MLS Press Conference May 11

[L.T.]

Thursday at 11.30am at the new EX stadium grounds.

Team Name announcement expected...

[Rudi]

Don Garber is supposed to be there as well, so expect the logo and colours to be announced.

[cndsoccer]

does anybody have any info on paul beirne?

[mlsintoronto]

quote:Originally posted by cndsoccer

does anybody have any info on paul beirne?


I do. what would you like to know?

[G-Man]

quote:Originally posted by mlsintoronto


quote:Originally posted by cndsoccer

does anybody have any info on paul beirne?


I do. what would you like to know?


Can he justify the huge welfare check various levels of government have given to a corporation worth 1.3 billion to get involve with pro soccer in Toronto?

And does he expect the MLS team to outdraw the AHL Marlies pathetic less than 3K a game average?

Any organisation that can't get any of teams into the play-offs and then completely mess up a sure thing(AHL) in a hockey crazy city by over pricing tickets and not understanding the market, should be able to run a pro soccer team with the same level of marketing savy...the marlies had two promotion nights all of last year...and one was a team poster night. Will MLS toronto have a Italian night, a Jamican night, a Serbian night and a take mom to the game night?

I await the ethnic name.

[TOareaFan]

quote:Originally posted by mlsintoronto


quote:Originally posted by cndsoccer

does anybody have any info on paul beirne?


I do. what would you like to know?


Well, since it has been reported/mentioned/stated on a few different boards that you are in fact him.....I guess you do have "info" on him.

I'm not so much interested in "info" on you but am curious as to the reasoning/logic behind the manner in which MLS has been "rolled out" by MLSE?

It is all rather curious to me that less than 1 year from the start of the team's life there are no ticket selling campaigns under way....there is no mention of soccer on the parent company's web page (a site search under "soccer" just, sadly, takes you to the press release regarding the passing of Mr. Stavro)....no announcements or press conferences and the only "rep" from MLSE that has spoken to the soccer public (you) sorta snuck onto boards with a pseudonym and gave the impression (in the early posts anyway) that you were some sort of junior employee that had caught the soccer bug and was trying to do some unofficial research with which to impress the bosses.

Turns out you seem to be the key business ops guy for soccer....I am a fan...I also happen to control a decent sized marketing/expense budget that we use to entertain clients and partners (a disproportionate amount of which your employers end up getting)....I think I am a logical target customer (ie. lifelong soccer nut with corporate money to spend) but the whole approach has me wondering if MLSE are taking soccer seriously or if it is a bit of a lark for them and I wonder if we shouldn't just continue to spend our summertime entertainment $$$$ on the golf course and at Rogers Centre......not trying to sound too negative (I have assumed all along that I would end up buying 4 of your best season tickets) but I think you deserve an honest opinion.....

sorry to do this via a web discussion board....I would have sent this to you in a more discrete manner but there does not seem to be any other way to contact MLSE about soccer.....on the "vote for the name web page" as an example, I fully registered with legit information hoping (really hoping) that you would use that information to market to me, to sell to me and to keep me informed about the progress you are making....instead, it is on this board, again, that I hear there is a presser on Thursday to announce the name and other stuff....it is all very disappointing and I do not understand the strategy.

[zacRWE]

Well, MLSE has, in my opinion, been quite secretive about things. I hope they have begun to turn a new leaf. Pun intended!

[cndsoccer]

quote:Originally posted by mlsintoronto

[quote]Originally posted by cndsoccer

does anybody have any info on paul beirne?


I do. what would you like to know?
[

does he hv a soccer background...is he from toronto

[Domi Rulezz]

quote:Originally posted by G-Man

the marlies had two promotion nights all of last year
On another thread you were blasting the use of promotions to get attendance up, now you are admonishing MLSE for not using promotions to get Marlies attendance up.

You should really try to get you trolling in order. Or at least troll consitently one way or another.

[mlsintoronto]

There hasn't been any news to share...the launch is Thursday, ticket sales won't happen until much later (November maybe?). I've been doing fun work like researching the prices of commercial real estate, office equipment etc. We won't ramp up staff until probably after the summer (after we get an office space). We have no news on potential GM or Coach, and even if there was some movement there you know I wouldn't be able to share it publicly.

Others have asked me to do a blog to let people see what we're up to but it would be a horrible read (in my opinion) and like I said - the content would be the boring stuff I listed above.

We're not being secretive, there just isn't news at this time. In the next 12 months we'll have more than enough time to launch this team properly.

