It was a big weekend for Major League Soccer and national television. Games on NBCSN, ESPN and of course the NBC Mothership. The NBC went up against football on multiple networks, so it will be interesting to see if the ratings improve over prior network disappointments. The soccer was also somewhat lacking from an attractiveness standpoint, but these games are important for MLS and the expansion of its brand.
On to attendance. The week started in Kansas City on Friday night from Kansas City, Kansas. Sporting hosted Philadelphia in a match with significant implications for the playoff race in the Eastern Conference. In the stands, it was yet another sellout for Kansas City, with more than 19k in the stands. Just under 16k in Toronto at BMO Field, as the poor numbers continue for the League’s first MLS franchise.
On the West Coast, Vancouver managed a fantastic 21k sellout despite a disappointing performance on the field. The Revs also came off the field unhappy, but their remarkable attendance swings continue as there were more than 20k in the stands on Saturday night in Foxboro. The team’s annual college promotion brought big numbers out to Gillette. Chicago also fell short on the field, but there was a solid 18k plus in the stands at Toyota Park. Portland managed yet another sellout, this time on national television.
There were two late games on Sunday, on in Dallas and the other in Seattle.
