FENTON, MO (KMOX) - St. Louis FC opens its sixth season at West Community Stadium in Fenton Saturday night, its first season since the city was awarded a Major League franchise that will begin play in 2022.
FC President Patrick Barry says the MLS announcement has helped raise awareness and build excitement, but it hasn't really impacted ticket sales at FC just yet. "Because it's still so early, and they don't start for two years, I think it's raised awareness of the game in St. Louis and the excitement is building. I don't know that in 2020 that you'll see a lot of that play out here."
The corporate community is a different story. Barry tells KMOX that FC is in line to have its best year ever when it comes to sponsorships. "Some people are investing now to be a part of soccer as it comes to '22 and a lot of people just like what has been going on here and feel like it's a value. We're going to have a slight uptick in corporate partnerships and we couldn't be happier."
As for on the pitch, Barry says you're going to see an improved team, thanks to a change in the roster's makeup and an increased investment. "We changed how we went about building the roster and where we placed emphasis and we did invest more, spent more money, quite honestly. So, we're looking forward to that reaping better results."
FC has made the playoffs only once in its first five seasons. Despite that, Barry says the organization has been "blown away" by the fan support, and it wants to reward them for their loyalty. "We want to host a home playoff game and we believe this team is good enough, if they're playing well at the right time, to win a championship."
Saturday's game against Miami FC kicks off at 7 pm.