Sunday, August 31, 2008
AVP is hot for fans
The AVP Crocs Tour is in Mason, OH, just north of Cincinnati. As I type, I am watching the "Golden Girls" team (May-Treanor/Walsh) play on NBC and the joint is jumping.
Yesterday, I did make it out to watch some live action. The entire experience is a lesson in fan-friendly planning designed to create a beach lifestyle. The sponsors are positioned around the courts to create this experience. You will find title sponsor, Crocs, selling Crocs, (duh) along with Cuervo, Naked Juice and DIG volleyball magazine.
After the players practice or play, they can often times be seen sitting in the stands with fans, signing autographs and just hanging out.
The AVP is often called one of the hottest tours in sports thanks to their accessible and successful players as well as their sponsor support.
Other events should take a page out of the AVP's book:
-Make the event fan friendly with interactive displays
-Ask the players to be accessible and create fan interactive opps
-Don't sell out for cash. Partner with sponsors who make sense and help expand the event and the tour brand
Yesterday, I did make it out to watch some live action. The entire experience is a lesson in fan-friendly planning designed to create a beach lifestyle. The sponsors are positioned around the courts to create this experience. You will find title sponsor, Crocs, selling Crocs, (duh) along with Cuervo, Naked Juice and DIG volleyball magazine.
After the players practice or play, they can often times be seen sitting in the stands with fans, signing autographs and just hanging out.
The AVP is often called one of the hottest tours in sports thanks to their accessible and successful players as well as their sponsor support.
Other events should take a page out of the AVP's book:
-Make the event fan friendly with interactive displays
-Ask the players to be accessible and create fan interactive opps
-Don't sell out for cash. Partner with sponsors who make sense and help expand the event and the tour brand
Sunday, August 24, 2008
The future of horse racing...
As I sit in the former clubhouse of Bay Meadows Race Course for day two of its auction of assets, I am thinking about the future of horse racing and its fans.
Check out the video of the first lot of Bay Meadows on the auction block: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n6J9mlHpDw
Bay Meadows has enjoyed a glorious history; it opened in the 1930s where the famed horse, Seabiscuit, raced and the sport's winningest jockey, Russell Baze, made its claim to fame.
However, Bay Meadows ran its last race on August 17 because the property it sits on is far more valuable to developers than to handicappers. The Course will be demolished for condos, shops and restaurants.
If you do a quick Google search on horse racing attendance, you will see the word: "decline" throughout the first page. BusinessWeek noted there was a 40 percent decline in betting last year from $2.9 billion to $1.7 billion.
With the on-slaught of casinos, high-tech gaming and fantasy sports, I think it's a long shot that this industry will regain its popularity.
What do you think?
Check out the video of the first lot of Bay Meadows on the auction block: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n6J9mlHpDw
Bay Meadows has enjoyed a glorious history; it opened in the 1930s where the famed horse, Seabiscuit, raced and the sport's winningest jockey, Russell Baze, made its claim to fame.
However, Bay Meadows ran its last race on August 17 because the property it sits on is far more valuable to developers than to handicappers. The Course will be demolished for condos, shops and restaurants.
If you do a quick Google search on horse racing attendance, you will see the word: "decline" throughout the first page. BusinessWeek noted there was a 40 percent decline in betting last year from $2.9 billion to $1.7 billion.
With the on-slaught of casinos, high-tech gaming and fantasy sports, I think it's a long shot that this industry will regain its popularity.
What do you think?
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Bay Meadows Race Course goes on the Auction Block
Bay Meadows Race Course goes on the Auction Block
More than seven decades of horse racing history will be on display at the auction of the assets of Bay Meadows Race Course, California’s oldest continuously running race track, starting Saturday, August 23 and running through Monday, August 25.
Among the 2,500 lots that will be up for auction will be racing memorabilia, horse racing-related artwork, track equipment and restaurant and bar equipment, along with the commercial assets of the track.
“This is a time to recognize and honor the long history of horse racing at Bay Meadows,” said Mark Weitz of Great American Group, the L.A. based firm managing the auction. “It is not often that a racing collection of this caliber is offered to the public.”
Bay Meadows Race Course opened its doors on November 13, 1934. Among the track innovations unveiled at Bay Meadows were pari-mutuel wagering, the Daily Double, the first all-enclosed starting gate, the ‘tote’ board and the photo-finish camera.
The famed thoroughbred Seabiscuit ran at Bay Meadows, winning the Bay Meadows Handicap twice, in 1937 and 1938. In 1948, Hall of Fame jockey Bill Shoemaker began his career at Bay Meadows by exercising horses, and winning his first stakes race on the track in 1949.