Here's something: The team name and logo will be launched tomorrow, May 11. We'll also launch a web site (not a lot of content, but we'll at least have a presense), and we'll be able to take deposits for Season Seats.

Regarding the stadium - don't forget it does not belong to MLSEL contrary to what some would have you believe. The people in charge of that project will release information on the stadium on their own timeline.

[Jeffery S.]

quote:Originally posted by TOareaFan


quote:Originally posted by mlsintoronto


quote:Originally posted by cndsoccer

does anybody have any info on paul beirne?


I do. what would you like to know?


Well, since it has been reported/mentioned/stated on a few different boards that you are in fact him.....I guess you do have "info" on him.

I'm not so much interested in "info" on you but am curious as to the reasoning/logic behind the manner in which MLS has been "rolled out" by MLSE?

It is all rather curious to me that less than 1 year from the start of the team's life there are no ticket selling campaigns under way....there is no mention of soccer on the parent company's web page (a site search under "soccer" just, sadly, takes you to the press release regarding the passing of Mr. Stavro)....no announcements or press conferences and the only "rep" from MLSE that has spoken to the soccer public (you) sorta snuck onto boards with a pseudonym and gave the impression (in the early posts anyway) that you were some sort of junior employee that had caught the soccer bug and was trying to do some unofficial research with which to impress the bosses.

Turns out you seem to be the key business ops guy for soccer....I am a fan...I also happen to control a decent sized marketing/expense budget that we use to entertain clients and partners (a disproportionate amount of which your employers end up getting)....I think I am a logical target customer (ie. lifelong soccer nut with corporate money to spend) but the whole approach has me wondering if MLSE are taking soccer seriously or if it is a bit of a lark for them and I wonder if we shouldn't just continue to spend our summertime entertainment $$$$ on the golf course and at Rogers Centre......not trying to sound too negative (I have assumed all along that I would end up buying 4 of your best season tickets) but I think you deserve an honest opinion.....

sorry to do this via a web discussion board....I would have sent this to you in a more discrete manner but there does not seem to be any other way to contact MLSE about soccer.....on the "vote for the name web page" as an example, I fully registered with legit information hoping (really hoping) that you would use that information to market to me, to sell to me and to keep me informed about the progress you are making....instead, it is on this board, again, that I hear there is a presser on Thursday to announce the name and other stuff....it is all very disappointing and I do not understand the strategy.




If you would leave some contact info for yourself where someone at MLS could find it, you may be surprised that they have indeed been in contact with some of us here, and quite pleasantly so.

I agree that they seem a bit thin staffed and are a bit behind on everything. It also seems that they could have reached out further to the community sooner, but maybe they feared the kind of debates found here, and thought it better to not get involved. But since the franchise was only negotiated 5 months ago it is understandable they have been slow getting going. Hopefully they'll move strongly when they are under way...

[Cheeta]

Nothing substantive on the stadium yet? Been busy so maybe I've missed something but still haven't seen any eye catching designs released or firmer construction time lines announced.

Was hoping to hear something of that tomorrow, MLS press conference or no. Was under the impression that like it or not New Ex and MLS are joined at the hip. 'Cause you know, there are going to be some stadium questions brought up.

[leekoo]

quote:Originally posted by G-Man
Can he justify the huge welfare check various levels of government have given to a corporation worth 1.3 billion to get involve with pro soccer in Toronto?

And does he expect the MLS team to outdraw the AHL Marlies pathetic less than 3K a game average?

Any organisation that can't get any of teams into the play-offs and then completely mess up a sure thing(AHL) in a hockey crazy city by over pricing tickets and not understanding the market, should be able to run a pro soccer team with the same level of marketing savy...the marlies had two promotion nights all of last year...and one was a team poster night. Will MLS toronto have a Italian night, a Jamican night, a Serbian night and a take mom to the game night?

I await the ethnic name.

i don't know if this is a case of bad news cause i don't follow team ... however, there's been another MLSE FIRING ...

this time, toronto rock coach/gm terry sanderson ...

thewhy
1. the rock's worst regular season record in team history
2. an embarrassing 1st round playoff exit (that's the big one why)

[Massive Attack]

MLSE doesn't own the Toronto Rock. I believe the Waters family does.

[G-Man]

quote:Originally posted by mlsintoronto

There hasn't been any news to share...the launch is Thursday, ticket sales won't happen until much later (November maybe?). I've been doing fun work like researching the prices of commercial real estate, office equipment etc. We won't ramp up staff until probably after the summer (after we get an office space). We have no news on potential GM or Coach, and even if there was some movement there you know I wouldn't be able to share it publicly.

