OK, so maybe not all of you celebrate Easter, but it was a catchy title, no?

Just a quick note before the holiday weekend (for some). The word IS getting out about our Limited International Ambassador Passports (6 mathes for $96!!). I have had many purchase requests this past week, so thanks for getting the word out. Remember, it expires April 3!!! Contact us ASAP if you are interested at moreinfo@metronation.net. Things ARE coming together on our end, and we are looking forward to April 2.

As you are relaxing this weekend, you may want to peruse a weekend issue of the HeraldNews. You might find a quote or two from “yours truly” concerning the upcoming USMNT/Mexico clash Sunday afternoon (1 PM EST on ESPN2). I had a pleasant phone interview, yesterday, so we will see how much “hot air” actually gets in the article. Seriously, it was a good interview that focused on profiling the “American soccer fan” (apparently, she had already spoken to LOTS of Mexican fans) and thoughts about the WC qualifier on Sunday! USA must “represent!”

Don’t forget to hit our MetroNation Mall to purchase MetroGate Passports in advance. Incidentally, it looks like we will have ALL of our MetroNation gear inventory in time for April 2. It should be fun!!!!!! Hope to see you all there! –MNCO

PS
Ironically, I will be in Salt Lake City all next week and will return Friday. I will have to conduct some “special ops” work . . .

PPS
At 8:00 PM this evening, my business trip to SLC was canceled . . . hmmmm . . . .

It has been brought to our attention today that some folks might be confused as to the fate of their Cuenca tickets, namely the COMPLIMENTARY ones that were claimed through MetroNation through our special promotion. Apparently, an e-mail went out from the MetroStars (from which MetroNation operates independently) at about the same time we sent one out about the complimentary Metros/Cuenca tickets. For those who purchased or otherwise obtained Metros/Cuenca tickets through the MetroStars, apparently they will be honored on April 2 OR June 8. Regardless, the complimentary tickets claimed through MetroNation will be honored for the Opening Kick match on April 2 ONLY. They will NOT be honored for the reschedule date of June 8.

So, for those who may be disappointed because they already have tickets to the April 2 Opening Kick, and do not know what to do with the complimentary tickets they claimed . . . . think of family, friends, or colleagues who may want to join you on April 2 to see the Metros take on Clint, Eddie, and the rest of the “Salties.” Otherwise, please be so kind to contact us and tell us you will release your ticket(s). There are others who would appreciate the opportunity. If you missed our initial promotion, and are interested in claiming any “released” tickets please contact us at moreinfo@metronation.net.

Now, in addition to the April 2 promotion, which sort of fell in our lap due to the postponement of the Metros/Cuenca friendly, we have couple MORE promotions . . . busy . . . busy . . . busy!!!!

1) Six (6) for $96: Limited International Ambassador Passport (6 games, including the May 31st doubleheader: England v Colombia/Metros v Fire). Hang with MetroNation for all 6 matches, three (3) of which YOU can chose, and one home playoff match! For Pete’s sake! Somebody pinch me!

2) $13 ticket to May 21 clash between Metros and Revolution. Buy this ticket in our MetroNation Mall. It does not get any cheaper than this, folks! C’mon!! No strings, either, seriously!

3) All you can eat and (soft) drink - BYOB - at MetroGate! Purchase your pass in advance and celebrate with MetroNation . . . not to mention take advantage of some special MetroNation gear discounts on April 2 only!!

Be a Good Citizen, and Get in the Game!

“Thanks to both of you for doing this. Although it was a [tele]con call, it was something, and I do appreciate it.”

That partially sums up our joint teleconference call with Corey Vezina, President of the Empire Supporters Club (ESC), and interested soccer aficionados (including self-proclaimed ones :-)). Even before MetroNation became “official” and went “live” this Web site, the major soccer-oriented message boards were “buzzing,” largely with misperceptions of the motives of MetroNation and the MetroStars Front Office. I, your Clueless Leader, took it upon myself to try and manage these misperceptions, as well as perhaps the ignorance of others who may not frequent the boards. My solution was a teleconference, which took place Sunday, March 20, from 2 PM to 3 PM EST.