Auction inspection day will be Friday, August 22, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. (PST). On Saturday, August 23, and Sunday, August 24, the auction will start at 10 a.m. Pacific. Both days will feature all non-commercial assets of the track, including memorabilia and artwork, stadium seating, television and radio studio equipment, stables, track lighting, office furniture and computers. On Monday, August 25 at 10 a.m. (PST), the auction will feature all commercial assets of the track, including restaurant equipment, maintenance equipment, landscaping and track equipment.
The auction is free and open to the public. A live web cast of the auction also is available with real time bidding at www.greatamerican.com. An auction catalog is available on the website.
About Great American Group
Great American Group is America’s leading asset conversion specialist for Fortune 500and 1000 companies with 32 years of industry expertise in liquidation management, auctions and appraisals. Great American has managed more than 1,500 auctions including high profile properties such as the assets of Chasen’s in Los Angeles and La Maisonette in Cincinnati and the Stardust Casino in Las Vegas.
More than seven decades of horse racing history will be on display at the auction of the assets of Bay Meadows Race Course, California’s oldest continuously running race track, starting Saturday, August 23 and running through Monday, August 25.
Among the 2,500 lots that will be up for auction will be racing memorabilia, horse racing-related artwork, track equipment and restaurant and bar equipment, along with the commercial assets of the track.
“This is a time to recognize and honor the long history of horse racing at Bay Meadows,” said Mark Weitz of Great American Group, the L.A. based firm managing the auction. “It is not often that a racing collection of this caliber is offered to the public.”
Bay Meadows Race Course opened its doors on November 13, 1934. Among the track innovations unveiled at Bay Meadows were pari-mutuel wagering, the Daily Double, the first all-enclosed starting gate, the ‘tote’ board and the photo-finish camera.
The famed thoroughbred Seabiscuit ran at Bay Meadows, winning the Bay Meadows Handicap twice, in 1937 and 1938. In 1948, Hall of Fame jockey Bill Shoemaker began his career at Bay Meadows by exercising horses, and winning his first stakes race on the track in 1949.
Auction inspection day will be Friday, August 22, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. (PST). On Saturday, August 23, and Sunday, August 24, the auction will start at 10 a.m. Pacific. Both days will feature all non-commercial assets of the track, including memorabilia and artwork, stadium seating, television and radio studio equipment, stables, track lighting, office furniture and computers. On Monday, August 25 at 10 a.m. (PST), the auction will feature all commercial assets of the track, including restaurant equipment, maintenance equipment, landscaping and track equipment.
The auction is free and open to the public. A live web cast of the auction also is available with real time bidding at www.greatamerican.com. An auction catalog is available on the website.
About Great American Group
Great American Group is America’s leading asset conversion specialist for Fortune 500and 1000 companies with 32 years of industry expertise in liquidation management, auctions and appraisals. Great American has managed more than 1,500 auctions including high profile properties such as the assets of Chasen’s in Los Angeles and La Maisonette in Cincinnati and the Stardust Casino in Las Vegas.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
New Washington Nationals Ball Park
The new Washington Nationals Ball Park is a winner even though the team is less than impressive this year. I visited today to watch the Nats play the Rockies.
It's a great fan experience from the minute you step off of the Metro (a quick $2.70 roundtrip fare). The food is festive and really good--I think I had the best nachos of my life, which is saying a lot! We sat on the third base line just past the bag with a $58 ticket. We were in Row K but it felt like Row C as we were that close to the action.
The service from the staff was also amazing. As we sat in the Center Field restaurant, we asked the bartender if she knew where the "Bengals Bar" in DC was. She asked a manager and 10 minutes later, we had a print out with directions to the Bottom Line.
Center Field is where it is happening in this stadium. For the kids, they have a PlayStation video game area with Guitar Hero and MLB video games...the place was packed. There is also the MLB-sponsor Build-A-Bear store.
The Nat's Foundation also has a kiosk where you can make a donation right there to help fund their cause. You can also purchase Vineyard Vine ties emblazened with the Nat's logo.
Next year, the area adjacent to the Ball Park called Half Street will open and feature condos, stores, restaurants. In Cincinnati, I think you might call this the Banks.
If you are in DC and want a great fan experience, I highly recommend taking in a Nationals game.
Off to update my Stadium Tour on Facebook.
It's a great fan experience from the minute you step off of the Metro (a quick $2.70 roundtrip fare). The food is festive and really good--I think I had the best nachos of my life, which is saying a lot! We sat on the third base line just past the bag with a $58 ticket. We were in Row K but it felt like Row C as we were that close to the action.
The service from the staff was also amazing. As we sat in the Center Field restaurant, we asked the bartender if she knew where the "Bengals Bar" in DC was. She asked a manager and 10 minutes later, we had a print out with directions to the Bottom Line.
Center Field is where it is happening in this stadium. For the kids, they have a PlayStation video game area with Guitar Hero and MLB video games...the place was packed. There is also the MLB-sponsor Build-A-Bear store.
