DC United’s Marketing Effort to get Butts in the Seats for the US Open Cup Final

All this points to horrid ticket sales or interest. Why else would you more then half the ticket price, give a ton away, and slash beer prices. If the storm did that here i may go just to drink for cheap. Manufactured interest to say the least.

I wish they were desparate enough to subsidize airfare for Seattle fans wanting to go….

In the end I will look back and thank Adrian for making the comments he did, b/c looked at what it spawned.

Where were all these “fans” you have last year Seattle guys? You reek of smug.

Fans or customers?

Gary B. Reply:
August 27th, 2009 at 7:54 pm

Are you a “fan” when your FO has to beg you to attend a championship match?

It’s true that DC is pulling out the stops to get fans to the game, but this post reeks of true arrogance. How about just supporting your team and being good sports?

SUCK IT SOUNDERS!!!!!!!!!!

At least DC wins some shit.

“Where were all these “fans” you have last year Seattle guys? You reek of smug.
Fans or customers?”

Exactly.

FUCK THE SOUNDERS!
cool you guys have more fans come to your games, but last time I checked you don’t win a trophy for having the most fans.
get ready to get raped by DC.
hopefully kasey keller won’t suck nate jaqua’s dick before the game
FUCK THE SOUNDERS!

yamsmos Reply:
August 27th, 2009 at 11:43 am

well thought out and well said

Mike Reply:
August 27th, 2009 at 11:46 am

ha ha ha ha

Mark Reply:
August 27th, 2009 at 2:59 pm

No, there is no trophy for the most fans.

But, if a DC wins alone in a forest does it make a sound?

Such cute little trolls.  So we should count on roughly 10 people at the game?  These 5 plus their girlfriends/sisters?

Great what Seattle is doing, and hope 10 years from now still selling out.

But you sound like the smug rookie in the locker room. 

But $12 tickets made it worth my while to take a day off and the 3 hour trip to go see the game!! Thanks for Seattle!!

Aaron you can expect your mom to be there, ill bring here there after I bang her

Ha ha ha… I’m a DC supporter and you bring up a great point. Especially with the INITIAL pricing that DCU did for the Final.

Let’s be honest, the reality is that DC and Payne didn’t care. They probably had some shenanigans w/ USSF to get the match. THEN, they called out by Seattle, and Payne is like “OH SHIT!”

He’s doing his best to get all hands on deck. I applaud the front office for doing what they can to get people to RFK, but it is pitiful that we are doing this out of a reaction and to, save face.

Mike Reply:
August 27th, 2009 at 11:40 am

I think Bethesda Boy may be onto something…

Kevin Payne could not see this because he’s blinded by the glare from his four MLS championship rings and all the championship trophies in their display case. Good luck Seattle, you will need it. I hope D.C. United keeps their foot on the gas up 3-0 late in the game and slips in a 4th goal to shut Seattle up once and for all. Later, losers.

yamsmos Reply:
August 27th, 2009 at 11:48 am

he couldn’t see it as he was part of the committee to figure out where this game should be played.

if DC win they should * the trophy with their home and away record for the cup the last few years. *8-0 at home and ‘fortunately’ we didn’t have to play an away game”

Sam Malone Reply:
August 27th, 2009 at 11:58 am

They just play where they’re told. Sorry you folks didn’t get the game. The Front Office needs to quit whining. Make a solid case for hosting next year by winning it this year.

Sam Malone Reply:
August 27th, 2009 at 12:13 pm

Sorry if I came across as a d*ck in my earlier post. Good luck next Wednesday. WTF are we arguing about this for, we’re all about making the sport and league succeed in the US. So no more smack talk from me.

Dear DC United fans, how come there weren’t even 9,000 fans for your Champion’s League match vs. Toluca?

funny thing is that more of us dc fans care about this post than sounders fans do sofar…

BenOlson4EVA Reply:
August 27th, 2009 at 11:49 am

We all listened to the @DCUnited tweet for help!

How many fans per a match were the Sounders averaging in its previous US Open Cup matches this year?

