Though MLS' season-ticket sales are up 12%, the future
of the league "depends on whom you talk to, what questions
you ask and which statistics you study," according to Bob
Luder of the K.C. STAR. Season ticket sales increased from
38,860 to 43,423 for the '99 season, and Luder writes that
"while some markets have shown strong vital signs, others
are showing need of life support," as both L.A. and New
England, two key markets, have "suffered an attendance
drop." But Commissioner Doug Logan remains cautiously
optimistic: "I don't deny the fact I have concerns over some
attendance figures in Los Angeles, some in Kansas City and
some in Miami. We're still in the mode of, we'll do
anything we can to get fans in our stadiums. Once they get
in, it's up to the hard work of marketing people, staff and
players and coaches to keep them there" (K.C. STAR, 5/26).
Logan said that 70% of last year's season-ticket holders
renewed this season (AP, 5/26). Logan: "Even though last
week was the final week of the 1999 season ticket drive, as
far as I am concerned the season ticket drive for 2000 began
this week" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 5/26).
