Miami FC moving derby vs Tampa Bay Rowdies to smaller venue
It's a good move
Miami FC has moved its April 11th clash with the Tampa Bay Rowdies to FIU Soccer Stadium. Officlally the club has cited “scheduling reasons” for the move - but let’s be real, this is a good move for soccer reasons.
The intimate soccer-specific natural grass venue has hosted many major events, including the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, NPSL National Semifinals and the NCAA Tournament. Work has already begun on the venue to provide additional seating and premium options for fans in preparation for the upcoming USL Championship matches.
While the Rowdies have a had a legitimate home field advantage with the smallish Al Lang Stadium in Downtown St Petersburg, both the Fort Lauderdale Strikers (Lockhart) and Miami FC (FIU Football Stadium) have faced their instate rivals at large cavernous stadiums which at most were a third full.
Playing at FIU Soccer Stadium should create an atmosphere and ticket premium for what should be the signature match of any Miami FC season.
KK do you know what the stadium size is for FIU Soccer Stadium.. And could you see this move as a permanant move?