There's nothing quite like playoff soccer – even the business types will tell you that.
A recent report from Sports Business Journal noted the boost that the Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs have given the four conference finalists, with the New York Red Bulls, Columbus Crew SC, Portland Timbers and FC Dallas all seeing bottom-line benefits from their respective postseason runs.
In the Eastern Conference, the Red Bulls have added more than 2,500 new season-ticket holders this year, while setting a club record with an 86-percent renewal rate. The Red Bulls are also continuing to explore the possibility of landing a naming-rights partner for Red Bull Arena.
Crew SC, meanwhile, have made it a point since drawing a disappointing crowd in their lone postseason home game in 2014 to grow their playoff attendance this year. Columbus took a postseason-focused approach throughout 2015, and the results have paid off with big crowds at MAPFRE Stadium for both home playoff games so far.
The Timbers don’t need any help filling Providence Park, but the team – typically supported by a younger demographic – have noticed that their postseason run has garnered more and more attention from an older set of fans.
FC Dallas, meanwhile, are looking to capitalize on their dramatic playoff run by marketing their recently-announced National Soccer Hall of Fame project and building toward a potential record number of season-ticket sales for 2016.
Give the full story a read to see exactly how the clubs are growing from their respective postseason runs.
