Host USA – Home Field Advantage For USMNT?

Copa America 2024 in USA: Does That Actually Mean Home Field Advantage?

With the 2024 Copa America set to kick off on June 20th in the United States, questions about homefield advantage for the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) have arisen. Historically, the USMNT has faced challenges in garnering support, both in stadium attendance and viewership at sports bars, pubs, and restaurants. As the tournament approaches, it remains to be seen whether playing on home soil will provide the much-needed boost for the team and its fan base.

The Challenge of Rallying Support

In recent years, the USMNT has struggled to attract large crowds to its matches. This was evident when Christian Pulisic, one of the team’s star players, expressed his disappointment with the turnout of American fans after a friendly match against Morocco. “I’m not super happy with the amount of Americans here,” Pulisic told ESPN, reflecting a sentiment that has echoed across several games.

Despite playing at home, the game against Morocco saw only 19,512 fans in a stadium with a 26,000 capacity. Many of these fans were there to support Morocco, not the USMNT. The low turnout was not entirely surprising given the factors at play.

Pricing Out the Fans

One significant barrier to attendance is the cost of tickets. For the Morocco match, tickets were priced between $60 and $160 before fees, making it expensive for many fans. This issue is not new; fans have long felt priced out by the U.S. Soccer Federation, which sets ticket prices for all home games. Even for critical World Cup qualifiers, which tend to sell out, the high cost remains a deterrent for many.

The game against Morocco, held on a weekday night in Cincinnati, was an exhibition match with lower stakes compared to World Cup qualifiers. Coupled with the forecast of rain and a lack of buzz due to the unusual timing of the World Cup in November, the lower attendance was predictable.

The Impact of Frequent Matches in the Same Locations

Another factor is the frequency with which the USMNT plays in certain locations. Ohio, for instance, hosted four USMNT games in eight months. With two World Cup qualifiers in Columbus and another in Cincinnati, local fans have had ample opportunities to see the team. The decision to return to Cincinnati was more about utilizing FC Cincinnati’s facilities than drawing in fans, which further affected attendance.

The Enthusiasm of Visiting Fans

In contrast, Moroccan fans showed up in large numbers, celebrating their team’s first match in the US in 16 years. They gathered in Washington Park before the game, engaging in festivities and displaying a level of enthusiasm and passion that was noticeably higher than that of the American fans present.

Looking Ahead to Copa America

As the US prepares to host Copa America, the USMNT and its supporters face both challenges and opportunities. The tournament provides a significant platform for the team to play in front of home crowds and potentially draw in new fans. However, to truly capitalize on this opportunity, several factors need to be addressed.

Making Matches Accessible

First and foremost, ticket pricing needs to be reevaluated to make matches more accessible to a broader audience. Lower ticket prices could help fill stadiums and create a more energetic and supportive environment for the USMNT. Additionally, marketing efforts must be ramped up to generate excitement and engagement among potential spectators, particularly those who may not traditionally follow soccer closely.

Engaging Local Communities

Hosting matches in diverse locations across the country, rather than repeatedly in the same cities, can help tap into new fan bases. By bringing games to regions that don’t often get to see the national team play live, US Soccer can build a more widespread and dedicated following.

Enhancing the Fan Experience

Improving the overall fan experience is also crucial. Creating fan zones, organizing pre-game events, and providing opportunities for fan interaction with players can enhance the appeal of attending games. Building a sense of community and belonging among fans can foster greater loyalty and support for the team.

Leveraging Star Power

Players like Christian Pulisic, who have a significant following and influence, can play a key role in engaging fans. By actively involving players in promotional activities and community outreach, US Soccer can leverage their star power to attract more fans to the stadiums and to watch games on various platforms.

Exciting Matchups Across the Country

This year’s Copa America will feature USMNT matches in a variety of iconic venues across the United States, providing a fresh opportunity to engage fans nationwide. The first game for the USMNT will be against Bolivia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Known for its immense size and modern facilities, AT&T Stadium offers an excellent opportunity to draw a significant crowd.

Following this, the USMNT will face Panama at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. This state-of-the-art venue is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and has a strong track record of hosting major sporting events. The final group stage match for the USMNT will be against Uruguay at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Kansas. Arrowhead is known for its passionate fan base and could provide a raucous homefield advantage if American fans turn out in force.

Conclusion

As the Copa America 2024 approaches, the USMNT has a prime opportunity to turn the tide and build a stronger homefield advantage. Addressing the issues of ticket pricing, location diversity, and fan engagement will be critical in achieving this goal. With the right strategies in place, playing on home soil could indeed become a significant advantage for the team, transforming the support landscape and setting a new standard for soccer enthusiasm in the United States.