Photo by ISIphotos.com
With every passing year, the format for the MLS All-Star Game seems to continue to be a point of contention among fans and media, but even with that, the 2012 version won't be providing any drastic changes.
While officially awarding this year's game to Philadelphia, the league announced that it will maintain its unique MLS vs. foreign club format for the eight straight year (and ninth out of the last 10). There is no denying that the format has been successful from an attendance standpoint, as each of the last seven games have drawn announced sell-out crowds.
The game against Manchester United in 2010 drew more than 70,000 to Reliant Stadium in Houston, and the confines of PPL Park combined with the fervent fan support in the region practically guarantees that another capacity crowd will be on hand to see the top stars in MLS compete in the July exhibition.
There are some who would argue, though, that the format is a bit obsolete because of all of the summer international friendlies MLS clubs play. In addition to that, some might say that MLS can more than hold its own at this point and doesn't need the lure of a European club to fill the seats with promise of quality entertainment.
In the early days of MLS the league used the typical-American-sports East vs. West format and even tested out a U.S. stars vs. International stars edition in 1998. In an effort to showcase more of the league's players and put less of a dependence on foreign clubs, perhaps it would be appropriate to shift back to either of those two arrangements.
With all that being said, what is your preferred format for the MLS All-Star Game? Cast your vote after the jump:
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How did you vote? Which format do you prefer for the All-Star Game? Do you have a practical idea for an All-Star format that hasn't been explored yet? Do you like the current format and its uniqueness?
Share your thoughts below.