That's The Ticket: StubHub Brings Soccer-Specific Vision To MLS Venue

StubHub, which yesterday announced a naming-rights deal with AEG for the MLS venue in Carson, Calif., will “begin to make its imprint on the facility, with the main focus being the soccer stadium,” according to Phil Collin of the Torrance DAILY BREEZE. However, StubHub Managing Dir of Partnerships & Business Development Geoff Lester said that the company “hasn't yet decided on specifics for changes.” Lester: “We've made a number of trips down there over the past few months. We've held a number of discussions with the venue staff internally, and customers. We asked them what makes the fan experience stand out to you? What would you look for in the best fan-friendly stadium in the world?” MLS Galaxy President Chris Klein said, “One of the most exciting things for me is these guys are soccer fans. They love the sport, they’re committed to the sport.” Collin notes MLS Chivas USA will “remain tenants although they’ve made it clear they are exploring options for a new home.” Lester said, “We’re going to see how we can work with them as tenants in Stub Hub Center. It’s probably worth giving more thought and something we’ll need to look at” (Torrance DAILY BREEZE, 3/5).

SIGN OF THE TIMES: Columnist Kevin Blackistone said at one point, one of the "things that was the bane about sports was people scalping tickets." Blackistone: "Corporations didn't like it. Teams didn't like it. Nobody liked it. You could get arrested for that kind of thing." But StubHub's naming-rights deal shows "how far times have changed." He said, "Everybody is involved in moving tickets to the audience and customers that want them and need them. Good for them, good for everybody growing up on this issue” (“Around The Horn,” ESPN, 3/4).