Quote:
Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame
If Okotoks is a better market for pro soccer than Calgary, then we are in serious trouble before we even begin thinking of a CPL team.
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I agree with corporatejay here. I think it speaks more to Calgary as a sports city in general more than towards pro soccer (which Foothills is not). This city is diehard to the Flames, and that's about it. All other sports in this city have a niche market and not much more. Given the complete lack of history with professional soccer in this city it's definitely an uphill battle.
I think a CPL club has the potential to capitalize on the current disgruntled Flames fan base, but the window to do so is very quick, and they actually have to do it by promoting themselves as the anti-Flames (e.g. by not trying to gouge customers, providing a significantly better gameday atmosphere, and actually winning). If they can't, then they just need to look to FC Edmonton's time in NASL as a comparable of how well a CPL club will be supported.
And yes, there is history in an amateur club moving to Okotoks and thriving. Hopefully this is the case for the PDL club, because they will be an important component of a CPL club and could thrive if they work with the community in the same vein as the Dawgs.