Sounders Will Show USA Game on Screen
Club Reacts to Fan Demands to Support Both Sounders and USA
June 25
Reacting quickly to the incredible events in Bloemfontein, Sounders VP of Business Operations Gary Wright has revealed to Prost Amerika a novel plan to allow Sounders fans, torn between supporting the USA in the Cup Final and cheering on our Sounders, to do both.
At the suggestion of Prost Amerika, Sounders FC moved quickly to accommodate the incredible fan interest in both games. Wright says the club will show the first half of the USA Confederations Cup final live on the big screen to Sounders fans, and then operate a news blackout during the Sounders v Rapids game. After that, fans can remain in their seats and watch the second half of the USA game. An original request to delay kick off entirely fell foul of logistics, but what Sounders has done is give their fans with no interest in the USA side minimal inconvenience, while allowing those with interest in both outcomes the benefit of live sport, and all the entertainment it brings.
Wright told us, “The USA win was certainly great for the sport…..it is just not an easy thing to move games. But here is what we are going to do. We will show the first half in its entirety on the big screen. At halftime we will make an announcement that we will NOT be giving updates or show highlights during the game in deference to those that are taping the game at home. HOWEVER, if you wish to stay and watch the second half following the Sounders FC game, we will show the remainder of the game in its entirety.
In other words, those fans that want to see the game will be able to watch first half live and second half on a delayed basis in the stadium. The idea was a team effort and credit should go to Bart Wiley for coming up with the idea.”
Sunday is sure to be yet another memorable day at Qwest Field, and ensures that the second half of this unique season will start with something a little out of the ordinary just as the first half did. The match kicks off in South Africa at 11.30 am and the screens will be operational then, and you will be allowed in the ground early to see it.
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i agree with sportsnerd,
its a nice gesture but doesnt alleviate the conflict, shoulda delayed 15 min and showed the whole game
Soundersnerd – They will not be interrupting the last 15 minutes. They will show the first half in its entirety live and then stop. Then they will show the second half in its entirety after the Sounders game. It’s a great solution and halftime of the USMNT game will be a natural breaking point.
I appreciate the effort, but it’s not far enough. You mean interrupt the last 15 minutes of the most important game the National team has ever played!?! You mean you can’t manage to delay the kickoff for 15 minutes? ESPN demanded that the Sounders start a half hour early and then didn’t show the game.
I think this is a horrible decision and I hope you manage to just show the last 15 minutes. Think of how psyched the players will be.
Brilliant! My friends and I had been really torn over this. Very classy!
That’s a great solution!…wow, I’m really impressed and happy if this is how it will play out on Sunday
Will the March to the Match be moved up to accomodate the U.S. games?