MLS Seattle Takes Lead with Democracy in Sports

Fans are invited to vote online for the new MLS in Seattle team name from March 27-31.

KIRKLAND, WASH. — Soccer fans are invited to vote for the name of the new Major League Soccer team in Seattle, the club announced today.

Fans will be able to vote online beginning on Thursday, March 27 at 12:01 a.m. (PT) and conclude on Monday, March 31 at 11:59 p.m. (PT). Fans can register their vote at www.mlsinseattle.com.

The three naming options will be announced Tuesday, March 25, and were chosen through fan focus groups, internal committees and fan suggestions, but will not include Sounders.

“I have great respect for the Sounders and the club’s history,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “While we should celebrate the past, we believe the MLS Seattle team should be about where we are headed tomorrow and help position the club globally.”

Fans will be allowed one vote per unique email address. MLS Seattle season ticket deposit holders will receive the same number of votes as deposits purchased.

“The names which will be announced next Tuesday include one traditional soccer name, while the other two are representative of the inclusive relationship we want to build with our fans with an emphasis on democracy in sports,” said Vulcan Sports & Entertainment President Tod Leiweke. “The final vote rests with our fans.”

MLS Seattle has hired Votenet™ Solutions, Inc. to provide a secure online voting system and Deloitte & Touche to recount the results. The winning name will be revealed via live web cast on Monday, April 7 at 11:00 a.m. (PT) at www.mlsinseattle.com.

“We are confident one of the three choices will resonate with our fans throughout the Northwest,” said general manager Adrian Hanauer. “We spent a great deal of time analyzing and debating possible names. Now it is up to the fans.”

MLS Seattle, which currently has just over 13,000 season ticket deposit holders, will play its complete 18-game home schedule at Qwest Field beginning in March 2009.