I was at the first game and loved it, I really wanted to go to more games but here is why I haven’t:
- Cost. You’re expensive for a first season new team with no pedigree. I can get tickets to the Earthquakes, Sharks, Giants, A’s, and even some Warriors games for not much more than price of your tickets. Yes, the lowest price tickets are $19 but realistically it’s $34+ a ticket as the small $19 sections are at either end and not great seats (they’re… ok). If people have to pick between these teams and an unknown (but very fun) soccer team? Well… it’s predictable.
- Location. Kezar is a pig to get to unless you already live in that part of the city. It’s not so much that it’s hard as it takes forever and if you drive… god help you (parking is expensive and annoying). It’s worse if you’re in the East Bay. It’s possible of course but… it’s a factor, and one that stacks with other issues. This also killed the SF Bulls hockey team at Cow Palace.
- How the stands/crowd control/stalls are run. Everything seemed very dysfunctional and slapdash. Poor signage and staff that weren’t sure where things were. Didn’t make a great impression.
Also, to be honest, SF doesn’t have a good track record with new clubs sticking around — and here you are saying after one season that the same might happen —but it takes time to build a following.
The Deltas are not MLS or EPL, they have no major following — this a multiyear process and I hope you planned around that. This post doesn’t help me feel confident in that but I imagine you’ll see better attendance when people know you’ll stick around longer so they can become attached.
I know I’m thinking about getting season tickets for next year. I like having a good local(ish) club, but you’re not old enough for this pretense that you deserve high attendance yet.
