In Atlanta, Doug Roberson reported the city's MLS expansion franchise saw a "noticeable increase in season-ticket pledges" on the day the U.S. was defeated in the World Cup Round of 16 by Belgium. The daily average of 31 pledges before the start of the World Cup "jumped to 143 on July 1," the day the U.S. was eliminated. It was the "largest number of pledges since the two-week flurry after it was announced in April" that Falcons Owner Arthur Blank was purchasing an expansion team for Atlanta. The club "sent people to various sites around metro Atlanta to hand out team gifts and compile information in a database" on days either the U.S. or Mexico played. Falcons Exec VP and Chief Marketing & Revenue Officer Jim Smith said, "It was a grassroots way to make MLS Atlanta top-of-mind during the World Cup" (AJC.com, 7/10).
LEAF SPRING: In Toronto, Kevin McGran notes Brendan Shanahan has "officially spent 90 days as president of the Maple Leafs," and aside from having a "hand in the firing" of three assistant coaches, he "hasn't made any significant personnel changes." In fact, it is "remarkable to some" that he kept the front office intact. Shanahan is "taking a different track in his approach to changing the culture of the team, one that preaches patience" (TORONTO STAR, 7/11).
PHONE TAG: In Jacksonville, Andrew Thurlow noted crowds of people gathered at EverBank Field Wednesday night for the Jaguars' "latest promotional giveaway -- and a peek at the team's newly renovated field." The event kicked off with former NFLer Mark Brunell "offering fans 'the trip of a lifetime' to watch" the Jaguars take on the Cowboys at Wembley Stadium on Nov. 9. Those in attendance were given a "preview of the world's largest video scoreboards." Photos of the field's construction "were prohibited, although several guests were seen sneaking phone shots" anyway (BIZJOURNALS.com, 7/10).