Mike Reply:
August 27th, 2009 at 12:00 pm

At Starfire, where the original capacity is 4,100…

Play-in (RSL) 3,890

Play-in (COL) 4,107

Quarter (KC) 4,352

Semi (HOU) 4,895

Gary B Reply:
August 27th, 2009 at 12:05 pm

This question is a non-starter as we played at Starfire Complex which is limited to just over 4k peeps, which sold out each match.

Flounders suck baby dick
How trophies have u won anyway? hmmmmmm…none
DC will trash Seattle regardless

Hey DC, how’s they playoff picture looking for you guys?

Your history is nice.  Whatcha doing now?

Arun Reply:
August 27th, 2009 at 12:03 pm

we were close to 4000 in a 3500 capacity stadium and more than 1500 for our away game. whats your point?

PrimeTime Reply:
August 27th, 2009 at 12:10 pm

Danger Nut how you talkin shit bout DC when Seattle is strugglin just as much

ATTN SEATTLE FANS:

YOU GUYS TALK A LOT OF SHIT BEING A ROOKIE! YOU ALL MUST WIN B4 TALKING SHIT!
WE DCU FANS HABE BEEN SUPPORTING OUR TEAM FOR 14 YEARS( YES ALL 10 OF US) AND WE HAVE ACOMPLISHED WHAT NO OTHER AMERICAN TEAM HAS OR WILL EVER ACCOMPLISH!! BEFORE YOU ALL BECAME AN MLS TEAM YOU HAD 5K IN THE STANDS TO SUPPORT THE SOUNDERS … THOSE ARE YOUR REAL FANS… SEATTLE HAD AN AWESOME MARKETING WHEN THEY JOINED MLS.. $200 SEASON TICKETS FREE SCARVES FOR EVERYONE .. I MEAN COME ON EVERYONE NEEDS TO MARKET TO HAVE BUTTS IN THE STANDS… GOING BACK I LITTLE BIT ALL OF THOSE BANDWAGON FANS THAT YOU ALL HAVE WONT BE THERE IF THE TEAM LOOSES OR FAILS AND LOTS OF THEM ARE THERE JUST TO SAY WE ARE FANS!! I TRULY HOPE YOU CAN FILL YOUR STADUIM FOR
YEARS AND YEARS AND CAN BE AS SUPPORTIVE AND PASSIONATE AS WE ARE!! BUT KNOW THAT TO MATCH DC UNITED FANS AND TO MATCH DC UNITED AS A TEAM YOU ALL HAVE A REALLY REALLY REALLY LONG WAY TO GO!!! YOU ARE STILL INFANTS COMPARED TO US!!! SEE YOU ALL NEXT WEDNESDAY!!

Gary B Reply:
August 27th, 2009 at 12:07 pm

Before DC came into the league at its inception, you had no fans, those are your real fans… nobody.  BTW, I paid $800 dollars for my season tickets and I had already bought my scarf.

Brad B Reply:
August 27th, 2009 at 12:11 pm

I paid alot more than $200 for each of our season tickets.  Granted it was Seahawks price $48 for nose bleed seats. An there  aren’t a lot of Cheap tickets.  Check out the pricing at Qwest field.

Brad B Reply:
August 27th, 2009 at 12:13 pm

I meant….Granted it was NOT Seahawks prices $48 for nose bleed seats.

It is interesting to note that Star Fire sold out for the Seattle vs Houston game and those were $20 tickets ( I think it was over 5,00 tickets sold).  It is true that the NW has been known to have the largest soccer population in the US.  But, what concerns me the most is the brash language that some are choosing to use.  I prefer not to hear it from Sounders fans.  Which it sound like it is DC fans that are using the language (and I know it isn’t all of the DC fans that talk this way).  Those of you who act like this set the bar VERY LOW for fans.  I know that both teams are good and both have shown that they can either rise to the occasion or choke.  For fans, keep running your mouth like that and you will chase away more fans then come to watch.  Please grow up and act like adults.  Some good ribbing is fun, but be mature.

steve-o Reply:
August 27th, 2009 at 4:41 pm

DC fan here.  Thanks for the common sense.

I hope Seattle continues to draw this well in a decade or so. 

If memry serves. Seattle’s bid had the game on in the afternoon.  DC’s had it at night.  TV dictated this one fellas.  Everyone take a chill pill.

