Corner Kicks & Crosses: Red Bull Arena

Located in Harrison, N.J., Red Bull Arena is accessible to get to via PATH (just stop at the Harrison Station). After the Red Bull GmbH bought out AEG’s $100 million share of the stadium and had its design updated by Rosesetti Architects of Los Angeles, CA, Red Bull Arena will be completed in time for its first game against the Chicago Fire on March 27, 2010. A few weeks ago, I was given a tour of this Soccer-Specific Stadium (SSS) which will seat over 25,000 fans. I immediately fell in love with the place.

In a way, I’m living every sports fans dream of viewing their favorite team’s new home before it’s even open to the Public. The pitch is beautiful and I love the fact that Red Bull Arena is small and comfortable. Its design will help amplify the fan noise level off the charts, something that will affect the opposing teams' concentration.

Red Bull Arena with Juan Pablo Angel

Walking through every seating section of the Arena, I believe every fan will have a good view of the action. Fans will appreciate that there’s a roof in case of rain or snow. The only ones who will have to endure the weather is the players. Although it’s still not completed I can’t help but feel a sense of optimism for the team and Major League Soccer. In any sport, there’s always the argument on who has the best stadium and with the Red Bulls...it’s no contest.

I’m going out on a limb to say that Red Bull Arena is the best SSS in the United States. And unlike Giants Stadium, Red Bull Arena is definitely going to provide a soccer-orientated environment for current and new fans for many years to come.

Red Bull Arena

As stated in their website, Red Bull Arena:

• Close to the action: Seating has been moved closer to the pitch—21 feet from touchline to first row of seats.

• Stadium Roof: A state-of-the-art translucent polycarbonate and aluminum roof structure

• All Seats Covered: All seating is covered from inclement weather.

• Red Bull Arena was redesigned to be more in line with soccer facilities worldwide.

• 2010 Red Bulls Full Season Ticket Plan includes 15 Home Games, two Potential Playoff Games and a Season Ticket Holder Event.

• Source: www.redbullarena.us

Red Bull Arena

As a soccer fan and season-ticket holder, I appreciate the Red Bull organization for purchasing the team when it was known as the Metrostars in 2006. I also appreciate that they’re serious about creating a winning soccer culture in New York and New Jersey as evidenced in their $200 million investment for Red Bull Arena.

In addition, I thank the Red Bulls staff for their professionalism and kindness in giving me a tour of the facility. When it’s all said and done, I believe the Red Bulls are working towards the future.

Red Bull Arena

Along with Red Bull Arena, I expect that both the team and the desire to win will be strengthened. As many have said in the past...in order for Major League Soccer to prosper, the New York team has to be winning. Despite their horrific record this season, the Red Bulls did show some promise for the 2010 season. At home, the Red Bulls finished 5W-6L-4D. In addition, at home they scored 24 goals (remember all season they scored 27) and held opponents to only 20 goals. With 8 games remaining, Richie Williams replaced Juan Carlos Osorio as Head Coach where he finished 3-3-2. In their final home game ever at Giants Stadium, they trounced Toronto FC 5-0.

Dating back to their days as the Metrostars, the Red Bulls have always been a good home team and that should carry on as they play in their new home. With the other New York teams struggling, the Red Bulls have an opportunity to create a buzz. With World Cup Season storming the nation...the 2010 MLS season should not be missed!

Cesar Diaz covers Soccer for Latino Sports (www.latinosports.com). Send Cesar a question or comment for potential use in a future column at [e-mail].