The San Antonio Scorpions are a professional soccer team that plays in the North American Soccer League. They were founded in 2010 with the mission of financially supporting the special needs community in San Antonio through donations of profits. The Scorpions have been very successful on and off the field, winning multiple championships and having high attendance numbers. They play their home games at Toyota Field, a soccer-specific stadium capable of expanding to Major League Soccer standards. The team and stadium have helped promote soccer in San Antonio while raising over $1.5 million for special needs causes through their Soccer for a Cause model.
2. The Scorpions are the first team in professional sports to exist for the sole
purpose of financially supporting the special-needs community in San
Antonio. The team and our devoted fans enjoy the comforts and features of
Toyota Field, a premier soccer-specific stadium that opened in April 2013
and that is capable of expanding to meet Major League Soccer (MLS)
requirements.
The Scorpions have achieved excellence on the pitch and in the stands, with
average attendance ranking highest in the league in all of our three season.
For many reasons detailed in this publication, we strongly believe pro soccer
has a bright future.
We are the San Antonio Scorpions FC, the 2014 North American Soccer
League Champions!
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The North American Soccer League (NASL) is the Division 2 of
U.S. Soccer. The league reorganized in 2009 and began play in
2011. Sanctioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation, the Canadian
Soccer Association and CONCACAF, the NASL currently has 11
teams and is growing, adding expansion teams every season
since its rebirth.
Aligned with most international league schedules, NASL
league play consists of two single-table tournaments (spring
and fall), with the winner of each tournament hosting a semi-
final match of the Championship.
Bolstering the stability of the NASL are the requirements that
the primary owner of each team has a net worth of at least
$20 million and that the team owners control the league’s
governing board.
CLUBS STARTING PLAY 2016-2017
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NORTH AMERICAN SOCCER LEAGUE
THE NASL2015 NASL TEAMS
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miami
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3. Wall Wraps Camera Location Wraps Fieldboards
Safety Nets Floor Logos
SAN ANTONIO San Antonio's growing population makes it the seventh-largest city
in the U. S. and second-largest in Texas. The entire San Antonio
metropolitan area totals 2.14 million residents. Our beautiful and
historic city, with its pro-business environment, is home to five
Fortune 500 companies and multiple military bases.
OUR COMMUNITY’S
RICH CULTURE
SAN ANTONIO
DEMOGRAPHIC
Texas enjoys one of the best pro-growth environments in the
country, a fact complemented by favorable business ties with
Mexico. Likewise, San Antonio is in the top tier of American
cities in terms of economic growth and expansion.
Our diverse population embraces the rich history and culture
of the region, especially the predominant Hispanic culture
that’s characterized by close family relationships and festive
celebrations. Hispanic culture can be readily seen in San
Antonio’s architecture, festivals, food and passion for soccer.
66%
26%
6%
2%
HISPANIC
WHITE
BLACK
OTHER
“The Scorpions are
successful, Toyota Field is
expandable... San Antonio is
ready for Major League Soccer.”
JULIAN CASTRO
U.S. Secretary of Housing
and Urban Development
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ScorpBoardEndline North
Fan Fiesta Inlfatables
Of the top metro areas in the U. S., San Antonio
(66 percent) and Miami (65 percent) are the only
two in which Hispanics comprise a majority of
the population. Within the Hispanic
community, soccer is the most-popular sport.
Underscoring the popularity of soccer in San
Antonio is our close proximity to Mexico and
that country's passion for the sport. Friendly
matches with Mexican
professional teams have
produced sellouts at
Toyota Field. Many
Scorpions fans come from
the large Mexican-national
community in San Antonio.
OUR PROXIMITY
TO MEXICO
FAVORITE SPORTS AMONG HISPANICS
SAN ANTONIO, TX
CHIHUAHUA
TORREON
DURANGO MONTERREY
GUADALAJARA
MEXICO CITY
SAN LUIS POTOSI
THE GATEWAY TO
MEXICO IS THROUGH SAN ANTONIO
3RD
San Antonio economy’s ranking
out of all Texas cities. 1ST
San Antonio’s ranking for the least
expensive city for food costs. 9TH
San Antonio’s Ranking For job
growth in the country. 26TH
San Antonio’s ranking for best
places for cost of doing business.
