Oakland (A's & Raiders) is the only city that currently shares football and baseball facilities -- and with the Raiders possibly headed south, it could be zero as of next season.

Sharing stadiums doesn't make sense in this day and age. Concessions must me made for one or another of the tenants much to the detriment of the other(s). Especially with people opting to stay at home to watch a game on their own screen, teams must provide the most amenities and best site lines as possible for one particular sport.

There is a reason multi sport stadiums have faded from existence.

(Yankee Stadium is currently used by NYCFC in a temporary arrangement.)

Seattle Sounders share the stadium with the Seahawks. I know it's a football/soccer stadium, but still. We don't have that possibility here, nor would it be a good idea. But I like Laramie's idea of ONE game at BTBP as a test balloon. All the supporters who like their position at Taft would, I think, like their place at Bricktown Ballpark even better. That is, if they put the field down the left field line, and the supporters were in the beer garden behind and above the goal.
Plus, think about the possibilities of even watching the game from the parking garage behind the stadium. Position some especially rowdy supporters there, with banners/confetti, etc...
Think about the pre-game possibilities. Think about the POST game possibilities. What about a pre-game in Deep Deuce, and a march to the stadium over the Walnut St. bridge?

Come sit with us for only $10!

https://squareup.com/market/one-voice-one-city-llc/playoff-game-oct-th-1

.
Highlights from Oklahoma City Energy FC playoff win over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=75&v=wWcpEv3RpyE

Going to have to say no to BTBP. I hate soccer in baseball stadiums.

Going to have to say no to BTBP. I hate soccer in baseball stadiums.

Agree kwhey, Bricktown Ballpark (BTBP) in its current state doesn't provide the sight lines that Taft provides. If Taft Stadium's setting was in Bricktown or the riverfront it could provide so much more.

If your ultimate goal is to build a soccer specific stadium on the riverfront; you could use a game or two to test that area's potential.
There's so much more in pregame experiences that could be offered if the Funks follow through with a riverfront venue. The unique experience about having a riverfront stadium near Bricktown are:


1. River transit to the stadium via the Oklahoma River (public or private); much like the Tennessee Volunteers style.
2. Access to established restaurants & clubs in the Bricktown area.
3. Establish a designated area for the tail-gate experience.
4. Create a more family friendly atmosphere pre-game experience.

OKC would be unique. You could probably grow a soccer base that would have unlimited potential.

Oklahoma City has a chance to establish something that most MLS franchises do not have. A franchise that plays in the central business core where you have a district like Bricktown. Impressed with the Tail gate area that has gained momentum outside Taft Stadium; the pre-game atmosphere suggest that the OKC Energy FC could have a break-out moment. The Funks are in the process of building a good practice facility.

Soccer: Oklahoma City Energy FC breaks ground on new training facility | News OK (http://newsok.com/article/5442599)

I would love to have the same set up we have now in downtown. You don't have to sell that to me. I was just commenting on playing at the Brick and that would be a big fat no.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZ2CglRzGT4
2015 USL Western Conference Final - OKC Energy FC vs LA Galaxy II (English)

Energy getting hammered tonight. LA looking like the better team by far. Gonna need a miracle to win this one.

Ooch... Down 2-nil at the half.

Pulled one back in the 2nd half but wasn't enough and the Energy lost to the Galaxy 1-2.

Great season and the program made amazing strides. Hopefully the upward trend continues next year.

It's been a great year and the tail end of this season saw some big numbers at Taft. Hopefully we can continue to grow and get this weird sport we all love out there and pack out Taft every game next season. I honestly believe we have made great strides for the game here in OKC, just need to continue to spread the word and get more people in the stands, these last two games have been great in the south end and I can't wait to see what we do next year.

7,654 tonight. Atmosphere was great as usual. I hope to see the same numbers next season. 2016 can't get here soon enough

Pulled one back in the 2nd half but wasn't enough and the Energy lost to the Galaxy 1-2.

Great season and the program made amazing strides. Hopefully the upward trend continues next year.

You planning to get out there next year since you'll be in town?

Impressed with the Oklahoma City Energy FC's last 4 home game attendance figures:


August 29, Austin 2-0 win. Attendance: 6,089
September 12, Colorado Springs 3-3 tie. Attendance: 6,847 Largest regular season crowd in Energy FC's history.
October 4, Colorado Springs 3-2 playoff win. Attendance: 6,370
October 11, Los Angeles Galaxy 2-1 playoff lost. Attendance: 7,654 Largest crowd In Energy FC's history.

