USA vs. Mexico should be an eye opener for San Antonio leaders

W. Scott Bailey

The April 15 international friendly soccer match between the U.S. and Mexico national teams attracted nearly 65,000 fans to the Alamodome.

The sellout crowd, which converged on downtown San Antonio and eventually the Alamodome for the international friendly soccer match between the U.S. and Mexico mens national teams, created a buzz in this city that rivaled a Fiesta celebration or even a Spurs NBA Finals game.

It was a World Cup environment on a smaller scale, and another reminder of the impact big-time sports can have on a community.

I was fortunate enough to be among the nearly 65,000 fans to get into the Alamodome. I attended as a fan but witnessed as a journalist.

It was loud, colorful and sometimes crazy. That was just during the roughly half-mile walk from the Market Street parking garage to the stadium.

Fans poured out of restaurants, bars and hotels all of them certainly thrilled with the added business between Spring Break and summer vacations.

Andres Muoz, vice president of marketing and communications for the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau, said sports events such as the U.S.-Mexico match attract larger groups of visiting fans who typically stay longer and spend more, seeking an experience beyond the game.

The match was broadcast in multiple countries and generated international attention because of the participants and their historic rivalry. Again, San Antonio was the beneficiary.

The match will definitely help San Antonio gain awareness on a global scale, Muoz said.

Here are some of my takeaways from the event:

San Antonio's soccer strategy: The Alamo City may need to rethink its game plan for securing a Major League Soccer franchise. On paper, it seems logical to try and sell MLS executives on the idea of using San Antonio as a gateway to opportunities and support south of the border. However, it was very clear on Wednesday night that Mexicos attachment to its own soccer teams is very strong. Many of the Mexican fans who were not wearing their national teams jerseys were dressed in Liga MX merchandise.

W. Scott Bailey covers health care, tourism, sports business, economic development; he also plans and edits some special reports.

Source: http://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/news/2015/04/16/usa-vs-mexico-should-be-an-eye-opener-for-san.html