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Events and Attractions

Organizers Hope New Austin Soccer Event Makes Impression On MLS

Expansion USL club Austin Aztex and the Univ. of Texas have combined to create the ATX Pro Challenge in an effort to show a "love affair between the city and sport that one day leads" to an MLS franchise, according to Kevin Lyttle of the AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN. The event will take place this weekend at UT's Myers Stadium and will feature the Aztex, DC United, FC Dallas and the Crew, the "first MLS clubs to visit Austin." Aztex CEO Rene van de Zande said, "Our ambition is MLS, so we decided to take a courageous first step." van de Zande added, "We asked ourselves, what would be a good way to wake up the city after the winter sleep? Make fans aware that Austin’s professional soccer team has arrived. Let’s do it big time. Create a high-profile tournament and expose the city to Major League Soccer." Lyttle reported about 2,500 "weekend passes" have been sold, and event organizers "hope for at least 4,000 to 5,000 fans each day." van de Zande did not indicate how much the event costs, but said that it "was a 'substantial investment,' and that he expects to lose money on the first one." The matches will be the first ones in Aztex history, and coach Paul Dalglish said, "In an ideal world, we would have started easier. But you have to understand the importance of this event to the organization. It’s a showcase for the city of Austin, a marketing vehicle for the team." van de Zande said, "If this city is interested in having the MLS in its future, people should turn out" (AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 2/9).

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