from a chat session between supporters and Adrian Hanauer on Jose Romero’s Seattle Times blog.
Adrian Hanauer:
I don’t want to rank them because every tournament in which we play is important. However, CONCACAF Champions League is a personal and team priority. We have said in the past that we want to be able to compete internationally. This is our opportunity to show that we are one of the best, if not the best, team in the region. And by winning CONCACAF we could then compete in the world club championships against the best club teams in the world. [later response] This is a huge challenge and opportunity for our team. Champions League requires quality and depth. The existing structure of MLS rosters makes that very difficult to accomplish, but we are confident in our abilities to manage this issue.
This is exactly the attitude our Front Office should display. I commend this vision and can’t wait for the tournament to start, it’s easily the competition I most look forward to this coming season. Adrian says a decision has not been made on whether the games will be played at Starfire or Qwest.
More gems from the q&a session:
Adrian Hanauer:
Yes. Absolutely a priority and a pet project of mine. Having more Sounders fans at away games always helps our chances to steal points on the road.
That fits in nicely with our vision. As does this:
Adrian Hanauer:
Our revenue stream has been larger than most of our peers around the league. That said, our cost structure has also been higher. But, if there are opportunities to invest in our collective future, we will certainly do so. One area of extreme interest is youth development. We have the opportunity over the next five years to build an extraordinary system in partnership with Washington Youth Soccer, to develop players for our first team.
Adrian Hanauer:
We are currently at about 95% renewal rate. Now we are beginning to contact the 8,500 ticket waiting list. Our goal is 30,000 season tickets. Call all of your friends and tell them to buy.
Adrian Hanauer:
Great question and great point. We currently have one full-time scout, which is one more than any other MLS team (Kurt Schmid). We also have an extensive network of agents and scouts who we feel provide us with a competitive advantage. But this is definitely an area in which we may invest more resources in the future.
Favorite Sounders moment off the pitch:
Adrian Hanauer:
The moment just after the singing of the national anthem at every home game. I love the increase in volume, tension, the chants from the ECS, the flags . . . that moment of anticipation before the kickoff.
2010 kit tidbit:
Adrian Hanauer:
I can’t promise shale grey but there might be a little surprise in the jersey category coming this summer.
Wit and intelligence throughout the entire interview. Adrian’s doing a damn fine job.