Will this trend of 6,000-plus attendance figures continue into the 2016 season?

Not nrg related, but I just read that Atlanta United has passed 26,000 season ticket deposits!?!?! Holy crap!!

Not nrg related, but I just read that Atlanta United has passed 26,000 season ticket deposits!?!?! Holy crap!!


https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTHAAnCNozWvCPoc4MUszwb-t9k3DMuvBmnwMzlQZidve719mpUhttps://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQYkvuIsAT6KUtCbOzgRVdvv3M83HZ_T ssySq0fl8L_uTEwv8A6sQ
http://mercedesbenzstadium.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MBStadium-MLS-Configuration.jpg
The new Mercedes Benz Stadium (domed--projected cost $1.4 billion) will replace the Georgia Dome. It will become the new home of the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the new home of MLS Atlanta United with their 2017 debut.

Impressed with the investment that Atlanta will make toward the NFL & the MLS.

USL President raves about Oklahoma City Energy FC | News OK (http://newsok.com/usl-president-raves-about-oklahoma-city-energy-fc/article/5453809)

President of USL drawing comparisons about OKC to Orlando City SC.

I won't look too much into it. Obviously the President of the league isn't going to say anything negative about any team, but it's interesting nonetheless.

Rochester Rhinos 2 - Los Angeles Galaxy II 1 (Overtime)


Samuels scored two set-piece goals – an equalizer in second-half stoppage time and the game-winner in the 112th minute – as the Rhinos defeated the LA Galaxy II 2-1 in overtime to capture the 2015 USL Championship at Sahlen’s Stadium. For his heroics, Samuels was named the match MVP.

2015 USL Championship game in Rochester, NY - @ Sahlens Stadium Attendance: 5,247 (Weather conditions: Rain, cold weather...)
Rochester Rhinos Capture 2015 USL Championship - United Soccer League (http://www.uslsoccer.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=32800&ATCLID=210428890)

Oklahoma City Energy FC 2016/2017: Soccer: Oklahoma City Energy FC breaks ground on new training facility | News OK (http://newsok.com/article/5442599)

Give it up to Prodigal LLC as their 2015 marketing campaign appears to have set the foundation for another run in 2016 & beyond.

2014: (@Pribil Stadium, capacity 4,000)

Highest home attendance 4,722
Lowest home attendance 2,813
Average home league attendance 3,702

2015: (@Taft Stadium - capacity - 7,500)

Highest home attendance 6,797
Lowest home attendance 3,133
Average home league attendance 4,465

. . . . Oklahoma City Energy made the playoffs; losing to L.A. Galaxy 2-1 before a record OKC soccer attendance 7,654.

Differential: (2015 vs. 2014)

Highest home attendance + 2,075 increase
Lowest home attendance + 320 increase
Average home league attendance + 736 increase

SKC drops the OKC affiliation and fields their own SKC2 side.

Energy FC (http://www.energyfc.com/press-release/sporting-kc-to-field-usl-team-end-affiliation-with-energy-fc/)

I for one hate all these MLS2 sides coming into the USL. If the MLS wants to start a reserve league then do it. Most of the MLS 2 sides have piss poor attendance and there are better markets that could handle a USL team.

Great news, Chuy and Gonzalez re-sign.

https://twitter.com/EnergyFC/status/664131131629944832

Soccer is becoming more popular as a spectator sport. Oklahoma City with its 1.4 millions (diversified) population has certainly captured the attention of soccer investors.

NASL has great markets like San Antonio, Minnesota, Indianapolis, New York & Miami, many of the markets you find in the current NBA.


SKC drops the OKC affiliation and fields their own SKC2 side.

Energy FC (http://www.energyfc.com/press-release/sporting-kc-to-field-usl-team-end-affiliation-with-energy-fc/)

I for one hate all these MLS2 sides coming into the USL. If the MLS wants to start a reserve league then do it. Most of the MLS 2 sides have piss poor attendance and there are better markets that could handle a USL team.
USL is trending toward a FC II for MLS. MLS' success is dependent upon the larger markets like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago & Washington DC-Baltimore which are your larger TV markets; those markets get the pick of the litter among players.

