April 21 PRSA Program

When the Sonics were dragged out of Seattle back in 2008, it left a void in the hearts of those die hard Seattle sports fans. True, we still had our M's and our Hawks, but Seattle residents were caught off guard with the scandalous intentions of one Oklahoma City business group and were eager to prove their worth as a supportive, loyal and (sometimes) rowdy group.

It wasn't long until that void was filled with the Seattle Sounders FC playing their first MLS season in 2009. With Seattle's already established fan loyalty for local sports franchises and strong soccer fan base, it was no surprise that the Sounders FC sold more season tickets that year than any other MLS club in the league’s 13-year existence.

2009 was a fantastic opening season for the Sounders who went on to win the U.S. Open Cup tournament and made it to the conference semifinals. The Sounders were well on their way to marking a brand on the city of Seattle and it's residents. But how did they do it in one short season? Seattle Sounders FC's Gary Wright, senior vice president and Stephanie Gray, business operations and marketing director, can tell you how.

The Seattle Sounders is a brand that the entire region can claim as its own. Learn how the PR and Marketing teams contributed to that success during the April 21 PRSA Program - Sounders Magic: Making of a Brand. We’ll hear from Gary Wright and Stephanie Gray about the tactics and strategies used for their success. Wright served 33 years with the Seattle Seahawks and spearheaded the launch of the Seattle Sounders last year. Gray joined him in marketing the brand, and the rest is history.

As a member of the PRSA Programs committee, I'm excited to see this event take place next Wednesday, 7:30 to 9am at the Washington Athletic Club. As a loyal and rowdy Sounders fan, I am pumped to learn more about my favorite MLS team. And, as a PR professional looking to break into the world of sports marketing, I'm looking forward to acting as a sponge and soaking up all the wisdom provided by Wright and Gray.

Anyone else?! What about next Wednesday's event are you looking forward to?

Be sure to spread the word and register for the event at http://asi-seattle.com/prsa3/register.php. Cost is $32 for PRSA members and students, $45 for non members; breakfast included.