Now, the quote above suggests that not everyone was thrilled with this teleconference idea, and that may be so. However, having recently completed the call at the time of typing this news article, it seemed that most, if not all, were satisfied with this forum. The call was conducted in an orderly fashion, with the first 30 minutes used by Corey and myself to describe our respective organizations and what we had going on in the short-term, including some shameless plugs from both of us ;-). In addition to being able to describe our respective offerings, the subsequent open Q&A portion addressed a range of topics, including but not limited to:

> Coordinated political action (e.g., letter-writing, petitioning) by both MetroNation and ESC in favor of the “Harrison Project”
> Joint activities for the entire MetroStars fan base
> Joint press conferences at strategic milestones in the season (e.g., mid-season, pre-playoffs)
> Combined road trips
> Evolution of coordinated activities during a MetroStars match
> Cooperative effort in the MLS/ESPN2 Supporters Club Contest
> Rationale for location of MetroNation (Section 115, “Citizen’s Corner”)

Clearly, the theme here is cooperation, collaboration . . . etc. Corey and I debriefed afterward, and we were both pleased. In fact, we are considering doing several more throughout the season.

In addition to thanking all of you who participated, I especially thank Corey Vezina of ESC. Despite our organizational differences, we hold one important thing in common . . . THE METROSTARS!! I am very much looking forward to this season as MetroNation makes its debut!! Thanks for all your well-wishes on the call, and feel free to contact us or ESC if for some reason you were unable to participate

Yours in Red and Black,
Marc P. Bernarducci
Chief Officer

Complimentary tickets to MetroStars v Deportivo Cuenca are ALL CLAIMED! This was an unbelievable success given the short time which we had to promote this. What else did we expect from value-hungry Metro fans, right? Cannot beat FREE! ALL ARE WELCOME TO METROGATE, regardless of whether you are Citizen, Colonist, or Ambassador; or did not take advantage of this promotion. SEE YOU THERE!!

Speaking of Ambassador . . . Do not leave this site without checking out our Limited International Ambassador Passport! This is described in more detail in the immediately preceding news post (below this one). You had better act fast, because the advanced access window “shuts” after April 3!! DON’T DELAY!

If you are thinking about making a MetroNation fashion statement, be sure to drop by the MetroNation Mall, open 24/7/365! Our inventory is growing, but we currently stock a great selection to show your pride and passion for the MetroStars! (NOT AFFILIATED WITH MLSGEAR.COM)

As Opening Kick approaches, many of you still may have questions about MetroNation. What are we all about? What are our plans for the year? How will MetroNation and ESC interact in and outside Giant’s Stadium? If you have pondered the following issues or others pertaining to MetroNation, you should be on the unprecedented but informal (business casual) joint MetroNation/ESC teleconference call on Sunday, March 20, from 2-3 PM EST. For more information, RSVP here.

The England vs. Colombia doubleheader is really getting great buzz in the marketplace right now. MetroStars customers (full-season, half-season, 4-game plan holders, MetroFlex buyers, & Group leaders) have the great benefit of getting the best seats in the house for what should be a fantastic day, possibly marking the debut of David Beckham in the United States. It will also mark the first time that England plays in the NY/NJ metro area in over 30 years! With that said, only MetroStars customers can purchase tickets during the special access period from March 14, 2005 through April 3, 2005. The best seats in the house are going fast, so here are the opportunities for MetroNation and the special rates that MetroNation Passport holders will receive . . .

LIMITED MetroNation International Ambassador Passport offering through April 3; INCLUDES England v Colombia:

• Price: $96 (just $12 more than our standard Passport offering)
• Includes a ticket to the doubleheader match of England vs. Colombia & MetroStars vs. Chicago Fire
• PLUS three (3) other “pick-a-plan” MetroStars home games
• PLUS FIRST MetroStars playoff home game ticket
• Total of SIX (6) matches (5 game days)
• Face value equals a $138 purchase: $35 for double-header + $78 for three regular season MetroStars matches + $25 for one playoff match
• You can purchase one (1) additional ticket per seat to the doubleheader at face value prices

Mate!! What are you waiting for?! Contact MetroNation to obtain your Limited Edition International Ambassador Passport now!!