Bryan and Nick

Philadelphia CEO and Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz took some time out to answer some questions from Sons of Ben President Bryan James.

BJ: With the name the team contest coming to an end, were there any write ins or write in movements that opened your eyes?
NS: I’m not completely sure yet because I haven’t seen the final results. However, the general reaction to the choices we offered was very positive, and the fact that I haven’t heard about any specific write-in movements leads me to believe that we’ll go with one of the team names we offered. Anything can happen though, so stay tuned!

BJ: Many journalists and fans around the league are assuming Philadelphia will be the light blue and old gold of the Philadelphia flag, is this a safe bet?
NS: Those colors are certainly under consideration, as are many other combinations. Our fans have been incredible and we owe it to them to listen closely to what they want. Therefore, we’re doing extensive historical analysis and market research, including engaging fans in intensive focus groups so that we understand exactly what they’re thinking before making a decision.

BJ: How will ticket pricing compare to other professional sporting events in Philly?
NS: I’m confident that our fans will be pleasantly surprised when we release pricing. The combination of an incredibly lively atmosphere and very affordable pricing will easily amount to the best value in town.

BJ: Favorite 80’s band?
NS: U2

BJ: With the season right around the corner what two teams do you see in the Cup?
NS: I think Columbus will be strong again. Chivas USA will be better and DC United will be back to their old self.

BJ: Have you talked with the league about updating expansion roster creation rules in light of what Seattle has done? Would you consider buying a stake in a USL club in 09 so you could pick the pieces you wanted from it?
NS: We’ve been in contact with the League regarding expansion draft, foreign player signing and the Super Draft, which, by the way, will be hosted in Philly in 2010. These are the three main ways in which we’ll populate our roster. In all likelihood we won’t buy a USL franchise, however, we will reach out to the teams in our geographic region in order to create partnerships for player development and acquisition. We’ll also reach out to academies and youth soccer clubs through our relationships with EPYSA and DYSA.

BJ: Metro Playoff Fever. Did you catch it? Did it hurt?
NS: That was an initiative my senior management team came up with to try and create some excitement around a playoff game that we had to sell in 3 days. For a variety of reasons, Northern NJ and the NY metro area is a tough sell, but we did ok for that game. I personally didn’t buy into the initiative because I thought it was too hokey for the fans, but sometimes you have to let your staff do their thing. It was worth a try and it didn’t hurt too bad.

BJ: Is there any chance that Four Leaf Clover is played over the speakers or led by the SoB’s as the teams come out with the words on the scoreboard to encourage participation by all the fans like at West Ham?
NS: I think Four Leaf Clover is becoming part of our DNA. We’ll let the fans tell us what they want.

BJ: Your prediction for US v Mexico
NS: 2-1 USA

BJ: Finally, how are you adapting to Philadelphians attitude about their teams? It seems like the entire region lives and dies with the results sometimes.
NS: I LOVE Philadelphia! That is what is great about this area. The fans are real fans. They live and die with their teams. They care at all times and don’t ignore a team that is doing poorly. They let you have it when you’re losing and cheer just as intensely when you’re winning. I keep hearing the line “it’s a Philly thing” and now I’m beginning to understand what that means. Philly is without a doubt one of the best, if not the best, sports cities in the world and I just can’t wait to start playing.