Ugh, I didn’t even read it – Seeing a full paragraph in caps lock is like being blinded by stupid…

how bout my comment it was nice and short for you aaron just in case ill write it again

Aaron you can expect your mom to be there, ill bring here there after I bang her

No doubt Barra Brava… no one can deny your passion and support but why the marketing push for this one game?

Brad B I second your thoughts . . . . I don’t think I’ve ever seen such childish language on this site!  I hope for a great and challenging match, hope they sell out and there’s a good showing on both sides for fans,  and we’ll see who in the end takes the cup home.  Awesome to support your team whichever it may be, but if the only way you can do that is by badmouthing others, I’d rather not hear it.
Go Sounders!

Wow!  Really wish I was flying to DC with the rest of you all… this is more than interesting…

Come on you Sounders!

Looks like the entire fan base of DC United checked in on this thread. Hope the three of you enjoy the game.

Got to say that I’m just a bit embarassed by some of the United fans comments. Sounders fans – Don’t let this mislead you.
Comparing our projected attendance at the Open Cup Final to the attendance at the CCL match last night is the same as comparing a Sounders regular season match to an Open Cup match. Apples and oranges. We had 8,000 in attendance last night because it wasn’t part of any of the season ticket packages, and because interest in the CCL matches are understandably low (the fans take it about as seriously as the coaches do…)
I’m guessing we have around 20K for the Final next week. Hope to see lots of you there too. Bring your earplugs because we will sing louder. (just hoping for no violence)

Mark Reply:
August 27th, 2009 at 2:55 pm

Hoping for no violence?

DC, I want you to realize that we already have too many rivalries.  Sorry, you won’t be another.  No hard feelings, but we have enough teams close to us that already are our rivals.  So, if you are trying to stir up some anger, sorry, we already have enough on our plates.

But hey!  I am excited you are reading a Sounders blog, come back again and often. You might as well learn from the biggest fan support in the MLS.

steve-o Reply:
August 27th, 2009 at 4:44 pm

it was in the season ticket package.  Special Game E.  I know because I have season tickets, and was there.

The list of other teams’ supporters who have trolled various Sounders websites continues to grow….

If you don’t like the information/opinion you’re reading on this site, then don’t read it. Just click the X in the upper righthand corner.

steve-o Reply:
August 27th, 2009 at 4:46 pm

trolled Sounders websites.? how about fans of soccer looking at websites for info on the game they love.  many fans of other teams “troll” United websites and NYRB sites.

is it just me, or is anyone else entertained by Primetime’s posts, despite his constant uses of ad hominem and appeal to emotion. It’s ok tho Prime, keep on posting….

Most of this argument is ridiculous, but I am glad to see it.  One thing MLS has been lacking – and I’m sure some of you diehards will argue with me – is real rivalries.  There has been bad blood between teams here and there, but nothing that has lasted as far as I can tell.  This spat between DC and Seattle will help MLS interest and attendance, I think, because there’s bragging rights involved.  I hadn’t planned on going, but do to the increased vehemency coming from Seattle’s front office, I think I may just head up to DC and enjoy some soccer with a nice $2 pint.  Cheers.

Seattle, 
The league is happy for your success this year, but quit acting like the whiny freshmen that walk around my campus thinking they own everything just because they showed up. Earn your stripes. Show some longevity. Win some trophies. Then you can talk. 

Joe Reply:
August 27th, 2009 at 2:23 pm

We’re talking amongst ourselves here and there’s no harm in that.

If you don’t like it, leave.

As you obviously know, the only people that will see this are seattle fans, and DC fans because of the idiots on DC’s twitter thinking that they will generate even more interest.  While that kinda works, the people of the area want something new.  Which was the hockey team last year and the baseball team a few years ago.  The hockey effect is still coming.  Once DC actually has a stadium it will fill up the seats.  But until then, the general sports fan goes to something new, such as.. I dont know, a MLS franchise that half of seattle can jump on the bandwagon of.  DC needs to do such things as create adds like this for a bit more interest.  And you will obviously point out the stupidity of it, only increasing the likelyhood of more people going to the game. 
Anyway, I’d like to see your team generate a packed stadium in 10 years.  Though even then the whole concept of soccer in America’s eyes will have changed from what it is today.  Btw, when you had your USL team your average attendance was around 3000 people who somehow fit into a stadium for 2000 people.  Either there is a lie in how many people came to games, or you didn’t pack the house.  Thats leaves about 29000 people who used to not be fans that now go to your games.  Bandwagon.  You are one horrible Seahawks season away from being replaced by a seahawks draft pick as the next best thing.

