Quote:
Originally Posted by DirtyMike
Maybe I'm misunderstanding what you mean by "at or near the top" but I see no way that Calgary is near or at the top of the largest cities in Canada and the United States in 8-10 years.
I can't see Calgary ever getting an MLS team. Calgary sports fans are notoriously fickle, and besides the Stamps and Flames, no other teams have gotten any major support. Even those two have gone through some pretty lean times in the last 15 years.
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I said at or near the top
30.
Calgary is already in the top 40 of single municipalities in Canada/US, 10 years is a long time frame, I don't think this years economic conditions will be the only factor that influences Calgarys growth over that time.
If Calgary isn't within a few spots of #30 on the list of largest municipalities in Canada/US in ten years come find this post and rub it in my face.
The idea of Metro areas is a good point. But the US being more dense makes a difference there too. Calgary is the Largest city within a 12-13 hour drive in any direction, and there are only 1 or 2 other large cities within that bubble. So I would argue our sphere of influence is much bigger than a place like the twin cities with Chicago, and KC a few hours away. For that reason I think comparing metro areas is less important for a place like Calgary, and looking at Calgary as one of the 38 largest municipalities in English North America says allot.
Mexico is a good point too, The MLS looks at a Mexican division could be one of biggest challenges to Calgary getting a team, it would open up a bunch of big markets with better soccer cultures that Calgary.