Welcome to edition No. 34 of my blog on
HoustonDynamo.com
.
Complete Canetti's Corner Archive
It's been a while since my last report, so I figured it was time to check in again. Sorry for the long span in-between blogs. This time, I am going to cover a handful of topics.
First Team
I'll start with the team. We are about two-thirds through the season and have 12 games left (5 home, 7 away). We are determined to make the playoffs, and we currently hold the final spot through Week 20 of MLS play. We are seven points behind first-place Columbus and sit just behind Philadelphia and New York in the Eastern Conference standings. There are also teams on our tail, so it is going to be an exciting race down the home stretch, as every point is critical. This weekend's game at Philadelphia is big.
As you know, we have gone through a lot of personnel change since last season as part of our re-building process. That change has led to improvement, but we are eager to improve further. We've said all along that the summer transfer window would present that opportunity. We are in the midst of the window and intend to make improvements.
We made our first move in trading Mike Chabala and Lovel Palmer to Portland for Adam Moffat and allocation money. This move brought us a talented and gritty midfielder and improved our salary cap situation. As a result, it improves our ability to pursue additional players. We have a plan and are working toward executing it. My expectation is that we'll have some news for you very soon.
I'd like to thank Mike and Lovel for their service to the club. Mike, in particular - given his long tenure - was a tremendous asset in the community. His efforts in this area are appreciated and will be missed. Thank you, Mike and Lovel.
Saturday's Military Appreciation Night led by Brad's Brigade was incredible. More than 1,500 military personnel, including families, were on hand for the victory over Seattle. Brad Davis did a wonderful job leading the effort. Thanks to the many fans that supported Brad's Brigade and helped bring out the military and their families.
Congratulations to our four MLS All-Star players: Davis, Geoff Cameron, Corey Ashe, and Tally Hall. No other MLS team had more representatives in the game at Red Bull Arena. They did a fine job representing the Dynamo against Manchester United.
Dynamo Stadium
Premium seats in the new stadium went on sale in July. This includes Club 100, Club 200 and President’s Club seats. Of the total premium inventory, 90 percent is sold out, and all of the Club 100 seats are sold out. We expect a full sellout within a few weeks. We have also sold a good number of suites. These are positive signs as excitement for the new stadium builds. Thank you to everyone who has purchased premium seats.
Season tickets will begin going on sale to current season ticket holders on September 6. Those season ticket holders will get the first opportunity to select seats through a private window. After their window expires, the general public will have its chance to purchase and select seats later in September. We expect the interest level to be high. If you have questions about the process, contact our office at 713.276.7500 and ask to speak with Christina, Randi, or Tiffany.
For an amazing look at the new stadium and a chance to preview seats, log onto our IOMEDIA Virtual Venue.
Construction remains on target, and the opening is planned for early May 2012. Installation of steel girders will begin this week, and the stadium will begin to take shape. To see it live, check out our DynamoStadium.com webcam.
Follow Me on Twitter
I’m on Twitter at @chriscanetti if you’d like to follow. Thanks again for your time. Look forward to catching up soon. Email comments to ccanetti@houstondynamo.com.
