Marketing and Promotions
Throughout the semester, I have been able to learn the many different avenues of sports marketing and promotions. It is easy to see the most recent trend of sports marketing has been social networks. That is because the professional teams and athletes are taking full advantage of the free publicity. It is also easy to say that the new technology and innovations of ticket selling, suites, and advertising will continue changing to make it most convenient for the fans. I also learned in different sports that using creative and bizarre ways to bring in more sales is acceptable.
Sponsorship and endorsement contracts are two huge parts of the sporting industry. It is an easy way for the athletes as well as the other party to benefit. The trickiest part is keeping the athlete in good light. Their reputation can influence buyers choice on products. Sponsors have the ability to make an athlete and allow the players to profit out of the sporting contract. Endorsement deals also can give much advertising to athletes who want to gain publicity.
Sport marketing holds many jobs, where the most creative ideas are the most accepted. Advertising athletes in their sporting light as well as in their natural daily life opens so many possibilities for endorsements. The most difficult part is making sure the athlete does not break the moral clause, giving bad publicity and reputation to the product.
Sponsorship and endorsement contracts are two huge parts of the sporting industry. It is an easy way for the athletes as well as the other party to benefit. The trickiest part is keeping the athlete in good light. Their reputation can influence buyers choice on products. Sponsors have the ability to make an athlete and allow the players to profit out of the sporting contract. Endorsement deals also can give much advertising to athletes who want to gain publicity.
Sport marketing holds many jobs, where the most creative ideas are the most accepted. Advertising athletes in their sporting light as well as in their natural daily life opens so many possibilities for endorsements. The most difficult part is making sure the athlete does not break the moral clause, giving bad publicity and reputation to the product.
Future of Sport Marketing
The recent trend for sport marketing is using social networks like Twitter and Instagram to help teams and individual athletes gain exposure. Social networking has happened at the best possible time with the economy in the state it is. Considering social networks offer free exposure, almost every professional team is using it to their advantage. Franchises are using it to give away merchandise and have players interact directly with fans.
Athletes are able to use these social networks to show off their endorsements as well. For example, it is common to see Lebron James wearing Nike and Jordan apparel and shoes in his pictures. As technology and more innovations continue making sponsorships cheaper and more prevalent, it will become easier for more endorsement deals to partner up with good athletes.
Athletes are able to use these social networks to show off their endorsements as well. For example, it is common to see Lebron James wearing Nike and Jordan apparel and shoes in his pictures. As technology and more innovations continue making sponsorships cheaper and more prevalent, it will become easier for more endorsement deals to partner up with good athletes.
Celebrity Endorsements
Kellogg's decided to drop Michael Phelps in their endorsement deal. Kellogg's is a company that markets to families. When pictures of Phelps smoking weed leaked to the press, letting Phelps go was the best decision. They immediately released him because his name and picture would bring bad publicity to the brand. Kellogg's believed before the incident that children looked up to him, sponsoring him and extending his contract would attract a bad reputation. Speedo, on the other hand, had an agreement with Phelps too, but kept it even after his scandal. Speedo believed that even if Phelps messed up, his still is an incredible athlete that inspires all athletes especially swimmers. Keeping Phelps actually benefits Speedo and their ability to gain much of the niche athletic market of athletes living in the sea.
It is more common to see Olympic athletes being used for product or commercial endorsements. These contracts range from big time players to smaller athletes. The moral clause in these contracts make sure the athletes show themselves in the best light. If an athlete does something that brings bad publicity to themselves, they are also giving bad publicity to the product they are endorsing. An Olympic athlete represents their country and if an athlete poses for racy pictures, the contract can end since the target market may be to younger children. For example, some messages have portrayed women as sex objects and that goes against the moral clause.
