Toronto FC is hoping to quell an angry fan revolt by giving away a free game and not raising ticket prices in 2012 for returning season-ticket holders.
The Major League Soccer club made the announcement in an email and on its website, hoping to please fans disgruntled by rising prices and poor performance on the field.
Toronto has yet to make the playoffs in the team's four seasons in the league.
Club officials said the initiatives were the result of feedback gathered through emails, online chats and town hall meetings. The club extended the deadline for renewing season tickets to Monday, and fans who accept the offer will attend the 2011 home opener for free.
''The meetings were crucial to helping us understand your concerns,'' the email said. ''Toronto FC fans are unique - you love your club, you feel a part of the club, but your club has let you down on and off the pitch.''
Toronto has enjoyed some of the most passionate fans in the league, but they were outraged by recent news that ticket prices would be raised again next season. The fans staged a silent protest at Toronto's recent 2-2 draw with Columbus by refusing to cheer during the game.
In response to criticism over the team's performance, the club said it was ''working hard to assemble a management team that is second to none in Major League Soccer. ... We are excited about the opportunity for a fresh start as we prepare to launch our fifth anniversary season.''
The email was signed by Tom Anselmi, vice president of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Paul Beirne, Toronto FC's director of business operations, interim GM Earl Cochrane and Jim Brennan, the team's former captain who now works in its front office.
