This might be a good starting point. http://soccer.fakesigi.com/arnim_whisler_chicago_red_stars_investor_interview_nov_2010.html Don't for a minute think we have stopped moving forward. We are trying to proceed on all fronts as if all the financing is done. I think you'll find our front office fully enthusiastic and engaged. Bear with us, we'll keep you posted as we can. But we're working hard for all of us. CRS Owners
That was a very helpful and thoughtful interview. Thanks for the openness. And count me in as a season ticket holder. I want you to succeed!
Thank you for being so open. I am a season ticketholder having already paid for next seaon as I have faith in the team and league. Good luck
You mean break-even for the year, or break-even overall? If the former, why not 2011? And what different situations are you already seeing that might make the difference between 2011 and 2012?
That's what I was thinking, but of those three the only one you can definitely control and reasonably predict is 'less spending'. I think it would be difficult to predict sponsorships and attendance for 2012, especially when we've had so much uncertainty just about 2011, and the statement in the interview sounded like such a definite statement I was wondering what it was based on (besides the assumption 2011 is a 'go' as well).
I have a couple of season tickets for 2011 already and would consider buying another one (note: I'll find a way to pay for the extra ticket if it helps CRS play in 2011). Ask current season ticket holders buy one extra season ticket. It would be a "financial" and "fan loyalty" way of showing our support and maybe would turn potential investors heads! Call it "Operation Extra Season Ticket "(ok, corny) or somthing similar? Get it going word of mouth - what do all think? Would it help in the scheme of things?
re: breakeven. We continue to make progress in the big three of revenue (attendance, sponsors, camps) we were top 2 in all of those. We can with good confidence project growth in all of those. Re: costs all teams are sizing spend to revenue plus 'tolerable loss' and each has a different threshold for 'tolerable'. We can't just cut cost to planned revenues or we just don't put a viable team on the field.
I will add my "thank you for posting" to the chorus here. I am curious to know how much season ticket sale numbers impact your ability to raise venture capital/investments. Of course, any potential investor will look at the larger picture of the financials. But do season tix sales carry significant weight?
the investors aren't going to decide based on season tickets booked, its the body of work in its entirety and the momentum and likelihood that it isn't just 'dead money'. Season tickets are critical though in that they radiate benefit -- sponsors get more excited, existing owner and future believe the fans are behind it, and it is a 'locked in' base attendance number for the upcoming season. so very important, but not alone going to get our last investor(s) to close.
Ah okay, cool. =-) And it seems I forgot to do so earlier, so let me also say Thank you for sharing! Always nice to get a candid snapshot of what's going on behind the scenes.
Thank you for the info. I have met and talked to most of you guys and let me say that you are second to none as far as sports owners go. IMO, you guys are not just investors in a sports venture but are passionate fans as well. And I also appreciate how likeable and approacheable the owners of the CRS are. As you know I am a die-hard Red Stars fan and there are others like me who may not post here or post as much as I do but nevertheless, we do have a great and passionate fan base. Many of us would be heartborken if this team folds. I am a fan and season ticket holder of the Red Stars and Fire. And as much as I have been there since the beginning with the Chicago Fire, I seem to have a better time at the Red Stars games and often see better soccer(especially this year) then I do at the the Fire games. I hope that investors do come forward and we can look forward to CRS soccer next season. The CRS have the best upside IMO, in the league. We have had both losing seasons and yet we still have one of the top attendances. Chicago Fans in all sports are dying for a winner. And if we put a winner on the field with the Red Stars I'm convinced our attendance and fan base will grow even more. I hope potential investors can see this opportunity. CRS have the potential to be the most stable WPS franchise in the long run. Thanks again.
Here's hoping you're able to get everything in order for 2011--the league needs the big name in the standings that is Chicago--and the more teams there are the better.
To the Owners Thank You To the Red Star Fans We look forward to you being with us this Season.Us being the League and the rest of the Teams. See you in Atlanta. Good Wishes all round.
Third year season ticket holder. Upgraded to club seats this year even though it meant cutting some other stuff out of the budget. I could never have forgiven myself if I hadn't done whatever I could to show support for the CRS players and staff. The front office people work so hard and are absolutely committed to keeping this team and league going. Also, we should take into account all the good done by the CRS charities for the Chicagoland community. Graduate school commitments keep my involvement with the message board to a minimum, but I'm with MRAD in believing in this team.
Will there be a booth at the USA-Italy game where I can renew my CRS season tickets? or do you guys have any special offers for both season tickets and the USA-Italy game on your website?
That's actually a good question a great idea. Are the Red Stars going to have a booth at the USWNT game CRS Owners? Would the USSF allow that? This would be a great opportunity to push CRS ticket sales and show potential investors that the CRS has a solid fan base.
CRS will have a booth at the WNT game but it has a number of restrictions per USSF and or sponsor rules. So you'll see us, but we'll be pretty low key to coexist properly. CRS O
I think that means the fans at the game cough...ceezmad...cough...MRAD... need to make CRS a big talking point as you socialize & talk to the fans around you at both tailgating and once seated. Word of mouth people!
I do that all the time anyway. I referee youth games in the western and northwestern suburbs and I always bring up the Red Stars to the kids and parents and encourage them to go to the games.
Will I be able to acquire a CRS scarf while I'm in Bridgeview shooting the game? I understand that USSF won't allow your concessions to be open, but is there anyway I can hand someone cash for a CRS scarf?