Chivas Players Strip for the Fans.

If you pay attention to MLS attendance numbers, you know that Chivas USA’s are abysmal. The team was founded in 2004 on the assumption that Los Angeles could support two teams. This may turn out to be the case, but it’s been a struggle.

Chivas have tended to be overshadowed by their more flamboyant older sibling, the LA Galaxy, with whom they share a stadium. Prime example? Chivas won the Western Conference last year, by far their best finish ever. But who got all the headlines and celebrity guests? The LA Galaxy, who brought in David Beckham but failed to even make the playoffs.

Average attendance figures for the 2007 season:

LA Galaxy 24,252 (Tops in the league)
Chivas USA 14,305 (Second to bottom, ahead of only Kansas City)

If things don’t get better soon, there’s a chance that Chivas could be looking at a relocation. So it’s time for the Chivas’ PR folks to get creative. The latest? Having the players give the fans the shirts off their backs. Literally.

Starting with…Opening Day at The Home Depot Center, Chivas USA players will give eleven lucky soccer fans the shirts of their backs – literally – at the conclusion of each and every Chivas USA home game.

“Chivas USA’s fans are vital to our success,” said Chivas USA President and CEO Shawn Hunter. “By giving them the shirts off our backs, literally, we show our appreciation to those who matter most to our club, while creating a new tradition which we feel is unique in professional sports.”
After the final whistle of each of Chivas USA’s 15 MLS home games at The Home Depot Center, all players on the field – win, lose or draw – will present Chivas USA fans with their game-worn jerseys, as a special souvenir of appreciation.

From what I saw last night, winners are picked in advance and assigned a player. They then get to go down on the field to meet the players in person as they claim their jersey. I saw some seriously happy young (and a few not-so-young) faces as this was going on, even though Chivas lost 0-2 to FC Dallas.

I still think Kansas City’s party bus is the best promo idea ever, but this is a close second. Plus we at The Offside are always entirely behind anything that promotes the gratuitous baring of skin players connecting with fans.

Go, Chivas!

(Shh. Don’t tell the Galaxy I said that.)

UPDATE: I was feeling quite bad that the only photo I had to offer was of fully-clothed players. Never fear! Reader Allison has come through for us with video of Jesse Marsch, Shavar Thomas and Lance Parker on the news.

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Category: MLS, World Football