I do not wish to rain on anyone’s parade, and I certainly support pro soccer for Prince George, but from a financial viewpoint, I would not want to be one of the investors.

 

PG received an expansion franchise in the Canadian Major Indoor Soccer League (CMISL). The team name is Prince George FC and is scheduled to play in a division with Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg. A 12-game schedule includes six home contests at CN Centre starting in January. The CMISL will also play an interlocking schedule with the U.S.-based Professional Arena Soccer League.

 

It certainly is positive anytime Prince George can bolster its’ sports smorgasbord and attract another event for its main facility. Organizers deserve praise for their effort and enthusiasm, no question. It
definitely is easier to say “what a great idea” and do nothing. Clearly, the owners are putting their money where their foot is (Sorry, I mean mouth, of course).

 

Nevertheless, this concept is a formidable gamble. This raises the question-will this franchise have long-term success in PG? The answer hinges largely on paid attendance.

 

So, what are the positives in this situation? Factors that shed optimism include:

 

·        Close to 3,000 youths that play the game in the city.

 

·        Another 1,000 adults that participate.

 

·        Crowds of over 2100 and 1500 for 2 exhibition games in 2008 that featured the Edmonton Drillers against the locals.

 

·        Affordability of tickets per game and for the season.

 

·        Local content with the players, which could help, draw some people to the university team.

 

·        A chance to be part of history with this being the first pro sports franchise in the city.

 

Now, here are some of the reasons I am skeptical:

 

Time of year… The regular season runs in January and February with playoffs to follow in March. This conflicts with other teams such as the PG Cougars, Spruce Kings, Cariboo Cougars and UNBC Timberwolves (Basketball) who are in their peak season. In other words, once the novelty wears off, the soccer franchise will take a back seat to more established teams.

 

Familiarity does not breed success… Of the 3,686 total fans for the two exhibition games against Edmonton, many received free tickets as an enticement to go. In other words, that figure is misleading.

 

Unrealistic Expectations…Organizers of those two games last year stated they had lost money and were expecting bigger crowds, especially paid attendance. So, why all the hoopla this time?

  

Participation does not translate in to spectators…Just because soccer is a great participation game that does not necessarily mean that players will become paying spectators. If that was the case in hockey, the Cougars and Spruce Kings, would be filling their building, despite have lousy teams.

 

Competition is vital….If the team does not win enthusiasm will drop quickly. It is hard to imagine PG will field a highly competitive team, especially in the early stages.

 

Lack of entertainment dollar. Yes, prices may be reasonable, but a family of four will have to be prepared to pay over $50 per game once one counts the popcorn, pop, and peanuts. That may not seem like much, but in a tough economy with many looking for work, every dollar counts.

 

There certainly is not a downside to having the CMISL in town. If one is enthused, there is an opportunity to support it. If one does not care, that person will continue to lead a life without it. In my estimation, based on 30 years sports experience in this city, the long-term viability of a pro soccer team will have difficulty succeeding in Prince George.

 

Here is hoping I am giving the “boot” to my prediction.

 

 

 

Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California (www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com)

At a KISS concert in Boston, a fan told authorities that she felt "something warm" on her leg before she realized a man was urinating on her. The most amazing part; he was on the stadium floor and she was in the upper deck.

Comedy writer Jerry Perishohttp://monologuewriter.blogspot.com/

 

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