FC Dallas

[Paladin]

Was at the game last night in Frisco. Wish Ford Stadium could someday match what Pizza Hut Park has going on. Although not a sell-out the crowd was rowdy, beer (including Harps and Guiness) was flowing, fan scarves were worn in abundance, lot of vendor food options, even the natural grass turf was immaculate. Stadium literally surrounded by restaurants and pubs (check out the Londoner sometime). Well played (SMU alum) Lamar Hunt !

[gostangs]

its nice up there on game day, but give me the boulevard when we have a good opponent any day - much better game day experience when its rocking.

[JasonB]

I would say there are a lot of similarities between the two. SMU and FCD have both been a family atmosphere for a long time and struggled to attract the hardcore soccer/football fans.

Both teams are now in improving leagues. The quality of play in MLS and FCD has improved significantly over the last 2 years. Because of that, they are able to now advertise to a good target audience (18-26) and hardcore soccer fans, improving the atmosphere significantly.

With SMU's football program improving and the move to the Big East improving the quality of play, I would expect to see more hardcore college football fans showing up to SMU games, including SMU's own alumni. I think we will see the same transition in atmosphere over the next two years.

[stl.pony]

I go to to probably 5-6 FC Dallas games a year (only weekend games), and I definately enjoy the experience. Pizza Hut Park is one of my favorite stadiums. Very fan friendly experience ... Can get to the parking lot 2-3 hours early and tailgate no questions asked. The beer garden at the stadium is a lot of fun to hang out at during half time and during the first part of the second half.

I'm not in any of the fan clubs, but there are four different ones spread out around the stadium. It is suprising how many people go to the games that have a good handle on everyone on the roster.

A year or two ago, somone in the inferno supporters section lit off a flare in the stands during a game. Security basically laughed it off and let it burn out. I was sitting there wondering, if someone lit a flare off in cowboys stadium, how many years would they be in jail??

[SMUer]

Without question smaller stadiums and the influx of Supporters Groups have transformed the MLS for the better. IMO, SMU faces similar problems as far as draw, natural fans in DFW, competing sports in a crowded market. Sure, win and things will get more fun but we could learn lessons from MLS now and improve the fan experience now. Why wait?

1) close off the end zone
2) encourage/start multilevstudent and alumni driven spirit groups
3) better concessions, better music, better videos
4) beer garden