New Jersey Transforms into a Mini Buenos Aires for Copa America

Posted : 29 June 2024

Tens of thousands donned Argentina national team jerseys, converging on the MetLife Stadium, a venue known for hosting the New York Giants, concerts by Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift, and soon, the World Cup soccer final in two years.

Despite being a mere five miles west of New York, the journey to MetLife is notorious for its horrendous traffic and lack of public transportation. Coupled with scorching temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius and 90 percent humidity, the trek left many fans in need of medical attention before even witnessing Argentina take on Chile in the Copa America.

Despite these challenges, an impressive crowd of 81,106 filled the stadium, surpassing attendance figures of the most-watched matches in Euro tournament history. In contrast, the USA’s opening game against Bolivia at the AT&T Stadium in Texas drew 47,873 spectators. Although this number is close to the average Euro group stage attendance of around 50,000, it felt sparse in a venue with an 80,000-seat capacity, creating a somewhat lackluster atmosphere.

Throughout the week, American sports channels broadcasted up to five football matches consecutively, highlighting the nation's growing interest in soccer. This surge in viewership, featuring three Euro games followed by two Copa America matches, showcases the increasing popularity of the sport, despite historical indifference. This interest is partly driven by the Copa America being held in the USA, a shift from its usual host countries, offering fans a rare chance to see stars like Leo Messi in action.

As the Copa America unfolds, it serves as a precursor to the World Cup, emphasizing logistical and economic challenges. Lessons learned include the likelihood that the World Cup won't replicate the viral street scenes seen in Germany, not due to a lack of interest but because of factors like geography and stadium capacities. The first round of the Copa America group stage saw an average attendance of 51,592, higher than Euro 2024, but the large NFL stadiums used for Copa games appear less full, highlighting the contrast.

A significant issue contributing to half-empty stadiums, aside from Brazil and Argentina matches, is the American capitalist approach to ticket pricing. Dynamic pricing algorithms drive up costs based on demand, leading to exorbitant prices like $500 for the Argentina-Chile game.

This method maximizes profits but can deter fans and harm the sport's growth, unlike the fixed pricing seen in Europe, which fosters goodwill and brand loyalty. The World Cup will likely sell out regardless of prices, but this profit-driven mindset explains why soccer struggles to gain a stronger foothold in the USA.

The geographical distances between American cities also pose a challenge for World Cup festivities. European fans, accustomed to traveling short distances for tournaments, will face higher travel costs. Additionally, the extreme weather conditions experienced during Copa America, with fans and even referees fainting from heat, raise concerns for the World Cup. Most of the 16 stadiums across the USA, Canada, and Mexico lack roofs, making it crucial to schedule matches during cooler evening hours despite potential time zone inconveniences for European viewers.

Debates about whether the Euros or Copa America is better have been prominent in the USA, with casual viewers finding the Copa more thrilling. The raw passion and chaotic energy of Copa matches captivate audiences, creating an engaging spectacle.

This intensity, despite the lack of tactical sophistication, promises an exciting preview of what the World Cup might bring. Even without the meticulously coordinated street celebrations seen in Europe, the fervor and excitement of the games may overshadow any logistical complaints, offering a glimpse into the future of soccer in the USA.

New Jersey Transforms into a Mini Buenos Aires for Copa America

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