Others have asked me to do a blog to let people see what we're up to but it would be a horrible read (in my opinion) and like I said - the content would be the boring stuff I listed above.

We're not being secretive, there just isn't news at this time. In the next 12 months we'll have more than enough time to launch this team properly.

Here's something: The team name and logo will be launched tomorrow, May 11. We'll also launch a web site (not a lot of content, but we'll at least have a presense), and we'll be able to take deposits for Season Seats.

Regarding the stadium - don't forget it does not belong to MLSEL contrary to what some would have you believe. The people in charge of that project will release information on the stadium on their own timeline.


Will it be as well run as the Marlies? or the as successful on the field as the Raptors are the court? If you take away the money that MLSE has, do they really do a better job at running it's pro teams than let's say the Hartwells run the Lynx?

It's a toss up. And the edge goes to the Lynx cause they don't have interns posting on the internet to boast their ego's.

God I'm hoping for TorontoSpor. Bring out all those Turkish Torontotians wearing "offical product" 35 dollar scarves. Hopefully the team colour will be Fieldturf™ green.

[leekoo]

quote:Originally posted by Massive Attack

MLSE doesn't own the Toronto Rock. I believe the Waters family does.

i did say i know nothin about the rock ... and that's not all i know nothin about ...

anyhow, anyway, another MLSE FIRING ...

[Rudi]

quote:Originally posted by G-Man

And the edge goes to the Lynx cause they don't have interns posting on the internet to boast their ego's.
If there is ever an expert in this field, it's you.

And mlsintoronto isn't exactly an intern, btw.

[G-Man]

quote:Originally posted by Rudi


quote:Originally posted by G-Man

And the edge goes to the Lynx cause they don't have interns posting on the internet to boast their ego's.
If there is ever an expert in this field, it's you.

And mlsintoronto isn't exactly an intern, btw.


Well at least I'm not the one with sudo-reporter web blog there Rudi old chap.

Well he does come across as in intern....

[argh1]

Oh my gawd, are we still having this argument. ARGHHHHHHHHHH
It's a done deal! MLS is here and MLSE own it in a publicly funded stadium.........GET THE HELL OVER IT.
I wish the Toronto Canadiens ;) well and hope the stadium is full.
Now what do I think of CSA and the backing of this. Stupid F**KING DIM WITS. Will I ever forgive the CSA for backing one team in one city in one stadium. Well they better do something for the rest of the country soon. So no.........
.......but hey it's here or gonna be here. Give it a chance before you bash it.
As a non GTA guy, I fought the fight, I lost........Let's go TO MLS. GTA get out and support this team.
Can this be the last thread fighting over this.....it's a done deal......GET THE HELL OVER IT!
MLSE or Toronto Internationale or Beavers or Red Leafs whatever the hell you call yourself. Get out there and start selling some season tickets and get a national TV deal.

[Sigma]

<mod>Please keep comments related to soccer, and refrain from taking shots at each other.</mod>

[Rudi]

quote:Originally posted by argh1

Give it a chance before you bash it.
Well put.

Getting back to the topic at hand, does anyone here think that the team will not be called Inter Toronto FC?

[cndsoccer]

yes...im thinking its going to be inter toronto fc...
toronto city is my fav.

[Rudi]

quote:Originally posted by cndsoccer

yes...im thinking its going to be inter toronto fc...
toronto city is my fav.
As for Inter Toronto FC, is it perhaps possible that MLSE got enough backlash from the polling site that they've gone with another name? (Toronto FC being the main canadidate)

[Massive Attack]

While I hate the Inter Toronto FC name, I will support the team no matter how stupid the name is.

Toronto Exhibitionists forever!!!

[G-Man]

quote:Originally posted by Rudi


quote:Originally posted by cndsoccer

yes...im thinking its going to be inter toronto fc...
toronto city is my fav.
As for Inter Toronto FC, is it perhaps possible that MLSE got enough backlash from the polling site that they've gone with another name? (Toronto FC being the main canadidate)
But I'm still hoping that Slush Puppie Canada put down enough coin into MLSE hands and the team is called simply "Slush Puppie Toronto" and like Red Bull New York the kit could just have the slush puppy logo on it. This is the new MLS.

http://www.unbf.ca/athletics/vreds/slushpuppie_logo.gif

and the home kit

http://designateeshirt.biz/images/shirts/premade/DRO4-TT-LBL.jpg

The away kit

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000AY2NQ0.01-A153IXOEI0CDDD._SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg

http://www.turbo-images.com/Images/slushpuppie.jpg

[TOareaFan]

quote:Originally posted by mlsintoronto

There hasn't been any news to share...the launch is Thursday, ticket sales won't happen until much later (November maybe?).

