Secaucus, NJ - Red Bull New York has always put a high value on its fans, and another example of that played out Wednesday night, January 30, as several members of the team and technical staff teamed up with the sales team to personally call ticket holders to sign up for tickets for the upcoming 2008 season.
Head Coach Juan Carlos Osorio, Sporting Director Jeff Agoos, assistant coaches Richie Williams and Des McAleenan, and the players were each teamed up with a member of the sales staff, and a contest was held to see which team could produce the most ticket sales.
Some of the players had no experience with sales, but their enthusiasm and passion more than made up for that. Seth Stammler was the most experienced of the players, as the midfielder-defender used his major in finance and marketing from the University of Maryland to his advantage all night.
Williams and Remy Cherin took home the top prize with a late surge, while Osorio showing the leadership and competitive qualities that led to his hiring as head coach, teamed up with Miriam Conguta to place second overall. Defender Hunter Freeman joined forces with Mike Quarino to take home third place.
Other players in attendance included Dema Kovalenko, Danny Cepero, Chris Leitch, Dane Richards, and Sinisa Ubiparipovic, as well as MLS SuperDraft selections Luke Sassano and David Roth, and Supplemental Draft selections Danleigh Borman, Laurent Manuel, John Gilkerson, and Michael Palacio.
One ticket holder who was called was Stephen Barry of Nanuet, NY. When asked about his thoughts on the experience, he stated, "When (Senior Fan Services Executive) Dan (Steeves) said he had players in the office, I thought there would be a tape. It was nice. Jeff (Agoos) took a while to talk with me."
"It's a nice touch, it really is," Barry continued. "I am in the ESC (Empire Supporters Club) and it's nice to know that the fans are appreciated. It's our team. We've been there through the good years and the bad years. The players and coaches will come and go, but it's good to know the team appreciates us. (The organization) realizes it's the fan base that counts. From the D.C. trip at the start, finally getting the stadium, it's the little things (the Red Bulls) are doing."
"My 13-year old daughter has been asking for a season ticket," said Barry. "Tonight she got one."
The Red Bulls depart for preseason training in California Saturday, and will train at The Home Depot Center until February 17.
The Red Bulls home opener is scheduled for Saturday, April 5 against the Columbus Crew at Giants Stadium at 7:30 PM ET. For ticket information, contact the Red Bulls at 1.877.RBSOCCER.
