances at being successful.  And throughout it all, COTA has paid shills to appear at the public meetings to attempt to negate anything positive that might be said about MLS in Austin.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on July 23, 2018, 10:16:41 AM
They didn't really "agree" to put it on hold, they just knew that if MLS did come to Austin, it would severely impair their own chances at being successful.  And throughout it all, COTA has paid shills to appear at the public meetings to attempt to negate anything positive that might be said about MLS in Austin.
Do you have a link or something documenting "Paid Shills against MLS Austin" my google search for that term came back with no relevant results.

Honest question: Which is worse; X number of Paid shills making X number of dollars? Or 7 Paid lobbyists making 500k and donating another 100k to the mayor and city council members?

(not quite as) honest question:Who is worse Bobby Epstein local Austin Owner invested in Austin; or Anthony Precourt a Trust Fund baby from San Francisco whose only current tie to Austin is his fondness for their Queso, and in order for him to bring something nice to Austin or has to destroy the same thing in Columbus, and prevent it from happening in San Antonio? 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on July 23, 2018, 12:36:16 PM
No links, it's not something anyone's going to go on record as having done.  

Obviously.

Epstein is a jackass and is looking to dump COTA.  He's not investing in it at all, just milking the state's $25M fund on an annual basis, otherwise his business model fails to make any profit at all.  I don't see any difference between the two, nor do I particularly care about the subject, just adding commentary from "boots on the ground" here in Austin.  You seem to think I'm your adversary or something on this subject, I can assure you, I am not.

If MLS came to Austin, especially at McCalla, I'd likely attend a game or two per season.  If they didn't, I'm fine with that, too.  I don't like seeing teams leave their fans  behind so I certainly understand the anger coming from the citizens of Columbus.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on July 23, 2018, 01:32:21 PM
My apologies if I've been adversarial concerning this topic. I do appreciate hearing information from a Native Austin's perspective. 

Although I do get annoyed with the populace as a whole when just a few like to poke a sensitive (for me) topic.  

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DioyfxcUEAApjck.jpg:large)
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on July 23, 2018, 02:39:13 PM
My apologies if I've been adversarial concerning this topic. I do appreciate hearing information from a Native Austin's perspective.

Although I do get annoyed with the populace as a whole when just a few like to poke a sensitive (for me) topic.  

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DioyfxcUEAApjck.jpg:large)
Heh, I saw that the other day.
One way you could look at it, is, Austin couldn't hold onto its previous team, which is why there's an "Austin's Past" portion at all. ;)
Honestly, like I said before, I'd be very surprised if the Austin City Council managed to get a deal done with Precourt and have the Crew move here.  They have trouble getting out of their own way even under the best, easiest, most sure-fire circumstances.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on August 15, 2018, 08:47:17 PM
Well, Austin didn't screw their side of it up.

http://mls2atx.com/statement-precourt-sports-ventures-august-15/

City council approves the building of a stadium. Queso eating Fat boy gloats to the media in front of his 13 fans.

Save The Crew Facebook page is all doom and gloom. 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on August 16, 2018, 12:22:43 AM
The site and most amendments are approved but the contracts aren't signed, still plenty of time for the City of Austin to screw it all up.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on August 16, 2018, 07:10:07 AM
The site and most amendments are approved but the contracts aren't signed, still plenty of time for the City of Austin to screw it all up.
Maybe I understand it wrong, they did both yesterday.
They voted to approve the building the stadium, and then 30 minutes later they voted to "execute" the signing of the contract. (w/o actually signing a contract, but the city council part of the process is over.)
"I hope that you are a good and faithful partner to this city of Austin, in ways that you were not in Columbus, (https://twitter.com/nbc4i/status/1029903666277433344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1029903666277433344&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bigsoccer.com%2Fthreads%2Fcrew-to-austin-in-2019-maybe.2075321%2Fpage-984)" Council member @LesliePoolATX (https://twitter.com/LesliePoolATX) says to team owner @APrecourt (https://twitter.com/APrecourt) after vote to move forward with #MLS (https://twitter.com/hashtag/MLS?src=hash) stadium deal
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on August 16, 2018, 07:46:49 AM
They voted to execute.  Only the high level items in the contract were approved.  The contracts are going to be very complex (overly complex, since it's the City of Austin) and won't be signed for some time.  The legal teams have only just begun.

