MLS to Atlanta Website

[BigKahuna]

I know that mt. buck, has been talking about taking the first steps towards creating a website so I thought we might as well have a thread to brainstorm ideas for it as well as volunteer to help. If anyone has any web design skillz, graphics skillz, programming skillz, knun chuck skillz, etc. let us know.

[Eleven Bravo]

unfortunately, i'm computer retarded. but there is a Atlanta MLS myspace group if anyone would want to go there and post anything.

[BigKahuna]

First of all, we should have a professional looking layout with a well written argument for having a MLS team in Atlanta. It should address all of MLS's concerns about a SSS and ownership as well as highlight why Atlanta is the best option for expansion in the south. We should make it a point to call on the Silverbacks ownership to make it happen and let them know that this site is dedicated to rally support for their promotion.

Also, I think we are going to need some sort of guest list/supporter's list where people can post their name and residence as verification of their
support for bringing a team here. We could write a short statement saying that those who signed it are stating their intentions to support the team through ticket or merchandise purchases.

I think we should also try to establish relationships with various potential fans bases such as local amatuer soccer league, college organizations, youth clubs etc.

[BigKahuna]

I think we should also compile a list of relevant people in decison making positions so that fans pushing for this know where to direct their voices. We already have a small list going on in one of the threads here.

Basically, we already have some good info in this forum and should find a way to compile it all into a well organized argument hat will be highly visible to the Silverbacks, Atlana Sports Council, MLS, and any soccer fans in the area.

We should be easily found via google search.

[Eleven Bravo]

First of all, we should have a professional looking layout with a well written argument for having a MLS team in Atlanta. It should address all of MLS's concerns about a SSS and ownership as well as highlight why Atlanta is the best option for expansion in the south. We should make it a point to call on the Silverbacks ownership to make it happen and let them know that this site is dedicated to rally support for their promotion.

Also, I think we are going to need some sort of guest list/supporter's list where people can post their name and residence as verification of their
support for bringing a team here. We could write a short statement saying that those who signed it are stating their intentions to support the team through ticket or merchandise purchases.

I think we should also try to establish relationships with various potential fans bases such as local amatuer soccer league, college organizations, youth clubs etc.

it'd be nice if they had it where it a links website too. and maybe a video webcast.

if any of yall have seen the Georgia Soccer Forum is highly active and i think it'd be smart to have a way that it would include highschool and youth club information as well to attract some people.

[BigKahuna]

it'd be nice if they had it where it a links website too. and maybe a video webcast.

if any of yall have seen the Georgia Soccer Forum is highly active and i think it'd be smart to have a way that it would include highschool and youth club information as well to attract some people.

I haven't seen that website...could you post the link and maybe post a message over here abou his forum and this idea? I'll help out if you want.

[Eleven Bravo]

http://www.network54.com/Forum/171923/

[Michael CM1]

I know that mt. buck, has been talking about taking the first steps towards creating a website so I thought we might as well have a thread to brainstorm ideas for it as well as volunteer to help. If anyone has any web design skillz, graphics skillz, programming skillz, knun chuck skillz, etc. let us know.

Good idea BK. I'm hoping to have time to work on it this weekend. Once I get started I get lots done in a hurry. I'll look on this thread for ideas.

[BigKahuna]

I think I will be purchasing the domain www.MLStoAtlanta.com and working up a website. It'll take some time cause I have a lot to learn, but I hope this will be a good start and I hope to use it as a spring board for a supporter's group for Atlanta's MLS team.

[USMNT #1]

BK

I think we have the same interest and idea. I sent you a Big Soccer message this evening. Send me an email. I'd like to chat.

[USMNT #1]

Maybe we should pyrchase the domain AtlantaWantsMLS.com

[BigKahuna]

Maybe we should pyrchase the domain AtlantaWantsMLS.com

Could be an idea I suppose, but I like your other idea more.

[Michael CM1]

I would suggest mlsatlanta.org. There would probably be some "oops!" traffic from mlsatlanta.com. MLS is apparently some sort of real estate term. Anywho, I'm willing to help out a little bit. I don't even have the time to keep the Silverbacks supporters group site completely up to date, but I can give ideas and such.

