POST YOUR WEEKLY "SBJ" CRITIQUE HERE!!!
HI GUYS,
WELCOME BACK AND I HOPE YOU ARE ALL READY FOR THIS EXCITING AND CHALLENGING SEMESTER. HERE IS THE PLACE FOR YOU GUYS TO POST YOUR WEEKLY "SBJ" CRITIQUE (POST ONE PAGE CRITIQUE BEFORE CLASS). I HOPE YOU ENJOY THE CLASS AND LEARN SOMETHING. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT ME. I USUALLY WILL RETURN YOUR EMAIL IN 12 HOURS.
posted by Dr. Richard Hsiao at
1/20/2006 02:02:00 PM
131 Comments:
“Hey, Want a Super Bowl ad?” Volume 8 Issue37 Page 1
This article is about ABC finding people that want super bowl ads. They construed in a new way this year to go about getting those who want an ad. Instead of waiting until the week of the super bowl for the “last minute” advertisers, they deployed the idea to go after them earlier. It is astonishing to see that in the last weeks of December the 30 second commercials were going for $1.8 million when compared to the $2.6 million price tag for “prime” positions. This article states that even pre-game commercial spots are going for $1.5 million. This article also states that all but the first hour of the nearly four hour pre-game is sold out. ABC and ESPN are expected to generate around $150 million on Super Bowl Sunday.
There are mixed opinions on this year’s super bowl market. Some think it is status quo and others feel that demand is thinner than other years. One head honcho states that it may be the Olympics that has hurt the super bowl in commercial spots. However, the last five super bowls have been seen in an average of more than 81 million U.S. homes.
I honestly do not see a problem with companies wanting to buy commercial spots for the super bowl. This is the biggest reason why most people who don’t enjoy sports tune into the super bowl: just to watch the commercials. I can imagine that there will be even more people tuning into this game, since it is super bowl XL. I don’t see any reason why the “super bowl” won’t do well this year or any other year. It is a big organization and most people in this world love football.
Friday, February 03, 2006 11:25:00 AM
“Rockets latest to put interactives upstairs” Volume 8 Issue 37 Page 4
This article is about how NBA teams are adding interactive areas to their arenas in an attempt to maximize the fan experience. Shortly after the Phoenix Suns opened a playground in their US Airways Center, the Houston Rockets decided to turn what used to be a storage space into a large interactive area. It is 8,000 square feet and is called the Memorial Hermann Sky Court. Memorial Hermann is one of the largest health-care systems in Houston and agreed to this five-year deal in order to bring a fan-friendly area to the arena. The interactive area includes a basketball half-court, a private party room, and features that let fans measure their height, weight, wingspan, and vertical jump against those of current Rockets players. In addition, the Rockets are building a new club in the upper suite level to host special events.
I think this is a smart move for the Rockets and other teams that are making changes in their arenas to benefit fans. Not only will it be popular with the diehard basketball fans, but it will also be a nice addition for families and kids. Children can get restless and may not enjoy sitting through an entire sporting event. These interactive areas will provide some extra entertainment for them. Not only is this an opportunity to bring in new fans, it is also an excellent opportunity to retain fans. Their goal is to maximize the experience and I think this is a good way to do just that.
Monday, February 06, 2006 11:00:00 AM
“Rockets latest to put interactives upstairs”
Volume 8 issue 37 page4
The Houston Rockets set up a new interactive area, which is pretty much smart marketing strategic for this highly competition society. Title Sponsored by The famous and large health care company, Memorial Hermann, was opened huge sky court at Toyota center . The agreement signed with this commitment to bring new type of interactive area to the arena. In addition, they offer from variety games to private party room. Moreover, they try to make fans having much fun before or during the play for obtaining additional profitable for the arena.
Indeed, since Yao-Ming and Tracy Mcgrady become the target market for all fans at Houston. Despite their team have a awfully ranking in the NBA over the season. Still, this team has their own way to attract spectator come to watch the game and enjoy it. There is no doubt that Rocket’s new invention of marketing promotes are being successful. In short, I believe that all of the sponsors are willing to boost revenue of the game. Particularly, Houston is an international city, which has more diversity development than the other city. The strategic are focused on young fans that may increase the revenue during the game.
Although the Rockets followed this idea by the other team, they have done their own breakthrough for this season. At least in this promotion seems work very well of the team, as well as bring up the great side effect for the team. This sort of effort along with new wave of this season. That can be a possibility that all sponsors have opportunity to provide their practical service or potential product in the arena in stead of only having a logo and advertisement on the board. After all, the new marketing strategic in the stadium would be turn out to be much more competitive and realistic.
Monday, February 06, 2006 11:32:00 AM
"NFL Network to air Senior Bowl Practices" Brad Potts. Vol. 8 issue 37, pg. 33
The NFL network aired the practices of the senior bowl along with ESPN. This is great for nike who is the apparel provider for the senior bowl. They are getting more exposure, more air time for people to see their new apparel. I think when ESPN aired training camps this summer it was a success as far as exposing different schools and the apparel providers of the different schools. So it acted as a pilot to the airing of the senior bowl practice. It may seem funny to some, airing a practice but for anyone who knows alot about the senior bowl it shows implications of who will be taken in next years NFL draft. All the players are practicing at a very high level because there are many scouts at these practices. If these players, who are some of the best college football players in the nation, what better exposure for Nike than to have them seen in practice as well as the game using there product.
Monday, February 06, 2006 10:02:00 PM
"Aramark suit brings sobering changes" Volume 8, Issue 37, pages 1, 31.
Alcohol has always been associated with sporting events, from football to marathon races. Events like the Super Bowl have an official beer. Along with the popularity of drinking before and during sporting events comes the problem of drinking and driving.
Alcohol has become a big revenue for sporting venues, but along with that comes the responsibility of trying to control how many drinks a person may have. Just recently Aramark lost a multi-million dollar law suit after a fan who had been drinking at a Giants game caused a car accident paralyzing a 2 year old girl.
As a result of the tragedy, Aramark began using a Non-profit organization to help train employees in controling alcohol consumption. There are also "Alcohol Management Teams" that wear bright shirts and patrol the stadium to find fans who need to be cut off from alcohol. Add police/security has been another way of trying to reduce the alcohol problem.
These new measures, which weren't cheap, seem to have worked. There was a 50% reduction in alcohol-related incidents in 2005. The sporting venues are doing what they can to reduce alcohol incidents, but they responsibility shouldn't be all theirs. People need to take responsibility for their actions; they are adults and need to act like it. If people would be responsible drinkers at sporting events there wouldn't be a problem.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006 12:25:00 AM
Another form of fan communication is a 'great idea' for Cavs Vol. 8, Issue 37, pg 13.
The Cleveland Cavaliers in an attempt to open the communication lines between fans and ticket holders have put a message board on their website and it acts as a switchboard for fans and the team alike. The idea is to answer all messages within 24 hours of the posting and to actually take action on as many of these as possible. This is done by a three person team that takes the postings and delivers them to the correct personnel to be answered. Although is has been tough for the organization to keep up they have been giving it a valiant effort.
Team personnel claim this is not a advertsing scheme and the return messages have nothing to do with advertsing or an attempt to sell the poster anything. Telling everyone it is just a way to get closer to the fans and learn about their concerns and things they believe are a success for the team.
I think this is a great idea and brings the fans so much closer to the team. Making fans feel like they are part of the team and can see improvements made based on their thoughts will definately draw them closer to the team. Possibly selling more tickets and merchandise of all sorts. But it needs to stay the way it is, just a message board. Not a way to post sales promotions and other things of that nature. If the fans start to see it as just another way to sell them on something it is going to lose all of its good feeling by the fans. Fans of all sorts want to be heard and when they have the ability to do it in a quick and simple manner it is great. Plus they will recieve an answer to their message. Making them feel as though the money and time they spend on the team is really worth it. As long as the idea behind this message board "fan-first, revenue-second" stays they same I think it will bring the Cavaliers a small boost in fan fair and this will show a boost in marketing.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006 7:42:00 AM
Detroit Super Bowl gets cold shoulder- Volume 8, Issue 36, pg 1
Almost every Super Bowl has been played in warm weather. However, this year, which is only the third time in Super Bowl history, is the game going to be played in cold weather. Companies are worrisome that their clients will stay away from the cold climate and just wait till next year when the game is in southern Florida. I say intrigue clients into wanting to go to Detroit and experience the Super Bowl.
Not everyone watches and plays football in the warmth. Pennsylvania teams play into the cold months, as well as other northern states. So why not experience what the cold climate can bring to the super bowl.
With celebrities bringing the fund-raisers and outings to warm climates, such as Las Vegas, it is drawing away from the Super Bowl. I feel that companies who have hospitality packages should promote what Detroit has to offer at this time of year. Forget the warm climate, bring on the cold. It’s football season!
Tuesday, February 07, 2006 9:39:00 AM
Weis, Paterno missed Rose Bowl invitations but are raking in endorsement, speaking offers. Volume 8 Issue 37. By Dave Andrews
While Charlie Weis and Joe Paterno both failed to take their respective teams to the Championship Rose Bowl game, but they are still being awarded more attention and endorsement offers than the national championship coach this year. Notre Dame’s Weis, Penn State’s Paterno and Texas’ Mack Brown are arguably the most successful, high-profile coaches in all of college football.
Notre Dame’s Weis had success in his first year coaching the Fighting Irish, which makes him a prime marketing target. His marketing representation company has received approximately fifty calls for his endorsement services. They tell sources that he will most likely go with Big Brothers and Big Sisters as well as a national insurance underwriting group based in Atlanta. Other endorsements have Weis booked for several speeches (valued between $25,000 and $50,000 each). He is also exploring book options due to his unorthodox life by not play college football, almost dying from gastric bypass surgery and raising a special needs daughter.
Paterno on the other hand has been considering a new book, most likely an autobiography. His autobiography will include his unrevealed childhood in Brooklyn, N.Y. and a return to prominence for him and the Nittany Lions this season. Paterno has also received many more calls than usual this year for his speeches. Rumor has it that Paterno will be making a trip to IUP this year.
As for Brown (coach of Texas), he is going to be featured on the National Championship Texas Wheaties box cover and many organizations have contact him to speak after the game. “Remember, in college football you can’t utilize individual players,…that’s why coaches are so relevant.”
Tuesday, February 07, 2006 9:59:00 AM
NBA will experiment with sound of silence-Volume 8, issue 37, page 4
This year, the NBA has taken on the theme of "Hardwood Classics", throwing in some retro ideas to mix-up the atmosphere and give the fans something different. On Feb. 26th during the Houston/Orlando game, there won't be blaring music during play nor all the fan prompts that have become a major part of an NBA game. Instead, organ music will be played along with limited sound effects.
This promotion is to happen during 52 games this season involving 11 teams. The Dallas Mavs played with no music or prompts during a game and the owner wasn't thrilled with the outcome. Last season, the Sacramento Kings turned down the volume during play for two games; Kings owner has no plans to repeat history.
Having less music, fan prompts, and even no announcers is only going to decrease the interest of NBA basketball more. The popularity of the sport has decreased drastically over the past 2 decades. I have a hard time watching NBA games and I'm a huge basketball fan! I would not be able to watch a game on television without the announcers. They add so much to the entertainment of the game. In my opinion, this experiment will not provide anything productive or attract more interest to the league.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006 11:58:00 AM
"Weiss, Paterno missed Rose Bowl invitations but are raking in endorsement, speaking offers." By Dan Benjamin (vol. 8 iss. 37).
Basically, the article is making a big deal out of the fact that Norte Dame's Head football coach Charlie Weiss and Penn State's Joe Paterno are getting more national publicity (endorsement related, anyways) than Texas' Mack Brown whose Longhorns won the national championship. I really don't know why this would be a shocker, granted Brown led his Longhorn team over a favored USC Trojan team for the national championship; however, star-quarterback (and a sure- fire top 5 pick in the upcoming NFL draft) Vince Young is getting all the accocalades for the victory. In addition Brown who is recieving a lot of regional attention (according to the article 126 organizations have inquired about possible deals) had the reputation of not being able to win the "big one" as Texas has been one of the top teams in country since the turn of the century but Brown always faltered against the University of Oklahoma.
There are a few reasons why Weiss is a huge amount of endorsement attention. First and foremost he is the head coach of the University of Norte Dame football team (for some reason this has a lot of clout; not exactly sure why at least, legitimately speaking) and that he had a successful first season (this was Weiss' first head coaching job, he was previously the offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots during their three Super Bowl wins). Other tidbits about Weiss that makes him attractive to endoresement and/or book deals is that Weiss is a Norte Dame alumnus and didn't play college football (which as his manager/agent said makes him the "Rudy" of college coaches). In addition, according to the article, Weiss nearly died from complications of gastric bypass surgery and is raising a special needs daughter.
In my opinion, Joe Paterno is recieving more endorsement deals this year, as compared to the previous few seasons is for a couple of reasons. First, Paterno (who is 79- yearls old and has been at Penn State for over 50 years; 39 years as head coach) returned the Nittany Lions to national prominence this past season. In addition, Paterno is one of the one of the two most regonizable coaches in college football, today, (FSU's Bobby Bowden is the other)as a result of his successful record as Paterno stands fourth in career victories (354) in all divisions of play (I-A, I-AA, II, and III).
Besides the three coaches that the article mentioned, I'm sure Florida State's Bowden and USC's Pete Carroll (who's team won the past 1 1/2 national championships) is also getting alot of attention since the NCAA prohibits athletes from engaging in endorsement deals. Personnally, I have problem with that rule but it helps the NCAA control their interests (which is themselves).
Tuesday, February 07, 2006 12:25:00 PM
“Hogging it: Harley inks NHRA sponsorship” by Kevin Anderson. Volume 8, Issue 37, Page 5.
When you hear the name Harley-Davidson the first thing that should come to mind is “Made in America.” Yes, you will probably envision the leather-clad motorcyclist with a screaming exhaust, but even they will tell you that it’s pride in a well-built American-made product that keeps them riding a Harley. Most people whether they ride motorcycles or not probably know about the Harley-Davidson Company, but ask how many know what the NHRA is and the number will surely decrease.
Harley-Davidson has just entered into a multiyear deal, the first of its kind for Harley-Davidson, with the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association). This will become part of Harley-Davidson’s plan to expand its image to the younger, race-enthusiast crowd. The company has already entered into this market with its Screamin’ Eagle line of performance parts and the introduction of its V-Rod motorcycle. Harley-Davidson currently has small deals with the AMA Flat Track (American Motorcyclist Association) and the NHRA Pro Stock series.
This new deal will allow Harley-Davidson to use the NHRA logo in advertising and promotions. It will also give the company a display space in the NHRA’s “Nitro Alley” interactive display area. Harley-Davidson even built an interactive “trailer” that features a simulated drag racing competition and a kid’s area. Harley-Davidson enlisted the help of GMR Marketing for daily operations and management of the mobile marketing unit. Harley-Davidson is hoping to expand their market through the NHRA and the NHRA is hoping to expose their series through the massive Harley –Davidson network. As I see it, it’s a win-win situation.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006 5:09:00 PM
"Weis, Paterno missed Rose Bowl invitations but are raking in endorsment, speaking offers." Volume 8 Issue 37 page 5
When you think of college football past or present two schools come to your mind first are; Penn State and Notre Dame. It is no suprise that either of these two coachs are geeting more endorsment and speaking offers then other coaches. While Charlie Weis has only been the coach at Notre Dame for one year it seems that he has returned them to the National Championship scene. His story is something that just about ever company would want to persue, while he almost died from complications during surgery and his special needs daughter. It is very inspirational story. The President of PSR Bob LaMonte said, "It's the 'Rudy' of college coaches." The past 3 years have been tough for Joe Paterno and Penn State fans alike, but follwing this year with their Big-10 Championship and their Orange Bowl victory of Florida State. Joe Paterno has become someone who most companies would love to have endorse their product. As the article says, "Joe Paterno's largely unrevealed childhood makes his autobiography appealing." The success of the 2006 Nitanny Lions help this cause out as well. Another reason is because Joe Paterno not only is the face of the football team, but he is the face of the University. Along with his wife, Sue Paterno they have donated millions back to the University. This is why it is not surprise to me that Charlie Weis of Notre Dame and Joe Paterno of Penn State are getting more endorsement and speaking offers then the two coaches in the Rose Bowl, Mack Brown of the Texas and Pete Carroll of the USC.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006 7:39:00 PM
“Steelers’ arrival is solid gold for licensed goods” Volume 8 Issue 38 Page 1
This article discusses how “Steelers’ Merchandise” will be the hot product after the super-bowl if they win. They feel that merchandise sells could hit an all time high if they Steelers’ win, topping the previous best when the Packers returned to title town after they beat the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI in 1997. Well as we all know the Steelers did win the Super Bowl XL Championship and as far as I can say, yes, “Now, it’s just nuts.”
The NFL consumer product senior vice president said that, Pittsburgh has deep roots and a national following. He also says that the Steelers sell more licensed product within their seventy-five mile radius than, he believes, any other NFL team. He says it also plays nationally, as well. He also says that a lot of people grew up in the “Steel Curtain” days and are still around. Also, there are people who weren’t around in the “Steel Curtain” days, but a true Steelers fans because they were brought up on tradition. Both will show to be great for merchandise sells.
They also discuss the “Terrible Towels”, which sell around 250,000 in a normal year. However, after AFC championship victory 200,000 additional towels were made. Since, they have won the Super Bowl; another 300,000 commemorative towels are on order. The president of Team/Beans Forever Collectibles puts it in perfect words, “I don’t think this is a Pittsburgh thing. This will be national. This would eclipse our best hot market by 40-50% and would be the biggest championship product we ever had.”
I completely agree with this gentleman. Being a Pittsburgh Steelers fan myself, I was able to see thousands of people hoarding the stores after the game and the day after the win, just to buy the championship t-shirts and hats. It’s great to see that Pittsburgh Steelers fans are “true” fans and support their team through the upsetting times and the most recently “glorifying” times.
Sunday, February 12, 2006 3:45:00 PM
HKS wants to fill in holes on stadium hoops concept in Indy Volume 8, issue 39, page 11
As I had mentioned in my class lecture on the NCAA, "March Madness" for men's basketball is a huge money maker for the NCAA and Conferences. Now, NFL stadiums are beginning to consider the next generation of stadium basketball. The Indianapolis Colts' new home is going to be a $500 million stadium that will hold the men's Final Four tournament every five years starting in 2010. The capacity they are leaning towards is 70,000-plus and this is going to be put into effect at Ford Field in Detroit in 2009. The article did not mention the date, but a Michigan State-Kentucky game was held at Ford Field and drew 78,129 fans, a basketball world-wide record. The article mentions that there were still open spaces behind the baskets with no seating set-up.
The picture of the Colt's new stadium design is pretty impressive. The RCA Dome, the site of this years Final Four, has 61 of the 104 suites having full-view of the game. Suite tickets at the 2005 Final Four went for $75,000. The new Indy stadium has 140 suites and pretty much all of them will have view of the game. NCAA senior vp, Tom Jernstedt, said that suites haven't been priced yet, but they will be significantly higher than $75,000.
It is extremely interesting how stadiums, such as NFL stadiums, are now taking college basketball championships into consideration. What is even more interesting about this is that Indy is home of the NCAA's Coporate Office. So, is this a great idea to offer more availability to the game's fans, or is another great ploy by the NCAA to bring in a big loot of money to their organization? I mean, they are hosting the Final Four every five years now in Indy...sorta something to think about.
Sunday, February 12, 2006 6:13:00 PM
Vol. 8 issue 38 pg. 21
" Players set to cash in making appearance at "Super Bowl"
This aricle was interesting to me because we are talking about paying people to show up at the Super Bowl get free accomidations for a week tickets to the game and other perks for simple going to the greatest event in the in the USA as far as sports go. I really think the money could have been used better. I know I didn't care at all that Tom Brady was at the coin toss or that Franco Harris walked out of a tunnel before the game. Who cares!! and to pay them 50 to 100 thousand dollars to do so is insane if you ask me. Instead why don't we give away free Super Bowl T-shirts (nice ones) at the gate and other things that will make nice keep sakes for thoses who paid the thousands of dollars it takes just to get in the gates. They could have also offer free parking to those who had a ticket insead of wasting over 1 million dollars on X NFL who know one really cared to see anyway. I think that as far as marketing the money could have been spent alot better. Maybe with another big name band in the parking lot for tail gating, or something else for the people who spent thousands of dollars to make the trip.