It is more common to see Olympic athletes being used for product or commercial endorsements. These contracts range from big time players to smaller athletes. The moral clause in these contracts make sure the athletes show themselves in the best light. If an athlete does something that brings bad publicity to themselves, they are also giving bad publicity to the product they are endorsing. An Olympic athlete represents their country and if an athlete poses for racy pictures, the contract can end since the target market may be to younger children. For example, some messages have portrayed women as sex objects and that goes against the moral clause.
Innovative technology to help sell tickets.
Considering new ideas and creative ones to try and sell tickets, anything really can be done. The internet has allowed for any deal to happen over the air without any confusion or problems. There are packages for families or individual tickets that also include food and free merchandise. Using social networks like Twitter also helps sell tickets. Allowing the fans to interact directly with athletes brings in customers. There are contests that attract people to buy tickets.
There are a innovative way to sell tickets over the internet during this economy fall. For example, the Nets have offered free tickets to unemployed fans who offered their resumes for job placement; announced that companies can enter a basketball tournament, with the winner receiving free sponsorships for the first two months of next season; and sold tickets at a bulk rate to a Web site that offers comparison pricing for household utilities.
The internet has given teams an advantage to selling tickets. The easy convenience of purchasing over the internet will continue to attract customers.
There are a innovative way to sell tickets over the internet during this economy fall. For example, the Nets have offered free tickets to unemployed fans who offered their resumes for job placement; announced that companies can enter a basketball tournament, with the winner receiving free sponsorships for the first two months of next season; and sold tickets at a bulk rate to a Web site that offers comparison pricing for household utilities.
The internet has given teams an advantage to selling tickets. The easy convenience of purchasing over the internet will continue to attract customers.
Sponsors
The naming rights of sponsorships for Bowl games or intercollegiate stadiums and arenas are not for every business. Not all businesses and companies have the ability to buy into a sponsorships. But, some comapnies fit very well in doing so. Before a stadium is given sponsorship rights, the company willing to sponsor must be heavily researched. For example, the company must score highly on the sports calculus. This means from small events to large, the audience will always be attracted by the product. The company must fufill expectations of national media coverage. They must be able to create unique sponsored events to target the right customer market and provide popularity amoungest the customers. At the end of the day, the company must be tied perfectly with the stadium or arena or events that are happening in the venue.
A potential sponsor for the annual Ohio State and Michigan football game was a telecrommunications company called SBC. SBC is a fortune 50 team. There was a two year agreement written up where each team gets $530,000 a year. This article says in 2004, it would be called the SBC Michigan-Ohio State Classic. This arraignment was meant to profit and benefit all varsity sports, not just football. This sponsorship will help enhance the game and the athletic programs. The issue that led both teams to drop the agreement was that SBC wanted to change the name that was always referred to as 'The Game' to the fans. Changing such a tradition is a big reason why there is no naming rights to the game.
The reason that big name schools like Notre Dame and Michigan are not banking from the millions of dollars from naming rights is because it will add a brand equity and commercialization to the university that they don't want. The university wants the games to continue it's 'college like feel.'
A potential sponsor for the annual Ohio State and Michigan football game was a telecrommunications company called SBC. SBC is a fortune 50 team. There was a two year agreement written up where each team gets $530,000 a year. This article says in 2004, it would be called the SBC Michigan-Ohio State Classic. This arraignment was meant to profit and benefit all varsity sports, not just football. This sponsorship will help enhance the game and the athletic programs. The issue that led both teams to drop the agreement was that SBC wanted to change the name that was always referred to as 'The Game' to the fans. Changing such a tradition is a big reason why there is no naming rights to the game.
The reason that big name schools like Notre Dame and Michigan are not banking from the millions of dollars from naming rights is because it will add a brand equity and commercialization to the university that they don't want. The university wants the games to continue it's 'college like feel.'
