The MLS Dynamo's opening of BBVA Compass Stadium last May "propelled" the team into the top quartile of income generators in the league by "offering a premier corporate entertainment site in southeast Texas and by attracting a club record of 12,000 season-ticket holders," according to Ian Thomson of the N.Y. TIMES. Maintaining the Dynamo's "gloss and burgeoning support is the focus for the club’s front office." Dynamo Exec VP/Business Development Steven Powell said, "You’ve now got a professional soccer team in Houston with a larger season-ticket base and a higher average attendance than the Astros Major League Baseball team and the Rockets NBA franchise. That’s the thing we’re most proud of." The Dynamo's approach to business partnerships has been to "appeal to a restricted group of household names that are given greater value from their investments." Companies such as AT&T, Kroger, Mazda and Statoil "joined BBVA Compass as founding partners" for the stadium last year. Exclusive seating areas have "allowed the Dynamo to maintain cheaper, affordable pricing for general admission seats and concessions." Houston's average attendance "surged 19 percent last year," although club officials have been "disappointed by chunks of empty orange seats at some home games." Powell added, "We think we know some of the reasons for that." He cited "afternoon kick-offs in the searing Texas summer." Day games in June, July and August have been "eliminated from this year’s schedule." Securing a new jersey sponsor is "another issue that the Dynamo is looking to address in the coming weeks." Discussions with potential successors to previous jersey sponsor Greenstar Recycling are "under way" (NYTIMES.com, 3/8).