27% PRO SOCCER 18% NFL 10% MLB 9% NBA
Source: ESPN Sports Poll
4. Michael Kelley
Visits Wonderland, TX!
Saturday, April 4th, 2015
Michael Kelley, 19, of Wichita, Kansas, a student athlete with Down Syndrome and
autism who was not allowed to wear a school varsity letter jacket because he wasn't a
varsity player, was a special guest of the North American Soccer League (NASL) Champion
San Antonio Scorpions and Soccer for a Cause on Saturday, April 4.
Soccer for a Cause invited Michael and his family to San Antonio so they could
attend the Scorpions’ 2015 NASL opener at Toyota Field against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Michael signed a NASL Standard Players contract making him a San Antonio Scorpion, was
provided a team uniform, and sat with the team on the Scorpions bench to have a close-up view of the action on the pitch. Michael also
participated in the pre-match H-E-B Championship Celebration ceremonies during which the Scorpions received their 2014 NASL
championship rings. Additionally, the team presented him with his own Scorpions jacket and other official team gear.
“When we first heard of Michael’s situation, it truly touched our hearts,” said Howard Cornfield, Scorpions president and general manager.
“We wanted to do something to let Michael and other special-needs athletes know that they’re admired and appreciated. After all, the
Scorpions exist because of Soccer for a Cause, which was created to benefit the special-needs community. We’re proud to welcome Michael
as a member of the NASL Champion San Antonio Scorpions.”
Michael, a student at East High School in Wichita, actively participates in extracurricular special-needs basketball, and as a tribute to his
determination, his mother – Jolinda – purchased a varsity letter jacket for her son. At a special needs basketball game, school officials asked
Kelley to remove the jacket, saying that he was not allowed to wear one because he was not a member of the varsity basketball team. Kelley’s
family then started a movement to have the district award letterman jackets to special needs athletes, which Has since gone viral with the
hashtag "#GiveThemLetters".
In 2007, philanthropist Gordon Hartman and his wife Maggie, recognized the tremendous need for accessible outdoor
recreational facilities for individuals with special needs. This inspiration came from their daughter, Morgan, who was born
with cognitive and physical challenges. A theme park – Morgan’s Wonderland – was created in her honor in which
everyone can have fun without any limitations.
THE INSPIRATION
MORGAN HARTMAN
Morgan’s Wonderland, which held its grand opening in April
2010, is the world’s first ultra-accessible theme park designed
with special-needs individuals in mind and built to be enjoyed
by everyone. This unique and colorful park has already welcomed more than 300,000 guests from all 50 states and 40
other countries. Gordon’s realization that families with special-needs members have increased demands on both their
financial and emotional resources led to his commitment to admit anyone with a special need free of charge.
5. $1.5 FROM SOCCER FOR A CAUSE!
THE SCORPIONS HAVE MADE SIGNIFICANT DONATIONS FROM NET
PROFITS TO THE SPECIAL-NEEDS COMMUNITY
The San Antonio Scorpions have shown that“Soccer for a Cause”succeeds as a profitable business model to benefit
Morgan’s Wonderland. The substantial net profits of over $1.5 since thier inaugural year at Toyota Field has derived from a
large season ticket base, strong walk-up sales, VIP suite owners, concessions sales and sponsorships.
The Scorpions have proudly donated its profits to benefit different organizations that help people with special needs
throughout the community.
Because of significant public interest in the Scorpions and Soccer for a Cause, the local ABC affiliate – KSAT-TV – televises
all home and select away matches. In addition, the team and Soccer for a Cause have attracted considerable print and broadcast
coverage such as ESPN’s“Outside the Lines”and Univision’s“Deportes.”Soccer for a Cause also earned national recognition through
the Public Relations Society of America’s Silver Anvil Awards.
WIDESPREAD MEDIA ATTRACTION
6. The Scorpions FC is one of the most successful franchises in the
NASL, with the league’s largest fan base. Our team has been
embraced by the city and has brought exciting pro soccer to San
Antonio along with a wonderful cause in support of Morgan’s
Wonderland and the special-needs community.