Social Networking
Social networking is the newst and cheapest way of marketing. It is being used as a way to intereact and attract customers without the expense of paying for any advertising. Many athletes and professional teams are using any social network whether Facebook or Twitter or Instagram to connect and attract fans. Many athletes use Twitter to brag about their new shoe line or the new head phones they just received. When LeBron uploads a picture on Instagram of his new fitted hat and Beat head phones, it gets tens of thousands of likes. These people viewing this one picture instantly gained attraction and many fans are now purchasing these items. Professional teams are going about this the same way. Official teams Twitters ask the audience for questions to ask their players. The bset questions will get answered directly by the athletes. When athletes talk directly to fans, it is more likely the customers and fans will continue being loyal to the player and team. This leads to more purchased merchandise.
As heard before, no publicity is bad publicity. If the media and people are talking about an athlete, at least that means they are noticed and the public cares enough to show some concern, whether it is hate or not. One example would be, Kobe's famous "Amnesty that" tweet. This two word tweet was retweeted over 700,000 times. This generated more fans and the fueled the Laker fans.
Another big thing professional teams are doing is having promotions or give aways through these networks. It is common to see a professional team host a athlete to get fans to check out their website. There are always contests going on, giving away items, tickets, merchandise once won by an athelte. Using social networks to attract loyal customers, while broadening their customer base is the smartest advertising these pro teams can do.
As heard before, no publicity is bad publicity. If the media and people are talking about an athlete, at least that means they are noticed and the public cares enough to show some concern, whether it is hate or not. One example would be, Kobe's famous "Amnesty that" tweet. This two word tweet was retweeted over 700,000 times. This generated more fans and the fueled the Laker fans.
Another big thing professional teams are doing is having promotions or give aways through these networks. It is common to see a professional team host a athlete to get fans to check out their website. There are always contests going on, giving away items, tickets, merchandise once won by an athelte. Using social networks to attract loyal customers, while broadening their customer base is the smartest advertising these pro teams can do.
Bill Veeck
Bill Veeck is remembered for doing many memorable gimmicks when he was employed to be the sports marketer of the White Sox. Among one of these gimmicks was when he sent a midget to bat for the St. Louis Browns in 1951. This had a negative effect because the league office was very upset. Though Veeck did swing this to have a positive effect as well. Considering Veeck's job was the marketing promoter for the White Sox, he did do his job. This stunt attracted many people's attention and the MLB team actually gained publicity.
Superbowl
Advertising throughout the Superbowl is so common, sometimes it's hard to realize how prevalent it is. I wrote small bullets during the game, well because who doesn't want to be blogging during the biggest sports event of the year.
- Bud light, Pepsi, CBS, and Go Daddy.com has a little blurb that pops up after a commercial break.
-Also placed strategically behind the field goals are advertisements like Verizon and All State
-Many advertising banners are put in the perfect camera view, when the camera shoots to the stands like Mercedez Benz. Placed by the clock
-Considering the game is played on CBS, the logo is placed right on the scoreboard for the television viewers.
-The Ravens and 49ers jerseys are clearly Nike
-NOLA
-Gatorade is the water bottles
-Advertising the league (NFL) on players jerseys, refs hats, coaches hats
-Equipment:Riddel helmets
-Mercedez Benz logo on ceiling
- Bud light, Pepsi, CBS, and Go Daddy.com has a little blurb that pops up after a commercial break.
-Also placed strategically behind the field goals are advertisements like Verizon and All State
-Many advertising banners are put in the perfect camera view, when the camera shoots to the stands like Mercedez Benz. Placed by the clock
-Considering the game is played on CBS, the logo is placed right on the scoreboard for the television viewers.
-The Ravens and 49ers jerseys are clearly Nike
-NOLA
-Gatorade is the water bottles
-Advertising the league (NFL) on players jerseys, refs hats, coaches hats
-Equipment:Riddel helmets
-Mercedez Benz logo on ceiling
Rather Sell 10,000 tickets at $2 or 1,000 tickets at $20.
