The MLS Wizards were introduced to 2,000 fans Monday at
Arrowhead Stadium at a rally celebrating the Wizards winning
the MLS Cup, according to David Boyce of the K.C. STAR, who
reports that the turnout was so good, "that hundreds of fans
were left outside" looking in (K.C. STAR, 10/17). But
despite the turnout, Jason Whitlock writes that "soccer has
a long way to go in Kansas City." Whitlock adds that soccer
fans "talk loudly," but "carry a little attendance stick,"
as the Wizards averaged just more than 9,000 fans a game
this season, "second-worst" in MLS. Whitlock: "The Wizards
should average 15,000 a game next season, 12,000 would be
acceptable." Wizards Investor-Operator Lamar Hunt said of
the team's attendance next season, "Eight thousand, 6,000,
10,000, that won't get it done" (K.C. STAR, 10/17). A K.C.
STAR editorial states that Hunt "deserves credit for his
enthusiastic support both of the team and of American soccer
in general. With more and more young people playing the
game, Hunt understands soccer's potential in this country.
... After the excitement that the Wizards delivered this
year to their Kansas City fans, many more of them can
understand that potential as well" (K.C. STAR, 10/17).
NOT A TV DRAW: Also in K.C., Jeffrey Flanagan reports
that the Wizards' win "managed to finish only third in the
overnight" ratings among K.C. channel. The Wizards-Fire
game drew a 5 share, while Sunday's Chiefs-Raiders game drew
a 64 share. The Wizards-Fire game also rated behind the
airing of a '94 movie called, "Blank Check," which drew a 6
share in the local market (K.C. STAR, 10/17).
