SEATTLE -- The fans in Seattle are excited about their new Major League Soccer franchise.

The team announced Wednesday that deposits have been placed on more than 3,000 season tickets since it was announced there would be an MLS club in Seattle in 2009. The official announcement was made Tuesday.

Owner-general manager Adrian Hanauer says the team's phones have been ringing off the hook and team officials are "absolutely thrilled and excited" about the response.

Seattle's professional soccer team will play its home games at Qwest Field, home of the National Football League Seahawks. The stadium will seat 24,500 for soccer.

Hanauer says 2,000 fans have submitted suggestions for the team's name.