Avoiding the Drop

Posted in English Premier League, General, News, Off the Pitch, Wild Ass Guesses | 14 Comments

14 Responses

1. on October 20, 2009 at 8:20 pm | Reply Green Eggs

   Oooh. Let it happen – much easier to get to Boston than London for me! That would be a once-in-a-lifetime sort of event – which makes me wonder how likely it would be to occur.

   
   
2. on October 20, 2009 at 8:49 pm | Reply jjf3

   Not even a Fulham fan, and I’d go in a heartbeat…though, can Fenway be configured for a legit pitch?

   
   
   • on October 20, 2009 at 8:55 pm | Reply Adam

     without doing any of that pesky math stuff, I think so. My only thing is that it would probably have to be placed on part of the baseball diamond, so something would have to be figured out about that.

     
     
     • on October 20, 2009 at 9:01 pm | Reply jjf3

       I guess that’s a stupid question in retrospect – I don’t think the Sawx would even bring it up if it couldn’t, but I just wasn’t convinced the width necessary would be possible. The mound/infield is a whole ‘nother issue…

       
       
   • on October 20, 2009 at 9:13 pm | Reply Green Eggs

     If the Wizards can pull it off at CommunityAmerica Ballpark, I would have to figure it’s possible in Fenway – might be a bit on the short side, but I’m not certain.

     
     
   • on October 20, 2009 at 9:31 pm | Reply thefuseproject

     Fenway was the home stadium for the NASL’s Boston Beacons for at least one year and plenty of American football has been played there, so it would probably work out okay. Maybe not 120yds x 80yds, but certainly something workable.

     
     
3. on October 20, 2009 at 9:08 pm | Reply Sculptor?!?

   I’ll buy tickets. I don’t even have to think twice.

   
   
4. on October 20, 2009 at 9:15 pm | Reply Adam

   Woah after reading the story, they think a regular season match would be a possibility? While intriguing I think the whole of England might go mad at that thought considering how well they liked the idea of a 39th game.

   I think they’d have some luck though with scheduling an exhibition during a weekend where one of the Cups was going on. This would hinge upon Fulham not being in a cup at that point.

   
   
   • on October 20, 2009 at 9:22 pm | Reply jjf3

     the problem with the 39th game was that it would never be fair because of the scheduling inequities. If Fulham is willing to presume that they would have the same “home” support and revenue at a site outside Craven Cottage, and willfully accept a poor result or income if they’re wrong, I’m not sure there’s really a problem, unless the FFC faithful/season-tix holders have to pay for a normal 19 games instead of the reality of 18…or simply object to losing that one game on principle…

     
     
     • on October 20, 2009 at 9:27 pm | Reply Green Eggs

       Of course, there is the issue of getting the FA and the other team in this game to agree if it is a regular season game – but I’d be all over it if they managed to swing that deal.

       
       
       • on October 20, 2009 at 9:43 pm | Reply jjf3

         Oh, no question. But this essentially amounts to FFC making a bet – can they make more money, without antagonizing their local fans, while covering any potential shortfall to the other team? I know the FA will dip its hands into the pot, so that’s an added issue, but, to my mind, Fulham should be able to play at any “home” site that meets FA requirements for pitch and seating, if they recompense the opponent for the added travel cost, and ensure a minimum level of the “away” gate…

         IE – imagine this happening this year, with Hull, who have been smartly eager to build their top-flight “brand” worldwide, and have Jozy on their roster. What if Monday’s match had been here in the US? Could the Red Sox ensure enough income to Fulham that they could cover Hull’s extra travel, match the “away” gate at Craven from last year, and still make enough money to outweigh the lost “home” gate/concessions while the Sox don’t go broke in front of 33,000 people (presumably)?

         It might be possible…or maybe the Sox would take a 1-time chance on it, even lose a little scratch since its the anniversary? Then it might be a no-brainer…

         Wow, I’ve spent way too much time thinking about this…

         
         
         • on October 20, 2009 at 10:02 pm | Reply thefuseproject

           Craven Cottage holds c.27,000 and Fenway holds 37,00 for baseball. Conceivably, they could put seats on the field and get capacity up into the mid-40,000s. My point being that I think that could cover the travel costs for both teams as well as the opponents share of the gate/concessions.

           There’s also the possibility of running other profitable events (clinics, autograph sessions, coaching courses, etc) which a lot of clubs do when they tour the US for exhibitions.

           Plus, there’s always the possibility that John Henry et al. are running this as an “event” and that they might be willing to subsidize it or offer guaranteed money to make it happen.

           It’ll be interesting to see what comes of all of this…

           
           
           • on October 20, 2009 at 10:15 pm | Reply jjf3

             already spent too much thought on this, but you’re right, Fuse, I’d forgotten about the increased seating at Fenway, and the potential for added seating on the sidelines. If anyone knows, or is not lazier than me, what did Fulham-Hull draw last year, or even Monday? Hypothetical, but if a likely relegation-battling team (who happened to have a US player) was guaranteed up-front money slightly above last year’s total, would they take it straight up (assuming expenses are taken care of)?

             And, yeah, if the Henry and the Sox truly want to “celebrate” Fenway, they’ll pay the FA/teams enough to make it happen…and make up the loss somewhere else…

             
             
5. on October 20, 2009 at 11:03 pm | Reply thefuseproject

   Here’s a bit more info:

   http://www.boston.com/sports/soccer/articles/2009/10/19/english_soccer_team_taps_hub_sports_group/