Shocking! By not selling tickets until November you will lose the corporate market...budgets are set long before November for the following year.

This is one area that I thought having a NHL team own the soccer team was a positive development. Whenever the NHL expands they force the new teams to have a strong season ticket base (something like 10,000 or so, I believe) before they take the word conditional out of the franchise description. I would have thought an NHL perspective would have realized the value of an early and strong ticket drive.



quote:I've been doing fun work like researching the prices of commercial real estate, office equipment etc. We won't ramp up staff until probably after the summer (after we get an office space). We have no news on potential GM or Coach, and even if there was some movement there you know I wouldn't be able to share it publicly.

As long as the important things like faxes and desks are looked after I am sure the ticket sales will follow.


quote:
Others have asked me to do a blog to let people see what we're up to but it would be a horrible read (in my opinion) and like I said - the content would be the boring stuff I listed above.

Well as long as your needs are satisfied, no point catering to the stupid public who seem interested in your product...."why won't they just leave me alone to meet the Ricoh salesman and buy a colour copier!"


quote:We're not being secretive, there just isn't news at this time. In the next 12 months we'll have more than enough time to launch this team properly.

12 months from now you will be 5 or 6 games into season 1...that is the point, you do not have 12 months.


quote:
Here's something: The team name and logo will be launched tomorrow, May 11. We'll also launch a web site (not a lot of content, but we'll at least have a presense), and we'll be able to take deposits for Season Seats.

Why not just have a section on the Maple Leafs web page...isn't that visited daily by thousands of sports fans who might also become MLS fans? Why reinvent a new page with little/no content?


quote:Regarding the stadium - don't forget it does not belong to MLSEL contrary to what some would have you believe. The people in charge of that project will release information on the stadium on their own timeline.


That is just purely insulting to our intelligence to suggest you have little/no information on the stadium. I think we all know that you do not own the thing. You do manage it and, since you have generously agreed to pick up cost over-runs, we know that you are very involved in the construction/design....to suggest otherwise is a clear fabrication.

I am growing less confident by the minute.

[Rudi]

quote:Originally posted by TOareaFan

Shocking! By not selling tickets until November you will lose the corporate market...budgets are set long before November for the following year.

This is one area that I thought having a NHL team own the soccer team was a positive development. Whenever the NHL expands they force the new teams to have a strong season ticket base (something like 10,000 or so, I believe) before they take the word conditional out of the franchise description. I would have thought an NHL perspective would have realized the value of an early and strong ticket drive.
Perhaps he could be talking about general sales.

I'd like to think that the organization is already looking into corporate sales and so on.


quote:As long as the important things like faxes and desks are looked after I am sure the ticket sales will follow.
Jesus man, they need an office before they can hire staff to fill said office.


quote:Well as long as your needs are satisfied, no point catering to the stupid public who seem interested in your product...."why won't they just leave me alone to meet the Ricoh salesman and buy a colour copier!"
So you'd rather have mlsintoronto, who has been gracious enough to update many of us through this and other sites, spend more of his time creating a blog detailing mundane details of his job rather than focusing on the task at hand, just so you can feel more 'confident'?


quote:Why not just have a section on the Maple Leafs web page...isn't that visited daily by thousands of sports fans who might also become MLS fans? Why reinvent a new page with little/no content?
This is ludicrous. Instead of creating a new, seperate identity for the team, you'd rather it be buried under the 800-lb gorilla known as the Leafs?


quote:That is just purely insulting to our intelligence to suggest you have little/no information on the stadium. I think we all know that you do not own the thing. You do manage it and, since you have generously agreed to pick up cost over-runs, we know that you are very involved in the construction/design....to suggest otherwise is a clear fabrication.
I read it as saying that he's not going to pass on the info, because there will be others that will handle that stuff.

[Jeffery S.]

Considering I could, if I had the money and motivation, have already reserved a box in the Whitecaps new stadium, as many have indeed, you have to admit that MLS TO is a bit behind and incomprehensibly so.

I think they are not dedicating sufficient human resources to the team, sorry to their rep on this thread but I think you should be pushing a bit harder after thinking about TOareaFAN's concerns.

[Rudi]

quote:Originally posted by Jeffrey S.

Considering I could, if I had the money and motivation, have already reserved a box in the Whitecaps new stadium, as many have indeed, you have to admit that MLS TO is a bit behind and incomprehensibly so.
I can't disagree with this, but I do find it rather distasteful the way TOareaFan went after mlsintoronto.