I would rather sell 1,000 tickets at $20. Any experience in the collegiate or professional leagues are worth much more than $20. Attending a sports game is more than just the game on the court, it is the environment and atmostphere that the fans pay for. It would be easier to sell the idea of $20 for a exciting game, then having to explain why tickets are only $2. Honestly, if I was given the chance to purchse tickets for $2 I would question the worth of the game I am attending. There must be a reason why the tickets are able to be purchased so low.
Colleges and professional leagues use different marketing strategies when selling their tickets. Some professional leagues do packages. It is common to see in the MLB, a free hotdog and beer with the purchase of a ticket. It is also common to see certain nights offer different extra curricular activites. For example, the Buffalo Bisons offer Firework Fridays after the games during season.
It is also normal to see season ticket holders. These fans have access to tickets for every home game. Season ticket holders prices vary on what level they want to sit. The prices range from 25-100 per game. There are also mini packages offered from getting 4-20 games available. These fans have the chance to get 10% of box ticket sales.
Colleges and professional sports also offer availability to suites. These marketing strategy allows for VIP seating with a unlimited amount of people who get the chance for drinks and food brought to their suite.
Colleges have to adhere to the students as well as fans. For example, at bigger schools such as those in the SEC, the student body has a lottery. Only the numbers who are picked receive $5 student section ticket. In these student sections, each student must have their student I.D. to be allowed in. But, during football season, where there is much more seating, colleges tend to give all students the chance to attend the games.
Ticket pricing differs per game per stadium per competition. If UK plays Louisville, the ticket pricing increases because demand is high and undoubtedly be a sold out game. But, if the Buffalo Bills play the Baltimore Ravens at home, the tickets can run as low as $30 for decent level seats. Some marketing strategies teams have is taking advantage if the game is blacked out. If a game cannot be watched on tv, then fans may want to attend the game last minute. These tickets are sold relatively cheap, but not for the lowest price because the demand has risen, yet, since the fans cannot physically watch the game anywhere else besides the stadium.
Colleges and professional leagues use different marketing strategies when selling their tickets. Some professional leagues do packages. It is common to see in the MLB, a free hotdog and beer with the purchase of a ticket. It is also common to see certain nights offer different extra curricular activites. For example, the Buffalo Bisons offer Firework Fridays after the games during season.
It is also normal to see season ticket holders. These fans have access to tickets for every home game. Season ticket holders prices vary on what level they want to sit. The prices range from 25-100 per game. There are also mini packages offered from getting 4-20 games available. These fans have the chance to get 10% of box ticket sales.
Colleges and professional sports also offer availability to suites. These marketing strategy allows for VIP seating with a unlimited amount of people who get the chance for drinks and food brought to their suite.
Colleges have to adhere to the students as well as fans. For example, at bigger schools such as those in the SEC, the student body has a lottery. Only the numbers who are picked receive $5 student section ticket. In these student sections, each student must have their student I.D. to be allowed in. But, during football season, where there is much more seating, colleges tend to give all students the chance to attend the games.
Ticket pricing differs per game per stadium per competition. If UK plays Louisville, the ticket pricing increases because demand is high and undoubtedly be a sold out game. But, if the Buffalo Bills play the Baltimore Ravens at home, the tickets can run as low as $30 for decent level seats. Some marketing strategies teams have is taking advantage if the game is blacked out. If a game cannot be watched on tv, then fans may want to attend the game last minute. These tickets are sold relatively cheap, but not for the lowest price because the demand has risen, yet, since the fans cannot physically watch the game anywhere else besides the stadium.
My Sports Autobiography
When I'm asked about sports, there are so many running thoughts through my mind. So I'm just spilling it out as I go.
Growing up I was always outside with my brothers, making up games and being overly competitive. From baseball, football, basketball, track, and diving, I finally found my true passion:lacrosse. Living in the east coast, lacrosse is a dominant sport. Starting later than most, my sophomore year, I realized this is what I was best at and entering college I got the opportunity to play. This year concludes my final season as a Lady Dragon.
