by David Chapman
Staff Writer
With the support of both Jaguars’ and City officials, Touchdown Jacksonville is enlisting a teal army of passionate fans to help combat the criticisms the one way they can: ticket sales.
During a pep conference on a cold night at the stadium Tuesday, over 500 fans heard firsthand the team’s offseason ticket-selling plans and efforts by Touchdown Jacksonville’s newly formed initiative, “Team Teal,” to generate ticket success in both the short- and long term.
“You helped us before,” said “Team Teal” Commissioner Tony Boselli, “and I need your help now … we can make a difference.”
Boselli highlighted the new team-based ticket buying concept that allows fans to become “team captains” to purchase two season tickets in a multi-year commitment and recruit others to join their team by purchasing seats. Doing so will earn captains points that will enter captains in raffles for prizes ranging from merchandise to Super Bowl tickets.
Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver received a standing ovation from fans during his introduction and asked for the fan’s help in filling the stadium in the upcoming years.
“We love this city and we’re committed to this city” said Weaver, who identified with the current economic concerns affecting sales. “If we all come together, we can fill this place up … but we can’t do that without the community helping us.”
Touchdown Jacksonville organizer Carl Cannon began the conference by telling fans officials had met with 60 area businesses who wanted to be a part of the efforts. He then gave way to Mayor John Peyton, who spoke of the importance of the team in how it helps attracts business while adding to the overall quality of life and local economy.
“We worked hard to bring this team here,” said Peyton. “Being an NFL city, that is a stamp of approval … it is a powerful tool for us.”
Fans like radio personality Amadeus of FM-99.9 showed to hear the message and were on board with what they heard.
“It’s inspiring,” said Amadeus. “We were season ticket holders for a number of years … we’re going to see what we can do to help.”
For more information on the new ticket initiative, go to www.myteamteal.com.
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