The franchise was established in 2010, and the team played its
first game in 2012, capturing the NASL regular-season
championship trophy. The 2013 season was played in the
Scorpions’new stadium, Toyota Field. One year later in 2014 the
The team and stadium have attracted a fan base that has exceeded expectations. The Scorpions’experienced coaching
staff has acquired international players as well as talented American players to make the Scorpions very competitive.
THE TEAM
SAN ANTONIO SCORPIONS
Scorpions hosted the Championship Final (Soccer Bowl) at Toyota Field winning the match against the Fort Lauderdale
Strikers, in front of a sold out crowd, giving the city of San Antonio its first professional soccer championship.
2014 NASL Soccer Bowl Champions
2014 Fall Season Champions
Set NASL Championship Final attendance record at Toyota Field of 7,847
Walter Restrepo and Rafael Castillo named to the 2014 Best XI
2012 NASL Regular Season Champions
Defeated the Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer 1-0 U.S. Open Cup Competition
Set the NASL single game attendance record in April 13, 2012 with 13,151 fans at Heroes Stadium
2012 NASL Golden Glove, Golden Boot and Golden Ball recipients came from the Scorpions Team
The Scorpions allowed the fewest goals (27) and scored the most goals (46) during the 2012 Season
Three 2012 NASL Best XI players
Hans Denissen named to 2013 Best XI
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS
SAN ANTONIO SCORPIONS
7. SPONSORS
The Scorpions benefit from tremendous corporate support of Soccer for a Cause. Large sponsors like Toyota, H-E-B, Miller Lite,
Baptist Health System, deeproot and Cornerstore along with many other national, regional and local sponsors, are helping bring
the international game to the Alamo City. Toyota committed to a multi-year sponsorship agreement and was granted the naming
rights to the stadium.
Business Technology Integration
FOUNDATION PARTNERS
PRESENTING PARTNERS
FAN & SUPPORTER GROUPS
The Scorpions' fan base includes a strong fan and supporter
group base. Supporter groups such the Crocketteers, Bexar
County Casuals, Alamo City Ultras and El Veneno serve as
catalysts for fan interaction during matches. Their loud support and banner-waving add to a fun, enjoyable soccer
experience at Toyota Field.
8. THE CHAMPIONSHIP
2014 NASL CHAMPIONS
Prior to November 15th, 2014 neither the Scorpions nor the Strikers have ever lifted the
NASL Soccer Bowl trophy. On that night, in front of a modern-era NASL Championship game
record crowd of 7,847, the San Antonio Scorpions reached the top of the NASL mountain and
raised the Soccer Bowl trophy for the first time in their history with a 2-1 win over a determined
Fort Lauderdale Strikers.
The Scorpions finally opened the scoring in the 70th minute in spectacular fashion.
Castillo produced a perfectly executed bicycle kick that flew beyond the reach of Contofalsky
and tucked inside the far left post to send the Toyota Field crowd wild. In the 74th minute
Forbes doubled the advantage and had the Scorpions believing they had one hand on the
trophy after he reached Castillo’s long through ball and raced around Contofalsky to put the
Scorpions ahead 2-0. Fort Lauderdale fought back in the 79th minute when substitute Ramirez got the better of Saunders, finishing off a
give-and-go with Anderson with a roofed shot that meant the hosts lived nervously during the closing stages of the match.
San Antonio held on for the final minutes, as Fort Lauderdale threw everything they had at them, to become the fourth different team to
hoist the coveted Soccer Bowl trophy in as many years in the NASL’s modern era.
PROMOTIONS
Completed in April 2013, Toyota Field saw
near-capacity to capacity crowds of
approximately 8,300 during the Scorpions’
first season in their new home.
The striking design of Toyota Field creates
an energetic atmosphere for fans and an intimidating environment for visiting teams. From the Private-Suite Level and
Sky-Suite Observation Terrace to the covered Premium Club Seating and field-level Beer Garden, Toyota Field boasts an
array of seating options for fans. The closest seats in this soccer-specific stadium are only 15 feet from the sideline. This
close-to-the-action design makes Toyota Field one of the most intimate fan experiences in professional soccer.
FLAGSHIP STADIUM
OF THE NASL
9. STAR Soccer Complex hosts over 400,000 people annually and offers 13 FIFA-sized,
illuminated soccer fields used for local, state-wide and national tournaments, plus
instructional clinics, league play and special events.
