http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/Comparing-Four-NFL-Games.html
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703843804575534102219239786.html

I happened to find myself in Holland during the Euro Cup – when a young Dutch team went to the final. It was literal bedlam. People were turning over boats (yes boats – or capsizing I suppose) prior to the game. While we were not able to acquire tickets – the town (Amsterdam) was writhing with enthusiasm. I have never seen anything like it – Phillies WS or Eagles Super Bowl trips or celebrations…

There is something lost with the MLS that is possibly gained with the Euro or World Cups. Imagine The Eagles playing for 4 years straight – just to have the opportunity to get eliminated in one game. That is a lot of build up…

Soccer is unpopular in America because Americans like rebirth and second-chances – things not found usually in the international games. In Baseball, there is (seemingly always) another day – in Golf, another shot, another round. America thrives on the notion of a “second-chance” – thus in Football there are 4 chances to succeed.

I think the American audience craves speed – thus the success of Football and Nascar. Sports like Baseball (once a spectator sport) and Soccer get lost. The EPL plays 38 games per team – roughly once a week. If your team is good – then you get more games to play in various invitational tournaments ranging throughout Europe – potentially playing 2-3 games per week in multiple countries – stakes continually rising. The travel alone would be exhausting for a professional athlete. The wonderful thing about the English soccer system is the notion of promotion/relegation. For instance – if the Pittsburgh Pirates finish last in MLB they are demoted – while the best team from the “farm system” is promoted to the majors. It is what allows small-market cities (which are littered through Europe) to be equitable as sports franchises.

b.