RAPIDS SALES EXECUTIVE HONORED AT MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER GALA EVENT

First-Year Sales Director Michael Hitchcock Sparks 31-Percent Attendance Growth;
Entire Sales Team Recognized for Exceptional 2001 Efforts

DENVER (Wednesday, October 24, 2001) - Colorado Rapids executive Michael Hitchcock was recognized as the top Sales Director in Major League Soccer at the league's annual MLS Cup Awards Gala in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday night.

Hitchcock, 28, joined the Rapids organization following the 2000 season, and immediately sparked a dramatic growth in ticket sales numbers. In only 13 months, Hitchcock led a sales team that boosted attendance by 31% over the 2000 numbers, an increase of nearly 4,000 fans per game.

"I truly believe that a manager is only as good as the people he manages, and if it were not for the hard work and dedication of the ten sales professionals working in our office, there would be no award," Hitchcock said.

Hitchcock's approach to ticket sales has been well-received by the Front Range soccer community, who view his efforts to form partnerships with the local club teams as a major step forward in the relationship between the area's Major League Soccer franchise and its fan base.

"Our success off the field this year has been remarkable, thanks in large part to the continuing commitment to excellence shown by Michael and his staff," said General Manager Dan Counce. "We are fortunate to have such an accomplished sales team as part of one of the best front office staffs in the league."

In addition to the award bestowed upon Hitchcock, the entire Rapids' sales staff was nominated in the Sales Staff of the Year category at the ceremony, and Corporate Account Executive Andy Smith was placed on the League's Honor Roll for his achievement in ticket sales in 2001.

One of the key components of Hitchcock's sales success is the "Kicks for Kids" program, which provides underprivileged children with the opportunity to attend professional soccer matches through the generosity of area corporations who purchase season tickets.

The Rapids' sales staff has also been instrumental in reaching out to Colorado businesses of every size, establishing a pair of ticket programs that cater to corporate environments. Both the Client Entertainment program and the Employee Welfare program provide businesses with a low-cost entertainment option that rewards employees by providing match tickets and exceptional personal service at the stadium during the game.

Hitchcock and the Rapids' sales department have already begun the push for even greater things in 2002, and currently lead Major League Soccer in new season ticket sales.

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