A lot of what TOareaFan is asking of the MLSE rep probably does not fall under his jurisdiction, so when he says that he can't talk about stuff he gets drilled mercilessly.

I admire the passion, I just question the direction of that passion.

Another thing to consider is that the stadium is not owned by MLSE, in fact a lion's share of the monies is coming from the govts. With that in mind, it is clear to see why it is easier for the Whitecaps organization to begin selling suites and tickets (to a stadium that may or may not get built) while MLSE has to first deal with the inevitable pile of redtape that comes part and parcel with any govt project in this country.

[marktci]

TOareaFan: I agree 100%. Your initial questions seemed very reasonable and, IMHO, the responses from mlsintoronto seemed only to serve the interests of mlsintoronto (in particular the response re: the blog). Your responses to his reply mirror mine almost exactly, with one addition: while not ready to sell tickets to us (and I have definitely considered myself a likely season ticket buyer), they are fully prepared to take our deposit money. Maybe not a big thing, but unfortunately consistent with the tone of an organization that seems increasingly arrogant every year.

I don't mean this as bashing in any way. I hope mlsintoronto sees this (and your comments) as representative of the perception a portion of their market and takes this to heart.

Thanks.

[nolando]

no room for apologists here guys, I'm afraid...some here are regularly playing the unambitious, unprofessional, uninspired Canadian card, which in my mind includes apologising for leadership not showing more vision...I could swear some of you are seriously on the take, and I think few would say I am baiting or trolling (or slandering, with any degree of consistency) by saying it...

[harding]

Training camp is 10 months away. We've know about this franchise for close to 4 months. Anyone who knows anything about soccer in this country knows that you have to do more than simply build it. Cause they don't come.

You need to sell the game, develop a market over time like they've done in Vancouver and Montreal and are doing on a smaller scale in places like Ottawa.

But MLSE doesn't have the time. It may have the pockets to survive a few sub 7K seasons, but if this franchise comes out the gate and can't draw well, people will turn away from it. They will regard pro soccer in this country as a joke once more.

10 months to go. Hire a GM, a coach and front office within weeks. Get out there in the community, run clinics, sponsor indoor leagues, shake hands and kiss babies.

You already lost this summer. A summer with a World Cup you could have tied into.

And don't offer pat excuses. We've been there. You need to do more than open the doors. You need to give soccer people a reason to buy in. And if they do, you'll have the most loyal fans. Come across as tourists (like you have been) and we will fry you.

Realise that you're not doing us a favour. We owe you nothing. Deliver the goods and we will buy in. We will be faithful and your biggest salesmen.

10 months and ticking..and we're worried that you're letting us down.

[TOareaFan]

quote:Originally posted by Rudi
Perhaps he could be talking about general sales.

I'd like to think that the organization is already looking into corporate sales and so on.

The best place to start corporate sales would be with corporations that are existing customers. We have 8 raptor season tix and 6 Leafs season tix...and we have not been pitched...so no, they have not started. What we have been pitched is an "upgrade" from the Air Canada Club to the Platinum Club for 4 of our Raptor tix...so they know our phone number.


quote:Jesus man, they need an office before they can hire staff to fill said office.

MLSE has office space...use that....I here Pat Quinn's office is available.



quote:So you'd rather have mlsintoronto, who has been gracious enough to update many of us through this and other sites, spend more of his time creating a blog detailing mundane details of his job rather than focusing on the task at hand, just so you can feel more 'confident'?

See my point about using the existing MLSE web presense and their webmasters....what we thought we were getting was a new team as part of an existing corporate sports organisation with all of the marketing and communications support that goes with it....corporate leverage should allow them to get a web presense up and running very quickly.....jeez, some part-time soccer fans got that fans web page up in a hurry!



quote:This is ludicrous. Instead of creating a new, seperate identity for the team, you'd rather it be buried under the 800-lb gorilla known as the Leafs?

see above for rationale.


quote:I read it as saying that he's not going to pass on the info, because there will be others that will handle that stuff.



But no one is and to pass it off with the excuse that they don't know because they don't own it is what is insulting.

[TOareaFan]

quote:Originally posted by Rudi


quote:Originally posted by Jeffrey S.

Considering I could, if I had the money and motivation, have already reserved a box in the Whitecaps new stadium, as many have indeed, you have to admit that MLS TO is a bit behind and incomprehensibly so.
I can't disagree with this, but I do find it rather distasteful the way TOareaFan went after mlsintoronto.