Monday, February 13, 2006 11:09:00 AM
"PGA Tour uncorks specialty licensing effort"
vol. 8 iss. 39 pg. 8
When I first saw this article, I was pretty shocked. I thought that the bottle of PGA Tour wine that we have at our house was a special bottle, one-of-a-kind, never before made, but to my surprise, the PGA Tour is in deal discussions to license their own wine. As one of the most recognizable brands, it is no wonder that PGA Tour Wine, made by Costa Mesa, California-based Bermuda Triangle Ventures has jumped at the opportunity to take on this venture. With an organization who made a 2004 revenue of $819 million, the projected $1.5 million for the Tour at the five-year projection of $15 million doesn't seem like alot, but the way these bottles are flying off of the shelves, it could make a significant impact in the future.
Because of the success of these vinos, many other products and merchandise can be looked at to be taken over by the PGA. The following, which usually is a following of high profile businessman and celebrities, can generate a possible business/franchise takeover. Of course it is hard to judege exactly what the consumer will purchase, and usually takes years of startegey and planning to decide what new product the specific consumer will enjoy, I think the PGA Tour hit the nail on the head when they chose to pursue the wine industry. It seems to me, since I am close friends with a new PGA member and his wife, that that type of "crowd" tends to enjoy wine on a regular basis. Everytime we have ever been somewhere, or even an evening at their house, a nice glass of chardonnay or cabernet was always involved. And since there is a bar at every golf course in America, and ther are 17,800 golf courses, I guess they knew exactly what they were doing when they came out with this profitable and delicious product.
Monday, February 13, 2006 1:48:00 PM
Steerles' arrival is solid gold for licensed goods- Vol 8 Issue 38 Pg 1
The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of, if not the best, fans in the nation and this is proved by the amount of Steeler licensed products that are bought even when they do not make it to the playoffs. Well, licensees are very happy that the Pittsburgh Steelers made it to Super Bowl XL this year because now product sells are going to be skyrocketing. Not only will sales be boosting around and in the Pittsburgh area but also they will be boosted around the nation.
"Terrible Towel" sales have been booming since the AFC championship game and now licensees say the "if-win" sales are staggering. 300,000 commemorative towels are on order if the black and gold win the Super Bowl.
It is amazing the hype and fan-base that the Steelers have. Being a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, I totally agree that sales will be booming and accelerating more than ever. This is also because of the dynasty of the Steelers, getting that "one for the thumb." Steelers' fans are going to be going crazy buying merchandise and marketers are going to be ranking in the big bucks!
Monday, February 13, 2006 3:47:00 PM
"On the brink: Approach of march 1, and the start of a new NFL calendar, adds urgency to reaching labor deal. Vol. 8 issue 38
Unlike Major League Baseball, the NBA and the NHL, the NFL has had a harmonious relationship with its players union for almost twenty years (the last work stoppage being the players' strike in 1987). The current collective bargaining agreement has two years left (the agreement expires March 1, 2008) however because if how the NFL accounts for player compensation managing the bones doled out to rookies and free agents will be much harder for teams this spring. This also causes teams problems come March 1st (the start if the new NFL calender year) where teams will only be able to prorate signing bonuses over four years rather than the normal five years. This also makes the popular option bonuses which could kick in at the earliest in year two of a contract, on be able to be prorated over three years if the CBA us not extended.
According to Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, who is also one of the leagues negotiators, the salary cap could "die" if no CBA is reached by March 1 (according to the article the will be no cap for the 2007 season if an agreement can't be reached). There are three major issues that I see could prevent the CBA to be extended (1) howto divide the ever-increasing revenue between the players and owners (revenue now stands at $5.7 billion annually), (2) how revenue is shared amongst the high and low revenue producing teams, (3) The uncertainity of the labor agreement is also likely to nix the return of football to LA.
I believe it is in the best interest in the long haul to come to an agreement before March 1, 2006 (definitely before the agreement expires in 2008) even if both sides have to concede some of their desires. First, I believe that the past twenty-years of labor peace has helped make the NFL the most popular sport in the US (that and the fact that people can tailgate starting at 6 a.m. and be hammered before they walk into the stadium; football is the only "real" sport that mistakingly glorifies drunks as being passionate fans).
If the NFL doesn't resolve their labor issues by March 1st, as Tom condon head of IMG's football division said "there is potential for this to be a real mess" and i beleive it could cost them the entire 2008 season. however, I don't believe that the situation will get that far because the NFL players union has a reputation as being weak. Just look at what happened in 1987 when the players went on strike, the NFL got replacement players and after four or sex games (I believe the strike last six games but for some reason four has suddenly resonated with me)the players union folded quicker then a murder suspect under interrogation (practically conceding to every demand). There is talk however, about the players' union decertifying if an agreement is not reached which could give the union the upper hand in bargaining, initially.
I think the biggest hurdle in these negotiations is determining how to split the revenue between the teams and players. As a person who is not a huge management supporter, I believe the union should get their requested 65% cut, for making the owners as much money as they do. In addition, I don't believe that either side wants the 2007 season to be capless because the cap is part of the reason there is parity in the NFL and makes the league so intriguing (that and as mentioned before the non-stop drinking that goes on). I beleive that both sides of the equation benefit from this parity; the NFL benefits from the gate receipts which continues to grow because fans believe any given year "their team" can win the Super Bowl abd the players benefit because the talent us spread throughout the league as the of the salary cap forcing teams to be judicicial in how they spend their money. I'm not sure why the NFL seems to be so intent on bringing football back to Los Angeles, granted LA has a humongous fan base and their TV market size is astromical but the NFL seems to be doing just fine without LA. Besides, the NFL has been talking about having a team in LA ever since the Raiders moved back to Oakland but the city has balked at building a new stadium time and time again.
Monday, February 13, 2006 10:00:00 PM
High-level suit rocks N.Y. Knicks
Volume 8 Issue 38 pg 6
The suit brought against Isiah Thomas and the N.Y. Knicks at the moment has had little to no effect on the ticket sales of the team, but that does not mean it has not effected the team as a whole. Plus it has the possibility to greatly effect sales and all aspects of the team in the future and there is no way to tell when we could see these effects. For a team that is not having one of its best seasons this could not come at a worse time. Now there not only going to have to put up with unhappy fans, but they are going to have this matter in the hack of their minds at all times. Plus they may be questioned by the media and hounded to give their opinion on the matter and this could only cause tension between a team that is already having problems getting it together.
The plus side to this all is the way many of the media sources have decided to handle the issue in N.Y. Giving it little light in the media accept for the general facts of the case. Almost showing their support for the Knicks and Isiah Thomas. The media in N.Y. has said they only want to start truly covering the issue when all the facts are out there and they can report accurately on all aspects.
I feel that it is a sad issue to deal with. Although I am not a Knicks fan this is a tough situation for any team to go through and has the possiblity to not only divide the team on the court, but also in the offices. Isiah Thomas has always been a player and president of class and it is sad to see his name be put the ringer as it has. I can not say if the accusations are true but I truly hope they are false. But then again if they are I guess he is just getting what is coming to him.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006 10:33:00 AM
“Teams, athletes help Flex-Power muscle up”
Volume 8 Issue 38 p.9
The article is aimed at how a former financial expert could turn out to be an entrepreneur, and run a thriving career with a remarkable marketing strategy. As a five-year-old company, the Flex-Power Company, which sells topical sport cream, has already spread out its business overseas.
The CEO is Bejan Esmaili who started up with his own enterprise and came up with so many impressive concepts for promoting his product. For instance, he chose to sell to all sports leagues in the first place, such us professional sport teams and college athletic teams. Therefore, throughout the endorsement of those famous athletes and trainers, the company would be expanding its market since product has been used frequently. Furthermore, some of well-known professional athletes are interested in company potential marketing opportunity. However, they not only endorse the product, but they also became investors. That might be the best solution Flex-Power company to promote its product in an efficient way and build up the popularity of its products.
In general, sporting goods are supposed to be sold on the shelves as the other similar merchandize. Esmaili has been taking advice from someone else in order to avoid inappropriately approaching the major market. He has chosen websites of health clubs, gym chains, and specific sport goods stores as his channel to sell to consumers. There is no doubt that he got much help from those sport related teams and athletes. Indeed, he attempted to detail all processes of marketing strategy, as well as increasing the reputation of his product. Even though sports cream is not like sports clothes and equipment, which could make fortunes much quicker and easier. On the other hand, sports cream is probably a necessary supplement for athletes and all sports events participants. Consequently, I believe that sort of business would increase its revenue via efficient marketing strategy.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006 10:56:00 AM
Volume 8, Issue 38, Page 21, by Tera Bisceglia
"Players set to cash in making appearances at the Super Bowl"
I understand the importance of professional athletes booking public appearances during the Super Bowl (considering it is the most attended and watched annual sports event). However, I don’t agree with athletes’ receiving thousands of dollars for an hour here, an hour there when in fact they would otherwise attend the Super Bowl even if there wasn't a strong opportunity to cash in.
I can’t believe there has been a decrease in event booking during the Super Bowl this year compared to last year. NFL players must not like the blistery weather Detroit has to bare. I'm actually surprised that the weather would be so detrimental in the number of events that are booked during the Super Bowl. I guess it is too cold to golf and the only beaches found in Detroit are the frozen tundra of the sands of Lake Michigan.
I respect the Steelers choice not to schedule any paid appearances during Super Bowl Forty, although Bettis and others attended events with friends and family the week prior to kick off. I see the need for and believe that making appearances are great for public relations sake, but I also don't agree with professional athletes being paid to attend parties just to have people let them how great they are.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006 11:02:00 AM
“She won Guatemala, but will she be a sports broadcasting Survivor?” by Kevin Anderson. Volume 8, Issue 38, Page 38.
I chose this article because since the first season I have always been a fan of the CBS television show “Survivor.” Danni Boatwright a former beauty queen and most recent million-dollar winner of “Survivor: Guatemala, has her sights set on sports announcing.
Danni is no stranger to the world of sports; prior to “Survivor,” she was the co-host of a sports talk show on the radio. Attempting to ride off her beauty queen looks and her exposure on “Survivor,” Danni would like nothing more than to continue her career in front of the camera, in the form of a TV sports announcer. The irony to this story is that even though several offers have come her way, the strict two-year contract that she signed with CBS to establish herself on “Survivor” is the one thing holding her back. Due to the contract, she must get CBS’s permission to entertain any offers while under their contract. Although several of her offers have been denied because of her CBS contract, CBS has expressed no interest in hiring her for CBS Sports. CBS’s spokeswoman stressed, “all hiring is very competitive and that if she does end up working at CBS, it’s a ‘process that would take sometime.’”
Competition is the one thing that Danni Boatwright has a lot of experience. She was the second runner-up for Miss Teen USA in 1992, first runner-up for Miss USA in 1996, and most recently the one million dollar winner on CBS’s “Survivor.” If competition is the only thing that stands between her and her dream of becoming a sports caster, Danni Boatwright should have a legitimate chance of once again obtaining her dream.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006 11:14:00 AM
“Nike first in line to pursue Bush” Volume 8 Issue 39 page 4
Reggie Bush is not only the No. 1 NFL draft pick, but he is also going to be the center of a huge endorsement deal. Nike is in discussions with Bush about a major endorsement deal, after he flew on the corporate jet to Nike’s Beaverton, Oregon headquarters a couple of weeks ago. However, according to several sources he has yet to sign a shoe or apparel deal as of late last week. Also, he may still have meetings with Reebok, Adidas and performance apparel for Under Armour.
Top players entering the NBA draft in the last several years have negotiated shoes deals valued in the millions of dollars per year. NFL draft-picks have not hit those peaks, with the top players signing shoe deals in the range of $600,000 a year. Some sources speculate that Bush could be the first to break the $1 million-a-year mark.
Bush has, however, signed to appear at the Fantasy Football Spectacular, which is a memorabilia event to be held at the New Jersey Convention and Expo Center March 30th through April 1st. President of the Triumph Sports Inc, states that there hasn’t been an un-drafted NFL prospect to ever generate the interest that he gets from Bush. He says the only thing that compares is Peyton Manning in 1998. He adds that the prices for autographed items for Reggie are three to five time what Peyton Manning got when he came out in ’98, and he says that Reggie will sell twice the amount.
I guess it will ultimately depend on how they market Reggie Bush. If the advertisements are well rounded and fit his personality, then I think that he could very likely break the $1 million a-year mark. However, to tell you the truth, I didn’t know anything about this player until I read this article. So, I guess I am either not into football as much as I once thought or maybe they need to market him more.
Friday, February 17, 2006 9:34:00 AM
“Nets restructure front office in advance of move” vol. 8, iss. 39, pg. 31
Before their planned move to Brooklyn in 2008, the New Jersey Nets have created a new chief marketing officer position for the franchise. Tom Glick has been hired as the new CMO. Glick spent the past two years as a vice president for the NBA’s marketing and team business development services department. With his move to the Nets, he will become the third league executive from that department who has recently entered team management ranks. Hired as president of the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets was Paul Mott and also as chief marketing officer for the Atlanta Hawks was Lou Depaoli. Glick as the CMO for the Nets will report to Nets Sports and Entertainment President Brett Yorkmark.
I think with the Nets moving to Brooklyn, it is a good idea to be concerned with marketing. There could be positives and negatives brought about by the move, so in order to avoid or eliminate any negatives, marketing will be a crucial element. According to Yorkmark, with Tom Glick’s progressive business practices and his experience with the NBA, it will help continue the growth of ticket sales and sponsorships. I agree with this. His has NBA experience and knowledge and with this he can help make it a smooth move to Brooklyn for the New Jersey Nets.
Sunday, February 19, 2006 11:32:00 AM
Spikes in the new IMG logo point to the future, Volume 8, Issue 39, Page 33 by Tera Bisceglia
IMG, founded by Mark H. McCormack in the early 1960s, is the world’s premier sports and lifestyle management and marketing firm. After much deliberation and focus on company branding and hopes for a new vision for the future, IMG has decided to unveil a new logo to employees worldwide.
FAME, a brand identity firm, was hired by IMG to create the new logo that features the company name in spiky, new blue letters. According to IMG spokesperson Marcy Simon, “the company’s new logo reflects the success of IMG today and the opportunities of the future in three major business areas, “sports,” “entertainment” and “media.”
FAME created the spiky-lettered logo that replaced the old, dark-blue IMG name with dark-blue diamond shapes after conducting interviews with numerous IMG top executives worldwide. IMG states that the new logo “is not a change for change sake, but the result of thoughtful consideration of who we are as a company and what we represent.”
Having background in graphic design and communications media, I am aware of the importance of company branding. All companies should effectively distinguish company identity. This not only helps consumers or the general public recognize a companies identity, but it also provides worldwide corporations like IMG with a general overall identity in turn helping its employees on many levels to relate to one another. A logo can also provide workers with a sense of the mission providing them with greater chances to attain executive goals and objectives.
Monday, February 20, 2006 9:36:00 AM
"Player Appearances Set Record"
vol. 8 iss. 40 pg. 6
Despite the blistering cold conditions in Detroit, Michigan this February for Super Bowl XL, NFL player appearances reached an all time high. Executives at Players Inc., which does all of the marketing and contracting for the NFL Players Association were expecting a lower than usual number of paid player appearances during this Super Bowl becuase of the weater conditions, but they were pleasantly surprised when the complete opposite happened. It turned out that they generated $2.3 million for 167 players to appear throughout Super Bowl week, which is doubled from the last record which was a mere $1 million.
I know all athletes, celebrities and personalities get paid, and get paid very well for their public appearances, but it just seems so strange to me in this situation. At the beginning of the Super Bowl, all of the former Super Bowl MVPs were announced and walked out on to the field. It was a great sight to see most of the MVPs, going back all the way to the first Super Bowl, so you would think that would be a great honor for them to be recognized and to be cheered and appreciated, but some of those athletes did or did not do that appearance, based on their profit. It was said that some of the MVPs were paid more than other, so some people found out about it and did not show up at for the ceremony. It seems hard to believe that they could be so selfish and unappreciative of all that they have and how many fans and supporters that they have across the country to just not show up seems like a slap in the face to me. I understand that it takes time out of their schedule and it is a job/business of sorts, but to have such an honor as to be recognized at the Super Bowl and to not show up seems down right petty. Unfortunately, sports and high prices go hand and hand so the the thought of this type controversy and this much money spent to just to see your favorite athlete shows no signs of dieing down or by any means becoming any cheaper.
Monday, February 20, 2006 5:02:00 PM
“Nike first in line to pursue Bush”
Volume 8 issue 39 p.4
As a potential football player, Reggie Bush is going to be No.1 draft pick in NFL. Interestingly, he probably will become the first NFL player who signs shoe deals and breaks the $1million a year ever over the history. Top player like Lebron James in NBA draft at 2003, before he got started with his professional career, also was holding the record which is 90 million with contracts with Nike for seven years. As a result, many other well known sponsors are willing to make a deal with Bush as well as contribute to his other marketing opportunities.
On the one hand, excellent players have shown their value that they would like to prove. Also, during the tournaments before they were picked by professional teams, they had chance to make effort to perform well for their future compensation when they attempt to play in the professional league. On the other hand, Tom Shine, Reebok’s senior vice president, notes that the value of shoe deals are not only based on the player’s ability but also the team on which he will play. Most importantly, not depends on how many endorsements that players can do, but relates to the entire ranking of the team during the season. It will determine that whether players can have much exposure time on television or not.
Personally, although Reggie Bush has pretty high evaluation of his first season to NFL, so many shoe deals awaits him as much as sports agent would like to represent him. The first thing he needs to do is remain in good condition to face the following challenges. The sponsors are seeking a best player who could endorse their products or make advertisements which might impact or influence most of their audience. Furthermore, sponsors positively would expect player can play much longer as they can, so that they will increase the revenue of their own products and enhance the reputation for the best player in the professional sports. There is no doubt that either Nike or Rebooks try to sign Bush because he could be the most potential player in NFL since 1998, when Peyton Manning came out. Similar to NBA, since Michael Jordan retired, sponsors desired to create a new super star on this field in order to be more attractive of the event, they wanted spectators to pay more attention out of the field and have a target player represent this sport.
Monday, February 20, 2006 8:20:00 PM
“Program seeks to authenticate Gordon goods” by Kevin Anderson. Volume 8, Issue 39, Page 4.
The name Jeff Gordon has almost become synonymous with NASCAR. Jeff Gordon who can be easily recognized driving the #24 Du Pont Chevrolet on most Sundays of the year. He is one of the biggest reasons for the refueled interest in NASCAR for the last decade. I can remember watching Jeff Gordon driving the rainbow colored Chevrolet with his “Rainbow Warriors” manning the pits. Gordon was young, charismatic, and a phenomenal driver. His excitement toward racing captured the attention of many people who would not normally be associated with NASCAR, and a new fan base was born. He was somewhat of a leader in the rebirth of NASCAR and he can once again be seen at the forefront, this time in the area of merchandise authenticity.
Jeff Gordon is scheduled to unveil a new hologram program to authenticate his signature and guarantee authenticity of Gordon goods and merchandise. The hope is that by numbering and tagging merchandise that bears Gordon’s signature they will be able to keep better track of signed materials and thereby guarantee authenticity. These items will then be registered for sell on www.jeffgordon.com so collectors and fans can buy, sell, or trade original Jeff Gordon memorabilia without the fear of counterfeiting.
The FBI reported that more than $100 million of forged memorabilia is sold and purchased each year. This new program is an attempt to put an end to forgery rings and give collectors a piece of mind when supporting their sporting favorites. Other NASCAR drivers have not gone to implementing holograms on their signed products yet, but after this push in the right direction by Jeff Gordon other drivers might pull-in and draft. This could be the start of a new trend in merchandise authentication for athletes in every sporting venue.
Monday, February 20, 2006 8:46:00 PM
Endorsement Equation Equals More Than Gold Standard- Vol 8, Issue39, Pg 26
Who will be the lucky athletes of the Olympics in Torino to receive endorsements? The reality is that these athletes not only have to win a medal, preferably gold, but also have some sort charisma, good lucks, or a back story to the trip to the Olympics. They can be multi-Olympians but there needs to be some sort of story to go along with the athlete to even be recognized for endorsements.
For the American Olympic team, stars need to show more. Bode Miller is a well-known name but so far in the Olympics he has done jack to gain any endorsements. With all of his partying and obscure ways of training and competing, if Bode wants to be endorsed he needs to perform. He already has the crazy stories; he just needs to be credible.
However, there are athletes such as Sasha Cohen, who has an Olympic medal but has always been in the shadows due to Michelle Kwan’s achievements. This is now her time to shine because Kwan is out of the Olympics and she has her beauty and elegance of skating to get her to win those endorsements.
