The Houston Dynamo won the US Open Cup and made a deep Leagues Cup run and somehow half of Houston didn't notice. MLS has an attention problem in this city.
What's changed:
- Shell Energy Stadium downtown is a legitimate venue. The atmosphere when it's full is on par with any sporting event in Houston. The supporter section behind the goal is LOUD.
- The roster has actual quality now. The front office spent real money on attacking talent instead of recycling MLS retreads.
- Hector Herrera brought Liga MX credibility. The Mexican-American fanbase in Houston finally has a reason to show up.
The attendance problem:
- Average attendance is around 18,000. That's solid for MLS but the stadium holds 22,000. The empty upper sections are visible on TV.
- Houston has one of the largest soccer-playing populations in the country. The disconnect between youth soccer participation and Dynamo attendance makes zero sense.
How to get into it:
- Tickets start at $25. Parking in EaDo is free on side streets if you walk 10 minutes.
- The supporter groups (Texian Army, El Batallon) are welcoming to newcomers.
- Friday night games are the best atmosphere. Saturday 7pm in July is miserable — the humidity at Shell Energy Stadium will ruin your shirt.
Source: MLS attendance data, Houston Dynamo FC official site
I played club soccer in Katy growing up. Every kid in that league should be at Dynamo games. The pathway from youth to pro is right here in Houston.