A lot of what TOareaFan is asking of the MLSE rep probably does not fall under his jurisdiction, so when he says that he can't talk about stuff he gets drilled mercilessly.

I admire the passion, I just question the direction of that passion.

Where would you direct it? He either is or is not the spokesperson for MLSE's Excellent MLS Adventure.


quote:Another thing to consider is that the stadium is not owned by MLSE, in fact a lion's share of the monies is coming from the govts. With that in mind, it is clear to see why it is easier for the Whitecaps organization to begin selling suites and tickets (to a stadium that may or may not get built) while MLSE has to first deal with the inevitable pile of redtape that comes part and parcel with any govt project in this country.


Since the government bodies will share in any losses this stadium generates, I am sure they would not object to the selling of the tickets that would minimize those losses....besides, part of the deal with MLSE is that they manage, both, the operation and the construction of the place.

[DJT]

quote:Originally posted by Sigma

<mod>Please keep comments related to soccer, and refrain from taking shots at each other.</mod><admin> Sigma gave a warning, but some posters did not follow it. That was reason enough to lock this thread. Instead, in order not to cut off the actual discussion going on here, I put in the extra effort to delete all the offending comments, post by post. But that's the last time. </admin>

[DJT]

quote:Originally posted by Sigma

<mod>Please keep comments related to soccer, and refrain from taking shots at each other.</mod><admin> Sigma gave a warning, but some posters did not follow it. That was reason enough to lock this thread. Instead, in order not to cut off the actual discussion going on here, I put in the extra effort to delete all the offending comments, post by post. But that's the last time. </admin>

[G-Man]

quote:Originally posted by DJT


quote:Originally posted by Sigma

<mod>Please keep comments related to soccer, and refrain from taking shots at each other.</mod><admin> Sigma gave a warning, but some posters did not follow it. That was reason enough to lock this thread. Instead, in order not to cut off the actual discussion going on here, I put in the extra effort to delete all the offending comments, post by post. But that's the last time. </admin>


a shame that is.

I liked my Red Bull Supporters slagging the Slush Puppie Supporters for not being a more macho refreshment.

There nothing like two corporate entities fighting for beverage superiority through sport.

[G-Man]

quote:Originally posted by DJT


quote:Originally posted by Sigma

<mod>Please keep comments related to soccer, and refrain from taking shots at each other.</mod><admin> Sigma gave a warning, but some posters did not follow it. That was reason enough to lock this thread. Instead, in order not to cut off the actual discussion going on here, I put in the extra effort to delete all the offending comments, post by post. But that's the last time. </admin>


a shame that is.

I liked my Red Bull Supporters slagging the Slush Puppie Supporters for not being a more macho refreshment.

There nothing like two corporate entities fighting for beverage superiority through sport.

[Rudi]

quote:Originally posted by TOareaFan

But no one is and to pass it off with the excuse that they don't know because they don't own it is what is insulting.

He didn't say he didn't know at all. He said that those directly involved in the stadium project (ie. not him) will release info when they're ready.

quote:Originaly posted by mlsintoronto

Regarding the stadium - don't forget it does not belong to MLSEL contrary to what some would have you believe. The people in charge of that project will release information on the stadium on their own timeline.
Like it or not, we're not going to be privy to every detail surrounding this entire project, as it happens. The amount of info that mlsintoronto has given us so far has been substantial, although perhaps no so much on this board (and seeing the overreaction and hyperbole thrown about every time he posts, I can't say I blame him).

As for the stadium, I fully expect more details to be released soon by those in charge of that particular project, as it is publicly funded and the public does have a right to know.

That being said, they just started building the thing in January, and they need it to be done by May of next year, so I'd say that perhaps holding press conferences and talking with internet message boards is the farthest thing from their minds right now.

[Rudi]

quote:Originally posted by TOareaFan

But no one is and to pass it off with the excuse that they don't know because they don't own it is what is insulting.

He didn't say he didn't know at all. He said that those directly involved in the stadium project (ie. not him) will release info when they're ready.

quote:Originaly posted by mlsintoronto

Regarding the stadium - don't forget it does not belong to MLSEL contrary to what some would have you believe. The people in charge of that project will release information on the stadium on their own timeline.
Like it or not, we're not going to be privy to every detail surrounding this entire project, as it happens. The amount of info that mlsintoronto has given us so far has been substantial, although perhaps no so much on this board (and seeing the overreaction and hyperbole thrown about every time he posts, I can't say I blame him).

As for the stadium, I fully expect more details to be released soon by those in charge of that particular project, as it is publicly funded and the public does have a right to know.