The Nat's Foundation also has a kiosk where you can make a donation right there to help fund their cause. You can also purchase Vineyard Vine ties emblazened with the Nat's logo.
Next year, the area adjacent to the Ball Park called Half Street will open and feature condos, stores, restaurants. In Cincinnati, I think you might call this the Banks.
If you are in DC and want a great fan experience, I highly recommend taking in a Nationals game.
Off to update my Stadium Tour on Facebook.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Ladies Night at the Cincinnati Reds
Tonight, we get to meet Rosie the Red at Ladies Night at the Cincinnati Reds, as they unveil her at tonight's game as part of Ladies Night.
And our own, Betsy Ross, president of Game Day Communications, will be the stadium announcer. Regular announcer, Joe Zerhausen, has the night off tipping his cap to a lady. Tonight's gig for Betsy will complete her Cincinnati trifecta: she has called games at University of Cincinnati and is the voice of the Cincinnati Bengals stadium.
Here's a quick video with Betsy as she prepares to pronounce: Holbert Cabrera. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQjKW7WGjoI
But back to the promotion...I do like this estrogen-fest...the team has gone all out--pulling together interactive opportunities (wine tastings) and female-themed giveaways (a white Reds cap) to engage the crowd.
Let's see if this promotion moves the needle for attendance. Will we see a 30,000+ crowd?
And our own, Betsy Ross, president of Game Day Communications, will be the stadium announcer. Regular announcer, Joe Zerhausen, has the night off tipping his cap to a lady. Tonight's gig for Betsy will complete her Cincinnati trifecta: she has called games at University of Cincinnati and is the voice of the Cincinnati Bengals stadium.
Here's a quick video with Betsy as she prepares to pronounce: Holbert Cabrera. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQjKW7WGjoI
But back to the promotion...I do like this estrogen-fest...the team has gone all out--pulling together interactive opportunities (wine tastings) and female-themed giveaways (a white Reds cap) to engage the crowd.
Let's see if this promotion moves the needle for attendance. Will we see a 30,000+ crowd?
Labels: baseball, Cincinnati Bengals, Cincinnati Reds
Monday, August 04, 2008
The Best of the Sports Promotions and Giveaways
It’s one of my favorite issues of Sports Business Journal…the sports team promotions edition. Yes, the bobblehead wins again, but not so fast. According to the Turnkey Sports Poll, senior-level sports executives say the bobblehead is the top promotional giveaway in boosting game attendance. Then, why I ask, did the bobblehead drop to #3 on the list of MLB promotions. Topping the list is a cap followed by a shirt (111 different caps were given away by 27 MLB teams whereas 94 bobbleheads were given away by 28 teams).
Also of interest to me was the #1 promotion used by MLB teams…fireworks followed by a concessions discount (does this include a sale on beer?). A relative newcomer to the promotions game…Stitch N’ Pitch. What the hell, you say? Yep, the National NeedleArts Association has cooked up partnerships with 25 clubs this year and in Arizona and Seattle the promotion drew some 1,000 fans for each game. The sewers sit together and needlepoint, knit and/or crochet together (there’s a good joke here about the boredom but I won’t go there).
Corporate sponsors are also increasing their activation efforts through MLB events with Pepsi leading the way with 59 promotional dates where they provide a giveaway or sponsor a promotion. Coca-Cola is right behind them with 41 followed by AT&T, McDonalds and of course, the Stitch N’ Pitch ladies.
Thematic promotions with an experiential offering are also on the rise…Pets in the Park, Father/Daughter Day and Mother/Son Day have been successful for many teams.
So does the giveaway really drive a fan’s ambition to attend a game? Leave a comment on your favorite giveaway or promotion for an MLB game and let me know if it drove you to buy a ticket….
Also of interest to me was the #1 promotion used by MLB teams…fireworks followed by a concessions discount (does this include a sale on beer?). A relative newcomer to the promotions game…Stitch N’ Pitch. What the hell, you say? Yep, the National NeedleArts Association has cooked up partnerships with 25 clubs this year and in Arizona and Seattle the promotion drew some 1,000 fans for each game. The sewers sit together and needlepoint, knit and/or crochet together (there’s a good joke here about the boredom but I won’t go there).
Corporate sponsors are also increasing their activation efforts through MLB events with Pepsi leading the way with 59 promotional dates where they provide a giveaway or sponsor a promotion. Coca-Cola is right behind them with 41 followed by AT&T, McDonalds and of course, the Stitch N’ Pitch ladies.
Thematic promotions with an experiential offering are also on the rise…Pets in the Park, Father/Daughter Day and Mother/Son Day have been successful for many teams.
So does the giveaway really drive a fan’s ambition to attend a game? Leave a comment on your favorite giveaway or promotion for an MLB game and let me know if it drove you to buy a ticket….