Gary B. Reply:
August 27th, 2009 at 7:48 pm

What irritates me about the people who bring up A-League attendance is that they love to point that out as if another league’s soccer franchise has some bearing on MLS and we have to eat humble pie because of it, but we don’t get any credit for winning four USL/A-League championships since 1995… the same number of championships as DCU and in the same time frame.  Against already established teams in an established league, most recently in 2007.  When was the last time DCU won the MLS Cup?

The MLS’ statistics show that DCU’s attendance hasn’t really increased or decreased since its inception, so I see no reason why Seattle’s attendance should decrease.  And according to an earlier post on goSounders, the Seattle FO has already taken 5,000 season ticket deposits from people that are not currenly season ticket holders.  If that’s a bandwagon, please give us some more. 

“Once DC actually has a stadium it will fill up the seats”

Is that so different then saying “Once Seattle actually has an MLS team it will fill up the seats”?

Personally I started watching sounders this year for a lot of reasons. I’ve been an EPL fan since I can remember. I never watcched the USL team because A) the quality of play just didn’t sound too great (I’ll admit I never witnessed it for myself) and B) there wasn’t nearly as much coverage (as far as I knew) so watching the games from pullman (6ish hours away from seattle) just didn’t seem like such a great thing.

As soon as I heard we were getting an MLS team though I jumped on the bandwagon because I’d finally have a local soccer team to support that I felt would be up against some good competition. On top of that I’ve been able to watch every single game on tv/live streams regardless of if it was home or away.

what have you done for me lately? past stats mean shite. You are only judged by the record on the field.

If you (DC) want to bring in the fact that seattle has no trophies and then berate us for our minor league USL attendence then you have to bring in the 4 USL/A-league Cups plus who knows how many top flight regular season supporter shields?

so that’s about 6 or so trophies…so eff off. We win trophies too, we weren’t in the top flight so we couldn’t compete internationally, but soon we will and our championship pedigree will continue. MLS is just a different league with our team about 25 percent exactly the same, with the old coach as the assistant coach. Closest we’ve seen to promotion in the USA to date.

Gary B. Reply:
August 27th, 2009 at 7:52 pm

In addition to our four championships in 1995, 1996, 2002, and 2007, we had three “Supporter Shields” in 1994, 2002, and 2007.  So that would be seven trophies.

It is a very bold statement, but I give the marketing department props. This is one of the best campaigns to hit DC, and is proving to be as effective as the Capitals ‘Rock the Red’. It was well executed and reached an audience greater than the original fan base. Both teams will benefit from having a high-energy, packed stadium — so good luck and see you on 09 02 09.

I think everyone in the OKC Thunder organization agrees that Seattles does a GREAT job of supporting their pro teams.

Kris P Reply:
August 28th, 2009 at 10:41 am

Obviously, you don’t follow the mainstream sports media, since the general consensus is that the Sonics were hijacked from Seattle.

Go drink some coffee Seattle!!! Lets see what kind of fans you really are after 12 years and the novelty wears off.

Gary B. Reply:
August 28th, 2009 at 7:16 pm

You mean like in DC?

California wanna-bes…..lol

Are Seattle fans the only ones who think this local ad campaign is about them?  Get it straight, DC is doing a massive local campaign, mostly print (mags and newspapers).  Trying to convince the locals to go see a Championship soccer match instead of a 1:30 Sunday afternoon snoozefest at the Natinals stadium.  DC is spending a lot of money and effort to promote a Sounders game.

Mike Reply:
August 27th, 2009 at 6:50 pm

Why didn’t the promotion start before Adrian Hanauer’s comments? Interesting timing, don’t ya think?

Just admit, Payne got called out and he’s pulling all the stops not to look like a fool.

Chris Reply:
August 31st, 2009 at 9:56 am

The promotion started a few days before Real Madrid game.  Before that DC United was fully promoting that exhibition.

you guys just blew it by offering, what was it, a tuesday 1 pm time slot for the game. rookie mistake. but I still like the green unis. cheers.