In American society, children and adults look to athletes for triumphs and wins. For athletes that have back-stories and an aura around them that shows off their strengths and weaknesses helps the public see that they are real people and can idolize them. It may take some athletes a long time to get to the Olympics and the public thrives on their accomplishments and wants them to win. Endorsers need to grasp these athletes to help promote their products. The public will see their heroes and favorite athletes wearing or sponsoring certain items and think, hey if their behind this product maybe I should try it. Good strategy, I think.
Monday, February 20, 2006 9:21:00 PM
"No surrender from North Dakota in NCAA mascot controversy", by Liz Mullen. Volume 8, issue 40, page 14
This article talks about the heavy topic of some NCAA school's nicknames and logo's. It has been six months since the NCAA put 18 schools on a list that used "hostile or abusive" nicknames. The University of North Dakota is still representing and displaying its nickname: The Fighting Sioux. The NCAA had instituted a policy to eliminate American Indian nicknames and mascots that they felt were inappropriate. Among this list of 18, 3 schools have successfully appealed. Two others have been removed from the list after agreeing to make some modifications that were approved by the NCAA. There are 3 schools that are still resisting to comply and everyone should know that IUP is one of them.
The penalty the NCAA is putting into place for schools that will not comply is that those schools will not be allowed to host any post-season championships in any sport. This threatened the Univ. of North Dakota's plans of hosting a D-I regional hockey tournament, however, the NCAA has agreed to lift the ban until the UND's appeal is decided in April. I have also heard that IUP's appeal will be decided then as well (April 27th). This could pose a pretty big problem for the schools that refuse to comply. There is lots of money potenial that each school could lose from not being able to host post-season games. Is it right that the NCAA to enforce such a policy as this? UND's president, Charles Kupchella, does not agree with any of this. "We have a hard time understanding why it's all right for Florida State to come into town with a white guy dressed up as an Indian, riding a horse, leading fans in a tomahawk chop, and we have to do away with a classic depiction of an Indian by an American Indian artist...we just don't get it", stated Kupchella.
I do feel that the NCAA has good intentions about this policy, however, at the same time, I feel like it is another way for the NCAA to enforce their power(s). It should be a dispute that is between the tribe and the school seperately. I do not feel the NCAA should be involved in this matter at all. All they are doing is creating controversy that may have never been there in the first place.
Monday, February 20, 2006 11:41:00 PM
MLB expects less drama in next labor deal
Volume 8, Issue 39
Dave Andrews
Major League Baseball is expected to pursue far less when reaching economic reforms in the next labor deal as compared to the prior negotiations with the MLB Players Association. While MLB gained extensive increases by revenue sharing and luxury tax in their 2002 labor deal, Bud Selig (MLB Commissioner) claims to not as for as much this time around. Revenue sharing and luxury taxes help keep the parity in the league divided as equal as possible. Throughout this past labor deal, only revisions to the drug-testing policy have been dramatically revised.
MLB has crowned six different world champions in the last six years; compare this to any other of the major leagues and you won’t find this parity. MLB was in economic trouble in the past, while today, they’re on an unprecedented fiscal rocket ride. Industry revenue is approaching $5 billion a year while attendance in 2006 will surpass 77 million maybe even 78 million, which would top last year’s all-time record of 74.9 million by about 3 percent.
It might be impossible for teams such as the New York Yankees to stop spending millions for prime players, while other times such as Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay and Kansas City to win a pennant, but increasing revenue sharing might help solve more of these issues. Another important issue is keeping the fan base on the field and not outside the stadium. When fans are concerned with off-the-field issues, they will not watch the game from the stadium; rather watch the game from home or at a local establishment.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006 10:21:00 AM
Nike First in Line to Pursue Bush
Vloume 8, Issue 39, pg 4
The one thing that stuck out to me the most in this article is the difference in contract deals from top shoe companies when comparing football to basketball players. The top football players will make 600,000 a year from a good contract while baketball players like Lebron James sign a 7 year deal for 90 million dollars. But the market must be considered and the football market for clothing seems like it would be less profitable. Especially if they are a losing team and not getting much air time. But basketball teams have many many more games and have the chance for much more air time.
Although in the end I think it is a great deal for a player. They have to basically put their name and face behind a product line and they can recieve a nice pay check. If my biggest worry was whether my next job was going to pay 600,000 or 700,000 dollars I would basically have no worries at all. Although it seems as though Reggie Bush is taking his time and weighing his options when considering his marketability and what will make him the happiest. Which shows that he is very grown up for such a young adult in such a situation. But no matter what company he is contracted with I am sure the pay will be well worth the effort.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006 11:54:00 AM
"MLB expects less drama in next labor deal" Vol. 8 Issue 39 pg. 3
According to the article Major League Baseball will pursue far less economic reforms when the CBA expires as compared to past negotations. The reason being is that Major League Baseball has gained two major coups since 2002 when the last CBA was negotiated. The first major win for Major League Baseball was when they were able to increase revenue sharing and the luxury tax provision during the 2002 CBA negotations (the rationale was that these provisions were needed to correct the perceived problem with competitive balance). The other "notch-in-the-belt" came just this past season when they were able to negotiate two dramatic revisions to the drug-testing program under the threat of congressional intervention. In addition, Major League Baseball is going through an unprecedented fiscal upswing (according to the article, revenue is approaching $5 billion a year). Another major factor is that Commisioner Bud Selig projects attendance to reach 77-78 million which would surpass last year's record setting numbers of 74.9 million by about 3%.
First, it is unfortunate that Congress had to stick their nose in baseball's business since Congress has no business being involved in sports especially when you consider they "should" have more important issues to deal with (it seems that a politician always has to get involved with sports issues even though they don't have a "clue" what they are talking about and it is very irritating). Regressing from my rant, Congress's transgressions did cause unprecedented changes in Major League Baseball Steroid policy which I believe will only help baseball and its players. In addition, I take umbrage to Selig saying that "parity right now is very good" because six different teams (the article pointed out that ever other major league sport has had repeat champions during this time)have won the World Series. First Major League Baseball aloows the fewest teams in the play-offs (4 per league)and second every year the Yankess, Boston, Atlanta and a combination of the Chicago White Sox, Houston Astros, LA Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants,Florida Marlins and Chicago Cubs are in the mix; which leaves 16 teams not even coming close to reaching post-season play.
I was suprised to learn that Major League Baseball set an attendance record last season since baseball is the most boring professional sport and the fact that Major League Baseball was reeling from steroid testimony or non-testimony from Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Jason Giambi, Barry Bonds in front of Congress. I guess fans believe that since things were revealed and Major League Baseball has decided to take a pretty hard stand on the steroids situation, the game would be more competitvely balanced. I do agree with Selig that labor peace is the reason that Major League Baseball is thriving because really baseball only lost its luster when it shut down for a substantial part of the 1994 season.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006 12:05:00 PM
Vol 8 issue 39 page 5
"Behind the scenes on signing day"
As ESPN the U is growing they know that taping into the highschool recruiting ring is essential. ESPN the U is a special division of ESPN that broadcast only news that is related to College athletics. In the article they talked about how the nation has taken more and more interest in college recruiting and how it has grown in this nation. Rivals.com that they have mentioned in the article has really allowed for this national letter of intent, signing day to become a media gold mine. So ESPN the U has taken advantage of the situation by broadcasting players live on the national siging day many of them with more than one hat in front of themselves. The hats have the logo of the school that the player has picked as a finalist. They then will pick the hat of the school that they have made as there final pick. Even though this is a verbal commitment and it really doesn't mean anything the word of the athletes should hold weight and 9 out of 10 times that is where they will sign offically. I think that ESPN has done a great job of incorporating Highschool and College at a national level and it has worked out well.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006 3:18:00 PM
“No surrender from North Dakota in NCAA mascot controversy”
Volume 8 Issue 40 page 14
In August, the NCAA instituted a policy intended to eliminate American Indian nicknames and mascots it deemed inappropriate. Of the schools placed on the list by the NCAA, three (Central Michigan, Utah, and Florida State) successfully appealed. Two others, (Midwestern State in Texas and Carthage in Wisconsin) were removed from the list after agreeing to modifications to the nicknames approved by the NCAA.
Of the remaining, 13, three are still resisting (Bradley, our own IUP, and the University of North Dakota). A ruling on these appeals is expected from the NCAA Executive Committee on April 27.
After the NCAA placed the University of North Dakota: Fighting Sioux on a list of 18 institutions using “hostile or abusive nicknames”, the university continues to display the nickname on hockey jerseys and football uniforms. The solemn image of a Sioux warrior is still the university’s official sports logo. The university’s president is not happy for he states:
“The NCAA has no business taking the ill-conceived action they have. None. There’s a lack of understanding that with this action the NCAA could set back relations between Americans and non-Indians quite a ways.”
The university’s that were removed from the NCAA’s list so far were able to fully document support for their nickname from a namesake tribe. However, none of the three local Sioux tribes support the University of North Dakota’s use of the “Fighting Sioux.”
A document from the University of North Dakota states: “The nickname ‘Fighting Sioux” and our logo no more stereotypes current-day American Indians than depictions of pioneers would stereotype the current-day white population. Additionally, the use of our logo doesn’t stereotype any more than the use of the nicknames ‘Braves’ and ‘Warriors’ used by sports teams on reservations here in the Dakotas.”
Whether these arguments will sway the NCAA is in question, however, the president of the University of North Dakota isn’t willing to speculate on it.
It is really hard for me to understand what the differences are between those who have been taken off of the list and those who are still on. I think this whole thing is preposterous because these teams have had these logos, especially IUP, for years. Why is it now that they (NCAA) the need to change what these schools have become. A name or nickname for school is like taking away a school’s heritage or for instance, taking away a part of something that has become the basis of what the school believes in.
Friday, February 24, 2006 11:25:00 AM
“Latinos assuming broad role in diversity discussion” vol. 8, iss. 40, pg. 25
In sports, when the issue of race was brought up, it used to be focused on African Americans. Lately though, the main discussion of race involves Latinos. When Omar Minaya was name general manager of the New York Mets in 2004, he became the first Latino general manager in Major League Baseball. There have only been two African American general managers in the history of MLB. More notice took place when the Chicago White Sox won the World Series under the leadership of African American general manager, Ken Williams, and a Latino manager, Ozzie Guillen.
While Minaya has had success bringing talented players to the field, it has also brought about some controversy. Much of the talk started when Minaya traded Kris Benson to Baltimore and Benson’s wife said that Minaya was trying to build a Latino team with the Mets. This discussion was all over talk radio and the sports pages. People began to realize that since his arrival to the Mets, there are 14 new Latino players on the team. Although many of the players he signed were among the top Latino players in MLB, many are arguing that he is going out of his way to sign Latino players. The article also mentions though that if you are going to sign a great player in MLB these days, there is almost a 50 percent chance that they will be Latino. Between 2000-2005, five of the top 10 leaders in batting average, home runs, and RBIs were Latinos.
Baseball is not the only sport that Latinos are paying more attention to and becoming involved with. MLS is another sport that has become very popular among Latinos. Many saw the relocation of the San Jose Earthquakes to Houston has a smart move because of the love Latinos have for soccer. In the match between Mexico and Bulgaria in 2005, there were about 35,000 fans that watched the game. So this brings about another issue of marketing and attracting different fans such as minorities. I think it is very important to consider the number of Latinos and other minorities that enjoy sports such as MLB and MLS. If by having more players, coaches, and general managers brings about more fans, which leads to greater revenues, than this is definitely an important factor to consider. Statistics even show that Latino talent in MLB is on the rise and some of the best players are Latinos. I think it is important to consider all potential players, coaches, etc. regardless of their race as long as they have the necessary skills, talent, and expertise. I do however, see why some people might be questioning the number of Latino players on the Mets after hiring a Latino general manager. It does seem a bit suspicious that there are so many Latino players on the team now that Minaya is the manager. While it is important to attract fans of different minorities, you also have to be careful not to lose the fans you already have. Attracting minorities will only increase the fan support if teams are able to hold onto the already loyal fans that they have.
Sunday, February 26, 2006 10:37:00 AM
"With problems brewing, Schultz steps in" Volume 8 issue 40 p1,32-33.
Seattle SuperSonics owner Howard Schultz (founder of Starbucks) who has been aloof most of the time since purchasing the Sonics five years ago is now front in center in the controversy of getting $200 million dollars for either renovations to KeyArena or a public financed facility (Key Arena where the Sonics currently play was renovated in 1995; although the facility dates back to 1967 when the Sonics came into the NBA). The Sonics have lost $60 million since Schultz took control of the team including $16 million last year and if the Sonics don't get any money for then Schultz has vowed to either sell the team or relocate to another city that will do that. According to the article the are a number of reasons for the Sonics cash flow problems. First, competition from the city's other big league teams have increased for both fan dollars and corporate and municipal funding. Secondly, Key Arean is the NBA's smallest facility and lacks many of the revenue-generating amenities of new facilities. In addition, Comissioner David Stern has called the Sonics lease agreement (the agreement runs through 2010) with the city of Seattle to be the worst in the NBA. The Sonics which are coming off a season where they made it to the second round of playoffs(the Sonics have the fifth best record in the NBA over the past decade)have sold just 8,500 full season tickets (which is ranked in the middle of the NBA) and average 16,200 fans per game (ranked 21st in the NBA this season).
I know the article pointed out that the only reason Howard Schultz bought the Sonics in the first place was to keep them in Seattle, in which I say that was admirable gesture, however if you are going to buy a professional sport franchise either be involved (however, in no circumstance be like Dallas Mavs owner Mark Cuban or NY Yankees George Steinbrenner) or don't be involved but don't just become involved when you want something. Personally, my feelingss are sports franchise owners should only be involved in the business end (and leave personell decisions to people with that have knowledge of those subjects). Moving onto the problems at hand for the Sonics. I believe that 58 investors are far too many to be involved in team operations. It is preferable to have a single owner (for management reasons)however, the trend seems to be leaning to have a majority owner plus five to ten other investors and in my opinion (financially speaking) this is extremely beneficial to the organization. The key to sucess for any professional sport franchise is to have a facility that has revenue generating ability (from things such as naming rights, suites, club seats, etc) and having a good lease agreement. A bad lease will negate any revenue-generating ability that a facility has. Take the Sonics horrendous lease agreement, for example, the Sonics will get all concession revenue from their game nights but must share with the city concession revenue from non-Sonic events, naming-rights revenue, premium-seating revenue and the city gets all parking revenue from events at the arena (even on Sonic game nights).
Believe me, I'm all for the Sonics getting a new public funded arena (I believe every city that hosts a major league sport franchise should build a public funded facility for each team because the city benefits from hosting a franchise in many ways). However, I think the Sonics should open their books since they claim they lost so much money to make sure they are operating their business properly and efficiently. Sonic President Wally Walker said that the Sonics are disciplined and not cheap when responding to a question to why their payroll is only at $50 million (5th lowest in the league). This is an absurd statement considering the Sonics didn't re-sign head coach Nate McMillan "Mr. Sonic"(McMillan is now the head coach with the Portland TrailBlazers)who exemplified what the Sonics want to personify which is character. McMillan, before departing for Portland, spent 17 years in the Sonic organization (five as head coach and 12 as a player).
Monday, February 27, 2006 11:52:00 AM
Fortsmann addresses worries, IMG CEO’s letter to employees lays out changes in management, volume 8, issue 40, page 5 by Tera Bisceglia
IMG, the world’s leading marketing firm for sports, entertainment and media is updating more than their logo announced in issue 39 of Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal.
New IMG CEO Ted Fortsmann issued a letter highlighting a new vision for the company to its estimated 2,000 worldwide employees earlier this month. In the letter Fortsmann laid out management changes which directly addressed employees fears about the company’s future.
Fortsmann announced a full list of the members of IMG’s board of directors that were among some of the world’s “most successful business leaders in media, sports, entertainment and finance.”
Worried that IMG employees would be caught off guard by the recent management changes being made in the executive board, Fortsmann said, “I know that leadership changes and concern for the “unknown” can be disconcerting. Often unfounded but disquieting rumors get started.” This being said after rumors about the resignation of a 30-year chief executive at the Cleveland office spread fear of the possibilty that shifts in management would become redundant.
I understand that it is completely undeniable that a corporation as big as IMG will not withstand major shifts in leadership and management positions. People come and people go that’s just the way it works. As a matter of fact, most of the leadership changes Fortsmann made were ones replacing those executives with individuals that are going to successfully support IMG and its new CEO vision for the future. I think that it is inevitable and that the employees should be at least happy that the head honcho is taking charge, making smart moves and communicating them effectively.
Monday, February 27, 2006 11:35:00 PM
Reebok rolling ads with Australian Open champ- Vol 8, Issue 40, Pg 5
Reebok is signing a Frenchwoman to their “I am what I am” campaign. Her name is Amelie Mauresmo and she has been “out of the closet” since 1999 and the newest winner of the Australian Open. Many people in the United States do not know her and this ad campaign may get her this publicity. Only problem is that the Australian Open is one of least known slams in the United States so will putting Mauresmo in the ad going to boost any sales of Reebok?
In my opinion, I have always liked the “I am what I am” campaign for Reebok. Who else should you be but the best you can be? The advertisement allows the public to recognize that who you are is good and well, it also adds the little “I am what I am” because I choose to wear Reebok.
So will Mauresmo boost sales for Reebok? Tennis is a popular sport, but not as popular as say football, baseball, basketball, or soccer. Who’s to say people are even going to recognize who Mauresmo is? Unless you do watch tennis or read tennis and sport magazines, she really won’t be recognized, she’ll just be a face on an advertisement. In addition, it also depends on a person’s preference of shoe. Some people prefer Adidas or Nike to Reebok.
However, in a good way, having Mauresmo as an endorsement does promote tennis out there with her win in the Australian Open and it is showing the strengths of a woman. Plus, with her being “out” it makes women or men, girls or boys, see that anyone of any gender or sexuality can play a sport and be fine with who they are. Therefore, I guess it does show that Amelie Mauresmo is what she is.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006 12:07:00 AM
Architects Transform Urban Stadiums
Volume 8, Issue 40, pg 24
Its interesting to see how these days stadiums have become so much more then just a place to have a sporting event. So much thought is going into the building of a new stadium that architects from around the world are being brought in to do so. Many with no experience building such massive sporting arenas. With so much money being spent on these elaborate stadiums its good to see that more and more great ideas and changes are being made to use the stadium througout the year. Plus now owners and builders alike are making it more of a family affair to come to a game. With beautiful views, akk types of restaurants, all types of activities for the kids and just an overall attitude of whatever you want we have it.
If you are going to build such a massive piece of architecture it should be made into a arhitectural masterpiece. Giving the visitor a true feel of wonder and amazement when they visit. Miami is a perfect example of this, within 5 years of building a new stadium the downtown of Miami turned around and has become very profitable for the team and entire city. All starting with the contruction of a new stadium. It will definately be interesting to see what these architects can come up with next. Almost making each new stadium being built an ongoing competition to see what architect can come up with the newest and most elborate addition to their stadium design. I know it makes me as the sports fan interested in going to see many of these stadiums even when I am not a fan of that particular team. Which of coarse is profitabe for that club.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006 5:07:00 AM
Latinos assuming broad role in diversity discussion.
Volume 8, issue 40, page 25
It is surely no new issue to any of us that the top three professional sports in our country are extremely diverse, if not dominant, with a "minority" race. African-Americans are very prominent in the NBA and the NFL. The hot new diversity discussion is going on now with Latinos in MLB. Even though MLB has a high percentage of whites, African-Americans were argued to still be the best players in baseball. Today, this is changing. In the 80's, the number of blacks in baseball were around 25%. Over that decade, three of the top 10 leaders in batting average and home runs were blacks, as well as five of the top 10 RBI leaders also being black players. But by the end of the 80's, their percentage dropped to 18%; by the end of the 90's down to 13% and just five years later, is has decreased to 9%. Today, Lations have jumped up to 26%! And when diversity is discussed, there is not much talk about black and white. The discussion revolves around the huge emergence of Lations in sports.
The beginning of this article talked about the topic of minorities in leader positions; General Managers and Head Coaches. It mentioned that the NFL and MLB have been very slow in history to hire people of color in those positions. I was very surprised when I read that there have only been two Afican-American General Managers in the history of MLB. I honestly have thought these gaps were being bridged long ago. In September of 2004, the New York Mets finally named Omar Minaya General Manager after being passed up several prior times. He became the first Latino GM in MLB. More notice has occured when the Chicago White Sox won the World Series. Their GM is African-American and the head coach is Latino. Also added in this conversation was that three of the six Afican-American NFL coaches led their teams to division titles.
