Toronto FC fans endorsed their new star players Jermain Defoe and Michael Bradley by snapping up most of the available season tickets over the last few days.

Before the news leaked last week, season ticket sales languished around 15 per cent, said Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment spokesman Dave Haggith. Season tickets became available Jan. 7.

News that Defoe, a striker, would join Toronto FC by March broke on Friday, and midfielder Bradley joined him at a news conference Monday to announce his arrival, effective immediately.

The season seat renewal process usually starts in October, Haggith said. But at the end of last season, MLSE CEO Tim Leiweke told ticket holders they could wait until this Monday’s major announcement and roster transformation before deciding whether to support the team once again.

“This past week was that renewal period. As of today, our ticket office reported they were at 92 per cent sold for season seats,” which is 17,000 tickets at BMO Field, Haggith said.

“The response this week has been incredible … today the phone lines have been lighting up with people wanting to buy tickets with the arrival of both Jermain Defoe and Michael Bradley.”

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