October 6 – Five years ago, San Diego football fans had to look south of the border to Mexico for football opportunities, however, San Diego FC’s debut season has stunningly changed that narrative.
On the pitch, the newbies have played a brand of football that has had the purists purring as they’ve earned a playoff berth while tying expansion records for points and wins.
Off the pitch, they’ve attracted a host of sponsors eager to hitch their wagon to something new and shiny.
Since Snapdragon Stadium, home to San Diego State University and the San Diego Wave FC opened its gates, more than 18,000 SDFC fans have signed up as founding members. With home attendances near 30,000 and a host of premium spaces available to those with deeper pockets, the club is built to entertain as much as it is to win.
Along with a passionate fan base, SDFC has shattered MLS’s all-time retail sales record and attracted nearly 50 official partners, from DIRECTV to the San Diego Zoo. Their ‘Eighteen Threads’ retail concept has turned football shopping into an experience.
Along with financial health, the club’s Right to Dream Academy, the first of its kind in MLS, is a model built not just on profit, but purpose.
“From our founding Season Ticket Members to our Club partners and fans, this inaugural season has exceeded every expectation,” said SDFC CEO Tom Penn. “On the pitch, we’ve shown that San Diego FC is a competitive force, and off the pitch, we’ve set records that reflect the passion and support of our community. This is just the beginning of our journey.”
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