I can not stand when people discuss whether or not they feel that minorities can be successful in these type of leadership positions. Hey, enough already! In my opinion, whom ever is most/best qualified, then he/she should be the one leading the team. This is American, supposably the "land of the free" and definitely a melting pot at that. We came over here for freedoms and we have always "seemed" to welcome outsiders with open arms. Statistics are always going to be there, but why do we make such a big deal out of this? What does it matter if you're black, white, or Latino? If you are getting the job done, then by all means, you are in the right position.
Since Minaya has taken over as head coach of the Mets (2004), there are 14 new Latino players on the team. Many of these players just happen to be among the best of the Latino players in the league. There is speculation though that Minaya is trying to build an all-Latino team and that he is going out of his way to sign Latino players. Now, I do not think any of that is right either if he is truly going out of his way to do this. What is the administration doing about it though? The article doesn't talk anything about the Mets administration, but they also have to approve of players contracts and who is signing for the ultimate goal of the franchise; to win! If this is going on, then he is placing a bias and maybe a little prejudice on other players. Then again, he may be doing this with all good intentions of giving his race the greatest opportunity they can receive.
I just get sick of hearing people talk about whether or not minorities can handle leadership positions, however, I also can't stand when people get into those positions and then place bias on others.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006 10:23:00 AM
XM doesn’t plan to be turned out of NASCAR
Volume 8, Issue 40
Dave Andrews
XM Satellite Radio is establishing a programming presence in NASCAR that will continue even after its official rights agreement expires at the end of this year. The company announced deals with drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jimmy Johnson in the last two months dealing with hosting one-hour weekly shows starting this month. Many NASCAR fans believe that this show will be the first step towards keeping XM subscribers in tune with their racing station even after they lose the official rights. All race coverage and in-car audio will jump to competitor Sirius in 2007, which will pay a measly $107.5 million over five years for exclusive NASCAR rights.
XM Satellite Radio isn’t completely left in the dark; they will be able to still broadcast daily news and talk shows devoted to NASCAR and motorsports while still having the ability to sign drivers to personal deals. Many motorsport experts believe that if XM wants to hold on to racing fans once NASCAR jumps to Sirius, they will have to do more than offer driver talk shows and news briefs. This will be a collaboration effort starting now, continuing throughout this season and by the end, they will have to become more aggressive than ever.
As a Sirius Satellite Radio subscriber, I do not think that XM has a chance to keep the fans from switching over. Many NASCAR fans are from the South, while many southern people believe that there are only two sports: NASCAR and football. Sirius already has exclusive rights to NCAA and NFL football each and every weekend, as well as NBA and soon they will have NASCAR. This is a clutch move for Sirius for the future and a step back against the competition for XM.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006 10:47:00 AM
“With problems brewing, Shultz steps in”
Volume 8 issue 40 p.1,32,33
At Seattle, Schultz created a powerful brand at Starbucks, but he attempted to create a brand in sports business was a tough challenge for him. Indeed, he completely lost his marketing advantage while he was conducting a NBA team as his minor career. According the research, Seattle Super Sonics had the NBA fifth best record of winning percentage (59.6%) at 1995-1996. Since then, they still keep their game attendance average perfectly at the game night until 1998-1999. After that, Schultz and his ownership group bought the Sonic for 200 million in 2001. Unfortunately, the Sonics have lost 60 million in their five years with Schultz at the helm. They even had difficulties to convince fans going to arena during this period of time.
Unlike other entrepreneur, they achieve a successful goal as well as taking good care of team’s revenue and keep good image of the team for the fans. On one hand, arena was a significant obstacle Shultz need to be across over. In fact, most facility owners control entirely revenue from the game night; however, they have to share part of rights with city such us naming right, which would mainly increase the revenue of the teams. The Key arena already become the league’s smallest venue (capacity: 17,702), has had empty seats on games night. On the other hand, since the famous point-guard, Gary Payton left Sonics and transfer to the other team, attendance of spectator obviously decreased. As a matter of fact, the team definitely needs to have players with character.
Running a coffee business seems to be much easier for Schultz, certainly, he trying to use the same brand-building approach with the Sonics that he took with Starbucks. Otherwise, owning a NBA team is another story, he plans to renovate the arena or built a new money making facility. Furthermore, spending with low budget to create a newly player images of the team. For instance, Suzuki Ichiro, one of the best hitter ever in the MLB history, international baseball player brought up not only the minority market, but also became representative of the Seattle Mariners. Another good example was a NFL team, Seahawks which had chance to compete at Super Bowl 2006, regardless their win or lost, but they still got in high esteems. Also, it will attract more fans to buy into the teams.
As a result, NBA commissioner David Stern has called the worst lease in the league; in particular, Schultz realized that find the balance between financially successful and winning is not easy. For keeping progressive of the Sonics; the teams signed T-Mobile as a league partner. Moreover, sponsors and new promotional leaders has been changed the team’s business culture recently. It might get better if Schultz can operate the NBA team as a different way from his well-known coffee career.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006 10:53:00 AM
"No Surrender From North Dakota In NCAA Mascot Controversy." Vol. 8 Issue 40 Pg 14
In August the NCAA put in place a policy that was to eliminate all American Indian mascots that it saw as inappropriate. Of the schools the NCAA went after, 3 (Central Michigan, Utah and Florida St.) won their appeals and were given permission to keep their mascots. 2 other schools agreed to modify their mascots and were removed from the NCAA's list. Out of the remaining 13 schools on the list (IUP included) 3 are still resisting, Bradley, IUP and Univ of North Dakota. The final ruling on the appeals is expected in late April.
University of North Dakota appears to be putting up the biggest fight. While IUP no longer has an Indian on any uniform, Univ of North Dakota: Fight Sioux continues to display their name on hockey and football uniforms, and a Sioux warrior is still the offical sport logo. The president of the University is taking a strong stance against the NCAA stating: “The NCAA has no business taking the ill-conceived action they have. None. There’s a lack of understanding that with this action the NCAA could set back relations between Americans and non-Indians quite a ways.”
Unlike Florida St. and the other schools who won thier appeals, North Dakota doesn't have the "blessing" from the local Sioux tribes to use them as a mascot. However the final decision will come in April and the 3 schools still appealing will have to make a decission about what to do then.
I can understand why the NCAA is doing this, however I think they went too far to make a rule that no Indian mascots can be used. I think it should be done on an Individual basis. From my understanding there were no local complaints about IUP being the Indians, so the NCAA shouldn't tell us we need to change. Florida St. got the "blessing" of the Seminal tribe and could keep their name. As for North Dakota, if the Sioux have a problem with the 'Fight Sioux' then the name should be changed, but unless they complained to the NCAA, the NCAA needs to leave it alone.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006 1:28:00 PM
"Mercedes extends tournament sponsorship"
vol.8 iss.41 p.6
On the heels of doing my presentation on sponsorship, I found an article in Sport Business Journal relating to something very similar. Mercedes-Benz renewed its title sponsorship for the PGA Tour golf tournament at Kapalua Resort in Hawaii for the next four years.
After doing my presentation, I think I have a better understanding of what exactly is involved when dealing with sponsorship and getting the money and endorsements that are critical to a successful tournament. Had the German luxury automobile maker not renewed its contract, which was done for an disclosed amount, all signage, endorsements, tickets and a list of other accomodations with the Mercedes name and logo on it would have to be changed. This in turn would mean that the normal amount of money that would be required for someone to become a sponsor or the title sponsor in this case would most likely have to pay double.
In the Mercedes Championship, which is limited to golfers who won PGA Tour titles the pervious season, it has been sponsored by Mercedes-Benz USA since 1994. With it's prize money reaching an astonishing $5.4 million this past year, you can see how imperative it was for Mercedes to jump on the opportunity to renew its title.
I think being a car company such as Mercedes-Benz, having the opportunity to "piggy back" on the PGA Tour was a wise investment move. Carol Goll, general mangager of brand exposure marketing for Mercedes said that golf is the "number one lifestyle interest of their consumer base". In turn making the most profit when their consumers see the car that they are drining to the golf course when they go play, is the same logo behind the likes of Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh in Hawaii.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006 1:39:00 PM
"No surrender form North Dakota in NCAA mascot controversy"
Vol 8 issue 40 page 14
The policy, which went into effect Feb. 1 stated that schools with the abusive or hostile nickname can not display it on jerseys or anything affiliated offically with the school. This has thretened 13 diferent schools, while 5 schools have successfully appealed. there are still two schools that have not pasted the appeal process, our very own IUP and UND. This can be a sensative topic to some, but to me it is a matter of perspectives. If it is looked at as honoring the Indians which I beleive it is then there should be no harm done. I think that most people think of the Indians of old as great warriors and are brave protector of what they beleive in. Others may still look at them as "savages" or whatever else media has depicted them as, either way to me it is a mater of prospectives and I think that if the indians are truly honored in the way that I beleive most school mean to honor them then there should be no problem. There is nothing we can really do about our nations past, the people of today can say sorry for how the indians where treated but what does that do, if there can be a partnership established between the schools that have used this name and the Native American I think this can be the best result for both parties.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006 4:40:00 PM
“Fast relief: Prilosec OTC roars into racing” by Kevin Anderson. Volume 8, Issue 40, Page 3.
It seems like this issue of the “Sports Business Journal” is just loaded with NASCAR articles. This article discusses Proctor and Gamble’s Prilosec OTC heartburn relief medication and its announcement that it plans to enter into a sponsorship deal with NASCAR. Prilosec OTC will become an associate sponsor of Richard Childress Racing’s No. 31 Nextel Cup team. The terms of the deal were not discussed in the article.
Prilosec OTC becomes the third Proctor and Gamble brand to become involved with NASCAR on the league level. This will be only the second sport sponsorship for Prilosec OTC, the other being a two-year deal with the NFL. The company plans to activate its NASCAR sponsorship with a “Victory of a Lifetime” sweepstakes similar to their “Season of a Lifetime” sweepstakes with the NFL. Fans get a chance to win an authentic Cup Series car, tickets to twenty races, and an all-access pass to RCR.
This deal will give Prilosec OTC exclusivity in the heartburn remedy category and allow the use the NASCAR logo in advertising and promotions. Prilosec will become only the second over-the-counter medication in the sport on the league level. Prilosec will be the last promotional sponsor of its kind as NASCAR opts for official sponsors. P&G spent $130.6 million on sports advertising in 2004, making them the eighth-largest buyer of sports advertising. This article is just another example of the sheer magnitude of NASCAR’s rapid growth. NASCAR is quickly becoming one of our biggest watched and most advertised sports. No longer is automobile racing just for “rednecks and country boys” racing on dirt tracks on Friday and Saturday nights. Automobile racing is a multimillion dollar industry.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006 4:48:00 PM
USTA adding some heat to its new logo, Vol. 8, Issue 41, page 4 by Tera Bisceglia
The U.S. Open is most likely the most watched tennis series in the world. It is no wonder why the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA), the organization that hosts the U.S. Open, has decided to incorporate the Open’s flaming tennis ball icon. “By carrying the flaming ball icon through the entire brand identity system, we can better leverage fans’ emotional connection to the U.S. Open to all our program,” said Michelle Wilson, managing director of marketing, Pro Tennis.
Organizing a multitude of tennis programs with an annual budget escalating over a couple hundred thousand dollars, the USTA manages both grassroots and pro events. Therefore it is easy to see the importance of intensifying the emotional connection the U.S. Open “their prized asset” attracts. It is also important an association of this magnitude does not go over board with branding efforts. It is possible that each series of USTA events could very well have its own image of representation, but many times that does nothing more than confuse the spectator.
USTA, hosting multiple tennis events, is doing the right thing by switching to a single logo which will in turn increase the relationship between the consumer and USTA objectives. Hayes Roth, a branding expert applauds USTA’s move. “Too often organizations such as USTA get carried away with logos and icons for different divisions, not understanding that outside consumers don’t care. By using the Open’s flaming ball fans will know that each USTA event is brought to you by the same group that stages the Open,” Roth said.
Thursday, March 02, 2006 12:56:00 PM
“Trip to track, family ties drive clothing deal” Volume 8 Issue 41 page 10
Lisa Heros and Kathleen Smith started a fashion line, TrackCouture, which has caught the attention of NASCAR and a few of its most successful drivers. There line was so appealing that NASCAR officially licensed it before the duo had office space. It all started when these ladies mentioned above went to a race and ladies were wondering where they got the shirts. People actually asked $100 for the clothes off of their backs. So, the fashion designers started researching and found that 40% of NASCAR fans are women and women also have trouble wearing the majority of the NASCAR clothing line because most of the women’s clothes they have are men’s clothes, but in a smaller size. The line consisted of shirts, skirts, hoodies and other merchandise. One gentleman stated, “Because their styles are created by women, they are the perfect blend of style and comfort. In meeting with the girls, it’s evident they are very driven – no pun intended – to make their business work.”
I think that most clothing lines are now doing this. There are many females out there that are sports fans and it is important that business and marketing advertisers target men as well as women. I believe that they cannot do wrong by targeting women. Women love clothes and if they are also into sports, they are going to buy clothes dedicated their sport that they love and enjoy.
Thursday, March 02, 2006 10:12:00 PM
“ESPN tries to bolster mobile unit” Volume 8 Issue 42 Page 4
Mobile ESPN was officially launched on Super Bowl Sunday; however, ESPN executives are planning to change elements of Mobile ESPN’s marketing and content after a bumpy beginning to the network’s high-dollar wireless venture. The price of the phone was $399, but they dropped it to $199. The service plan was $64.99 per month, but the new, low-end service plan is going to be $34.99. The service is being sold through Best Buy stores and of course ESPN.com.
ESPN expects to exceed 250,000 subscribers for Mobile ESPN by the end of 2006. However, analyst Cohen states, “ he does not see Mobile ESPN becoming profitable until 2010.
In order for ESPN mobile to succeed they really need to advertise well. They need to get the phones really marketed. It’s obvious that you cannot sell the phones at the prices and rates per month that they first had. The average person wants a phone that is able to do what they want; however, at a reasonable price. I do agree with Cohen, in that, if they advertise successfully, I think that ESPN mobile can succeed with a high profit; however, I do feel it is going to take a while.
Thursday, March 02, 2006 10:13:00 PM
"Clasic rounding third towardc a profit" Vol 8 Issue 41 pg 2.
According to Major League Baseball officials the WBC (World Baseball Classic) which started as an "exercise in developing a global stage for baseball" will end up turning a profit for Major league Baseball as a result of Anheuser-Busch, Gatorade and Master Card's commitment as global sponsors. The WBC is a two and a half week long tournament that features the world's premier baseball powers (China, Japan, US, Puerto Rico, Dominican Repulic, Chinese Taipei, Cuba, Canada, Netherlands, Korea, South Africa, Panama, Italy, Venzuala, Mexico and Australia. I'm still confused on how Italy and South Africa are considered premier baseball powers, oh well.
Before I get to the items specifically related to the article, I'm going to make some general comments about the WBC. First, I would like to say that I do like the idea of the WBC, which was intended to pit the top professional baseball talent in each participating country against to professionalbaseball talent in other countries. This was intended to elicit extreme nationalism for citizens of that country. However, I don't see how this is possible when some players that are participating aren't from the Country that they are representing (for example 12 of the Italian players are Americans; Alex Rodrigues was considering playing for the Dominican Republic although he was born in either New York or Miami; And Nomar Garciapparra was considering playing for Mexico when he is from Massachusetts, I think).
There are a few other things that I don't particularly care for in the tournament. The first thing is that the tournament is occurring in March when you have players that are not in shape physically or baseball shape in a matter of speaking (this is the point of spring training which the players are missing to particapate in this exhibition). Preferably, the tournament would be held after the World Series in mid-to late November. Another thing I don't particularly care for about this tournament (the correct word is exhibition) is that there are pitch counts for pitchers and the games will end after the 14th inning no matter the score. No elite tournament puts any restrictions on the game, which is why I'm calling this an exhibition. So, in reality all the WBC is a glorified money maker for Major League Baseball (it was reported that each MLB team will recieve $320k,00 from the WBC kitty).
Now onto the article, I agree with Tom Murphy, Master Card's Vice President of Sponsorship that "The Classic is a great way to extend our established ties to baseball and its one of the very few real global sports properties." If sponsoring the WBC wasn't foing to be beneficial to sponsors, they wouldn't do it. According to the article, Japan and two or three other Asian teams will have corporate logos on their uniforms. Although corporate sponsorship is a driving force behind professional sports I believe incorporating logos on uniforms puts the business end of sports in the forefront when it should be on the back burner. According to the article, Archey expects to sell more than 800,000 tickets for the WBC which is not suprising since baseball is huge in Latin America, Japan, Chinese Taipei and Korea. In addirtion, I wasn't suprised that Major League Baseball recieved 4,000 requests for media credentials, however I was suprised that was more than double of which MLB receives for the World Series (normally between 1,200 to 1,500).
Sunday, March 05, 2006 9:22:00 PM
Trip to track, family ties drive clothing deal
Volume 8, Issue 41
Dave Andrews
While many of us enjoy watching sports in general, many believe that sports are predominately a “mans” fan base. If this were true, why would the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL make pink, purple and other “feminine” colored jerseys for sale? Every now and again I get in touch with my feminine side with a pastel of pink or so, but I’m not going out to buy a pink color Derek Jeter jersey or anything! NASCAR on the other hand is just stepping into the marketing mix thanks to FedEx and a couple of enterprising Memphians with a sense of fashion.
Lisa Heros and Kathleen Smith started a company called TrackCouture, which has caught the attention of NASCAR and a few of its most successful drivers. The line has become so successful that they were licensed officially by NASCAR before they duo had office space. Heros and Smith started the line because they didn’t want to wear the “awful” race gear given to them to wear at their first NASCAR race. Instead of wearing the shirts that they were given to wear, they decided to design and produce apparel that was more “female” friendly and fashionable. Some fans even offered as much as $100 for the clothes on their back at the race, which gave the two an incentive to go into business.
As Heros and Smith began to research the possible idea of making feminine NASCAR apparel, they found that not only did the racing sport have a female fan base, but over 40% of their fans are women. They also found that if women wanted officially licensed NASCAR gear, they were forced to wear the same as their counterpart male apparel, just in a smaller size.
Fortunately for them, FedEx Corporation had just signed a sponsorship agreement with NASCAR, and they had a link to their company on FedEx’s website. Smith’s father, Fred Smith, is the owner of the FedEx Corporation. After receiving appraisal from his company, he introduced them to Joe Gibbs Racing, MB2/MB Sutton Motorsports, Sterling Marlin and Roush Racing; only the biggest names in the sport.
The merchandise now sells on NASCAR.com as well as their personal website TrackCoutrure.com and has hopes to sell at retail outlets like Target and others. As other sports reach for a different fan base, this is no different, its “fresh and feminine” says Brooks Busby, director of licensing for Joe Gibbs Racing.
Monday, March 06, 2006 10:52:00 AM
"Trip to track, family ties drive clothing deal" Volume 8, Issue 41
Many people enjoy watching sporting events whether at home, a bar or at the game itself. It is also common to see fans covered head to toe with their team, from hats to jersey's to complete body paint. Women's interest in sports has risen over the years. However for some reason wearing a "normal jersey" in a women's size wasn't good enough. Now they market "fashionable jersey's" for women.
Lisa Heros and Kathleen Smith with the help of Fed Ex started a company called TrackCouture, which extends this need for feminine appearal to NASCAR. 40% of NASCAR fans are women, including these two women. They didn’t want to wear the “awful” race gear that most fans wore, so they decided to design apparel that was more “female” friendly and fashionable. The line was so successful that it became licensed officially by NASCAR.
I'm all about having sport appearal that is designed to fit a women; personally I find to much more comfortable in a women's sized jersey that fits, not a men's size that comes to my knees. However this whole idea of making "fashionable" clothes makes me a little sick to my stomach. There are no need for pretty pink jerseys and t-shirts. If you want to support your team then you wear a normal jersey or shirt that has their colors and name. In my opinion there is no need to be fashionable at a sporting event.
Monday, March 06, 2006 8:12:00 PM
Trip to track, family ties drive clothing deals- Volume 8, Issue 41, Pg 10
The general public may think that NASCAR’s fans are primarily males, however it is said that 40% are females. So why not make a company that is based for the female fan? That is what Lisa Heros and Kathleen Smith have done. They wore shirts that they made to a NASCAR event and women there loved it. The style, the look, and the fact that they were women’s clothes were a big turn on for these women.
However, this might not have happened this early. Smith and Heros were lucky because Smith’s father is the owner of FedEx Corp. who has a sponsorship with NASCAR. With her father’s help, the two women were able to get a meeting with NASCAR and now are connected with many NASCAR teams.
