NoGoal, as a parent I would prefer to play an event at Silverlakes over a San Diego Surf event. Here are my reasons why...you may have a different opinion, but do not tell me that I am wrong. It is my opinion and it has been echoed by many younger parents that I have had the pleasure of meeting.
1. Silverlakes is more centrally located than Turkey Surf. (This is more fact than opinion, but I'm sure you'll say that I am wrong.) There are more elite level teams, as well as more teams in general, located closer to Silverlakes. Why should we have to schlep our families to San Diego over the holiday weekend? It is much better to save the money and sleep in our own beds. Or in your case, under your own rock.
And if there are more elite teams closer to Silverlakes, and the coaches will follow where the elite players are, then why would any elite team elect to go to SD, and force their families to stay in hotels, spending money to eat meals out (when there are plenty of delicious leftovers in the fridge), and pay higher parking fees for a mud filled lot? Right?
2. Much nicer facilities. From concessions to fields to coaches VIP tent, and even the Mercedes golf carts...and when the Fieldhouse is completed, it will be even nicer. That may not be important to you, but plenty of coaches expressed their opinions to me, and guess what, you were way in the minority. To put it another way, the amenities don't hurt.
3. Don't refute my opinions by suggesting that there won't be Thanksgiving Showcases next year because DA will not participate. There will be plenty of high quality college programs looking for the right USYS National League players to round out their rosters. And they will find them at
Silverlakes.
Looking forward to the holidays, and have a Merry Christmas!