If there is one trait that has stayed with me my whole life, it is being competitive. I am a firm believer in winning. Quoting Remember the Titans, "I am a winner, I will win." Any athlete can back me up when I say that winning brings out so many emotions at once; that it is a feeling that cannot be replicated. I am jealous of athletes who have had the opportunity to celebrate big wins, celebrating the chance to exceed expectations. This spring I hope I can be one of those athletes celebrating with my team.
In my mind, I believe professional athletes are bigger than celebrities. These freaks of nature, these phenoms were hand picked from God to show off their abilities and excelling talent. From Lebron to Missy Franklin to Russell Wilson, I have grown up admiring athletes who are either a few years older than me or even younger than me. I am in awe of how these specimens hold their own, hold their emotions, and anxiety and nerves in such times of importance.
Sports have always been a huge aspect of my life, especially as I'm growing older. It hit me hard this past semester, that I only have one season left. I had my quarter life crisis. I was sad, mad, upset, denying myself that my time to play will all be up in May. Because lacrosse isn't a very popular sport in the midwest, I get questioned every so often if I'm going to try and go pro after I graduate. I laugh bitterly because there is no professional league for women. I hate that I have one season left, because playing lacrosse is one thing in my life that I know I am good at.
This season at Tiffin starts my fourth year with three coaches. This experience has shaped me to be the athlete I am and because of it I am pursing the career in coaching collegiate womens lacrosse. I had the privledge of being coached by someone who made me the player I am today and I cannot wait to impact athletes like I was. I believe that athletes can only perform their best when their coaches put them in the best positions possible to succeed. You wouldn't play a low attacker at midfield. Coaches need to read their athletes. And Tiffin has also allowed me to experience how not to coach. I am learning how certain players respond and how to get them to succeed most.
Growing up I was always outside with my brothers, making up games and being overly competitive. From baseball, football, basketball, track, and diving, I finally found my true passion:lacrosse. Living in the east coast, lacrosse is a dominant sport. Starting later than most, my sophomore year, I realized this is what I was best at and entering college I got the opportunity to play. This year concludes my final season as a Lady Dragon.
If there is one trait that has stayed with me my whole life, it is being competitive. I am a firm believer in winning. Quoting Remember the Titans, "I am a winner, I will win." Any athlete can back me up when I say that winning brings out so many emotions at once; that it is a feeling that cannot be replicated. I am jealous of athletes who have had the opportunity to celebrate big wins, celebrating the chance to exceed expectations. This spring I hope I can be one of those athletes celebrating with my team.
In my mind, I believe professional athletes are bigger than celebrities. These freaks of nature, these phenoms were hand picked from God to show off their abilities and excelling talent. From Lebron to Missy Franklin to Russell Wilson, I have grown up admiring athletes who are either a few years older than me or even younger than me. I am in awe of how these specimens hold their own, hold their emotions, and anxiety and nerves in such times of importance.
Sports have always been a huge aspect of my life, especially as I'm growing older. It hit me hard this past semester, that I only have one season left. I had my quarter life crisis. I was sad, mad, upset, denying myself that my time to play will all be up in May. Because lacrosse isn't a very popular sport in the midwest, I get questioned every so often if I'm going to try and go pro after I graduate. I laugh bitterly because there is no professional league for women. I hate that I have one season left, because playing lacrosse is one thing in my life that I know I am good at.
This season at Tiffin starts my fourth year with three coaches. This experience has shaped me to be the athlete I am and because of it I am pursing the career in coaching collegiate womens lacrosse. I had the privledge of being coached by someone who made me the player I am today and I cannot wait to impact athletes like I was. I believe that athletes can only perform their best when their coaches put them in the best positions possible to succeed. You wouldn't play a low attacker at midfield. Coaches need to read their athletes. And Tiffin has also allowed me to experience how not to coach. I am learning how certain players respond and how to get them to succeed most.