The Sounders can draw at 1pm on a Tuesday and Adrian’s right, we would have sold out the final. . . at 1 on a Tuesday, which was the only time Seattle city ordinance would allow the bid.

The whole Open Cup needs to make some changes.  I’d prefer two-legged matches or a neutral-location for the final.  They should at least make the process transparent.

If they want to be a top-drawer organization then they need to stoke a bidding war, which they didn’t even appear to try to do.

It looks like the Open Cup did their best to make the process spit out the conclusion they’d already decided upon as opposed to finding out how to maximize profit or exposure.  From a business perspective, that’s just dumb.

Give up with the 1pm bullsh…  We offered up our 33,000 seat stadium for the only time slot available per the USSF date restrictions.  The matchup has been known for more than 2 weeks, and honestly, I’d prefer to see DC play this with at least a few days of rest.  Something about 10 games in 31 days?  Come on – that schedule sucks for anyone. 

We have a NFL game in the same stadium on the 3rd @ 7pm, a MLB game at on the 1st at 7pm and at 4pm on the 2nd.  The only time slot we could offer up at our pitch of choice was mid-day out here.  It sucks – we could have been offering more money but not at the “time of choice”. 

THE ISSUE IS THAT THE USSF HAS NOT DISCLOSED THEIR METHOD OF SELECTING A MATCH HOST.

What will be f**ked is if the attendance at the Portland Timbers / Seattle Sounders FC (16,000) is more than DC can muster.  Need I point out that the attendance at that match is a record for a non-doubleheader / non-final Open Cup match?

Anyone know how many tickets have been sold so far?

So a soccer team is marketing itself in an economic downturn.  What a bunch of loser morons! What’s next, television commercials? Idiots.

Gary B. Reply:
August 28th, 2009 at 7:28 pm

Actually, the DC FO is only marketing a game.  One match, against Seattle.  Not their season matches, not next year’s season tickets.  Just a single match. 

Advertising, btw, that was non-existent until the Seattle FO called Payne DCU out.  Kevin Payne knows that Adrian was right and he’s scared that his club will come off as amateurish when only 8,000 peeps show up for a championship final.  Let’s face it, DC “the club” has become but a pale imitation of what its potential once showed.

The best thing that DCU and other clubs have going for them is the salary cap.  Remove it, or losen it sufficiently, and Seattle would own MLS.

I believe the timeslot Seattle offered is completely pertinent to the discussion. It makes more sense for MLS, Fox Soccer Channel, ratings, viewership, etc.  

-and why should USSF disclose their method of selection?, its a business, does Coke or Pepsi disclose everything they do to the general public because they ask?

wbrown Reply:
August 28th, 2009 at 12:51 pm

makes more sense to have the game in DC at a reasonable time, is what I’m saying.

why does Kasey Keller and Freddy Montero suck eachother off before every game please explain that

Kris P Reply:
August 28th, 2009 at 4:20 pm

PrimeTime no type so good:(  PrimeTime no like to think too hard.

Gary B. Reply:
August 28th, 2009 at 7:29 pm

Looks like somebody has a penis fetish.  Go ahead and release your inner fag, PrimeTime.

The United might not sell 10,000 tickets, but when the game is over those of us in attendence are going to be celebrating another trophy in our display case while you guys enjoy another rainy day.

Oklahoma City Sounders . . .  has a nice ring to it . . .

or for those of you old enough to remember the Seattle Pilots,
Milwaukee Sounders . . . also a nice ring to it.

Great hockey team you guys have up there too, BTW.

Wonder where all of your lemming fans will be in 5 years when you have won squadoosh?  . . .  Portland fans will be much more respectful when they get into the league in two years.

ryan Reply:
August 28th, 2009 at 4:06 pm

“Portland fans will be much more respectful when they get into the league in two years.” You apparently have never been to a Timbers game. And what exactly does the Thunder and old seattle sports teams names have to do with this discussion?

[...] to know what other offers they’re giving you? Check out all of the perks here. Some highlights: A trophy tour, Twitter avatars, student discounts, 2 for 1 deals and more. I bet [...]