I have a press pass that I seldom use. Being in the press box is not being at a game. Being with the crowd is like being part of the texture of something. I even have a CD of songs sung at games in Europe. When I am forced to sit at home to watch a game, on goes the CD. It is not like being there, but it is better than being alone at home watching a game.

I mention all of this because I feel that people are not inclined to go out and watch other people play soccer. As a nation we seem more interested in watching our own children play and not watch other people. The other people may be older, more experienced and fun to watch, but ignored by the younger players and their families.

I would encourage young players, and their families to go to games and support soccer by doing so. Of course it is also assumed that the games will teach players more about the game and how it is played.

Are we doing enough of this?

On Sunday, July 8, 2001, the New York Times had a small article in the sports section. The headline read, "Michigan State Suspends Sales." It seems that on October 6th of this year Michigan State will play Michigan in an outdoor hockey game. Ticket sales were suspended when they reached 61,000. The remaining ten thousand tickets will be reserved for the Michigan fans. That means 71,000 seats will be sold to watch an outdoor hockey game. That blew my mind. Think of that. Imagine all those people watching a hockey game. Outdoors. In October.

What are we doing wrong in soccer? Where are the crowds? Why no audience? Are people charging too much? The hockey game seats ranged from $10 to $18. Are the soccer games being played on the wrong day? The wrong time of day? The wrong place?

I have no answers, but the sale of 71,000 hockey tickets really got to me. What do we in soccer need to do? We must do better. What are 71,000 people telling us? Let it sink in-71,000. That will be some game. I guess.

Alan Maher

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