First News Of 2015

The Rapids posted the newest episode of their official podcast today, which included an interview with Tim Hinchey.  The biggest news to me was the first (as far as I know) official statement that we're looking for a new jersey sponsor.  I don't think this is a surprise after the Ciao debacle but now we know for sure.  There was a pretty strong report that OtterBox up in Fort Collins had made a bid to be a jersey sponsor before the Rapids went with Ciao.  I'm not a huge fan of their cases (too bulky for what I want) but I'd jump all over a Rapids case if they became the jersey sponsor.  Heck, maybe we could get them to do a limited edition Centennial 38 case run in this scenario. :D

Here are the cliff notes of the rest of the Hinchey interview.  No real news in here, most of it other than the jersey sponsor talk is what we heard at the Celtic in October, but it appears the plans haven't changed so that's something.

• They're getting a lot of interest in the shirt sponsorship (Gee, where have I heard that before)
• Season ticket renewals are near 85%
• The two key off the field areas are the shirt sponsor including finding the "right partner" (again, heard this before) and making the Dick a fortress
• The team has tripled its season tickets in the last 3 years
• A second Designated Player is "absolutely going to happen"
• Scouting on 3 different continents
• They've added talent to the front office/technical staff, now its time to add talent on the field
• Success in 2015 on the field is Progress, doing better than 2014, making the playoffs, doing better against rival clubs like FSL and KC (when did KC become a rival?), consistency.  Off the field its growing the supporter base had having fans who are happy.

Again it was mainly a rehash of the same topics from the C38 Town Hall in October.  My opinion hasn't changed.  Talk is cheap, its time, especially now that we're through the holidays, for actions.  Time to sign some of those "difference-makers" Hinchey and Bravo have talked about (Burling/Calvert/Harrington aren't difference-makers).