It operates as a non-profit with the dual purpose of affording young soccer
athletes and their families a first-class sports venue and supporting Morgan’s
Wonderland by contributing all net profits to the theme park.
STAR SOCCER COMPLEXPROMOTIONS
Sound system with over 130 speaker
locations
12 camera locations
Press box with broadcast capabilities for TV,
radio and satellite
Designed to accommodate concerts, boxing,
and other entertainment/sporting events
Pitch sized for football and other sports
Stadium has expansion capabilities to 18,500
seats, plus 16 additional VIP suites
Stadium administrative offices
Over 3,600 parking spaces adjacent to the
stadium with 2,280 parking spaces planned
for stadium expansions
Pre-game/post-game party area of more
than an acre
Natural grass pitch that meets FIFA
standards
8,000 seats
16 VIP suites
VIP bar
2 main entrances with ticket windows
Covered grandstands on west side of field
12 concession areas with 48 point-of-sale
locations
3 merchandise locations
243-seat Miller Lite Beer Garden
1,045-square-foot video display/scoreboard
58 television locations in the stadium
Three locker rooms, trainer room, coaches’
offices, referee locker room
CURRENT STADIUM FEATURES
10. TELETÓN USA
Soccer for a Cause was launched in 2010 to bring
professional soccer to San Antonio and, at the same
time, generate funds to support Morgan’s
Wonderland. This unique business model achieves
success through the San Antonio Scorpions, the STAR
(South Texas Area Regional) Soccer Complex and
Toyota Field, the only pro soccer-specific stadium and
entertainment venue in the region.
Collectively, the Scorpions, Toyota Field and the STAR
Soccer Complex promote the world's most-popular
sport, while educating the public on the importance of inclusion and awareness of the special-needs community. All net
profits generated by these soccer-related endeavors defray operating expenses at Morgan's Wonderland and make other
good things happen for those with special needs.
The success of Morgan’s Wonderland has attracted major global partners
such as Toyota and Teletón USA, an affiliate of Univision Communications,
that recently opened its first children’s rehabilitation center in the U.S.
adjacent to Toyota Field. The CRIT (Centro de Rehabilitación Infantil Teletón
Texas).
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“Our company has been courted by multiple sporting organizations
at different levels and in different forms. However, the San Antonio
Scorpions is the organization that took the time to get to know us on a
personal level, to really understand the innovative sponsorship we wanted,
and then to deliver it. Our sponsorship goes beyond marketing deeproot®; it is the philanthropic and
mission-based relationship we wanted in a like-minded/ground-breaking organization that benefits our
business, our community, and ourselves.”– Cary Mueller, VP of Operations
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"It is great to be a partner with the San Antonio Scorpions FC. A big
part of our mission to protect and improve the lives of dogs and cats is to
make contact with the community and educate them about the great work
we do at the San Antonio Humane Society. By working with the Scorpions,
we have been able to share our story with thousands of people in our community." - Nancy F. Najim, President
“Being a partner with the Scorpions means coming together with our
community to support a team we are all passionate about and cheer them
on to victory!”- Paige Devriendt, Account Coordinator
Business Technology Integration
“DOCUmation is proud to be a partner and supporter of the San
Antonio Scorpions. Because of the affiliation the Scorpions have with Soccer
for a Cause, we know that everything we do to help the Scorpions also helps Morgan’s Wonderland, and most
importantly, benefits those with special needs in our community. We are honored to be a part of an
organization founded on the principles of giving back to those in need.”- Scott Woolfolk, President
11. Toyota Field, which can be expanded to more than 18,500 seats, is capable of being easily upgraded to major-league
standards. An expansion would include additional amenities that rival any modern American sports facility.
FUTURE EXPANSION
12. Together We Are Making A Difference!
www.SAScorpions.com
(210) 495-8686
www.StarSoccerSA.com
(210) 495-8686
www.MorgansWonderland.com
(210) 495-5888
www.ToyotaField.com
(210) 637-3460
The information contained herein has been obtained through sources deemed reliable but cannot be guaranteed as to its accuracy. Any information of special
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