The Lights Go Back On In Las Vegas August 1; Owner Lashbrook Discusses Soccer Returning To Sin City Amid Pandemic
By Alan Snel of LVSportsBiz.com
Team sports return to Las Vegas in August as the Las Vegas Lights FC, the downtown-based soccer team, hits the Cashman pitch for its home-opener. We asked Lights owner Brett Lashbrook about the Lights playing during these pandemic times.
LVSportsBiz.com: When is the Lights first home game and can fans buy cardboard pictures of themselves to put in Cashman Field seats?
Brett Lashbrook: Our home opener is scheduled for Saturday, August 1 at Cashman Field against “that team up north.” Fans can “attend” via cardboard cutouts available at LightsFC.com/CutOuts. (Cutouts will be given to fans to keep at future matches.)
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LVSB: How many workers (non players) are left on the team? Is it just you and Jim Lambright?
BL: We currently have active staff members in all non-revenue generating departments — e.g., marketing/communications, finance, operations, soccer ops, etc. We also will be making an exciting announcement in the coming weeks regarding the restructuring of our revenue-generating departments (e.g., ticket sales & sponsorship).
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LVSB: Will the first game be on TV? Will media be allowed to be at first home game to cover it live?
BL: All of our matches will air live via ESPN+. Select members of the local media will be allowed to attend our closed door matches in coordination with the Governor’s guidelines and USL’s Return to Play Protocols.
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LVSB: Are players being tested daily? How often are players being tested?
BL: Players are being tested on a regular basis in-line with the USL’s Return to Play Protocols which have been agreed upon by USL Board of Governors and the USL Players Association, with input from multiple medical professionals.
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LVSB: How much money do you think you’ll lose this season with no ticket revenue?
BL: As a club policy, we don’t publicly discuss team finances. With that said, we are incredibly grateful to each of our corporate partners and season ticket members for all of their support — they are the backbone of our organization.
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