MLS tickets surpass 3,000

Response to a Major League Soccer team coming to Seattle in 2009 has been quick, as the franchise announced that more than 3,000 season-ticket memberships had been sold as of Wednesday afternoon.

Owners announced the establishment of an MLS team in Seattle on Tuesday, and tickets had already been on sale before the announcement.

"The phones have been ringing off the hook," minority owner-general manager Adrian Hanauer said in a statement released by the Seahawks, who are providing operations support for the soccer team. "We are absolutely thrilled and excited with the response. There is already great response, and we have just begun."

Also, 2,000 fans had submitted team name suggestions via the team's Web site, www.mlsinseattle.com.

Season-ticket deposits of $50 per seat are now being taken. All deposits are credited toward the initial purchase of season tickets. Fans can reserve memberships by visiting the Web site, calling 1-877-MLS-GOAL or at the Qwest Field box office weekdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m.