The article, “Sports Still Draw Fans Despite Recession”, has highlighted some very intriguing details with regard to the survival of sports and franchises in a downturned economy. In spite of unemployment rising dramatically, “many people are still spending at least some money on sports activities.” According to Bain-Selbo, "Once you gain a taste for it, you want to see an event, and it's a relatively cheap thing to do." (Bain-Selbo, E. 2008) It may be considered an extreme view, but it is believed that some fans are actually FAN-ADDICTS (fanatics).
Although this belief helps to explain why ESPN and CBS television networks agreed to pay the Southeastern Conference (SEC) $3 billion to broadcast mainly football games over the next 15 years, this is a small factor in the prescription for curing the ails of the sports industry. The only league that appears to be unaffected by the severe slump in the economy is pro football. The NFL does not have as many worries as other leagues in the industry. Economic strain is felt in other areas of the sports world such as the NASCAR races, Major League Baseball (MLB) games, college campus athletic employees, and collegiate sporting events.
Additionally, not mentioned in this article is the affect the NBA lockout could have on the sports industry. After the expiration of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) on June 30, 2011, the league imposed a lockout. Since Friday, July 1, 2011, the matters in dispute between the Owners of the thirty NBA teams and the National Basketball Association Players Association (NBAPA/Union) players (Players) are sure to have some long-term detrimental consequences, specifically to the fans and the economy, if the impasse continues.
In an effort to incentivize fans to attend more sporting events and to stimulate economic activities, cities and states governments are directing a significant amount of public funds into professional sports venues. The government hopes to recoup some of the expense by selling the naming rights of the facility.
A perfect example is the new Amway Center facility in Orlando, Florida. This new event center is an exceptional state-of-the art facility that has more amenities available to the fans. The luxurious boxes has big leather chairs, lower level luxury and premium seating, reserve seating at the restaurant with buffet, a variety of restaurants (Asian, Mexican, etc.), a jungle gym activity area, picture taking opportunities, updated technology includes 1,100 screens, a HD (high definition) control room, 42’ tall scoreboard, and touch screens for ordering concessions or dining items.
Although this is an increased opportunity to make more money with these amazing amenities available to the fans, some franchises are still operating at a loss. Another idea that I believe would be an effective means of generating revenue is for franchises in the sports industry on both the collegiate and professional level to “take a bite of the apple” and partner with Apple. With the recent passing of the former CEO, Steve Jobs, Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius. The timing is "ripe" to partner with Apple, and further enhance the vision of Apple and generate more money for the sports industry by getting those fans in the stand.
There are millions of people who either have or desire to have an iPod, iPhone, iPad, iMac notebook computer, or iTunes gift card. Leagues in the sports industry could appeal to the FAN-ADDICTS, who is also seemingly addicted to these items, and offer giveaways to a specified number of attendees or discounts to those who currently own one or more of these items. As an additional incentive, the fans could use their iPhone to text a representative of the franchise with the hopes of possibly winning a designated Apple item or monetary gift. The fan(s) will receive a text "YOU ARE THE WINNER" during the game; however, the recipient(s) MUST be present to win.
Other ideas for giveaways would be to Partner with the local utility company and lottery commission; or the BOGO theory, buy one, get one half-off on tickets or concession items. Let’s not forget our seniors and grandparents. One of these establishments could sponsor a “TAKE A CHILD OR GRANDCHILD TO THE GAME NIGHT” by offering ticket and concession packages with gift cards from places like local grocery store establishments, Massage Envy spa services or partnering with other local or national popular sporting goods chains and gyms.
Click on my video for interesting "did you know" facts and benefits of Partnering with Apple.
Other ideas for giveaways would be to Partner with the local utility company and lottery commission; or the BOGO theory, buy one, get one half-off on tickets or concession items. Let’s not forget our seniors and grandparents. One of these establishments could sponsor a “TAKE A CHILD OR GRANDCHILD TO THE GAME NIGHT” by offering ticket and concession packages with gift cards from places like local grocery store establishments, Massage Envy spa services or partnering with other local or national popular sporting goods chains and gyms.
Click on my video for interesting "did you know" facts and benefits of Partnering with Apple.
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