I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve taken any and every opportunity over the years (but especially this year) to heap more misery on the MetroStars/Red Bulls. I am a New Englander born and raised, and as such, this is part of my job description. However, much to my chagrin, the frnachise appears to have done something right- Red Bull Arena. Sure, it’s not a downtown “football ground” as befits a real team, but rather a suburban “soccer specific stadium” more typical of American sports in general and MLS specifically. Nevertheless, it looks like they got it right.
If you have any doubts, take a look at this.
Not bad at all, I think. It would be at home just about anywhere on the European continent (as opposed to the U.K.) and could easily be the home ground of a bigger Dutch or Belgian team, or maybe a mid-level German or French team. A look inside the stadium only reinforces these notions. And, “yes,” that’s grass- real grass!
So, a tip of the cap to Red Bull New York. Now, while I have your attention, perhaps you’d like to take a look at a few of the new team names I’ve come up with in order to reinforce the “new era” upon which your club is about to embark:
- F.C. Turnpike
- “What’s that smell?” United
- Food Additive A.F.C.
- PATH F.C.
One last note, if Tabaré Ramos Ricciardi isn’t on hand to take the ceremonial “First Kick” at Red Bull Arena’s first home match, I take it all back.
reminder: there’s an MLS game at 8 ET tonight
There is much gray area in between a “downtown football ground” and a “suburban soccer specific stadium”.
Harrison may be a suburb, but is got convenient public transportation right on a stop for the path train between Manhattan and Newark.
Someone looking for that “European experience” can jump on the path train in Manhattan and be at the stadium in 20 minutes for a few bucks.
I think you are barking up the wrong tree with that one. In fact, there will likely be more complaints from suburbanites because the stadium isn’t surrounded by gigantic parking lots.
My vote was for “Superfund F.C.” – it fits for so many reasons.