Drew Carey, Pubs & the MLS

Happy birthday to Soccer-Point blogger, Otto Gol! As an inexpensive birthday gift to him, Soccer-Point is posting this video of the new Price is Right host, raconteur & soccer enthusiast Drew Carey. This video shows him arriving at a local Seattle pub to announce his participation in the ownership of the Seattle expansion MLS team, Seattle FC.

This is where MLS has the chance to trump most other pro sports in America. If you can connect to the average fan sitting in their local, then you’ve established a strong local connection that will never fade.

Drew Carey’s a great face for soccer in this country because he’s just so darn American. His enthusiasm for the sport is American. His humor is American. He’s the perfect fan ambassador.

Our FC Dallas would be wise to make these kinds of connections locally as well. I don’t know if the Hunt Sports Group folks understand that well enough. Their pedigree is an NFL one. And what works for the NFL might not fit the MLS.

So here’s more free advice for the Hunt Sports Group folks looking to improve season ticket sales. Host evenings at Trinity Hall, the Dubliner, the Londoner, the White Rock Sports Bar, the 1^st & 10, Fox Sports Grill, etc. You can meet the fans in person. Send the GM. Send Steve Morrow. Send whomever. But start meeting the fans in the places where they’re likely to be found: barstools. Give out bumper stickers, t-shirts, & schedule magnets. Make them feel like they're part of the team.