Friday, January 23, 2009

Happy Birthday to us!

Hard to believe but a whole year has gone by since we first announced the Austin Aztex at a press conference. I think it's fair to say we have, so far, exceeded people's initial expectations of us and we hope to continue that trend.
Sorry there hasn't been much blogging this past week but it's been a little hectic. So glad to be able to release the schedule, now we can really move forward. I know some people were waiting to buy their season tickets until they saw what the schedule looked like. I also know everyone is dying to hear about new signings - be patient, I have every confidence Adrian will come up with the goods.
We were out at Nelson Field today looking at what needs to be done along with a concessions company and someone who wants to sponsor the Founders Club. There is a patio area where Founders will be treated to food and drink (no alcohol sadly!) before the game and at half time.
We're installing a new phone system over the next week so please be patient if you experience problems getting through to the office.

Kay

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

News from the ticket front

By way of introduction, my name is John Hoelscher and I’ve recently joined the Aztex as Ticket Sales Supervisor. One month on the job….and what a month it’s been!

Having been a sports fan all my life, it’s an exciting opportunity to represent a new and dynamic entertainment option in the Austin area. During my short stint with the team, I’ve had the chance to speak with many Aztex fans (both new and returning) and the overall impression I’ve gotten is that supporters of the Aztex are diehard lovers of “the beautiful game”……and needless to say, their enthusiasm is contagious.

Our ticketing efforts are in full swing and we look forward to offering a fun-filled, exciting campaign through 2009 and beyond. We’ve developed ticket packages to meet the needs of fans at any level. If interested in finding out more about the various packages that the Aztex will be offering for 2009, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me for information. I’m here to help!

I look forward to meeting everyone as we begin play at Nelson Field in 2009!

John Hoelscher

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Let the signings begin...

With the waist line finally recovering from my first Christmas and New Year in Texas it was back to work with a bang. The arrival of 20 players from all over the country trying to convince us that they were worth a contract for our first ever season here in Austin. Professional players, college players, some of last season’s PDL squad ensured that we had a really competitive and worthwhile weekend.

I will be leaving for California this weekend for more try outs and then on to Ft Lauderdale for the MLS combine , finishing off in St Louis for the MLS draft. I have to say I am really looking forward to the draft, being an American sports fan living in England this is something that I’ve heard a lot about and now I can see for myself what all the fuss is about. I will have my own list of players that I have watched carefully over the last year, so it will be interesting to see if they go high, or at all in the draft.

Last, but, by no means least, I can’t tell you how pleased I am that we have finally got our man in signing Gifton Noel-Williams. I have watched him grow from a young boy at Watford to an experienced professional player. If you look at the clubs he’s played for in England and Spain he will clearly be a huge asset to us in the upcoming season. I hope by the time next I write for you he will be the first of many.

Cheers

Adrian Heath



Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Back to work

After a busy Christmas and New Year, it's back to work in the Aztex office. Phil and I had a quick trip to the UK, saw two Stoke City games, including the bizarre game against West Ham. Let's hope we can get back on track quickly, there's not a huge point difference at our end of the table.

The first ever Aztex camps were a great success - the kids really enjoyed learning from and playing with the Aztex players.The 'goodie pack' included an Aztex stadium scarf which proved an instant hit.

We are still awaiting confirmation from the USL to be able to release this season's schedule - I'm sure you are as frustrated as we are. We even have t-shirts ready to sell but as they have the schedule on the back, we have to wait.

The tryouts in California have attracted over 45 players, including some from Europe and Asia - Adrian and the coaches are looking forward to seeing what's on offer. We also recently invited some players here to Austin that Adrian had either seen play elsewhere or who had been recommended to him. They stayed for the weekend so we were able to have an opportunity to see them train and play together.

We are signing up our Founders members and season tickets are now available for purchase by contacting our office and speaking to John (335 8881 Ext: 7#) They will soon also be available online.
We'll also be starting our search for volunteers for both the Pro and PDL teams - details will be on the website.

Kay Rawlins