CARSON, CA (Saturday, April 30, 2005) - The Los Angeles Galaxy became the first Major League Soccer club in history to reach three million fans Saturday night at The Home Depot Center on the campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills. The momentous milestone occurred prior to the Galaxy's game against FC Dallas when Rich Nelson entered the stadium's Southwest gate along with his son Eric.
"Fans like the Nelson family, who attend Galaxy games regularly have always been the backbone of our success," said Galaxy President and General Manager Doug Hamilton. "The fact that we are the first club in MLS history to reach this milestone confirms the positive relationship that the Galaxy have enjoyed with the soccer fans of Southern California since our inception."
In celebration, the family became the special guests of the Galaxy for the evening. They were treated to club seats and an array of gifts such as a seven-day, six-night houseboat trip in Lake Powell, AZ, courtesy of AAA, and a one-year free subscription to Comcast standard cable and high-speed internet service. Other sponsors who contributed were Farmer John, Albertson's, Kragen, FSN, and La Curacao.
"We very excited to be the three millionth fan and we love the Galaxy," said the lucky fan, a season ticket holder for last three seasons. "We like their games because of the fast pace action, goal scoring and of course the great family atmosphere. Go Galaxy."
The Galaxy were the first club in MLS to draw two million fans, surpassing that milestone in their second home game of the 2002 season (April 6 against the Chicago Fire). They also reached the one million-fan milestone before anyone else, when they drew more than 50,000 spectators to a match on July 4, 1998 against the Kansas City Wizards.
The Green and Gold has led Major League Soccer in attendance in six of the League's first nine seasons, including each of the last two while playing their home games at The Home Depot Center. In 2003, the club averaged 21,983 fans per game, only to be surpassed by an incredible 23,809 the next season. Additionally, the club has sold out each of their last five regular season home games, dating back to September 11, 2004.
The Los Angeles Galaxy are proud to announce Fan Loyalty Night on Sunday, May 8. All fans who attended any of the first three Galaxy home games can reserve a ticket for the Galaxy vs. Rapids game on that day for only $10! Fans can reserve the same category seat that they reserved for Opening Day, April 23 or April 30. Field Side Seats and Club Seats aren't available through this Special Offer. Deadline to take advantage of the $10 Fan Loyalty Offer is Friday, May 6th @ 5pm. To reserve your seats through this offer, call the Galaxy Front Office at 1.877.3GALAXY.