I feel that this clothing company is a good idea because there are women out there who do like NASCAR and do not want to wear the clothing that has been presented to them in the past. This has created a new style for female fans of NASCAR and now they can wear cute clothes and enjoying their racing.
Monday, March 06, 2006 10:54:00 PM
“CLASSIC ROUNDING THIRD TOWARD A PROFIT”
Volume 8 issue 41 p.3
Official MLB sponsors started as an exercise in developing a global stage for baseball. The World Baseball Classic gave this opportunity to the sponsors whose attempt to market their product to the overseas. From the MLB, this objective to break even and build a platform where the best player in the game could play on behalf of their countries and get baseball better global exposure.
A good example of Master card, they emphasis their marketing area in Latin America and Asia; however, ticket promotion and themed advertising. Other sponsors, Gatorade still remain their strategic as usual. In addition, from media package to logos on uniforms, world baseball classic brings up and activate so many global properties. Most importantly, Latino player has brilliant performance in the MLB so that the concept of the business comes along with this specific competition. There is no doubt that Asian as one of majority in the world. In the MLB also have a few excellent players who are from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Many global sponsors do not want to miss the chance to promote their product out of the country.
According this period of time, advertising as well as many products from all over the world have made so many efforts to make the exposure increases. Besides the profit of the products and marketing success, indeed, each player represent their country for playing this match is the focus for this world tournament. On the other hand, Espn and Espn Depotes, which will be the only network to televise all 39 games of the Classic. This will be the huge tournament as the same level as the Olympic. The difference is MLB chose a perfect time that it is on the spring training for baseball. So far, the effectiveness is bigger than MLB expected in the first place. No matter is for the player, or the side effect for this tournament.
Paul Achey, MLB senior vise president of international business operation claims that we have already prepared for the unexpected benefit will happen. For instance, he expects to sell 800,000 tickets for the 2 and half week event. MLB has received more than 4,000 requests for media credentials. By comparison, the World Series normally attracts 1,200 to 1500 requests.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006 12:34:00 AM
Can he fly like Hawk? Volume 8, Issue 41, pg 1,32-33
As a long time snowboarder I think it is a great thing to see Shaun White being recognized by more then just the snowboarding and skateboarding community. Even if it did take a gold medal to make it happen. He has been doing great things on a board well before many other professional athletes have even had thoughts or showings of greatness. Hopefully this will open up the minds of people all over the world and have them buying their own board and hitting the slopes soon.
The concern many potential major sponsors have is that he will only appeal to the 10-22 year old crowd. Which might be the case now, but these are the people that will now be on a snowboard the rest of their lives and from here it could only become a greater crowd and fan base. Every year more and more people are picking up a board and finding a love for the sport. Plus it is a sport that can be done in so many different ways. Competitive and non-competitive, with friends and on your own the sport can appeal to all types of people and desires.
In my opinion sponsors that are having doubts need to get their priorities straight. Maybe its not their reservations they need to worry about, but whether or not Shaun White will have an interest in what they have to offer. Considering this year alone he is expected to earn near or over 3 million dollars and with his growing business savy and many other sponsorships already in place it seems to me its Shaun White who is in the drivers seat.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006 1:07:00 AM
NCAA title games head to pro venues. Volume 8, issue 42, page 28.
This article was about men's lacrosse championships and their financial successes of having them at NFL facilities. The men's lacrosse championships have grown to third in attendance in the last few years only behind college football and college men's basketball...I had no idea. Last year's lacrosse championships had an attendance of 44, 920 (Division I) fans held at Lincoln Financial Field where the Philadelphia Eagles play, (a record breaking 177,574 spectators for the three day event; D-I, D-II, and D-III). The NCAA men's lacrosse championships most likely will not return to a college venue. "It will be real tough to go back to college campuses at this point...even with the cost of renting stadiums going up," said John Williams, director of lacrosse championships.
This year for the D-I championship game, the NCAA is expecting to see more than 50,000 spectators. This could possible outdraw the 45,000 anticipated to attend the men's basketball title game at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. I am skocked that 45,000 is the expected attendance for the men's basketball title game, but even so, those tickets are much more pricy than the lacrosse tickets.
The NCAA keeps 85 to 90 percent of ticket sales, pays the Eagles about $650,000 to rent the stadium and consider the venture a break-even proposition for the organization. I am very shocked to see how high that percentage is that the NCAA takes in. Now, hopefully a big percentage of that goes back to the school's conference to be allocated to the other school's in the revenue sharing system. However, the article doesn't mention anything of the sort and I think it looks really bad when reading it that way. If they don't put money back into the sport, it will have no opportunity to grow, and it is attracking very large crowds. I hope those schools are seeing some big dividends for their successes.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006 9:41:00 AM
“Bryan Bros. Go Countrywide” vol. 8, iss. 41, pg. 10
This article is about number one ranked doubles tandem, identical twins Mark and Bob Bryan. After bringing in several million dollars in endorsement money last year because of performance bonuses, the twins recently scored another endorsement deal with Countrywide Financial. This deal will pay the duo a combined low six-figure sum annually. The article mentions that most singles players would be thrilled to sign such a deal. The Bryans off-court money is comparable to most top 10-15 singles players. Along with wearing the company’s logo on their sleeves while they play, as part the deal the twins are also supposed to make an appearance annually on behalf of the company including events for Countrywide’s charity. It is called Rebuilding Together and their goal is to preserve and revitalize houses and communities.
I think it was a good idea for both Countrywide and the Bryans brothers to agree to this deal. Usually it seems like most of the attention in tennis goes to singles players. The Bryans are one of the best doubles team in tennis and with all their recent success such as winning the Australian Open championship and the U.S. Open last year, they are becoming much more popular and well-known. They had other deals with popular companies such as Adidas, Wilson tennis rackets, and Oakley sunglasses. I like the idea of the Bryans brothers agreeing to make an appearance at Countrywide’s charity events also. This will show people that the twins are not just good athletes on the court, but are exceptional people off the court as well.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006 11:18:00 AM
Brad Potts
NCAA title games head to pro venues. Vol 8, issue 42, page 28.
This Article was about one of the fastest growing spectator sports in the college ranks, the NCAA lacrosse championships. This was not a real suprise to me, I have friends who attend both Princeton and John Hopkins and they are both very big lacrosse school. I think that moveing them to pro venues is a good option. Since most of the revenue from ticket sales goes to the NCAA this would be good for the NCAA and the teams that play in the championship game. A pro facility allows the NCAA to accomidate both team fan base more adaquatly. Most pro facilitys hold over 50,000 and that is what is needed for these games. This is the third bigest spectators sport for the NCAA and may soon be the second.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006 4:09:00 PM
“AEG’s cycling racegets fast start” by Kevin Anderson. Volume 8, Issue 41, Page 6.
AEG proposed a 5-year deal totaling $35 million to start a professional cycling race in California. AEG CEO stated that he would pay the entire amount if no other sponsors could be found for the proposal. Finding sponsors did not turn out to be as difficult as expected with Google and Adobe signing on as number fifteen and sixteen respectively. The race is to be called the Amgen Tour of California after Amgen’s sponsorship and 3-year deal reached with race organizers. This did not come without some resistance due to the implication that one of the biotech company’s products was being misused as a performance-enhancing drug.
The Amgen Tour of California has grown to the world-class level; surprising considering it was not even announced a year ago. Yet the bigger story seems to be the level of world-class riders who are willing to compete in the 8-day 600-mile race. The race seems to be headed in the right direction. The hope and expectation of this race is that it will grow to the same level as the Tour de France, Italy, and Spain. AEG is hoping for spectator numbers to hit 1 million, while television ratings might be slightly down the first year due to the Winter Olympics on NBC.
AEG is hopping to profit off the sudden increase in interest in bicycle racing after Lance Armstrong’s unprecedented seventh Tour de France win. The article lists that Lance Armstrong’s Discovery Team will compete in the new Amgen Tour of California. The article also refers to George Hincapie as Lance Armstrong’s Lieutenant in the Tour de France. Previous cycling races in the United States have had little success. It is yeat to be seen whether this race will be any different. If the class of riders has anything to do with it, this just might be the next big race.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006 4:58:00 PM
"NBA, sponsors seeing green in St. Pat's promotion"
vol.8 iss.42 pg.4
Many would say that it's pretty controversial of whether or not St. Patrick's Day is a national holiday, but if you were to ask any Irishmen, you would get one definite answer....YES!!! And you might not only being seeing green on St. Patrick's Day. three NBA teams, the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls are planningon wearing promotional green jersey around the festive holiday. The league is will advertise in Slam, School Sports and Dime magazines to really push and promote the upconing event. Many current sponsors of the teams have either added money to their exisiting contracts or put more money torwards to sponsor this once a year event and hopefully it will become an annual even for years to come.
Senior vice president of global merchandinsgfor the NBA said that "It gives teams opportunities to stay vibrant and relevant in their markets", but to me and many of my fellow Irish-Americans believe that the NBA is proud to be showing it support for the Leprechauns!!
Tuesday, March 07, 2006 5:20:00 PM
“Las Vegas mayor takes case to NBA team owners, execs”
Volume 8 issue 42 p.11
NBA all star game will held in a city without an NBA team. The 2007 All-Star game is set for Las Vegas. However, after 2006 game in Houston, different kind of All-Star game has been born at the same time, it was a very successful event. Therefore, the mayor of Las Vegas tends to take experience to promote next year events, and to lure a franchise to the game.
Apparently, the all-star game becomes one of notably festival of NBA season. TV will reach a world wide television in more than 200 countries. For this season, a number of players were international players who were selected as star players. It could be completely diverse because existence of these international players might increase revenue and attendance of fans from any feasible country. On the other hand, David Stern, commissioner of NBA, said that coming events in Las Vegas we are not going to go there with a team while they have betting on NBA basketball games.
Goodman, mayor of Las Vegas, who knew pretty much about promotion and sponsorship, he was thinking that NBA is not only a maturing market, but also can take a different path to the game. As a result, he would learn from the thriving example of all-star game in 2006. Likewise, the competition of cell phone manufacturer, T-mobile takes the position of sponsorship from Nokia. New marketing target of NBA seems need to be rearrangement. Same as ticket sales, it is a much more advanced sales process now. A good example of digital light processing courtside signage has a significant change from rotational signage to full-motion video. This would be a revolution of advertising, has started to test at Toyota center and a few arena. Probably, in the future day, it could become the system which brings up the revenue of commercial benefit.
In fact, over the all-star weekend, besides the glamorous performance of players, all sponsorship needs to be progress as well as most of team owners expect that the All-Star game could increase attendance and arena revenue. Although, this specific events for next year would not have host team; however, the mission for the mayor Goodman are going to meet as many team owners and executives as possible. Perhaps, his marketing strategic for this festival could be different from previous events. Particularly for taking all customers into investment and sponsorship. Consequently, events in Houston accomplished this assignment which attract spectator via variety conducting. Its achievements motivates Las Vegas mayor would feature the events as an entertainment. Regardless betting or gambling might be more attractive, All-Star games can be promoting as entirely new face.
Saturday, March 11, 2006 8:33:00 PM
"NCAA title games head to pro venues" Issue 42 Vol. 8 pg. 28
So, lacrosse is the fastest growing spectator sport in all of college sports. In addition, lacrosse is the third biggest spectator sport in the NCAA behind only football and mens basketball. Both of the previous statements suprise me, I figured college softball would be the fastest growing spectator sport and that womens basketball or baseball would be the third largest spectator sport.
According to the article 44,920 people attended the DI championship and a total of 177, 574 attended the the three day event that included the DI, DII and DIII championships that were held at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The NCAA is expecting this years DI championship to top the 50,000 mark which could possibly exceed the Mens basketball championship game held at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. According to the article the NCAA keeps 85 to 90% of the ticket sales and last year paid the Eagles about $650,000 to host the game at Lincoln Financial.
I normally don't watch lacrosse but I will say it is a pretty cool game as there is generally constant action and sometimes some viscious contact. As I stated above I suprised so many people attended the championship event because there are so few DI teams although the number could've grown and probably have since the first time i watched lacrosse which was back in the late 1980s when the best lacrosse player ever Gary Gait played for Syracuse. However, the same teams seem to be good: Towson St., Army, Navy, John Hopkins, Princeton, the "Cuse" and Maryland. I must say that I'm suprised and shocked that the NCAA keeps 85 to 90 percent of the gate receipts for themselves since the NCAA cares about its member organizations (YEAH RIGHT).
Monday, March 13, 2006 12:20:00 PM
NFL’s hardlines’ head for Steeler’s home, Vol. 8, Issue 42, Page 3 by Tera Bisceglia
The Steelers have broken many records this season including beating all six seeds picked as favorites to win the Super Bowl. It is no surprise that there are many people interested in supporting the NFL and this year’s championship winning team and that the NFL’s non-apparel, or “hardlines” licensees will gather at Heinz field in Pittsburgh after a record year during the regular season and anticipation of an all-time licensing yield for the Super Bowl. This being scheduled well in advance before the Steelers headed down the long road to Detroit.
More than 200 people representing more than 70 NFL licensees, team merchandising executives and retailers have met at the forth annual HardLines Summit. I believe that this event is great for the City of Pittsburgh to host. It provides the Rooney legacy with the chance to once again attract the national attention of the sports business industry to Pittsburgh. This only a little over two months after the Steelers defeated the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL. This also provides local HardLines licensees like Giant Eagle the chance to branch out into the business of sports. This is a great opportunity for the City as well as the Steelers. Go Steelers!!!
Tuesday, March 14, 2006 10:32:00 AM
ESPN tries to bolster mobile unit
Volume 8, Issue 42
Dave Andrews
We have all seen the commercials; the guy walking around the city with all the sport athletes running around him as if they were in their natural setting, the guy sitting down at the park with two athletes dress for game beside him staring at his phone with no interruptions. ESPN has invented a new way of watching sport highlights on a cellular phone, ESPN Mobile the units are called, just hit the markets recently but not without criticism. The phones debuted on Superbowl Sunday and already, the price has dropped to $199 from $399 while low end service plans dropped from $64.99 to $34.99.
While the idea might be correct and appeal to a large crowd, many issues have arisen regarding content and high prices. ESPN Mobile users have complained about accessing other web sites on that phone that are not approved through ESPN, mainly those of competitive sport sites. ESPN executives said they are trying to avoid technical corruption from software downloads from non-approved sites.
Although the initial market reaction did not match the significant hype pumped out by the network, ESPN has a new round of advertising debuting in April that will seek to better distinguish ESPN Mobile in the marketplace and tout the value of the wireless product. One Merrill Lynch analyst still doesn’t agree with the fiscal aspects of the product and believes that the projected $550 million “red ink” in startup “does not appear to be a particularly attractive use of capital” and she doesn’t feel that product will become profitable until 2010. Even through this criticism, ESPN still expects to exceed 250,000 subscribers for the unit by the end of 2006.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006 11:23:00 AM
Running Hot and Cold- Vol 8 Issue 42 Pg 5
Since the Winter Olympics ended, there has been speculation on who will end up with endorsements, even if they do have medals. The Winter Olympics were full of controversy over attitudes between teammates and expectations of how athletes were to do. Four names have been in the media a lot. Will they get their sponsors?
First of all, there is Shani Davis. He made history being the first African American to win an Olympic gold medal individually. However, to me his personality of not being a team player has stood out more than his win. I watched the Olympics and was enjoying speed skating, until the little feud of Chad Hedrick and Davis. The Olympics are about unity between countries and their own country. This little feud is not good for publicity of the athletes, but let alone the country.
Therefore, this leads me to Chad Hedrick. Who at first I liked with his first Olympic gold win, but again, with this feud with Davis, Hedrick is not going to be looked at well. As much as I want to believe that he wanted the team relay win for the team, I believe it was more for himself and he was just blaming Davis for screwing up him trying to get the most amount of medals. This kind of attitude for both skaters doesn’t prove good for sponsors to have these two as endorsers.
Then there is Bode Miller. Erratic, irresponsible, and unpredictable. That’s just describing his personality, but he didn’t perform well at the games at all. In fact, he didn’t even medal and disqualified in two events that I know of. Therefore, if I was a sponsor I wouldn’t even look twice at Bode Miller. However, some like the edge that he has.
Finally, there is Lindsey Jacobellis. She was going to win gold in the Snowboard Cross Event but ended up doing a fancy jump on the next to last jump and fell to second place. Had she not done this, people say they that she wouldn’t of gotten as much press coverage had she won gold. I think the girl just got caught up in the middle of possibly winning that she did a trick and happened to fall but still won in media coverage and a silver medal. I think her endorsement ability will still be ok.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006 4:15:00 PM
NCAA title games head to pro venues by Don Muret, Volume 8, Issue 42.
NCAA Men's lacrosse is the fastest growing sport to watch. Attendance at championship games has become so large that they are now being played at Pro venues instead of college stadiums. The last year D1, D2, and D3 championships were played at college stadium was 2002 in Rutgers Stadium. The attendance was 19,706. This past year the championships were held in Lincoln Financial Stadium in Philly. The D1 game between John Hopkins and Duke had 44,920 spectators, and a total of 177,574 spectators over the 3 day event. This was a NCAA record for attendance.
The event was also a source of revenue for Univ. of PA and the Phil. Eagles. These groups and the Phil. Sporst Congress won the bid and will host the play-off games for 2 years in a row. Ticket prices go for $25-60 and according to the Eagles senior vice president of business operations the lower bowl's 39,000 seats are already sold out.
Theses play-off games are a good source of revenue, and are now being very competitive to host. In 2007 the games will be held in Baltimore at the M&T Stadium, 2008 in Gillette Stadium (New England Patriots) and bids are already coming in for the 2009 season. At the fast growing rate of attendance, it is speculated that attendance could surpass NCAA basketball and football.
I'm glad lacrosse is growing in popularity, I've been playing since high school, and I was even at the Championships back in 2000. However I'm torn on whether I think it's good to have all of these Pro venues bidding to be host. I enjoyed going to see the championships with my dad, but I also remember how cheap it was. I just hope these venues don't get too money hungry and start making prices Ridiculously high.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006 5:27:00 PM
“NFL draft may be high stepping the Radio City” vol. 8, iss. 42, pg. 4
Last year the NFL ended the draft’s 10-year run in the Theater at Madison Square Garden because of the battle going on between Cablevision and the New York Jets over the club’s proposed Manhattan stadium. Apparently Cablevision saw the venue as competition for MSG and began running ad campaigns against the Jets. Shortly after this, New York state politicians decided not to provide state money for the project, which ruined all plans for it.
Unhappy with the treatment toward them, the league held last year’s draft at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, but there was limited space and seating. One of the possible opportunities for this year will be in Radio City Music Hall. This is one of the only places that can comfortably hold the few thousand people that come to the draft. According to Gary Stevenson, president of consultant OnSport, this is a neat idea to have the draft at Radio City. He believes it puts a different spin on things. I also think it is a good idea. Since things did not work out in other buildings because of the lack of space, it is important to find a building that can hold all the thousands of people that attend the draft. Radio City Music Hall is a well-known place as well and it is, as Stevenson stated, entertainment. It changes things up a little and allows for everyone attending the draft to be comfortable and content.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006 7:03:00 PM
“Piston’s selling newest suites at lower prices” Volume 8 Issue 43 pg 4
The Detroit Pistons are citing the downturn of the auto industry as a reason for offering lower prices and partial-season purchase options for a new set of premium seats coming on line. The five suites the Pistons built last year leased for $450,000 annually over five years. The suits are built under the stands at the Palace of Auburn Hills, however, the well appointed suites do not have a view of the court, but the suites do come with four front row seats and eight other seats within the area’s first five rows. Each suite deal also includes a $50,000 food allowance and $20,000 ticket allowance to other arena events, as well as back-of-the-house access.
The demand for the suites prompted the club to build eight more suites as part of the addition of an atrium to the north end of the Palace. In order to appeal to a broader range of potential buyers, the additional suites are being leased at $350,000 per year. In addition, instead of bunker suites’ five-year deals, the Pistons are leasing fractional shares for the new suites. The minimum share is a quarter season. They are basically looking for time-share buys, and when business comes, people will hopefully want more than they have today.
Deals with the new suites provide four fourth-row seats and eight other seats located within the first ten rows. The same food and ticket allowances apply as for the bunker suites, but there is no back-of-the-house access. The deals signed now are being prorated for the remainder of this year’s regular season and playoffs.
