The MLS Fire are looking for 150 "well-heeled soccer fans willing to plunk down at least" $6,500 annually to watch games from a new luxury club, according to Robert Channick of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. Modeled after "premium seating available at European soccer stadiums, the Second Star Club will offer valet parking, a private dining room and bar and exclusive box seating at midfield." Still under construction with an estimated cost of $2M, the "luxury club will replace" eight of the 48 suites at Toyota Park, and will be "available for most of the Fire's" 17-game home schedule. Packages range from $6,500 per year for a three-year membership up to $7,500 for one year. The team is "hoping to bring in upward" of $1M per year in annual memberships, which "should more than offset revenue losses" from the eight luxury suites, which lease for between $20,000 and $35,000 each per year. Fire President Julian Posada said that "on average," three or four suites "remain unsold each game." Posada said that the "new club has set its target opening date" for April 28, the third home game of the season. The team "expects to recoup its investment over several years." MLS Real Salt Lake first introduced the concept into the league three years ago with its "Strong 100 Lions Club at Rio Tinto Stadium." RSL this year sold 96 memberships in pairs at $7,500 per seat. RSL Dir of Premium Seating & the Strong 100 Lions Club Patti Benson said, "We are completely sold out. It is literally a club. We travel to away games together. They network with each other. It's a buffet with an open bar. It's just fun" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 3/8). The Fire will also "host hospitality events for Fire corporate partners and season ticket holders" at the Second Star Club. Membership will "also include Second Star access for all concerts and events at Toyota Park" (Illinois DAILY HERALD, 3/8).