NASL can become a viable competitive junior league to the MLS, much like Major League Baseball's NL vs. AL; especially if a TV contract comes into play--which could be a real possibility at this point.

The NASL will be a better fit in the long-term for OKC.

I love it.

Check out @Rayo_Clash's Tweet: https://twitter.com/Rayo_Clash/status/671053493931765760?s=09

I guess I don't get it

I guess I don't get it

It's the Rayo fans in Spain. They are pissed off that their owner or whatever is putting money behind the NASL team here in OKC because he doesn't even try to take care of the team there in Spain. I guess they got in touch with some people from the Grid and asked to get Energy gear and these are pics from the match today.

Hahaha!!11858

Soccer is becoming more popular as a spectator sport. Oklahoma City with its 1.4 millions (diversified) population has certainly captured the attention of soccer investors.

NASL has great markets like San Antonio, Minnesota, Indianapolis, New York & Miami, many of the markets you find in the current NBA.


USL is trending toward a FC II for MLS. MLS' success is dependent upon the larger markets like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago & Washington DC-Baltimore which are your larger TV markets; those markets get the pick of the litter among players.

NASL can become a viable competitive junior league to the MLS, much like Major League Baseball's NL vs. AL; especially if a TV contract comes into play--which could be a real possibility at this point.

The NASL will be a better fit in the long-term for OKC.

NASL is losing Minnesota, San Antonio and Atlanta when the United move in. The NASL keeps adding team where it can to stay at 10.

The NASL also has no interest in being a junior league. It has said it wants to go head to head with the MLS. Good luck with that. ��

NASL is losing Minnesota, San Antonio and Atlanta when the United move in. The NASL keeps adding team where it can to stay at 10.

Tulsa could be a potential NASL member. Oklahoma's two largest cities could have both USL & NASL franchises by 2017.

The NASL also has no interest in being a junior league. It has said it wants to go head to head with the MLS. Good luck with that. ��

Minnesota, Atlanta & Miami to the MLS. Sacramento, St. Louis & San Antonio are on track...

A San Antonio franchise would be owned by the San Antonio Spurs' group: City, county officials announce plan to bring Major League Soccer to San Antonio - San Antonio Express-News (http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/City-officials-expected-to-announce-plan-to-bring-6610888.php)

Sacramento (rivals would be Los Angeles, San Jose, Portland, Seattle, Salt Lake) has momentum:

MLS expansion: Don Garber visits St. Paul as next round unfolds - Planet Futbol - SI.com (http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2015/09/21/mls-expansion-don-garber-minnesota-atlanta-united)

It's going to be tough for the Oklahoma City Energy FC to compete with fully stocked MLS II teams (Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, Seattle, Portland & Real Salt Lake). Kansas City just dropped its partial affiliation with Energy FC. They will probably have a Sporting KC II in the USL soon.

The USL is becoming more of an MLS II league with their development clubs right there in the metro--in some cases playing in the same venue.

Kansas City just dropped its partial affiliation with Energy FC. They will probably have a Sporting KC II in the USL soon.

They have already announced the team name, logo, coach and players. Swope Park Rangers.

Swope Park Rangers (USL) | Sporting Kansas City (http://www.sportingkc.com/rangers)

Minnesota, Atlanta & Miami to the MLS. Sacramento, St. Louis & San Antonio are on track...

A San Antonio franchise would be owned by the San Antonio Spurs' group: City, county officials announce plan to bring Major League Soccer to San Antonio - San Antonio Express-News (http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/City-officials-expected-to-announce-plan-to-bring-6610888.php)

Sacramento (rivals would be Los Angeles, San Jose, Portland, Seattle, Salt Lake) has momentum:

MLS expansion: Don Garber visits St. Paul as next round unfolds - Planet Futbol - SI.com (http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2015/09/21/mls-expansion-don-garber-minnesota-atlanta-united)

It's going to be tough for the Oklahoma City Energy FC to compete with fully stocked MLS II teams (Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, Seattle, Portland & Real Salt Lake). Kansas City just dropped its partial affiliation with Energy FC. They will probably have a Sporting KC II in the USL soon.

The USL is becoming more of an MLS II league with their development clubs right there in the metro--in some cases playing in the same venue.