These bunker suites are new phenomena. This is another way for advertising. However, you are going to have to be a company who can afford these top notch prices for the suites. It is amazing how much a company would pay for the season to stay at these bunker suites and get the tickets as well. I can’t even fathom paying a quarter of that amount due to the fact that I don’t have that kind of cash. But, then again some people can.
Friday, March 17, 2006 10:02:00 AM
"NBA's Chicago pre-draft camp going to Disney" vol 8 issue 43
The NBA is moving one of its two pre-draft camps from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago to Disney's sports complex in Orlando (the other camp is in Portsmouth, VA) this year (June 6-10). Both pre-draft camps are invitional only however, the camp in Orlando is the more prestigious one as it generally draws the top college talent. Not only does the camp provide the players an opportunity to showcase their skills but it also gives top league and team officials a gathering to evaluate talent, discuss player free agency and exchange league gossip. In addition, ESPNU plans to show live games from the camp while NBA TV will have other programming originating from the camp. There are a few reasons according to Stu Jackson, NBA's Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations why the camp was moved from Chicago to Orlando, "The Camp in Orlando will provide state-of-the-art facilities, but it also gives us the opportunity to build upon our partnership with Disney, ABC and ESPN."
I really don't have an opinion on whether it is better to have the camp in Chicago (central locality) or Orlando (warmer weather). Although I tend to agree that the facilities at Disney are better than the ones at Moody Bible and plus there is Disney World there. I like the idea of the camp because just like the NFL Combine it gives teams one more chance to evaluate a player and also gives the player another chance to showcase their skills. The major difference between the combine and the pre-draft camp is that the players at the pre-draft camp actually play games while the NFL combine is more a "meat-market".
I think that it is good that ESPNU is showing these games for both the network and fans. As Doug White, Director of Programming and Acquisitions for ESPN/ABC said "We are looking to shed light on some of the great talent that comes to camp, and it's a great precursor for out draft coverage in late June." The article said that more and more players are holding their own individual workouts rather than attending the camp. If an athlete (football, basketball or baseball player) can get a team or teams to come watch him in a private seetting, its good for the athlete because in this situation it is the player that manipulates the workout by only showcasing his strengths. Similarly, these individual workouts are dangerous for teams mainly for the reason of the atblete's aforementioned ability to manipulate the workouts therefore the team won't have a comprehensive evaluation of an athlete's ability.
Friday, March 17, 2006 10:36:00 AM
“Arenas use easy switch between hockey and indoor lacrosse to boost concession revenue” by Kevin Anderson. Volume 8, Issue 42, Page 24.
Similarities between indoor lacrosse and ice hockey allow arenas to capture concession revenue without large operational costs. The 11 National Lacrosse League (NLL) teams play in hockey facilities. Since both teams use a similar configuration, transition time from ice hockey to lacrosse is minimal and inexpensive in comparison to basketball.
Simplicity of the conversion between hockey and lacrosse translates into lower labor costs and the quickness of the change allows stadiums to book double games in the same day thereby increasing their profits. The normal conversion time from ice hockey to basketball is about 6 hours, whereas, it less than an hour for lacrosse. This increase in profit has lead many NHL franchises to also own and operate NLL teams. These teams can also utilize the same staffs for both teams in most cases to help eliminate cost and increase profits.
Lacrosse also tends to attract a younger, rowdier crowd than even hockey. These younger fans tend to spend large amounts on concessions. With the combination of ice hockey and lacrosse concession sales without the high cost of converting to basketball courts, these stadiums are counting their money all the way to the bank. The NLL has turned into a cash cow for indoor sporting facilities. This combination of ingenuity and opportunity has produced a financial success.
Friday, March 17, 2006 6:39:00 PM
NBA's Chicago predraft camp going to Disney, Volume 8, Issue 43
The NBA has decided to move its predraft camp to Disney in an effort to attract more media coverage and more young players to come and compete. In the past few years more players have declined to go and tryout with specific teams.
I think the decision will definately help out in drawing in more players. The better media coverage will immediately draw in young talent trying to make a name for themselves and get picked up in the upcoming draft. As for now the contract involves only one year, but has the option for future coverage and I believe after this year the predraft will in my mind be much bigger and draw much more attention. Especially from the big time NBA and college fans who will get to see their favorite young players have one more opportunity to prove what they have and move up in the draft. Plus give a chance to see some unknown players and where they might end up by the end of it all.
Monday, March 20, 2006 11:08:00 PM
Is Sports an Ambassador for Peace? Vol 8, Issue 43, Pg 28
The Olympic Games seems to bring the aspirations of hope in the air. For two weeks, unity in the sports world is occurring globally. This year in Turin, the media says that there was no defining moment. How wrong can the media be? Well, that is a rhetorical question.
However, for the United States, there was controversy between Olympic teammates and skiing wild men, but there were other highlights that brought “hope” to the world. Joey Cheek donated his bonus for winning to the charity Right to Play, an organization by Johann Olav Koss that “creates a healthier, safer world for children.” This act of kindness inspired many others to donate money to worthy causes.
The act of kindness and caring, goodwill towards others; this is the kind of spirit that Jim Cain, U.S. ambassador to Denmark, has and believes that the world can look to for “hope.” The Olympic Games bring forth countries from all over to compete together, and Cain feels that this along with US sports diplomacy can help find other countries a way to search for peace. He feels that since sports brings communities and nations together in the US, maybe it can do it around the world and the Olympic Games is one of the events that can help this cause. Yet, Cain is still stifled by a Denmark cartoon that says nobody watched the Olympics; he has “hope” that sports will help promote unity.
I believe that sports could help bring “peace.” I mean I know that it won’t bring all peace but it does provide some form of “hope.” Just look at how the Super Bowl brought so many people in Pittsburgh together. It was all one big black and gold festivity of being proud of their Football team.
Therefore, I think that sports can help be an “ambassador for peace” however; I do not think it will be a long-term solution, but it is nice to have “hope.”
Tuesday, March 21, 2006 12:44:00 AM
Volume 8, Issue 43, Page 24 - 25
Security kept front and center in design of new venues by Tera Bisceglia
The “American way” of life has evolved in many ways after the un-imaginable tumbling of the World Trade Center Twin Towers in 2001. Our nation’s people have been placed on high alert, time and time again. The government warns all citizens to pay close attention to their surroundings in hopes of leads to foil the next terror attack plotted on US soil and save the lives of hundreds and possibly even thousands of innocent people. We, as a nation, have taken many strides to keep our freedom safe and it is no wonder that venues across the US have been re-designing and re-building to meet safety standards to combat the possibility of a terrorist attack while making it physically appealing so fans enjoy attending a sporting event or concert.
It is important that owners and architects take into account the possibility of car bomb or chemical warfare attack. More lives are at stake with the probability of a terrorist attack taking place in a venue that does not meet safety standards; however re-building requires millions of tax payer’s hard-earned money to meet such standards. The ideas of meeting safety standards seem two-fold, primarily benefiting the owners by (1) providing them with an excellent opportunity to re-design and re-build using tax payer money while (2) fans have a more defined sense of security that the events of 9/11 are less likely to occur as they root for their home team or jam out to their favorite band.
There will always be the possibility of terrorist attack. Stadiums could add as many security cameras and air ducts on rooftops they think they need, but in reality there is no way to tell when, where or how a terrorist attack with an extreme caliber of causality and life loss in mind will play out. It is more beneficial, and cost-efficient to train and provide our emergency response teams with the skills necessary to save lives incase an attack occurs. Unless there is a terror attack that takes place in a venue we will never know just how many lives were saved based on reconstruction.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006 11:27:00 AM
"One More Look: U.S. Open to be 1st Slam to use Replay"
Vol.8 iss.43 pg.1
For the first time, the U.S. Open Tennis Championship will use instant replay to settle disputed officiating calls this year adn will be the first of tennis' four majors to use this high tech equipment. And it is about time! I think that tennis is a great game. It is intense with emotions flying and tennis balls flying even faster. With this new equipment known as Hawk-Eye from a British campany, cost in the upwards of $100,000! Which seems to me like a minimal amount considering that Nasdaq-100, owned by IMG, installed a screen on its main court, with computer sensors that will graphically depict where the ball landed, whether on or near the line in close calls.
In most cases in tennis, there are many line judges and a main judge who sits on a chair perched in the middle of the court, just does not seem like enough eyes to catch the most closest of close calls. Campared to football that is a large game with big guys going against on a large playing field, they have been using instant replays for years. If a coach disagrees with an officals call on the professional level, he can throw a little red flag and that play can be reviewed as well as time and three point shots being reviewed at the college and professional levels as well. So it was only evident that the USTA would be soon to follow. With this new technology, there hopefully will be no, if not less controversial calls like the one that was made at the 2004 U.S. Open against Serena Williams who lost a major point to Jennifer Capriati on an extremely close line call. Now with Hawk-Eye, they players don't have to rely on someone elses "judgement" call...they can just go to the instant replay!
Tuesday, March 21, 2006 3:03:00 PM
Brad Potts
“NFL draft may be high stepping the Radio City” vol. 8, iss. 42, page 4
The contract for the draft at madison square garden is up after theses ten years. The first thing that has come as a point of interest was to get in a facility that would be able to hold more than madison square gardens. It seems to me since all the drama with the Jets is over with, the front runner seemed to be radio city music. I think moving to a facility that can hold more people is a great idea. There are draft parties all across the U.S. at bars, peoples houses and even stadiums that charge a entry fee to watch the draft at the field of the home team, like the Pittsburgh Steelers. To have a facility that was able to accomidate as many people as the radio city music hall will allow the NFL season to "start in April" as soon as big name players are signed the teams are able to get the jerseys out on the market. Hopefully the NFL will take the idea of making this thing bigger and run with it. It could turn into an event that will make the NFL money in the end.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006 3:29:00 PM
"Big East Seeks Solid Increase for Hoops Rights in TV Talks"
vol.8 iss.43 pg.13
Living in the East, it seems that we are ride or die sports more than any other region in the U.S., that might be just because I live here, but I truly believe that. It might because the seasons change more then other regions like the west or south, where it tends to be nice all of the time and people would rather be outside playing the sports then inside watching them (which I would want to do too)but that's the East for you. So when some major football teams left the Big East Conference, CBS and ESPN desperately needed to fill that void.
So with football somewhat out of the Big East picture and Lousville and Cincinnati basketball coming this way, major television deals needed to be made. So that's exactly what happened when ESPN offered the upwards of $28 million over four years and CBS came up with $20 million over four years and deals are still being made but can not be disclosed at this time. I personally think, along with others, that ESPN is one of the broadest avenues to venture down when getting sport play. I feel that no matter the time of year, month or day, that ESPN always has the latest and greatest sports on. They seem to keep everyone up to date and are constantly changing their schedule to meet the demands of the audience. And eventhough some football teams may have left the Big East, I don't think they will be damaged when it comes to TV rights because after all, it's sports in the Big East and people WILL watch.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006 3:39:00 PM
A-B renews Chargers deal
Volume 8, Issue 43
Dave Andrews
Anheuser-Busch renewed for another five years as sponsor of the San Diego Chargers. As part of their new deal, Anheuser-Busch gets permanent signage in Qualcomm Stadium, meaning the deal encompasses not just the Chargers’ ten home games, but also San Diego State games, two college bowl games and other events. The exact dollar amount was not provided, but information that they are also looking for another sponsor which would have the trademark rights of Anheuser-Bush, but not the in-stadium exposure.
Anheuser-Busch already sponsors twenty-eight NFL teams. The difficulty to not accept their offer would be insane. I would agree that the dollar figure provided to the teams is quite exceptional, but not enough to have permanent signage throughout the entire stadium. For Anheuser-Busch, this is a great deal that will last a lifetime and hopefully allow their business to become even more of a monopoly.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006 3:49:00 PM
“NBA’s Chicago predraft camp going to Disney” vol. 8, iss. 43, pg.
Over the past few years, there has been a decrease in players who go to try out with different teams. For this reason, the NBA decided it was necessary to move the predraft camp in an attempt to attract more media coverage and also get more young players to come and compete. The camp will move to Disney.
Since the NBA has had trouble in the past few years with recruiting young players as well as attracting media coverage, I believe this is a very smart and strategic move. There is much more opportunity for success with their move to Disney. I believe it will draw in more young talent whether it may be past well-known college players or even some unrecognized skilled players. This camp will also draw in more players because there will be better media coverage. Players realize that with this better coverage they have a better chance of being seen and will be ready and willing to show off their talent.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006 4:34:00 PM
“One more look: U.S. Open to be 1st Slam to use replay” by Kevin Anderson. Volume 8, Issue 43, Page 1.
The U.S. Open has climbed on board with the NFL (National Football League) in implementing instant replay technology into its officiating. The U.S. Open will use instant replay to settle disputed calls. This is the first year for such technology to be used in tennis. The instant replay technology is being promoted as giving more help to the officials, strategy for players, and entertainment for the fans. During the match replays will be shown on a giant screen in the stadium. Similarly to instant replays in the NFL, replays will be shown to fans in the stadium and TV viewers simultaneously.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has approved of the use of the Hawk-Eye instant replay technology for tournament use. Hawk-Eye technology uses sensors and a computer-generated ball to determine ball placement as apposed to video replay. The plan is to allow each player two challenges per set and one per tiebreak. While this will slow the tempo of the game somewhat, I fear the impact it may have on the game as a whole. It might remove the expected and sometimes entertaining arguments between players and officials, yet it may allow the fans to become more involved.
The hope is that matches will be decided based on ability and talent rather than a bad call. This technology will prevent the outcome of a match from being decided by an incorrect call. Even with all this evidence for its introduction, I can’t stop wondering if instant replay is being introduced to improve the game or as another way to increase revenue through sponsorship.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006 4:51:00 PM
Red Sox seek MLB’s largest radio rights deal
Volume 8, Issue 44
Dave Andrews
The Boston Red Sox are seeking a new $12 million to $15 million per year radio rights deal that would be the most lucrative radio deal in MLB. If this deal cannot happen as demanded, they have hinted at joining other clubs who have bought their own radio station. Currently, St. Louis Cardinals have bought a piece of a radio station as the Los Angeles Angels have straight out bought their own station. The current radio rights deal, which expires at the end of this season, is held with Entercom’s WEEI-AM. WEEI has vaulted to the top of the local ratings since it was acquired by the Boston Red Sox in 1999. The Sox are looking to close the new deal or start shopping for their own station by the end of March.
The Red Sox currently are the majority owners of NESN, the team’s regional cable network, which gives them experience in the broadcasting field. Many factors are influencing their decision such as signal strength, financial condition, and local commitment with the Boston community will affect their decision.
The Sox are roughly on par with the $51 million, five-year deal that the New York Yankees have with WCBS-Am in New York, which is also set to expire after this season. Sources say that the Yankees also might be interested in owning their own station.
Thursday, March 23, 2006 10:03:00 AM
“Cingular taking Madness mobile” Volume 8 Issue 44 pg 4
Cingular and CBS Sportsline.com are providing a deal with the NCAA men’s basketball tournament related video and other elements to Cingular phone subscribers. Cingular will make the service available to their subscribers this week with video-enabled phones in sixteen major markets. The content will include daily highlight packages, tournament analysis and, in what is believed to be first for the industry, a bracket challenge contest specifically designed for wireless devices. The service; however, does not provide live content, but the relationship is a new benchmark for how a wireless phone sponsor can leverage its rights into exclusive content for a marquee event.
Sprint has teamed with a Chicago-based production and marketing firm entitled Intersport to create a series of tournament-themed coaches’ and analysis shows for its wireless subscribers. However, the Sprint services are not going to include any game highlights or NCAA-licensed content, but will operate as a news service.
With both of these packages, video clips will be cut and packaged specifically for the mobile platform. With the small screens on cell phones, CBS Sportsline.com will focus more on close in and under the basket shots.
It is crazy how technology is changing. To me it is no wonder the world has an obesity epidemic. You don’t have to go anywhere when you buy a cell phone because you can get anything downloaded or shown on it. I can’t believe all of the gadgets and special features that cell phones have now. Cell phones are a great necessity when used appropriately. However, I do believe that without proper use they can be the problem to a huge epidemic.
Friday, March 24, 2006 11:59:00 AM
“Chargers add Coors Light as beer sponsor” Volume 8 Issue 45 page 11
Coors Light is replacing Miller Brewing by sponsoring the San Diego Chargers as the team’s second beer sponsor. Coors will appear in the backdrop of all team press conferences and have team logo rights in the San Diego area. San Diego is the first team Coors has signed since renewing its national sponsorship with the NFL last September in a five-year, $500 million contract.
Anheuser-Busch dominates the NFL team sponsor area with twenty-eight, compared with six for Coors, the nation’s No. 3 brewer. Anheuser-Busch renewed its deal this month with the Chargers, retaining exclusive in-stadium signs. Beer sponsorships generally run from the mid to high six figures annually, to the low seven figures.
It is smart to have a second beer sponsor. The Chargers will be able to advertise and get more fans at the games by showing that not only Anheuser-Busch, but also Coors Light sponsors them. It is smart on their part because when people go to a game they are going to buy beer. When there are more choices of beer to choose from it allows for more of a turn out in fans.
Friday, March 24, 2006 12:00:00 PM
“Brand expert gets marketing post at NBA”
Volume 8 issue 44 p.1&p.6
A new vice president of marketing and communication brings up a new brand concept to the NBA. The NBA is a recognized leader in sports marketing maintaining a strong roster of fully integrated domestic and global marketing partnership with the most recognizable brand in the world. Therefore, Greg Economou has been hired by the NBA for their thriving business. He has a bountiful experience for sports branding and has been promoted for NBA teams over the years. By his assistance, NBA is going to build up an entirely new image for currently three leagues as well as develop an adequate communication with media partners.
Moreover, Economou has a broad background, which can lead NBA to approach the new market position. He becomes a centralized coordinator of specific marketing responsibilities. His first task is to fulfill the strategy of marketing which can be employed consistently within the three leagues that goes under NBA. To make sure all leagues can achieve the same target, he needs to create new marketing campaigns for a number of teams. Besides the game of basketball, he needs to develop or provide commercials which may have positive influence on spectators. As a result, not only can a marketing plan be crucial for the game, but also public relations may be valuable for sport business.
In addition, each successful company has its own image which is characterized by its products or services. Professionally, each of the NBA teams is supposed to create its own explicit character not only within the city, but also nationally even globally. Indeed, many NBA teams attempt to fulfill the marketing objectives with a variety of promotional campaign. For instance, San Antonio Spurs has two remarkable foreign players whom are from Argentina and France, and their endorsement can approach market of oversea, and make profit out of games.
Since Jordan came to the field of NBA, his performance and achievement not only represents his team, but also attracts all basketball lovers who admire his skills and watch the games through the media. Actually, all the side effects that Jordan brought to the NBA were overwhelming. After that period of time, all sponsors and NBA were looking for another representative of the game such as the potential young player LeBron James, and Yao Ming who was the biggest prize from China. Even with all those routes which are taken by the NBA as new marketing models, rebuilding the essential status for the fans and players seems to be most importantly the assignment that Economou would be requested to do. Finally, his background in sports gives him the advantage to operate the brand marketing for sport business. Therefore, his main purpose is to find out the potential assessment of basketball today, and also to bring the different feature of marking for each professional team.
Monday, March 27, 2006 11:26:00 AM
"Don't let insane idea of referee conspiracy tarnish March Madness" Vol. 8 Issue 44 pg. 25
Before I get into my opinion about this article let me say that I like Len Elmore as a basketball analysts and respect his basketball knowledge. In addition, I agree with 90% of his column. However, as a former aspiring professional/college basketball official there are a few comments that are off base.
According to Elmore, "good officials should be invisible to the game." This is a false statemen, good officials should be in the background (speaking in terms of the outcome of the game), however officials need to make their presence known for the good of the game (i.e. controlling the game)no matter whether this control is in the first few seconds or last few seconds of the game. What I mean by controlling the game is calling the game the way it is being played (i.e. the officials adjust to the players rather than the players adjust to officials) however, as an official you must be sure that things don't get out of control (examples hard fouls, intentional fouls, fights or injuries). An example of officials adjusting to the players would be the different way an official would call a game between two Big East teams and a game between two SEC teams. The Big East is known for their physical, half-court style of play while the SEC is known for their athleticsm and playing an up-tempo type style. So, the officiating motto of the two respective conferences is probably "let them play" in the Big East and "protect the shooter" in the SEC.
Elmore added that "if we can't reco the refs were or if they were even in the game, then they did a terrific job." Not only is that statement ridiculous it demeans the officiating profession and essentially says the officials are irrelevant which is hardly the case. There are four things that are need for an official basketball game to occur 10 players (five on each side), two head coaches, a basketball and officials (three for college and professional).
