Officials hope 10,000 free Dynamo, Dash tickets can grow soccer in Houston

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Dynamo and Dash have partnered with the City of Houston to distribute 10,000 free tickets to upcoming matches in hopes of capitalizing on recent World Cup matches and events in the city.

"We are here to keep that momentum going," Mayor John Whitmire said at a press conference last week. "I've become a soccer fan."

Dynamo and Dash President Jessica O'Neill echoed Whitmire's sentiments.

"What we saw was joy," O'Neill said of the World Cup experience in Houston. "We saw memories being created."

The city said the Dynamo and Dash came forward and offered the tickets for distribution.

There is a two-ticket maximum per person according to the Dynamo's website.

They're also being marketed as only being available to first-time attendees.

The tickets can be acquired online or in community centers across the city according to Whitmire's office.

ABC13 asked Glenn Davis, who is an announcer and former soccer player, who he believes is most responsible for growing the sport in post-World Cup Houston.

He said he believes it's the Dynamo.

"They're at the top of the pyramid," Davis said.

Davis, who previously announced games for the Dynamo, said the team needs to do more than distribute tickets if they want to make an impact on soccer-hungry Houstonians.

"I think the daily work is more important," he said of what needs to be done. "Going out into the community and being community-based."