LOCKS
Minnesota - The NASL team is moving up to the MLS. (2017 or 2018).

Atlanta - New team with no connection to the current NASL team. (2017)

Los Angeles FC - A complete joke but Ok. (2017)

BEST POSSIBLE

Sacramento - Unveiled a beautiful stadium design yesterday. Huge fan support.

POSSIBLE (WITH ISSUES)

Miami - Having trouble getting off the ground because they can't get a stadium.

St. Louis - See Miami

San Antonio - Will be in the USL next season. (At least 3 years)

The MLS will be at 23 teams by 2018. One slot left. My money is on Sacramento to gets it.

San Antonio out of the NASL, into the USL.

Scorps will continue to try and operate but in a different city. (Early rumors are San Francisco or Las Vegas.

NASL Releases Statement on San Antonio Scorpions | NASL (http://www.nasl.com/news/2015/12/22/nasl-releases-statement-on-san-antonio-scorpions)

Spurs Sports & Entertainment Closes In On USL Club - United Soccer League (http://www.uslsoccer.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=32800&ATCLID=210596401)

Danni "King" König returns for 2016!!

Energy FC (http://www.energyfc.com/press-release/mvp-finalist-konig-re-signs-with-energy-fc/)

The Energy will have a team in the PDL starting this season!

Energy FC (http://www.energyfc.com/press-release/energy-fc-secure-pdl-franchise-to-begin-play-in-summer-2016/)

Affiliated with FC Dallas

BOOM! FC Dallas announces USL affiliation with Oklahoma City Energy FC | FC Dallas (http://www.fcdallas.com/post/2016/01/11/fc-dallas-announces-usl-affiliation-oklahoma-city-energy-fc)

Hate it. But I hate any and all affiliation with the Dallas area. Dallas is not our big brother. I get that being and MLS teams affiliate is awesome, just frustrated that once again, we are little brothers to Dallas.

It will be nice for the people involved to be so close though.

ah good ol FC Frisco....F, as a Dynamo fan I hate this :)

I'm an FC Dallas fan so I can get behind this. Plus this gives us access to the FC Dallas academy players, and their academy is arguably one of the best in the MLS. Could see a lot of talent come through here.

I'm an FC Dallas fan so I can get behind this. Plus this gives us access to the FC Dallas academy players, and their academy is arguably one of the best in the MLS. Could see a lot of talent come through here.

Let's hope so!

Then after a year or two; FC Dallas will put an FC Dallas 2 in Frisco or Ft. Worth. The USL will be dominated by MLS FC II franchises.

Once we lose that affiliation with Dallas, teams like OKC, Charleston, Charlotte, Louisville, Rochester, Richmond & Tulsa won't have the players to compete. USL will be MLS 2 dominated by 2017.

USL continues to expand:

Bethlehem Steel FC, FC Cincinnati, Orlando City B, Rio Grande Valley FC and Swope Park Rangers KC have joined the mix for 2016, and a club in Reno, Nevada - owned by Indiana Pacers owner Herb Simon - is set to begin play in 2017. What's next?

NASL may not be a bad move for Oklahoma City; at least we won't be affiliated with the scraps the MLS will throw at the USL independents. As Granny use to say, 'Nothing wants a bone but a dog.'

NASL is a third rate league. Talent proves that.

maybe FC Dallas 2 will actually be in Dallas lol

maybe FC Dallas 2 will actually be in Dallas lol

You know how these Texans think--Oklahoma City is a suburb of Dallas!

You mean FC Frisco? Could almost be called Baja Oklahoma FC

You mean FC Frisco? Could almost be called Baja Oklahoma FC

Yes! Long-time lurker and finally deciding to post.
As a soccer fan, I've liked the energy and been to some games, but been tired of them smack talking Rayo. But it seems pretty quiet now.
Rayo had some solid pickups for their team so far and frankly better than just about anyone on EnergyFC.
Can't wait for this DERBY! Can't wait for both seasons to start!

Schedule is out!

Energy FC (http://www.energyfc.com/download-schedule/)

Were all of the players able to get off work to go to practice today? If so, good job!

Were all of the players able to get off work to go to practice today? If so, good job!

You've posted four times since joining OKC Talk, and all four have been anti-Energy. You're not fooling anyone...