The best thing I can think of to do is like our bids my fraternity used to create for getting conferences and things. You basically figure out what is needed (ownership, stadium, fans) and elaborate on why Atlanta is a good choice. Boris Jerkunica seems headed in that direction, but he's working on getting RMGA Stadium completed. I still hope they have a model that goes to 20,000 seats, but that's a story for another day. So the city obviously has the first two (well, in about 3 years). You then can outline all the youth soccer organizations, the international community (Mexico, South America, all sorts of other places) very near to the stadium.

The soccer market hasn't really even been tapped yet either. So many people (this has been well noted) don't know that Atlanta has a soccer club. It's like a grass-roots thing right now. I'm assuming that once RMGA is completed, they will unveil a marketing blitz. Ask people in Kansas City how much marketing helps. Apparently there hasn't been much in the past couple of years.

[gosh1976]

subscribing to thread...

I have a little HTML and a very little graphics knowledge and would be willing to help out if I can in my limited free time.

[BigKahuna]

Sounds great, everyone. Keep checking in every week or so and we'll let you know about progress on this and how you all can help.

[Michael CM1]

Sounds great, everyone. Keep checking in every week or so and we'll let you know about progress on this and how you all can help.

As someone in the news biz, I can tell you the best thing is to spread the word and get fans to the games. Why do you think itty bitty Rochester may get a transplanted franchise next year? They can get about 10k average for USL games. I still personally think it's dumb to go to a market THAT small for a top-level team but my money isn't on the line.

Start getting a couple of friends to come. Then get them to get friends to come. That's how successful grass-roots campaigns work. I was part of Howard Dean's back in 2003-04. It all fell apart in Februrary but nobody knew who the hell he was before a whole lot of us starting telling friends online and doing Meetups.

The same can be done for almost anything. If you or someone you know is in charge of a church youth group, see if you can get a discount rate and bring 30 kids. Just junk like that.

[Eleven Bravo]

As someone in the news biz, I can tell you the best thing is to spread the word and get fans to the games. Why do you think itty bitty Rochester may get a transplanted franchise next year? They can get about 10k average for USL games. I still personally think it's dumb to go to a market THAT small for a top-level team but my money isn't on the line.

Start getting a couple of friends to come. Then get them to get friends to come. That's how successful grass-roots campaigns work. I was part of Howard Dean's back in 2003-04. It all fell apart in Februrary but nobody knew who the hell he was before a whole lot of us starting telling friends online and doing Meetups.

The same can be done for almost anything. If you or someone you know is in charge of a church youth group, see if you can get a discount rate and bring 30 kids. Just junk like that.

one thing Atlanta or another southern team shouldn't ignore is merchandising. Everyone keeps thinking a club's only fan success is attendance, attendance, attendance... but with the Atlanta having the entire south to market, merchandising could be great for the team's income.

[gosh1976]

one thing Atlanta or another southern team shouldn't ignore is merchandising. Everyone keeps thinking a club's only fan success is attendance, attendance, attendance... but with the Atlanta having the entire south to market, merchandising could be great for the team's income.

the replica jerseys were somewhere around $64, pretty nice scarfs for $10 as well as t-shirts and polo type shirts are for sale at the games... so get out and buy them... this most likely will give you a chance to spread the word people will ask you about them... at the last game at least the scarf was cheaper than it is on the web site

I wonder if they will be adding a store during phase II surely they will atleast have permanent concesions selling the merchandise rather than the folding tables they have now

I wonder how much the team tries to get the stuff in local soccer stores?

[GTMerciless]

Do we have any local soccer stores? I mean I have seen random sporting goods stores that sell mostly youth soccer products but nothing from any Pro teams. If there are some that have more than just equipment let me know, I will certainly go there and ask about Silverbacks gear. If enough people start asking then maybe they will take a chance and grab a few items.

Anyways so that the thread isnt hijacked too much, any update on the website efforts?

[gosh1976]

Do we have any local soccer stores? I mean I have seen random sporting goods stores that sell mostly youth soccer products but nothing from any Pro teams. If there are some that have more than just equipment let me know, I will certainly go there and ask about Silverbacks gear. If enough people start asking then maybe they will take a chance and grab a few items.

Anyways so that the thread isnt hijacked too much, any update on the website efforts?

there's one in Buckhead, Peachtree City, and one in Buford and I'm sure there are a few others around town. I don't know how good the selection is but I know they have a few replica jerseys and I've seen replica jerseys in Sports Authority.