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"If you don't like the way the Rapids are running things, then don't give them your money!" I cannot tell you how many times I've heard folks say that to me and other Rapids fans who lament the current form of play and the perceived direction the Rapids are going. Yes, I'm a season ticket holder, firmly ensconced in Section 121 of the South Stands with some of my children, watching intently our Rapids through thick and through thin. We cheer, we boo the refs (not the players--more on that later), we live and die with every cross and every corner. We wear our Rapids' gear (thank you, Ross Dress for Less, for providing top notch Rapids gear at low, low, 70-90% off low prices), complete with hats, scarves, jackets, and (when necessary) blankets.
We're all in, through thick and thin.
Through highs and lows, to the Park we go!
So, is the answer to quit spending money on the Rapids? Will this really help the situation? Let's play that scenario out.
- Suppose all the season ticket holders and regular attenders decided to quit coming to the games. That's around 10,000 people not paying (and, yes, that number may be large). This will catch the attention of all parties involved. This protest will speak volumes, until...
- Obviously, we have less fans in the seats. Wow, that will speak volumes not only to the front office and ownership, but to MLS.
- We will have less revenue come in to help bring in players to improve the team. Yes, players are paid. And all of us want quality players on the roster (remember the excitement of Luis Solignac and Kevin Doyle coming on board?), and that will cost money to make happen. But where will the money come from? "Well, Kroenke Sports Entertainment." No it's won't come from there, because..
- KSE will be less likely to support a floundering team that has no fans and, thus, no revenue. Much ink has been spilled about the frugality of the Rapids ownership and front office. Sure, some clubs tie up all their salaries into one or two class players--but the Rapids aren't that type of club. They've opened the pursestrings more, for sure, especially now that TransAmerica is on-board as a sponsor, bringing in great revenue. But, if fans aren't in the seats, then...
- We will lose sponsors--and thus lose more revenue. Sponsors want exposure--but with fans staying home, no exposure comes, and sponsors will move elsewhere.
- We will then lose the Colorado Rapids. "What? Why you going all doomsday on us?" Because it's possible, if you take the logical route of staying home and not spending money. And friends, let me tell you, there's a difference between having a team that's in bad form but has some hope of improvement, than to have no team at all.
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