I think I've posted over 4,000 times. I have an anti-Energy issue that I'd like to get off my chest.
My step son tried out with them about this time period last year. He was an all state soccer player and has some good skills. We told him the odds and to not count on anything. Well, he went to the 2 day tryout, along with I'd guess around 200+ others. The Energy also had a similar tryout in Kansas City the following week. Going to fill the roster you. As it turned out, one player was selected out of maybe 400 + (I have no clue how many in KC so this is a guess) paid their $200 fee, and the late entries paid even more. Tell me how many dollars they brought in ?

But here's the rub. As we were strolling around waiting for our sons session to start we stood close to three guys that were talking to some referees about how they were cleaning up on a bunch of want-to-be ex players that had no business out there. These were people associated with the Energy. They were laughing about these guys donating to their cause. That kind of left a bad taste, guess we should have moved on and not have been eves dropping.

You've posted four times since joining OKC Talk, and all four have been anti-Energy. You're not fooling anyone...

Sorry I haven't lived on this site. I fired up about a new team and am talking a little trash. I guess that's only OK if you are in the grid.
Get over it.

I think I've posted over 4,000 times. I have an anti-Energy issue that I'd like to get off my chest.
My step son tried out with them about this time period last year. He was an all state soccer player and has some good skills. We told him the odds and to not count on anything. Well, he went to the 2 day tryout, along with I'd guess around 200+ others. The Energy also had a similar tryout in Kansas City the following week. Going to fill the roster you. As it turned out, one player was selected out of maybe 400 + (I have no clue how many in KC so this is a guess) paid their $200 fee, and the late entries paid even more. Tell me how many dollars they brought in ?

But here's the rub. As we were strolling around waiting for our sons session to start we stood close to three guys that were talking to some referees about how they were cleaning up on a bunch of want-to-be ex players that had no business out there. These were people associated with the Energy. They were laughing about these guys donating to their cause. That kind of left a bad taste, guess we should have moved on and not have been eves dropping.

I got this from someone else. Apparently you are not the only one who had that experience:

"It doesn't surprise me. I heard this from some people in the Hispanic Community who tried out last year, and as well on Saturday in Kingfisher. A guy by the name of Steven said he didn't even put his cleats on for the "try out" and was charged $420."

IIRC, they had groups on several fields at Southlake. They were all playing mini games with several groups sitting around watching waiting their turn. In no way was it a 'try out' where talent was evaluated by skill sets.

In my opinion it was a sham of a scam to pad their pocket book. These Energy guys talking in the ring were more or less admitting it.

If the truth were known, which after following their roster signing it seems this way, that their roster was filled before any such try outs began. Especially the one in KC.

And they ended up choosing a reserve goalie.
SMDH....

Looks like they have been working pretty closely with FC Dallas during their preseason and looking at the players being evaluated there to see who will either be send up to OKC and possibly to sign some folks directly.

So just so we're clear. Energy is in fact a team built on taking money by duping hopeful players, putting a less-than-quality product on the field and suckering hipsters into thinking it's good soccer, all while bristling at any little hint of criticism.
Did anyone catch the Grid whining to the guy from NewsOK the other day who reminding people that Taft is, in fact, a converted junior high football field?
Can't wait for the reckoning.

Classy.

Were all of the players able to get off work to go to practice today? If so, good job!

Enjoy the 1 season Rayo Yukon will be around. Relegation of the Spain team will hurt

Enjoy the 1 season Rayo Yukon will be around. Relegation of the Spain team will hurt

I think there's an undisputed champion of running sports teams into the ground in OKC and that's Bob Funk Jr.
#GoBlazers #GoBarons #GoHome

I feel like borchard has created a sock account, since he's trying to be taken more seriously under his real handle.

Maybe we should have a "dick measuring the OKC soccer clubs" thread and leave this one and the Rayo one about actual team related stuff rather than a bunch of silly trash talk?

Accentuate the positives of both clubs within their respective threads. Let's not turn this into a prostate pissing match.

Oklahoma City with the Energy FC's performance last season and what's on paper for the new NASL Rayo OKC roster; we should be in for some exciting soccer.

Really feel that both franchises can co-exist in this market.

But I can hit the ceiling when I piss. So bring it on!:wink:

I feel like borchard has created a sock account, since he's trying to be taken more seriously under his real handle.

Nope. Not me :-) Unfortunately for some people I am not the ONLY person who feels this way