Thursday, April 30, 2009

Save the Date, May 11th: Get Your Morning Drink and March On With Those SOB's


The Sons of Ben, Philly MLS Supporter Group, are planning a Pre-Announcement Party at McGillin's Olde Ale House (13th and Drury) followed by a march to City Hall for the announcement of the team's name, logo, and colors.

Way back in January of 2007, a handful of local soccer fans met each other for the first time for lunch. The spot? McGillin’s. Now 28 months and 3,700+ more fans later, the Sons of Ben invite you to join them to celebrate the announcement of the team’s name, logo, and colors at the same 13th and Drury location.


I can't applaud the SOB's enough for their continued support and downright dedicated members without whom this Phila MLS team would have an extremely difficult time attracting new fans and attention. This could be a must attend.

May 11th Announcement Party

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Goal.com Interviews Dave Debusschere, Newly Appointed Executive VP of MLS Phila.


Here are a few choice quotes:

I’m from Saskatchewan, Canada. I’m a hockey guy by history, I guess you could say. Eleven years ago I moved to Philadelphia with my wife, who I met at Colgate University and she had soccer enter my life. She was on the varsity soccer team and I played hockey. Her family are all soccer nuts and I basically transitioned into one from her influence.

First of all, just look at Philly as a sports town. It is one of, if not the best sports town in the entire country, that is well known.

The other teams that have been the expansion teams the last few years, Toronto and Seattle, have done really well, and we plan on selling out the stadium just like them. Philly area fans can outdo Toronto and Seattle fans, I have no doubt in my mind.


It has become very clear, that regardless what the name is, we are going to have to build that brand. It’s going to be great no matter what it is, it doesn’t matter to me. The analogy for me is you think of the [NHL team Philadelphia] Flyers. What the heck is a Flyer? They were formed in 1967, but look today, look at how far they’ve come. That’s what we’re going to have to do, and I’m ok with that. It’s part of the fun. We’re going to be original and have something we can build.

(full interview here)

h/t: Another Delco Guy in South Jersey

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Tom Veit Named President of Keystone Sports and Entertainment


From MLS Philly 2010:

CHESTER, PA (April 14, 2009) –Major League Soccer Philadelphia 2010 today named Thomas Veit as President of Keystone Sports and Entertainment, the ownership group of MLS Philadelphia 2010. Veit is an accomplished sports and entertainment veteran and will oversee all business matters relating to the new Philadelphia Major League Soccer team and the under-construction stadium in Chester, Pa.


Veit and CEO Nick Sakiewicz will re-join forces after working in the MLS together with the Tampa Bay Mutiny.

Remember the XFL? Veit also served as VP/General Manager of the Orlando Rage, whose fanbase led the league in paid attendance. That alone is quite an impressive feat.

Veit has a very accomplished resume and appears to be an attendance/promotional marketing whiz. This should have quite an impact on ticket sales and brand awareness.

Now if we only knew what the name of the team is going to be...

UPDATE: More Front Office Hires/Promotions

Dave Debusschere, 34 - promoted to Executive VP of MLS Philadelphia in addition to being CFO

Rob Smith, 48 - promoted to Vice President of Soccer Development & Relations from his role as Director of Operations & Community Relations

Rob Parker, 35 - MLS Philadelphia’s Vice President of Corporate Sales & Service

Mike Quarino, 30 - MLS Philadelphia’s Director of Sales, responsible for all of MLS Philadelphia’s ticket programs and fan service initiatives

MLS Philly 2010