From Reuters,
Mexico's national soccer team not only retained their continental Gold Cup crown but in the past three weeks have also made their mark as one of the most successful sports brands in North America. In their six games at different venues across the United States, Mexico attracted an average attendance of 71,500 fans including the 93,000 who turned out at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday.
However, the support on Saturday was not unique to El Tri. In each of their Gold Cup matches, regardless of the opponent, Mexico has been the virtual home team.
"It's an unbelievable feeling, we have some many Mexican fans in the United States and we have to say thanks for all the support we get," said Manchester United striker Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, fast becoming a global name in the sport.
The attendance is great to see, but what is really fascinating is that the Mexico National Team pushed the ratings for Spanish speaking channel, Univison, towrds the top of the U.S. ratings. The final, which Mexico won 4-2, attracted an average audience of 8 million throughout the broadcast -- in Spanish.
Michael Hitchcock of Texas-based Playbook Management International, who specialize in soccer business in North America commented on Mexico's draw by stating,
"They are selling out stadiums, selling jerseys, selling sodas, selling beers -- anyway you look at it they are a money-making machine because the fans are so passionate."
[All reporting credit goes to Reuters and Simon Evans]
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