In K.C., Diane Stafford notes MLS Sporting KC is “marketing to millennials in a big way” by putting quick response codes on the back of seats at Livestrong Sporting Park. QR codes, the “successor graphic designs to bar codes, are full-on aimed at the baby boom echo.” QR codes at Livestrong Sporting Park “link users to the team website,” and allow fans to “click on the icon, get information and earn affinity points.” Sporting KC VP/Communications Rob Thomson said, “Eventually they’ll be able to order food from their seats.” The team currently has “21 digital properties,” and its IT department “has burgeoned from one member last year to 14” (K.C. STAR, 7/19).
JUST SAY NO: In San Diego, Mark Zeigler reports Chivas USA Jorge Vergara yesterday denied rumors that he is considering relocating the MLS club to San Diego. Vergara said, “Not at all. Completely, 100 percent no.” Vergara earlier this month said, “The first option I was offered from MLS was San Diego. I refused it. I didn’t want to go to San Diego. I wanted to go to L.A., and I’m completely sure, 100 percent, we want to stay in L.A.” Zeigler notes Chivas USA “continues to draw sparse crowds at The Home Depot Center, and the thinking is a new home would get the club out of the Galaxy’s shadow and help establish its own identity” (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 7/19).
THUMB ON THE PULSE: In West Palm Beach, Jonathan Tully reported the Dolphins were the “easy winners” in a recent poll asking local residents "to choose their favorite local pro sports team." The Dolphins “won with 60.2 percent of the vote, far ahead of the Miami Heat, who finished at 20.7 percent.” The Marlins “took third at 6.8 percent, edging past the Florida Panthers at 4.4 percent.” WPS magicJack finished fifth (PALMBEACHPOST.com, 7/18)
