Tacoma Coach Finishes MSL Ticket-Sales Stunt

Mission accomplished, Tacoma Stars coach Keith Weller came down Sunday after five days atop a 30-foot-high platform in a shopping mall parking lot.

Weller, 45, climbed aboard the 6-by-12-foot platform last Tuesday to draw attention to the Major Soccer League team’s push to sell season tickets. Team owners imposed July 30 deadline to sell a total of 4,000 season tickets, or, they said, the Stars could go under.

Armed with a cellular telephone, Weller took ticket orders, called other coaches in the league, talked to his players and conversed with media.

“They wanted to make sure this guy had all his cylinders,” said Bob Walz, Stars public relations director.

With two days left in the ticket campaign, Stars officials said Sunday 3,600 season tickets or their equivalent had been sold. The franchise record was 2,900 in 1987-88.

Season tickets range in price from $108 to $225.

“Thanks to Keith’s efforts we have gained 285 season tickets directly and another 158 equivalents through the youth soccer program,” Stars General Manager Earl Powell said.

“One of the intangible impacts of this effort has been national attention for the MSL. . . . When you put that all together, Keith accomplished his mission,” he said.

Weller said the 99-degree record temperature Tuesday didn’t bother him, although a rainstorm that night forced him to re-rig his protective tarpaulin.

The first night, about 1 a.m., he was awakened by somebody shaking the lift.

“How many tickets have you sold?” the man asked.

After Weller answered, the man said, “Good luck!” and went on his way.

Stars officials will meet Wednesday to determine the fate of the franchise. The league will hold a tele-conference Thursday, the deadline for all MSL franchises to post letters of credit for the 1991-92 season.