That being said, they just started building the thing in January, and they need it to be done by May of next year, so I'd say that perhaps holding press conferences and talking with internet message boards is the farthest thing from their minds right now.

[TOareaFan]

quote:Originally posted by Rudi


quote:Originally posted by TOareaFan

But no one is and to pass it off with the excuse that they don't know because they don't own it is what is insulting.

He didn't say he didn't know at all. He said that those directly involved in the stadium project (ie. not him) will release info when they're ready.

What he said is those responsible would....MLS is responsible for the construction...if not the financing.

They have not even released renderings!


quote:
quote:Originaly posted by mlsintoronto

Regarding the stadium - don't forget it does not belong to MLSEL contrary to what some would have you believe. The people in charge of that project will release information on the stadium on their own timeline.
Like it or not, we're not going to be privy to every detail surrounding this entire project, as it happens. The amount of info that mlsintoronto has given us so far has been substantial, although perhaps no so much on this board (and seeing the overreaction and hyperbole thrown about every time he posts, I can't say I blame him).


No one has asked to be privy to all details...just some and, in particular, those relevant to the marketing/sales of soccer and MLS in this market. If he has released information, perhaps I owe him an apology...what has he released and to whom and where?


quote:
As for the stadium, I fully expect more details to be released soon by those in charge of that particular project, as it is publicly funded and the public does have a right to know.

Agree we have a right to know....what makes you soon that they will do it now when they have not so far? On the CSA's web page there is barely even a mention of this new stadium!


quote:
That being said, they just started building the thing in January, and they need it to be done by May of next year, so I'd say that perhaps holding press conferences and talking with internet message boards is the farthest thing from their minds right now.


Perhaps you think that I think the actual workers or designers should be posting/discussing this stuff...does MLS or the City or the CSA not have press officers? Come on....this is pure incompetence, plain and simple!!!!!

Even the timing of this press conference is bizarre.....the most watched soccer show that cares about this stuff is Soccer Saturday...it is most watched because the EPL audience draws viewers....why wait until after the end of the EPL season and the end of SS's big audience to do this? Is there something that has happened in the past week to make this press conference possible when it was not possible last week?

[TOareaFan]

quote:Originally posted by Rudi


quote:Originally posted by TOareaFan

But no one is and to pass it off with the excuse that they don't know because they don't own it is what is insulting.

He didn't say he didn't know at all. He said that those directly involved in the stadium project (ie. not him) will release info when they're ready.

What he said is those responsible would....MLS is responsible for the construction...if not the financing.

They have not even released renderings!


quote:
quote:Originaly posted by mlsintoronto

Regarding the stadium - don't forget it does not belong to MLSEL contrary to what some would have you believe. The people in charge of that project will release information on the stadium on their own timeline.
Like it or not, we're not going to be privy to every detail surrounding this entire project, as it happens. The amount of info that mlsintoronto has given us so far has been substantial, although perhaps no so much on this board (and seeing the overreaction and hyperbole thrown about every time he posts, I can't say I blame him).


No one has asked to be privy to all details...just some and, in particular, those relevant to the marketing/sales of soccer and MLS in this market. If he has released information, perhaps I owe him an apology...what has he released and to whom and where?


quote:
As for the stadium, I fully expect more details to be released soon by those in charge of that particular project, as it is publicly funded and the public does have a right to know.

Agree we have a right to know....what makes you soon that they will do it now when they have not so far? On the CSA's web page there is barely even a mention of this new stadium!


quote:
That being said, they just started building the thing in January, and they need it to be done by May of next year, so I'd say that perhaps holding press conferences and talking with internet message boards is the farthest thing from their minds right now.


Perhaps you think that I think the actual workers or designers should be posting/discussing this stuff...does MLS or the City or the CSA not have press officers? Come on....this is pure incompetence, plain and simple!!!!!

Even the timing of this press conference is bizarre.....the most watched soccer show that cares about this stuff is Soccer Saturday...it is most watched because the EPL audience draws viewers....why wait until after the end of the EPL season and the end of SS's big audience to do this? Is there something that has happened in the past week to make this press conference possible when it was not possible last week?

[KAS]

quote:Originally posted by TOareaFan


quote:Originally posted by mlsintoronto

There hasn't been any news to share...the launch is Thursday, ticket sales won't happen until much later (November maybe?).

Shocking! By not selling tickets until November you will lose the corporate market...budgets are set long before November for the following year.

This is a problem. In addition to corporate budgets, the energy, excitement, and mass media attention of the World Cup will be long gone by November. The only advantage I see to a November launch is maybe getting your season's tickets for free as a Christmas present!

