From start to finish, the Premier League brought it. The play in person is far more electrifying and exciting then watching on TV. Everyone I was with and near thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The pitch was perfect and the Linc staff were nice.
Advertising for the pre-game fan zone was not listed ANYWHERE except via email the day before the event, had this been part of the summer series advertisement along with some of the ideas below, you would PACK the stadium.
Ideas for improvement:
Humanizing the players in the week leading to the summer series, highlighting the players training with local youth, visiting the children's hospital or local landmarks. These spots could be before and after the summer series, incorporated into the overall marketing of the Premier League.
Opening practice sessions to youth soccer teams/fans. Like the "Barbie"movie incorporate before advertising indicating the spectacle of the summer series.
Posters and/or Programs to celebrate the Premier League. Maybe give-aways to minors like caps/posters/club pins, something which would anchor the young to the premier league and the beautiful game. The posters don't have to be with players, could be stadiums, done inventively like a map of England with Stadiums pointing to their geography, or highlight one team/city highlighting the history, etc.
For less popular sides a bit more pre-game marketing, meet and greet a few players, picture time, lottery for signed swag would all drive attendance higher.