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November 08, 2006
Now that was a Grand Opening!
The Grand Opening party spilled out of the Earthquakes' offices onto the Paseo de San Antonio. Lew Wolff is in the yellow sweatshirt at the center of the photo; A's president Mike Crowley is the tall man to his right. Ronnie Ekelund can be seen near the center of the picture as well. And yes, that's a rockin' four-piece combo at right.
For months now, SSV's board members have been telling everyone about how the people at Earthquakes Soccer, LLC, impress us at every opportunity. Thanks to the amazing Grand Opening celebration they put on last night, we know that there are going to be a lot more people who share that opinion.
The evening was, in a word, magic. It was one of those occasions that people come into with different goals but they all get what they come for. Long-suffering Earthquakes fans had a chance to see the commitment and class of Lew Wolff and company, to catch up with each other after a year, and to sing some songs not sung for just as long. Wolff got a chance to see the unique enthusiasm of Earthquakes fans and came away impressed by both our numbers and our spirit. Local politicians and dignitaries from San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Jose State had the chance to recognize in new ways the opportunity that they have in helping create a permanent home for the soccer community. David Alioto, Earthquakes executive vice president, told us that a number of potential high-level sponsors attended the event and walked away knowing it was something they wanted to be a part of. And the former Earthquakes players who attended got a glimpse of a future they thought would never unfold—Troy Dayak told one of our board members that he had butterflies in his stomach at seeing the Earthquakes flag being flown so proudly again.
There's still a long way to go but this was a fantastic start. Thanks to everyone who came and thanks to Earthquakes Soccer for a memorable kick off.
(Click below for additional pictures.)
Bill Ward of Club Quake and his wife Holly are interviewed by a writer from Sports Illustrated.
The Fairmont provided an amazing array of delicious food, including hot roast beef (below).
Earthquakes executive vice president David Alioto introduced the former players who attended, including Jeff Baicher and Ian Russell.
Lew Wolff spoke briefly to the crowd, explaining that he lost a bet to Alioto because of them. "There are 10 times more people here than I expected," he said.
Posted by Jay at November 8, 2006 10:02 PM
Comments
I wonder if yesterday's announcement by the 49ers that they are likely to move out of Candlestick park and into Santa Clara is an opportunity for the Quakes-to-be to seriously consider making Candlestick their home. Granted it's a bit big for a soccer stadium, but if nobody's using it, wouldn't it be a natural choice? Also, considering that soccer is quite popular in the extended Bay area that includes Sonoma county, Sacramento, etc., Candlestick is an easier point to get to than San Jose/ Santa Clara.
Posted by: Avis at November 9, 2006 12:24 PM
With that in mind, it will make for some interesting news for some time. There was the parking lot adjacent to AT&T that was considered, but at that time SF was focused on the 49ers.
Also, I don't think Wolff is planning to take over the Stick anytime soon, or put a stadium there. He's looking to be somewhere in the South Bay.
If the 49ers do break ground on the South Bay, and the Quakes can't find anything there--"New" Candlestick might be in the running.
It would have to be elaborate given the weather there! (enclosed soccer stadium to protect from the wind).
And yes, great party yesterday--nice to see a lot of fans, and a group that's committed to the team. :) And to those who didn't make it--missed out on a great time!
(PS: Jay, if the Quakes win the Shield again--we're parading that trophy all over the Bay Area. ;) --N)
Posted by: Hawkeye17 at November 9, 2006 02:38 PM