THE CANADIAN PRESS
TORONTO — Toronto FC is hoping to quell an angry fan revolt by giving away a free game and not raising ticket prices in 2012 for returning season-ticket holders.
The Major League Soccer club made the announcement — in an email and on its website — in a move to please fans disgruntled by rising prices and poor performance on the field.
Toronto has yet to make the playoffs in the team’s four seasons in the league.
Club officials said the initiatives are the result of feedback gathered through emails, conversations, online chats and town hall meetings.
"The meetings were crucial to helping us understand your concerns," the email said. "Toronto FC fans are unique — you love your club, you feel a part of the club, but your club has let you down on and off the pitch. We’ve now digested your feedback with the goal of identifying actionable items."
The club extended the deadline for renewing season tickets to Monday, and fans who do renew will attend the 2011 home opener for free.
Also, beginning in 2012, only MLS regular-season games and two Nutrilite Canadian Championship games will be part of ticket packages.
Toronto has enjoyed the most passionate fans in the league, but fans were outraged by recent news ticket prices would be raised again next season.
The fans staged a silent protest at Toronto’s recent 2-2 tie with Columbus by refusing to cheer during the game. Some sat with their mouths taped shut.
In response to criticism over the team’s performance, the email said the club is "working hard to assemble a management team that is second to none in Major League Soccer… We are excited about the opportunity for a fresh start as we prepare to launch our fifth anniversary season in 2011."
The email was signed by Tom Anselmi, executive vice-president and chief operating officer of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd., Paul Beirne, Toronto FC’s director of business operations, interim GM Earl Cochrane, and Jim Brennan, the team’s former captain who now works in its front office.