The Colorado Rapids are in “advanced stages” of negotiation with more than one party for a jersey sponsor for the 2011 season, managing director Jeff Plush told MLSsoccer.com.
Plush said just before Christmas that he was confident such a sponsor could be obtained by the time of the Rapids’ opener on March 19 against the Portland Timbers. Turning such a major deal around in a week would be a little over-optimistic, but Plush remains confident about getting a deal done.
“There is significant traction on the jersey sponsorship and I am still bullish,” he said. “Everything has to run its course and, rather than shoehorn it into an artificial timeframe, we have to get a good deal at the right time.”
The Rapids have enjoyed increased sponsorship since winning MLS Cup last November. Westerra Credit Union, a locally based banking and financial-services company, will be the presenting sponsor for the club in 2011, the first time it has been involved with the Rapids. Plush described the agreement with Westerra as a “significant six-figure deal.” Westerra appeared on the new Rapids’ prematch video unveiled recently for the 2011 season.
The club has also been sponsored by automotive group Scion, which is currently touring the state with the MLS Cup through the “Rapids Ride” promotion.
“These are very good signs,” Plush said. “There are a lot of deals and some good renewals.”
In other news, the chances of a major international team coming to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park to play a friendly game look slim. Plush had been confident that Werder Bremen of the German Bundesliga would visit in the summer, but they are no longer coming to the US.
With more games scheduled for the team in 2011, the fixture list is looking a little crammed.
“The reality is that the [CONCACAF] Champions League brings with it six more games between August and October and there is just not a whole lot of time,” Plush said. “It will be challenge for us to find a team when they want to be here and when we want to play them.”
There may be increased opportunity if the Rapids fail to make any headway in the US Open Cup, he added.
The Rapids play their final preseason game on Saturday in Vancouver against the Whitecaps before returning for a week’s training at home in Colorado ahead of the Portland matchup.
Nick Thomas covers the Rapids for MLSsoccer.com and can be reached at nthomas459@gmail.com or on twitter @rapidsstuff.
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