Kroenke Sports Enterprises Owner Stan Kroenke recently has been a "lightning rod for frustration from fans of the Nuggets, Avalanche and Rapids," but as far as MLS Commissioner Don Garber "is concerned, the Rapids' ownership is as engaged and invested as any in the league," according to Nick Groke of the DENVER POST. Garber yesterday said, "Without a doubt, Jim Martin (Kroenke Sports president and CEO) and Josh Kroenke (Stan's son, Rapids alternate governor) have gotten more focused on giving the team a lot more resources." He added, "They're running on all cylinders. And the staff that's in place is no different than any of the staff at any of our top teams." Groke: "In soccer circles, though, Stan Kroenke is on the hot seat." Kroenke also owns EPL club Arsenal, which currently is "struggling." Ticket sales with the Rapids "are up." The team said that "season-ticket holders have more than doubled to nearly 4,200." The club "is becoming more relevant." Garber said, "This is a better environment (in Colorado) for this discussion than it would have been three years ago." However, he added that the club "needs to grow its fan base and lure a jersey sponsor" (DENVER POST, 3/7).
