@WhitecapsFC is gonna sell-out its MLS home opener today in a cold/outdoor stadium. pretty impressive. it started w/ the release and sale of just 5,000 season tix as the team pumped limited availability and a sense of urgency, suggesting they’d cap STE at 16.5K… today, 23K are expected to walk through Empire Fields thanks in part to the franchise’s 30-day countdown and scarf give-aways, which included dressing up some of the city’s most iconic statues, as the Caps marketed well to group affiliation needs. the tag ‘Where will you be March 19?’

Vancouver also has the largest sponsor base in the MLS, backed by the corporate cash and marketing of brands like Bell, BMO, EA Sports and Labatt… in-arena, they’ll have custom chants and give 5K random fans their own drums to help create a unique atmosphere that will fuel natural rivalries with franchises from Toronto, Seattle and Portland… co-owned by NBA star Steve Nash, the new MLS Vancouver franchise is valued at $35M right out of the gate, the second largest sport property in BC.