I have been fearful that this dreadful economy was going to start affecting MLS, specifically at the gate.
While I still think the league is going to see some diminished attendances through out the year (especially if Becks does leave), this article shows that it might not be too horrible
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http://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/article/61406
"MLS ticket renewals bucking the economy"
"Three MLS clubs are weathering the recession without any problems. Toronto FC, which sold out its first two seasons in MLS, renewed 95 percent of season-ticket holders by October and sold 5 percent of remaining inventory in December. Expansion franchise Seattle Sounders FC has sold more than 18,000 season tickets. Real Salt Lake, which opened its new stadium with just two games left last season, also is weathering the recession. The interest in its new stadium has put its renewal rate at 83 percent and new business ahead of last season, President Bill Manning said."
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If Seattle can bang out 23-24k a night, which from their season ticket sales they might be able too, this should cushion the blow of Becks leaving. And with Becks playing pretty well by the reports, MLS might be able to sneak out another million or so out of the transfer which would also help cushion his leaving.
For those that don't follow the league too closely, this is the historical attendance information
Year Average Median %<10K %>20k
1996 17406 15093 21.9% 26.3%
1997 14619 12733 25.0% 16.3%
1998 14312 11871 26.6% 16.1%
1999 14282 12973 32.3% 15.1%
2000 13756 12690 34.4% 12.5%
2001 14962 13431 26.6% 17.7%
2002 15821 14108 17.1% 18.6%
2003 14898 13641 23.3% 18.0%
2004 15559 13285 24.7% 25.3%
2005 15108 12619 27.1% 17.7%
2006 15504 14175 18.8% 18.8%
2007 16770 15353 8.2% 29.7%
2008 16459 15188 11.0% 24.8%