Plenty of ways for it to go sideways before it's done.  Not the least of which are the lawsuits still underway from the city of Columbus.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on August 16, 2018, 12:48:22 PM
Rumors starting to circulate that Precourt has asked his Columbus employees to start packing.

Mass hysteria, and request for an immediate injunction to placed on the Crew by the Court trying the case. 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on August 17, 2018, 08:19:14 AM
MLS Ponders Chicago Move To San Antonio, If Austin Attendance Mirrors Dallas And Houston. (https://www.thenutmegnews.com/current/2018/8/16/mls-ponders-possible-chicago-move-to-san-antonio-if-austin-attendance-mirrors-dallas-and-houston)

I would laugh if I wasn't crying. 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on August 17, 2018, 03:36:57 PM
Is Chicago attendance lacking or something? 

San Antonio's a good sports town, so I bet they'd support it, but seems like Chicago would be  more desirable for most purposes.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on August 17, 2018, 04:43:08 PM
Is Chicago attendance lacking or something?

San Antonio's a good sports town, so I bet they'd support it, but seems like Chicago would be  more desirable for most purposes.
It's a parody. Dallas and Houston are both in the bottom 1/3 for attendance.
Precourt has entered into negotiations to play at 11k Dell Field in Round Rock for the next 3 years. 
PSV never contacted UT to see if they could play at their 20k soccer specific stadium. 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on August 17, 2018, 05:49:17 PM
Chicago is having a horrible season. Dead last in da East. 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on August 17, 2018, 06:54:31 PM
Chicago is having a horrible season. Dead last in da East.
Still out drawing those Texas teams...
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on October 12, 2018, 04:17:26 PM
#SavetheCrew just became #SaveDTheCrew

announcement public coming shorty.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on October 12, 2018, 05:29:17 PM
http://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/story/3667908/cleveland-browns-owners-in-negotiations-with-mls-to-buy-columbus-crew-sc

Cleveland Browns owners in negotiations with MLS to buy Columbus Crew SC
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on October 12, 2018, 05:35:05 PM
Yup, I saw that.  As the World Turns... 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on December 06, 2018, 09:30:42 PM
H3LL F#CKING YAH!

Old Stadium becoming a community Park and training facility for Crew (and perhaps Browns?)
https://www.dispatch.com/news/20181205/plan-calls-for-new-crew-stadium-with-mapfre-repurposed-as-sports-park

New Shiny Stadium downtown.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/12/06/plans-revealed-potential-new-stadium-columbus

and it's On the Banks of the Olentangy! Like all good stadiums should be.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: rolltidefan on December 07, 2018, 09:43:49 AM
Since there’s so many crew fans in here (congrats btw) what’s y’alls opinion on berhalter?
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on December 07, 2018, 10:36:13 AM
So because a guy tried to move the team we get a new stadium, better owners, an in-State MLS rival and some Browns events? 

Thanks Precourt.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on December 07, 2018, 09:48:18 PM
Since there’s so many crew fans in here (congrats btw) what’s y’alls opinion on berhalter?
Berhalter - Class Act, able to take one of the cheapest roasters year in and year out and make it competitive. He is a players coach, the guys love busting their @ss for him. I think he will be successful enough at the national team level. 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Cincydawg on December 08, 2018, 08:55:01 AM
The ATL is abuzz about the game tonight.  I predict the home team gets up like 6-0 and then blows it in the fourth quarter.

Yes, I know they don't have quarters.

Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on December 09, 2018, 07:11:13 PM
Reports coming out Atlanta's owner called Haslam several times encouraging him to buy the crew. I was rooting for Atlanta because of that.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Cincydawg on December 10, 2018, 08:39:20 AM
They had over 73,000 at that MLS Cup game.  The city has so few "championships" that they count that as one of course.  There is a large Hispanic population here which helps with interest.

Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on February 07, 2019, 06:02:46 PM
And to top it all off the Columbus Destroyers are being brought back from the dead. 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: rook119 on February 09, 2019, 07:59:13 PM
Since there’s so many crew fans in here (congrats btw) what’s y’alls opinion on berhalter?
I wanted Antonio Conte. The USMNT seems to want to ape a European style and I always thought that traditionally our players were always comfortable playing that Italian style (while not beating them we've always given Italy all they could handle in matches). I also love to see US players head to Italy as well, its the best league for further development IMO, only problem is they aren't good enough to play for the few clubs that could pay them better than MLS. 
Berhalter seems fine. I never did think that his columbus teams played fun football or anything but he's pragmatic, we'll grind out wins and enough pts to qualify (CONCACAF is on a major downswing). Which I guess given the lack of talent is what we need right now. 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 01, 2019, 08:03:25 PM

Now the Ohio Machine are getting contracted. 

It is not an April Fools joke, just odd timing. 

https://twitter.com/MachineMLL/status/1112704928525533194
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on April 10, 2019, 12:26:26 PM
A little barb just because I can:

Look now at what place the Columbus Crew are in. 😃 (For those not willing to Google; Crew after 6 games are sitting in 1st.)

Can someone tell me where in the standings the Austin Broccoli's are? 😈
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on April 10, 2019, 05:29:55 PM
Who are you attempting to "barb?"  

You're tilting at windmills here.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 10, 2019, 06:23:23 PM
A little barb just because I can:

Look now at what place the Columbus Crew are in. 😃 (For those not willing to Google; Crew after 6 games are sitting in 1st.)

Can someone tell me where in the standings the Austin Broccoli's are? 😈
According to Wiki Miami and Nashville get teams in 2020, and Austin in 2021. 
Which you probably knew, since you made the apt comparison of their logo to broccoli. 
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/85/Austin_FC_logo.svg/180px-Austin_FC_logo.svg.png)
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on April 23, 2019, 09:12:46 AM
And Karma is B!tch. Since I bragged about Columbus being in First, and Austin not playing the Crew have lost two straight. So, I humbly offer an apology to our Austin fan here.

In other News Austin Bold had 5,800 fans sell out their shiny new stadium. 
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: utee94 on April 23, 2019, 09:35:29 AM
And Karma is B!tch. Since I bragged about Columbus being in First, and Austin not playing the Crew have lost two straight. So, I humbly offer an apology to our Austin fan here.

In other News Austin Bold had 5,800 fans sell out their shiny new stadium.
Heheh... you're not gonna rile me up, Typhon.  It's all good.  Remember, I actually AGREED with you that the team shouldn't be moved.  I hate it when owners do that.  I wish the Crew all the best.
I'd love to have an MLS team in Austin, I'll likely attend a few matches per year.  But I didn't ever want it to happen at the expense of another franchise, especially not one with the history and support of Columbus.  Seems like things are working out for the best for the Crew and its fans, which is awesome.
There's still opposition and some hurdles in Austin to having one, like I said a long time ago, the Austin City Council regularly screws up even the simplest deals, and this one is far from that.  But I'm hopeful they'll still be able to build the new stadium in the area originally approved, which is super convenient for me and close to many of the local breweries which is another plus.  I can definitely see some pregaming or postgaming at the Celis Brewery, within easy walking distance of the stadium site.
Title: Re: OT: Columbus Crew (Soccer) moving to Austin.
Post by: TyphonInc on April 24, 2019, 09:39:49 PM
Precum rented office space in Austin. Rented. In. An. Already. Built. Building.
So, of course they had a ground breaking ceremony. Brought in a Cat's litter box full of dirt, put on hard hats and got the shovels out. (In. An. Already. Build. Office. Building.)

Won't let me insert pic
http://www.bigsoccer.com/attachments/image-png.152643/ (http://www.bigsoccer.com/attachments/image-png.152643/)