Franchise Notes
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Sounders On Their Way To Setting An
Attendance Record In First MLS Season |
In Seattle, Greg Johns reported the Sounders are on their way to "setting an attendance record in its first season" in MLS. Tomorrow's game against DC United marks the halfway point for the team's home season, and the Sounders have "virtually assured themselves already of breaking the MLS single-season attendance record of 28,916 set" by the Galaxy in the league's inaugural season in '96. The Sounders currently are averaging 29,401 fans, and that number "will go even higher when the team opens up more available seating at Qwest Field starting with its next home game on June 28." Only 18 teams have averaged "more than 20,000 for a full season in the league's previous 14 years and the average league-wide attendance has never exceeded the 17,406" set in '96 (SEATTLEPI.com, 6/15).
TOUGH DRAW: In Sacramento, Bill Bradley writes the announced attendance for the WNBA Monarchs' home opener against the Storm at Arco Arena was 14,824, but it "seemed closer to 9,500." The announced crowd at Friday's game against the Mercury was 6,438, but "looked closer to 5,000 -- with the upper deck curtained off." Bradley writes the "sad thing is the Monarchs' crowds used to be similar to those of the Kings and were the model for WNBA fan bases." Bradley: "My fear is the rest of the league will be feeling the same pain as the Monarchs this season" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 6/16).
LIONS DEN: In Detroit, Jamie Samuelsen wrote the Lions "can try to create ticket packages and lower prices for families and things like that, but until they win, it will be tough." The team will "try to capitalize on stars like [WR] Calvin Johnson or potential new ones like [QB] Matthew Stafford." But some Lions fans "get so angry that they half expect the Lions slogan to be, 'We were 0-16 last year. We probably won't be much better this year. We'll see you in 2012!'" The goal for the team is to "sell tickets," and they "will continue to try to do so" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 6/12).
GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE: The 49ers and WPS FC Gold Pride as part of a new partnership will exchange a number of assets, including an in-stadium presence at numerous home games and player appearances, as well as shared opportunities for future community-based events (Gold Pride).
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