Another issue of contention that I have with what Elmore said was "less experience or less secure officials can be swayed by the simple but forceful and constant working over they recieve from coaches." Elmore continued (although he should of stopped), "It would be intellectual dishonesty for a coach to deny that an official can't be swayed or worked by coaches. If the referees weren't swayable, then why do coaches continue to work them." First, this dissertation that Elmore gave just made everyone that read the article dumber. Secondly, coaches "work on officials" because they believe that officials are swayable (at least the bad coaches believe this; the good coaches don't "work officials" they will say something to an official either because they are frustrated because the official made a bad call (or a perceived bad call) or because they are fighting for their player.
Obviously, officials do make mistakes and will always make mistakes just as players and coaches will. But as Elmore correctly stated "referes are not cheaters. They are not "fixers" consciously attempting to effect the outcome." I will concede that there are some bad officials (especially at the high school and some at the college level although more so at DII and DII then DI)but what makes a bad official is not always the calls they make or don't make. Besides, the scrutiny officials receive from players, coaches, fans and TV personalities
they are held accountable for their actions by the conference they work in (at the pro and college level officials are evaluated every game by a conference representative who files a report to the conference commishioner/basketball assignor after every game). For example, as Elmore pointed out in his column, the three officials working the Duke-Florida St. game at FSU (this year) were suspended by the ACC for giving an ill-advised technical (I agree 100% that a technical shouldn't have been called) to a FSU player.
Monday, March 27, 2006 3:09:00 PM
"Big East seeks solid increase for hoops rights in TV talks"
Volume 8, issue 43, page 13
After doing my chapter in class on the NCAA and Conference Affiliates, it really opened my eyes to how much they act like a business, rather than seem concerned with student-athlete issues. At any rate, this article talks about the Big East Conference and their talks with CBS and ESPN in renewing its basketball television contracts. The conferernce lost a lot of money when three of its top schools left the conference to joing the ACC. The Big East had to amend its football agreement with ESPN.
In this last contract, ESPN paid the conference $28 million over four years and CBS paid $20 million over the last six years. With the addition of five new basketball schools, the conference believes to see a very "healthy increase" in rights deals.
With ESPN and CBS both have new networks and distribution outlets devoted to college sports, the Big East also believes this will increase the value of its basketball rights. "ESPN has a lot of available platforms and they're obviously using that as one of their selling points," commented the Big East Commissioner, Mike Tranghese.
The issue over the football teams leaving nearly brought an arbitrator in to deal with the Big East and ESPN, however, they finally came to terms. Tranghese said that this has no effect on the talks and tone going on now with the basketball television rights.
As I mentioned earlier, I guess I should not be surprised about stories like this and even arbitrators having to get involved with college athletics. Division I conferences and schools are on a much higher level than our institution and what I have been surrounded by. I truly am getting a taste of the "real" business side of college sports.
Monday, March 27, 2006 4:10:00 PM
"MLB's DuPuy turns to blogging for the WBC" Volume 8, issue 44, page 7
I have not watched any of the games from the World Baseball Classic (WBC), but I have heard a lot of disliking about this classic. With all of the negative surrounding the event, MLB and the player's union have made several attempts to put a positive face to the WBC. What actually seems to be working is the blogging by MLB President, Bob DuPuy. Bob Bowman, president of MLB Advanced Media, came up with the idea. It took a lot of convincing by Bowman to get the very busy DuPuy to agree to do the blogging.
DuPuy's daily blogging has offered a behind-the-scenes at putting MLB's global baseball tournament. He blogs 900 words on average and gives the reasoning behind the scheduling and organization and his own reflections on the crowds's reactions after each game. It is not often a high-level exective such as DuPuy would do such a thing.
DuPuy's blogs have drawn more than 550,000 page reviews. Fans initial blog comments were about settling the stadium deal in Washington, DC, that of which DuPuy described as "hard not to deal...personally". Apparently, he handled the matter and fans blogging comments turned to be more positive toward the WBC.
DuPuy said from Tokyo, "I would never have done it, but it has been fun so far," after the first-round of games. "Eventually, it will turn to work." Bowman said that he was sure that DuPuy doesn't want to keep doing these blogs after the end of the tournament, but it has been a tremendous assest for MLB because fans love to get that inside news.
I believe this was really a great idea. DuPuy listened to the concerns of MLB fans and took care of the stadium situation in Washington, DC right away. That is huge on building trust and loyalty with fans. And once he did that, fans started to see the WBC in a positive light probably because they were happy that they got what they wanted. At any rate, I don't know if DuPuy is going to be able to completely stop blogging all together. Now that his has started, I feel that fans are going to demand it because they already got some positive out of it. Maybe DuPuy will not have to keep doing the blogs, but I think that it should be in MLB's interest to keep something on these lines going.
Monday, March 27, 2006 4:38:00 PM
"Road Trip! Fans look for unique Experiences." Vol. 8, Iss. 44, pg 23
This article was about travel and sporting events. Sports are a huge part of our culture, and many fans like to follow thier team to games. Now Travel companies and sport teams and teaming up and offering travel packages. The packages and prices are varied. There are expensive ones and cheap ones for the 'average fan.' Packages can incluld: travel costs, rooms, tickets, VIP passes among other things. It has become common for companies to buy the packages to give to employees as bonuses or rewards.
NASCAR is in the front with the packages, giving fans access to the garage and pit areas, making it an 'intimate' experience. Other venues are following suit and are begining to provide unique and exclusive experiences to buyers.
I think the package plan is a good idea. It makes travel easy for a fan. Instead of having to book a flight and hotel room on their own, it is done for them. I think this will increase the number of fans who travel with a team because it is made easy for them, and most people like that.
Monday, March 27, 2006 7:25:00 PM
MLB’s DuPuy turns to blogging for the WBC- Vol 8, Issue 44, Pg 7
MLB President Bob DuPuy is writing blogs for the World Baseball Classic, giving the audience an insider’s look at the behind the scenes aspects of the WBC. This is a different take for the MLB, but it seems to be putting a positive spin on the much-debated WBC. This idea was spruced up by MLB Advanced Media president Bob Bowman, and it wasn’t an easy task for him to get DuPuy to agree to blog. It took Bowman 4 times to talk DuPuy to agree to the writing.
I found myself intrigued by the fact that such an important person in the MLB was blogging on the internet. Though he is getting paid for it, he is a very important person and I just find it amazing that he has found the time to do this. I think it was a wonderful idea to give viewers an insider’s look. Many people wonder what it’s like to be the president of the MLB and this is a way for them to find it out.
I decided to visit DuPuy’s weblog site. There are several blogs done that covered games, and in one of the blogs I visited DuPuy was answering comments of ESPN shifting around games. He takes into every aspect of the question and lets the readers know that they got every available time slot they could with ESPN’s already busy schedule. However, he did say that with these comments he is able to take them into consideration for later times. I find this weblog fascinating and think that it was beneficial for the MLB and the WBC.
Monday, March 27, 2006 8:15:00 PM
“Road Trip! Fans look for unique experiences”
Vol 8, Issue 44, Page 23
This particular article focuses on the wide, open market opportunity that exists for travel companies and agents to provide sporting event packages to the public. These packages range in price to make them available to everyone, including typical middle-class fans or corporate America. The top of the line packages include; hotel accommodations, event tickets, transportation, and behind the scenes passes to attend the most “talked about” parties. This is a great opportunity for corporate America to increase clientele or provide incentives for employees for a job well done. These packages provide fans with an intimate, unique, once in a lifetime chance to see their favorite sports heroes in action.
These all-inclusive travel packages are great! They provide fans with the convenience of enjoying their time rather than worrying about how they are going to get there, where they will stay, and where they will sit during the event. I think that there is a huge market out there for this venture and many people of all class brackets will be more likely to take advantage of this great service. The only thing that I would suggest to someone interested in purchasing one of these packages is to do their research before booking. You never know just how much people could take advantage of you.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006 10:32:00 AM
Brad Potts
Don't let insane idea of referee conspiracy tarnish March Madness Volume 8, Issue 44, page 25
This article was one of the most interesting ones I have read this year. I can really relate to some of the issues covered in this article. In this aricle the comments made by Len Elmore that I beleive to be accurate for the most part made this a very interesting article. Being in the coaching profession and involved in sports both as a player and as an offical I can relate to this article and the comments made by Len Elmore directly.
First off let me say that officals are human and I beleive that they try to make the right call during game play but due to the fast speed of todays game they are bound to make mistakes. Mr. Elmores comments in this article were fairly accurate in my eyes. I have seen offical turn plays over due to coaches arguments for example in the world baseball series USA vs. Japan the player was called out after an extensive arguement between the coach and umpire, the arguement was about the player leaving the base early. There was not a video review and no call was made during play but through the argument of the coach the call was overturned. Like the old saying goes in baseball "your really arguing the next call" which means that if the call in close argue it "work the offical" as it was stated in the article make them second guess the call, like I said they are human and they can be worked I don't care how good they are or how much experience they have.
I beleive as the article states that the officals do not try to intentially cheat, but human error will occur. This should not tarnish the game people have to understand sometimes you get teh call sometimes you don't and it will most likely even out in the end.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006 11:12:00 AM
“MLB’s DuPuy turns to blogging for the WBC” vol. 8, iss. 44, pg. 7
After three unsuccessful attempts, president of MLB Advanced Media, Bob Bowman, finally convinced MLB President Bob DuPuy to create a blog for the World Baseball Classic. Bowman thought the blogs might help put a positive face on the much-debated WBC after numerous unsuccessful attempts by both MLB and the players’ union. The blogs will provide a behind-the-scenes look at baseball’s debut attempt at staging a global championship tournament. DuPuy also talks about MLB’s reasoning behind the schedule and organization of the event as well as reflections on crowd reactions at each game. I think this is a very good idea. Every other attempt has failed so far, so it couldn’t hurt to try blogging. Fans can simply get on the Internet and read what the president of MLB has to say. If they are unsure of the reasoning for something, whether it’d be a team’s schedule or a stadium lease, they can read what DuPuy has to say and they are able to respond to it. Not surprisingly, his blogs have been very popular already. After just a short time, his blogs have drawn more than 550,000 page views. Some of the initial fan reactions have been negative, such as the issue involving the stadium lease debate in Washington, D.C., but once the Nationals’ stadium matter was settled, the fan comments became more positive. As of now, there are no plans to continue the blogs after the end of the tournament, but I think it is something they should consider. As Bowman said, it is an incredible asset for them, getting that inside look at the Classic. Fans love getting that inside view of things. I understand DuPuy is a busy man and it is probably hard for him to find time to keep up with the blogs, but it has been very popular with MLB fans. Even if DuPuy does not want to continue the blogs after the tournament, I think they should consider finding someone else to do similar blogs in the future.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006 1:03:00 PM
Volume 8, Issue 44, Cingular taking Madness mobile.
Cingular is definately making an effort to corner the market on cellular coverage of the final 64 tournament. They are one of the only phones to offer full coverage of the tournament, but have not decicded to offer video clips with this coverage. Although sprint offers small clips near the basket they do not offer any type of full tournament coverage.
Every game I have watched during the tournament I have seen commercials for Cingular and that definately has to boost the sales of their coverage package. Although I have a different phone provider I would definatelty be interested in a coverage package like that. Especially if the proce is right. Anyone who works and misses many og the games would find the coverage great and be interested in something like that.
I think Cingulars coverage of the tournament will only spark other companies to do the same and eventually bring us to being able to watch actual games through a persons cell phone.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006 1:57:00 PM
“Red Bull energizes MLS with team purchase” by Kevin Anderson. Volume 8, Issue 44, Page 3.
In Major League Soccer’s (MLS) attempt to diversify its investment possibilities, Red Bull has purchased the MetroStars organization from the Anschutz Entertainment Group. AEG is currently MLS largest investor owning 4 of the 12 MLS teams. The league however is looking to limit each owner to just one team in order to add some dimension to what they hope to be an expanding sport. Lamar Hunt is another owner with a considerable investment in MLS with its ownership of 3 teams. This just shows that MLS has a long way to go in its attempt to expand its investment base.
Red Bull is paying $30 million for the team and is looking at a possible total investment, including 50 percent ownership of the stadium, expected to hit 9 figures. Red Bull is excited to actively become an owner and not just a sponsor. They plan to take full responsibility of the team, just as they have done in their other ownership endeavors. MLS considers Red Bull’s purchase a smart, experienced, and popular decision, hoping that other companies will follow.
Even though this looks like a step in the right direction, MLS has a long way to go in building its league into a moneymaking, rapidly expanding market. One sign that MLS is not making much progress is evident in the fact that there are and have been several teams for sale that have yet to be purchased for one reason or another. We might be rapidly approaching the point where there are too many sporting venues trying to compete for essentially the same fan base. When the spectators and fans stop (showing interest), so does the money.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006 4:52:00 PM
"Forstmann to pitch Jets/Giants HImself"
vol.8 iss.44 pg.3
Ted Fortsmann, CEO and owner of IMG, and Casey Wasserman, owner of Wasserman Media group, are both most likely going to be making very favorable bids to Steve Nisch the co-owner of the Giants for naming rights of both the Jets and Giants in the near future. Both men have been taking a bit of a different role in the bidding rights. Forstmann who was personally asked to make a bid might be just a few feet behind the front runner in the whole deal Wasserman. And this is definitely not your average run of the mill deal. What we might be seeing take place right before our eyes is the largest naming-rights deal in the history of naming rights in the U.S.
The deal is so large that talk of money had not even come into public eye, but it is expected to reach well over the 200 million dollar mark. The reason for such a big purchase is that this new stadium would be constructed at the Meadowlands which is easily accessible and quite famous in its' own right. Although there is another company 16W Marketing, which overlooks the Meadowlands, that will be putting in a bid, might have trouble competing with the even bigger names.
After doing a report on nameing right and how much is costs to put up resigning and advertisement and everything else that goes along with naming rights, I can only imagine how much it is going to cost to construct an entire new stadium in New York. I think whatever the outcome will be, whoever will bid the most, it will be outrageous and I can't wait! The deal of who will market the naming rights of this new stadium are expected to come out early this summer so we should all expect to see quite a bit of money exchanging hands in the next couple of months...may the highest bidder win!
Tuesday, March 28, 2006 4:58:00 PM
"Cavs serve as launch pad for children's game" vol 8 issue 45t pg 4.
Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert is actively leveraging the Cavs, to lauch his latest business venture Xeko (a children's collectible card game). Xeko was introduced to the public during the Cavs March 13th nationally televised game against the LA Lakers and according to Cavs team officials the game will be sold in various national retailers. The launch of Gilbert's new game centered around one of the team's Cavalier's kids Day promotions. The promotion included giving a product giveaway at the game, scoreboard and LED signage, Xeko T-shirt give-away, radio advertising during the game broadcast and eight locations where kids could play the game.
According to Gilbert (whose ownership group purchased the Cavs last March for $375 million) one of the reasons he wanted to buy the Cavs is to use the franchise as a vehicle to launch other kinds of businesses he is in. gilbert added that he will continue to use the Cavs to promote his other business ventures.
If I was NBA Commisioner David Stern or a Cavaliers fan I don't think I would be very keen on the idea of Gilbert using the Cavs as a vehicle to his own personal business ventures particularly since he said that was one the major reasons he bought the club to do just that. I'm not saying that being an owner should preclude Gilbert from being involved in other interests (business or otherwise) but I just think that they should be seperate entities. A good thing about these other interests that Gilbert is involved in now means he is in the background with the Cavaliers (rather than the forefront like he was when he bought the team). When Gilbert was the center of the franchise as he was after purchasing the team, he made some questionable decisions. For instance he fired Paul Silos as coach and replaced him with Mike Brown (I'm not saying that Brown isn't a good coach but Silos is a very good coach); Gilbert re-named Gund arena (Gordon Gund and his brother sold the team to Gilbert after owning the team since the mid 1980s, I believe) to Quicken Loans Arena (which coincidently is Gilbert's company, suprised right?). I'll give him credit at least for spending $10 million of his own money for arena improvements.
Thursday, March 30, 2006 1:37:00 PM
“Knicks sweeten pot for season-ticket holders” vol. 8, iss. 45, pg. 5
This year, the New York Knicks are experiencing one of their worst seasons ever. Not only do they have one of the worst records in the NBA, they are also dealing with infighting between star Stephon Marbury and head coach Larry Brown, a sexual harassment charge against their team president by the former marketing executive, and extreme tabloid ridicule. Last year, the Knicks had a season-ticket renewal rate of approximately 85 percent. Due to all the problems they have been facing, they are very concerned with keeping their fans satisfied and wanting to come back. As the vice president of marketing state, “We are really trying to let our fans know that we want them to remain with us.” Some ways of doing this are by adding free concert tickets and other perks in order to boost renewals. Already the Knicks have rewarded between 30 and 40 season-ticket holders with free tickets and suite access to two Billy Joel concerts held at Madison Square Garden in early March. They are also planning to offer select season-ticket holders free suite access for the upcoming Faith Hill and Tim McGraw shows for June 21 and 23. Additionally, season-ticket subscribers seated in the upper levels of Madison Square Garden are being offered a chance to move down to lower-level seats on a random basis depending on availability. There has also been a group of season-ticket holders that got to go to the training facility for open gym access and others have received things such as player autographs and gift baskets.
Looking at all of the problems the Knicks have faced this year, I definitely think they are doing the right thing by offering their fans concert tickets and other gifts and benefits. After having one of the worst records in the NBA, along with the many other issues, the Knicks are likely to lose some of their fans. In order to retain their season-ticket holders, it is necessary that they offer all these perks to their fans. They paid for tickets to see good games, hoping the Knicks would play well and have a decent season. Their fans have been let down in more than one way and the Knicks have to do all that they can to make it up to them.
Thursday, March 30, 2006 4:53:00 PM
"Dogers will reward fans who 'Think Blue'" Volume 8, issue 45, page 8.
'Think Blue Rewards' is a fan loyalty program created by the Los Angeles Dodgers and Les Otten's Sports Loyalty Systems. This is just the first programs to be offered this year in Major League Baseball (MLB). The program is aimed at deepening fan ties with the team, but will also be an entire new level of marketing exposure for the Dodgers as well.
The program allows fans to to accumulate points with purchases outside of the ballparks and even over the Internet. Fans pay a fee ranging from $19.95 to $99.95 annually and receive an affinity card that they will earn points on for using with purchases at participating retailers. The points that fans are earning is rewarding them with rewards they can not buy. Fans will be able to win on-field batting practice, meet-and-greets with players and team management; game-used equipment and even use of the ballpark's luxury suites. The participating retailers in the LA area include 76 Gasoline, Welk Resorts and over 200 on-line retailers that include Amazon.com, Expedia and Overstock.com. These companies will be paying a marketing fee of about 1.5% for each transaction through this loyalty program. These commissions are shared by SLS and the team.
Sports Loyalty Systems signed the deal with MLB Advanced Media last summer and became MLB premier provider of customer service rewards programs. There are five other teams that will have this such program by midseason, and the rest of the league is to follow by late 2006-2007. "Fans are absolutely passionate about their teams and want to get closer to their teams," Otten said. "This system allows that to happen not only inside the ballpark on game day, but every day around the community." Marty Greenspun, Dodgers exec. vp and chief operating officer said, "getting a sponsor, and our brand, at the retail level is absolutely huge. By getting a company like 76 into this, that opens up a whole new level of marketing exposure."
I think this program is going to be a huge one for MLB. MLB has faced a lot of hard-ships with it's fans over the past few decades and this program will be bringing them rewards that they cannot even purchase. These are the types of promotions that minor league baseball teams offer all of the time, and it is one of their biggest incentives to draw fans and gain loyalty. MLB will hopefully be deepening their pockets with loyal fans.
Friday, March 31, 2006 8:17:00 AM
NCAA: Hospitality program on target
Volume 8 issue 45 p.6
NCAA created the Tournament club program would be regarded as a new product of marketing plan. Indeed, hospitality program is a potential market since sports business was booming. Despite being the new competitor in a tough market, sport marketing firms still attempt to target all sponsors and corporate partners. It would either bring up the revenue, or might build up credible relationship.
However, managing the club is an entirely new venture for most of companies. Final four of NCAA becomes one of festival events for sports annually, which gives college player a stage that enable to prove their valuable being a professional player. Therefore, these packages include from tickets of the game to planned events. NCAA offered this service straightly in order to compete with other company that also intends to share the profit of this market. Other companies may threaten the business with their similar service. In other words, unlike NCAA focus on the sponsors as their major customer, the rivals would go different ways from them, for instance, they offer more personalized experiences than the NCAA’s offering.
