Why you should catch an MLS game
Even if Lionel Messi isn't playing
Earlier this year, I went to my first Major League Soccer (MLS) game and the experience far exceeded my expectations and I will DEFINITELY be back for more games.
I encourage you to attend an MLS game and bring your family or friends for 3 reasons I'll dive into in this article:
Quality of Play
Affordability
Fan Experience
Quality of Play. The quality of play has increased exponentially over the past 12 months and is proven in 1 player's recent experience (Spoiler alert: not Messi). This player was previously a reserve on the 2021 & 2022 English Premier League champions, Manchester City, coached by Pep Guardiola1. After a brief stint at Middlesbrough (England) in 2023, he jumped back to his home country to play in the MLS in 2024. In back to back weekends early in the MLS season, he faced the World Cup winning French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and then followed up by facing Lionel Messi (aka the GOAT) with respectable results in both matches (3-2 win vs LAFC2, 2-2 tie vs Inter Miami3).
Who is the player? Zack Steffen, the goalkeeper for the Colorado Rapids4. The World Cup champions Hugo Lloris and Lionel Messi are at the tail end of their impressive careers (age 37 and 36, respectively), but Zack Steffen is just 29 years old. Steffen’s arrival is part of a larger wave of talent coming into the MLS bringing experience from top-tier leagues.
Affordability. For only $60 per ticket, I attended the Colorado Rapids vs LAFC game this season with 2 friends and 6 enthusiastic soccer loving kids. The 9 of us were able to select seats together in the 2nd row where we were close enough to hear the players talking to each other and see the action up close (see view from our seats below). We also didn’t pay for parking and had a short walk to the stadium from the parking lot. At the end of the game, I felt like it was worth every penny! (Quick comparison - we recently spent $95 per ticket to sit in the upper level 300 section of a Denver Broncos football game and paid $20 to park 1 mile from the stadium).
Fan Experience. The Colorado Rapids did a fantastic job of creating an exciting atmosphere for all fans. When we were walking into the stadium, Rapids staff took the time to greet each of our kids and help make their first MLS game feel special and exciting.
The Centennial 38, Rapids Supporters Section, constantly pumped excitement into the stadium with their rowdy chanting, rhythmic drumming, and continuous flag waving.
The Rapids players stayed long after the game signing autographs for fans of all ages. After a disappointing 2023 season where the Rapids finished in last place in their conference, their first win at home in 2024 was redemptive and they soaked up every minute with the fans. The newly arrived Zack Steffen was a clear fan favorite and signed well over 100 autographs for supporters (including my starstruck son).
Thanks for reading and hope you can catch an MLS game soon!
If you’ve been to an MLS game, let me know what you thought of your experience in the comments…
Manchester City has had so much talent on their roster that being a substitute is no indicator for lack of skill. For example, Cole Palmer scored 1 goal in 1 appearance for Manchester City in 2023, and then transferred to Chelsea where he was 2nd in scoring in the Premier League with 22 goals. Premier League statistics for 2024 season
Highlights from LAFC at Colorado Rapids Colorado Rapids vs. LAFC | Djordje Mihailovic Brace! | Full Match Highlights
Highlights from Colorado Rapids at Inter Miami Inter Miami CF vs. Colorado Rapids | Messi's Return from Injury | Full Match Highlights
Zack Steffen statistics and player history. Zack Steffen Goalkeeping Statistics