MARKETING WIZARDS COME TO THE FOREFRONT IN KANSAS CITY

          The MLS Wizards have tripled their advertising budget
     this season "to try and bounce back from a disappointing
     sophomore season attendancewise," according to Bob Luder of
     the K.C. STAR.  The team averaged 12,901 fans in '96, but
     dropped 30% in '97 to 9,058 per game, "the lowest" in MLS. 
     Luder: "Year 3, it would seem, is vital in terms of turning
     that trend around."  The team has hired ad agency Valentine-
     McCormick-Ligiel, and will be "investing heavily" in print,
     radio and TV spots throughout the season.  The Wizards are
     also making a "greater push at having their players appear
     at public functions.  One of the biggest programs joins the
     Midland Dairy Council and sends Wizards to school to
     distribute milk to students."  The team will host "Soccer
     Celebration," a theme park for kids, on game days and title
     sponsor nights at home games (K.C. STAR, 3/26).