Major League Soccer today announced the winners of year-end awards that recognize individuals and teams for outstanding contributions off the playing field. Real Salt Lake has two ticket sales staff members - Chad Sackett, Andy Cho - in the top five sales leaders for ticket revenue, and three - Chad Sackett, Kris Katseanes, Andy Cho - in the top five sales leaders for season tickets in the League.
"These three individuals exemplify the type of staff we have here in the Real Salt Lake front office," said RSL General Manager Steve Pastorino. "It's a testament not only of the devotion of our organization, but also to the soccer community in Utah that we were able to achieve such a fate. I congratulate Chad Sackett, Kris Katseanes and Andy Cho in obtaining this accomplishment."
Sackett sold 1,005 season tickets and was the first MLS ticket sales staff person to sell more than 1,000 tickets in his/her first campaign and in recent MLS history. He is second in the League in ticket sales revenue and first in season ticket sales in MLS. The Utah native joined Real Salt Lake after spending five years as the goalkeeper for the USL Second Division Utah Blitzz. While a goalkeeper with the Utah Blitzz, he worked as the Outside Sales Manager for Scoreboard Sports for three years.
"RSL has given me the opportunity to continue my passion of playing soccer, selling soccer, and promoting soccer in the state of Utah," Sackett said. "I am thankful for this award and am delighted to share this with the RSL Sales team and the local soccer clubs, teams, and organizations."
Cho sold 640 season tickets and is fourth in the League in ticket sales revenue and fifth in season ticket sales in MLS. The Salt Lake City, Utah native oversees corporate seat sales and prior to joining RSL, he spent one year in Real Estate. Cho's local knowledge has made him an integral part of the sales team.
"This has been a great opportunity to be involved in the beginning stages of building a world class organization here in Utah," Cho said. "The entire organization was very successful and has a lot to be proud of in our inaugural season. I would like to thank all of our season ticket holders and fans for their support this year. "
Katseanes sold 748 season tickets and is second in season ticket sales in MLS. He joined the RSL front office from Pro Image in Logan, Utah where he was the manager for three years.
"On and off the field, Real Salt Lake is great to be a part of. We have quality guys for players, unbelievably wonderful fans and a great organization from top to bottom," Katseanes said. "Our ticket sales staff was able to capitalize on all of these strengths. It's a pleasure to be a part of this sales team that has assembled and to be associated with a professional franchise that handles itself with such class."
RSL finished the season averaging 18,037 in attendance during its inaugural season, which put them second in the League in attendance behind the Los Angeles Galaxy who averaged 24,204.
