The Colorado Rapids have always struggled in the attendance department over the years….Factoring in huge fourth of July crowds many that were coming for the fireworks always inflated their low numbers….When Kroencke Sports (who also own the Colorado Avalanche, Mammoth lacrosse, Altitude Sports Network) purchased the franchise in recent years from Anschutz Entertainment Group my thought was that fresh ideas, local ownership would jump start this franchise….boy was I wrong.
No marketing, limited tv (even though they own Altitude) and limited media coverage in the Denver market have all led to create no buzz around the Rapids.
And you call this growing soccer? This attitude is providing a slow, comfortable kill on soccer…Oh, I forgot to mention that a new stadium is being built in Denver which leads me to another subject. The stadium will be awesome but beware……too many times in MLS we see stadiums as the solution to all problems, it is even the attitude of some executives…….A new stadium in Frisco has not exactly lit it up attendance wise for FC Dallas……Building a stadium, changing colors(Rapids supposedly moving to maroon and grey and re-naming to Arsenal), re-branding teams are all great in the corporate world but won’t work without vision, a calculated marketing plan and most importantly a great product …….This Saturday is a can’t miss with promoted Reading taking on Chelsea on the Fox Soccer Channel at 12 Eastern, I am looking forward to watching former Rapid goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann and winger Bobby Convey.