I always thought that a *GOOD* professional soccer team would be a blessing for Toronto's corporate sector as the rise in globalization means that more business/negotiating/entertaining is done with clients/partners from outside North America. The ability to take them to see a game they love, played at a reasonably high level, for a fraction of the cost of a Leafs game, must be an attractive proposition for many in the corporate sector.

The CTV/TSN/Sportsnet partnership intends to broadcast all 64 World Cup games. Furthermore, most of Toronto's largest immigrant communities have seen their "home countries" qualify for the World Cup. The World Cup therefore offers an awesome opportunity to market directly to specific target groups.

Actual commercial advertising is limited during soccer broadcasts, but a large bulk purchase of ads during the half throughout the tournament, or even sponsorship ("This TSN halftime report is brought to you by the Toronto Black Squirrels - Canada's first MLS Team", OR "The Sportsnet World Cup Recap with Gerry Dobson and Craig Forest is brought to you by The Toronto City Exhibitionists of the MLS") is possible. At the very least, I expect MLSE personnel to make themselves widely available for interviews to get some "free advertising" from the mainstream media during the brief period of time that the World Cup is on and the mainstream media actually cares about soccer.

[KAS]

quote:Originally posted by TOareaFan


quote:Originally posted by mlsintoronto

There hasn't been any news to share...the launch is Thursday, ticket sales won't happen until much later (November maybe?).

Shocking! By not selling tickets until November you will lose the corporate market...budgets are set long before November for the following year.

This is a problem. In addition to corporate budgets, the energy, excitement, and mass media attention of the World Cup will be long gone by November. The only advantage I see to a November launch is maybe getting your season's tickets for free as a Christmas present!

I always thought that a *GOOD* professional soccer team would be a blessing for Toronto's corporate sector as the rise in globalization means that more business/negotiating/entertaining is done with clients/partners from outside North America. The ability to take them to see a game they love, played at a reasonably high level, for a fraction of the cost of a Leafs game, must be an attractive proposition for many in the corporate sector.

The CTV/TSN/Sportsnet partnership intends to broadcast all 64 World Cup games. Furthermore, most of Toronto's largest immigrant communities have seen their "home countries" qualify for the World Cup. The World Cup therefore offers an awesome opportunity to market directly to specific target groups.

Actual commercial advertising is limited during soccer broadcasts, but a large bulk purchase of ads during the half throughout the tournament, or even sponsorship ("This TSN halftime report is brought to you by the Toronto Black Squirrels - Canada's first MLS Team", OR "The Sportsnet World Cup Recap with Gerry Dobson and Craig Forest is brought to you by The Toronto City Exhibitionists of the MLS") is possible. At the very least, I expect MLSE personnel to make themselves widely available for interviews to get some "free advertising" from the mainstream media during the brief period of time that the World Cup is on and the mainstream media actually cares about soccer.

[Loud Mouth Soup]

The FAN590 is reporting 'Inter Toronto FC' is the name, as the result of a 'fan poll'. I'd like to know where these fans were from-Woodbridge, maybe?



May I be the first to say...


GAAAYYYYYYYYY.

Stupid, stupid name.

[Loud Mouth Soup]

The FAN590 is reporting 'Inter Toronto FC' is the name, as the result of a 'fan poll'. I'd like to know where these fans were from-Woodbridge, maybe?



May I be the first to say...


GAAAYYYYYYYYY.

Stupid, stupid name.

[JayWay]

The FAN is only going on previous speculation.

Relax.

[JayWay]

The FAN is only going on previous speculation.

Relax.

[Massive Attack]

Is the FAN going to be covering the conference?

[Massive Attack]

Is the FAN going to be covering the conference?

[isa]

well guys insider says inter toronto fc the colours are going to be
red and white.
at least we got a name lol.

[isa]

well guys insider says inter toronto fc the colours are going to be
red and white.
at least we got a name lol.

[cndsoccer]

relax guys....its just a name.
just be glad we hv a team.

[cndsoccer]

relax guys....its just a name.
just be glad we hv a team.

[Calgary Boomer]

I for one, like it.

[Calgary Boomer]

I for one, like it.

[HamiltonSteelers]

I'm all for neutrality. Up the reds!

[HamiltonSteelers]

I'm all for neutrality. Up the reds!

[Massive Attack]

Video review of the conference here (about 6 minutes):
http://tinyurl.com/j4ymc

Audio of the press conference is here (about 40 minutes):
http://tinyurl.com/jvdcf