In my points of view, from the College basketball to Super Bowl, all the fans deserved that best service they want, not only for corporate companies could have luxury and enjoyable experience. The tournament club would be a thriving product, which result in competitive of hospitality program. As a result, one of the marketing firms will be a best service provider eventually, as well as gain the revenue in college market. After all, bring this experience to the professional sports events must be successful because it could attract more sponsors and fans come to the game. A good example of professional games, its offered PSL was also a captivating strategic of product for customer who really wanted to get best place to watch the game. Similarly, NCAA just offering an opportunity for special guest to find their way to enjoy the extraordinary game, and experience the sports trip with unforgettable memory.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006 10:31:00 AM
"Ocean Spay to Market Craisins through WNBA Sponsorship"
vol.8 iss.45 pg.6
Sponsorship in professional sports is a huge driving force. And with Ocean Spray to market Craisins, which is their brand of dried sweetened cranberries, it will hopefully keep the WNBA afloat for a while longer. Although it is only a one-year sponsorship, both Ocean Spray and the WNBA plan on making the very most of it. NOt only are they going to sponsor them for a year on rotational signage during nationally televised games, gets thier name on arena score boards and PA mentions, but they are also going to be a sponsor of the "Be Fit" tour this summer. This new program will scan across all 13 WNBA markets in which players and coaches participate in fitness workshops. Craisins will specifically sponsor the tour's "cooking demo" area and it's logo will apear at various places on the tour as well.
I think that this type of marketing is great for the WNBA. Of course it is important and essential that they have the other big names and products such as the Anheuser-Busch and McDonald's, but the "smaller" product that would appeal to young girls that promotes health is a very good thing. All of the other sponsors, I personally believe do it just for their name to get out there and they sponsor everything else under the sun, but a sponsor like Ocean Spray that you don't see too much of will hopefully help the WNBA as much as they will help them.
Overall, I think that this deal is a great move and hopefully after this year is complete both sides of the party will decide to keep this deal in the works.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006 2:55:00 PM
“Dodgers will reward fans who ‘Think Blue’” by Kevin Anderson. Volume 8, Issue 45, Page 8.
The future trend in generating revenue and marketing exposure is the fan loyalty program. The Los Angeles Dodgers teamed up with Les Otten’s Sport Loyalty Systems to create the Think Blue Rewards program. This program will allow fans to accumulate points for purchases made outside the ballpark and over the Internet. While some reward programs only offer discounts on concessions, merchandise, and seat upgrades, this reward program promises to take it a step farther allowing fans to accumulate points towards rewards that they could not generally purchase; on-field batting practice and meet-and-greets with players and team management. Otten’s SLS signed a deal with Major League Baseball (MLB) to be the preferred provider of customer reward programs.
The Think Blue program offers fans such rewards as game used equipment, batting practice at Dodger Stadium, and use of the stadium’s luxury suites. Five more teams are expected to join the Dodgers by mid-season with the remainder of MLB to follow by late 2006 and 2007. The Dodgers were looking for a way of increasing their already league high attendance levels even higher. They plan on doing this by making fans feel closer to their teams by getting the organization name out of the stadium and into the community. Several large retailers in Los Angeles have already joined this campaign, 76 Gasoline and Welk Resorts. SLS also brought Mall Networks onboard allowing fans to earn rewards while shopping at over 200 on-line retailers. Fans pay an annual fee ranging from $19.95 – 99.95 to participate in the program. The article says that for that fee the fans get immediate returns of ticket vouchers, which are probably garbage, low attendance games, and the affinity card, which is necessary to earn reward points. 1000 fans have already signed up for the program with a projected 10,000 joining by mid-season.
This is just another example of “Big Sports” using/abusing the loyal fan base to increase their bottom line. The amount of money that these fans already dish out in over-priced tickets, concessions, and merchandise should be sufficient to quench their thirst for money, but instead we are looking at another attempt to gouge the loyal fan. Once again the rich are allotted opportunities through this program that they could readily afford, but nothing is attempted to assist the middle-class family who cannot even afford to take their kids to the great American pastime; a baseball game. The title of this article should be changed from “Dodgers will reward fans who ‘Think Blue’” to “Fans who ‘Think Blue’ will reward the Dodgers.”
Tuesday, April 04, 2006 5:16:00 PM
“Knicks Sweeten Pot For Season-Ticket Holders” Vol. 8, Iss. 45, p. 5
The New York Knicks are having their worst season ever, from all aspects of the game. It spans from having the worst one of the worst NBA records, there is tension between Marbury and the head coach. Even the business aspect of the team is in the hot seat with a sexual harassment charge against the team president by the former marketing executive. They've also been a popular story for tabloids.
Last year without all of these probmlems, season-ticket renewal was only 85%. There is concern about how to keep fans happy and attending games despite this past year. One way of keeping season-ticket holders happy is adding free concert tickets and access to the suites for concerts amoung other perks to season-ticket holders that renew there ticket. Some are even offered the chance to go to training facilities, recieve gift baskets and even autographs.
I think this is a smart move for the Knicks. They realize that their game performance plus other issues is bound to hurt their fan support, and possibly cost them some fans. These fans paid good money for their seats and aren't seeing what they hoped for. By giving them these other perks it is more likely that they will renew their season-tickets despite the issues hovering over the Knicks.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006 5:21:00 PM
Yahoo! Tops NBC in Olympic traffic- Vol 8 Issue 45 Pg 5
The Olympics have come and gone; they have made their mark, well, lets say people knew that the Olympics were present. This years Olympics in Torino were broadcasted on NBC as well as posted on the internet. However, NBC did not get the most hits out of this area. It was Yahoo! who trafficked more internet hits then NBCOlympics.com. comScore Media Metrix compiled data from both sites and found that Yahoo! had more unique users than NBC. This was a surprise to Yahoo! officials, and it gave them testimonial that proved that they were heading in the right direction in the company’s interest in original content.
Honestly, I’m really not surprised that Yahoo! had a lot of hits at their website for the Olympics. I know a lot of people who have Yahoo! as their homepage or have Yahoo! as their email domain. I am one of those people and would see headlines of the Olympics while it was going on and click on them to see how the United States was doing. I noticed that even when I would go into my email account, there were articles that lead to different Olympic portals on Yahoo! which would make me want to check out the information. So, I can understand how Yahoo! had more hits than NBC. I’m sure many people would go to NBCOlympics.com and get information there, but it was just so easy clicking on my Yahoo! Homepage to get the information because I was already their.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006 7:36:00 PM
‘Dancing’ star Jerry Rice signs with William Morris Agency
Volume 8 Issue 46 page 6
William Morris Agency signed Jerry Rice for representation in entertainment projects, broadcast work, licensing, and marketing. An agent from William Morris says that Rice increased his mainstream appearance by appearing on the ABC “Dancing with Stars” reality show. He also says that Rice was one of the greatest guys to strap on a football helmet and most didn’t know that he had an incredible personality.
Jerry got second place on the dancing show and drew about 27 million viewers for its finale in late February. Steiner, who is Jerry’s representative, says that they will be involved in working together in a number of different capacities. He says that William Morris Agency will look into a variety of opportunities for Rice. He also goes on to say that Jerry would be a “very good broadcaster”.
It seems to me that Rice once had a wonderful income when playing professional football, as well as having that ‘light’ shine on him when someone would mention his name. Then it was retirement and he needed something else to do and some way to make money again, so that is how he went to the dancing reality show on ABC. It is crazy though that most, if not all of the sports broadcasters have at one time in their lives been a professional football player and for Rice he will be added to that group of individuals as well.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006 10:08:00 AM
Volume 8, Issue 45 Knicks sweeten pot for season ticket holders
The Knicks organization are having possibly the worst season in club history and to keep fans interested for next season are offering many season ticket holders incentives. Everythign from free concert tickets to better seats when available. Although this is the first time they have done this in club history, it definately needed to be done considering the record of the team.
The team has the highest payroll in the league, yet is battling the Bobcats for last place in the NBA. This is all being done in an effort to keep the existing season ticket holders interested for next season. At this point with all the on and off court problems the Knicks have been having every little bit of extra incentive will be a big help to keeping ticket holders. Especially with a high payroll like the Knicks have.
Thursday, April 06, 2006 6:54:00 PM
Volume 8, Issue 45, Chargers add Coors Light as beer sponsor
The Chargers have dropped Miller Broewing as one of the 2 team beer sponsors and picked up Coor Light. This is Coors first team they have signed with since renewing their contract with the NFL for five years and an estimated $500 million.
Coors will be given rights to the backdrops at all team press conferences. Coors is only contracted with 6 teams while Anheuser Bush dominates with 28 team contracts. Terms of the contract have not been released, but Coors has been proposing for a long time to sponsor the team.
Coors is looking to broaden their sponsorship throughout the league and with good reason. The press for them will surely add to profits and bring them greater air time. Beer is a tradition at football games and the more they can be the beer of choice and promote themselves the more they will profit.
Thursday, April 06, 2006 7:04:00 PM
“Nike backs new Jeter shoes” vol. 8, iss. 46, pg. 18
Signature baseball shoes are a rarity since players wear cleats, but the new Jeter Jumpman shoes are the sixth Jeter signature shoes to be release by Nike’s Jordan Brand. The shoes are scheduled to hit stores that Saturday before the opening of MLB season and have a $100 suggested retail price. In order to promote it, there will be print ads, outdoor ads, and the shoe will be advertised online. The tag line for this shoe is “Respect is earned when no one is looking.” It is expected to run in The Sporting News, ESPN The Magazine, USA Today’s Sports Weekly, and the New York Post. It will appear on MLB.com, maxpreps.com, and ESPN.com. There will also be billboards outside Yankee Stadium and the Winter Garden Theater in Times Square.
I was not aware of the Jeter signature shoes, but there must have been previous success since this is the sixth shoe to come out. I really enjoy the tag line. I think it’s catchy and I think the pictures the ads use with it are good for the product and sales. The ads show Jeter practicing and training for the season in the new shoes. One of the pictures does not even include anything baseball related so people will realize that the shoes are not just meant for baseball players. I also think having magazine ads, Internet ads, and billboards is a smart move and will help with the popularity and sales of the new product.
Saturday, April 08, 2006 4:30:00 PM
"Sport or not, don't bet against booming business of poker" Vol. 8 Iss. 46 by Dan Benjamin
The game of poker is competition (as the article stated) and is only a sport to the degree that auto racing, horse racing, dog racing, darts, etc. are sports but by no means are poker players, athletes (neither are race car drivers but that is another debate). Personally, I love Texas Hold'em and once I get some cash, I plan on entering some tournaments (possibly even participating the World Serties sometime down the road). The reason I love Hold'em is because it is a fast pace game (players do take their time when they are betting however)and there is skill (some math required) involved rather than just having to rely on the luck of the draw like in so many other card games.
I agree with the author (Jeffrey Pollack) that there is no way that interest in poker will decrease in the next five years. First, just look at the trend in particapation at the World Series of Poker in 2003, 7,572 players entered while in 2005 the number of participants was 32,341 more than four times as much. According to poker publications such as Card Player there are 50 million Americans that play poker. The second reason that poker that poker is going to continue to grow is because the coverage the ESPN family of networks (World Series of Poker), Fox Sports Net (televises a number of poker events)and NBC (National Heads-Up Poker Challenge) devout to the game which only helps to introduce and teach the game. FSN has a show that is devoted to teaching the game of Texas Hold'em with Howard "the Professor" Lederer, a professional poker player and poker analyst as the instructor. For me, there are only a few things more entertaining to watch on TV then the World Series of Poker (I don't particularly care for FSN's poker coverage but I would watch NBC's Heads-up competition because as the name implies its mono-emono) which are the NBA, college basketball, NFL, and movies and programs that comedies or about sports. A third reason there is evidence that poker is going to continue to grow is the influx of new sponsor with some being industrial powerhouses in their product categories such as Miller Brewing Co, PepsiCo, Toyota and Unilever are making significant contributions to the game. These giant companies wouldn't be making such a huge investment if there was reason to believe that interest in poker is/ or going to be on the downward slide. The fourth reason is that Poker is not just an American game as evident by the fact Australia's Joseph Hachem (there are several other Europeans and Asians along with others with a variety of different ethnicity backgrounds that particapate in the World Series each year) won the World Series of Poker last year. Other evidence that poker is a global game is the fact FSN televises English Poker tournaments as well as tournaments in Monte Carlo. The fifth reason is that gambling whether it involves a card game, slot machines, sports-betting, horse or dog racing is just as much part of the American culture as sports, holidays and apple pie.
Saturday, April 08, 2006 5:14:00 PM
Yahoo! Tops NBC in Olympic traffic
Volume 8, Issue 45
Dave Andrews
Yahoo!’s website devoted to winter Olympics coverage drew more unique visitors than did NBCOlympics.com according to a widely used internet traffic firm. Even thought the NBC website offered video from the games, users continued to use the Yahoo website for their Olympic coverage.
Yahoo’s traffic of the 2004 Olympics was also large mainly due to their strong portal and advertisement from their main site. Yahoo was very surprised at such large numbers, primarily due to NBC’s deals with ESPN, Google and other online powerhouses.
I believe that many users on the internet already have yahoo for their homepage, their email program and for other business purposes. A large picture with a link or video coverage will attract any user to just clicks on Yahoo and help increase their numbers. The NBC website (nbcolympics) is also a very large acronym to type in the search bar, creating another barrier for users not to use their website.
Monday, April 10, 2006 4:51:00 PM
Sport or not, don't bet against booming business of poker
Volume 8 Issue 46
Poker and specifically Texas hold'um is a booming business now a days for network television, Casinos, online casinos and playing professionals. That is exactly what they are playing pros, I'm going to have to agree in Dan this week and say that these people are not athletes in any way shape or form. Well, they could be athletes but not at the poker tables. There is stress involved but there is also stress involved in peoples jobs and everyday life. The players may have to may "practice" by playing offten and have stratagies but still they are not athletes and POKER IS NOT A SPORT, you can not classify anything that has some level of competition a sport. I love to play Texas Hold'um and I think that it is with out a doubt a big time money maker and will continue to be because of it's ablity to play in large groups and at a fast rate. It is easy to play and make bets but still the people who do the best know the game and it's stratigies well, this allows it to appeal to a larger group of people.
Monday, April 10, 2006 11:34:00 PM
Dancing’ star Jerry Rice signs with William Morris Agency
Vol. 8, Issue 46, Pg. 6
Former NFL wide receiver Jerry Rice has the right recipe for attracting fans. It’s easy to see why the 13 time Pro Bowler is a fan favorite. He is considered to be the greatest wide receiver in the NFL winning three Super Bowl rings as a member of the San Francisco 49ers before his retirement in 2005. After throwing in the towel, Rice continued to find many ways to stay in the national spotlight and maintain as well as attract new fans.
During the 2005-2006 broadcasting season, Rice successfully competed in the reality TV show Dancing with the Stars. Deemed underdogs on the show because of Rice’s lack of experience in the entertainment industry, he and his partner beat the odds finishing in second place. An agent working at William Morris, the agency managing Rice’s attempt to tap into the entertainment industry, says that Rice increased his mainstream appearance by appearing on the ABC “Dancing with Stars” reality show. “Rice was one of the greatest guys to strap on a football helmet and most didn’t know that he had an incredible personality,” the agent declared.
During the show, Rice did what he does best and took matters into his own hands by charming millions of viewers and the shows’ judges with his amazing work ethic and exceptional sportsmanship. Rice also appeared in the first episode of Spike TV's Pros vs. Joes challenge show in which he competes against ordinary people who challenge his skills at his own game.
Not only do professional sports players have to make sure to earn their fifteen minutes of fame on the field, but also they must make a good impression in the realm of the public eye in order to attract fans. There seems to exist more opportunities for athletes to show their true colors with the exposure television airtime provide. This is effective because you are bringing to light personality to a large audience, one similar to that of the NFL, both using broadcasting as their main media outlet. Which in turn, exposure being positive in nature, will make available to people a deeper, emotional connection between fans and professional athletes who some times reach the fame level of rock stars. Some of the most successful professional athletes, successfully meaning on the field and in the public eye, seem to choose a career in the broadcasting industry after retirement. Some are more successful than others are but it is a great way to maintain the fans you had originally while attracting the fans you wouldn’t have otherwise had. This is an easy transition for professional athletes because they are used to being the center of attention.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006 12:40:00 AM
“’Dancing’ star Jerry Rice signs with William Morris Agency” by Kevin Anderson. Volume 8, Issue 46, Page 6.
When you hear the name Jerry Rice, you probably think of such things as the best football receiver of all time, pillar of the San Francisco 49ers, Joe Montana’s right-hand man, but would you ever imagine dancing star. Jerry’s athleticism required for him to excel in football was a perfect fit for him to entertain the idea of performing on a dancing show. Jerry Rice’s appearance on the ABC reality show “Dancing with the Stars” has landed him a deal with the William Morris Agency. The William Morris Agency is involved in many entertainment areas such as motion pictures, television, music, speaking, books, commercials, and sports marketing. Jerry Rice will be used in entertainment projects, broadcast work, licensing, and marketing.
Jerry Rice was a very successful football player with several athletic endorsement deals, but nobody quite knew about his marketable personality that could lead William Morris to big time profits. After football, especially after playing a few miserable years with the Oakland Raiders, his marketability was falling until his appearance on “Dancing with the Stars.” This appearance stretched his marketability from just sports to entertainment. While Jerry Rice will still be available for football endorsements, he has opened himself up for television, announcing, commentating, and even movie deals. I don’t know where this will lead Jerry Rice, but if you know anything about Jerry Rice it will probably be right to the top.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006 1:15:00 AM
Giants/Jets: $20M a year for naming rights
Volume 8 issue 46 p.4
This topic was about both football teams, New York Giants and Jets. They were searching for a new stadium in New Jersey State. Later on, they were looking for a naming right. As their expectation, they chose location in the New York City that is a valuable market in the United States, because of the crowded population and potential profits. However, these two teams are wiling to build up an enormous stadium to allure all the possible business partnerships throughout such a grateful opportunity.
Prior to project this remarkable stadium, Reliant Energy’s center for Houston Texans used to have 30-years, 300million deal. Although, the project for new stadium would cost more than 20 billion for construction, 20 million figures annually for naming right are supposed to be the highest records ever in the NFL history. Furthermore, a few international companies would be the target for naming right because it will bring up much more variety and global business. For example, some of the airline companies, which had passion for being a sponsor of professional sports.
Football is becoming the most popular sports in the United States. As a professional league, its tickets price is higher than any other professional league. For the seats of the stadium, its usually have more than 50,000 seats available. For this project, perhaps it will be 81,000 seats stadium. On the other hand, a good example is the Reliant center; it will host other events such as concerts, the famous Rodeo in Texas in order to use the stadium beyond the regular season of NFL. Therefore, being a huge stadium, this new NFL building should include all possible marketing strategies afterwards. All sponsorship is supposed to be including the media, and e-commerce, etc. There is no question that it would be competitive for agencies who decided to come to sell the naming right.
Being such a potential project, this is not like two baseball teams who have competition all the time in New York. The sharing of home would be a new concept. The possible problem would be not only scheduling the season, but scheduling a training practice. Their corporation probably will make unpredictable profits, though; it needs to face a new challenge for operating the market and caring much about management of the stadium.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006 10:13:00 AM
'It's On' again for NBA playoffs at ABC, ESPN Volume 8, Issue 46
It seems to me that this is all an effort from ESPN and ABC to compete with TNT and their 40 games in 40 nights during the NBA playoffs. They are all creating their own special Finals and Playoffs campaign in an effort to out do the other.
I think this is great because for one I love watching the NBA playoffs and this means more games offered for me to view. Plus I like the effort ESPN is making to show the player before the game in the lockerooms. It gives the fans a chance to see the players they like they most in a more personal setting. Fans get to see how a player prepares for some of the biggest games of their lives. Going more behind the scenes I think will make ESPN at least as appealing as the other channels running games at the same time.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006 10:22:00 AM
Giants/Jets: $20M a year for naming rights
Volume 8, Issue 46
Dave Andrews
While the construction plans are still in the making, the naming rights of the new, New York Giants/Jets are up for auction. The early asking price for the naming rights is $20M a year, according to several sources with knowledge of the situation.
You think $20M is too much to pay? The biggest naming-rights deal in the US is Reliant Energy’s 30-year, $300 million deal for the home of Houston Texans. The kicker is that this stadium will house not one, but two NFL franchises, the New York Jets and the New York Giants in New Jersey. The stadium is projected to hold 81,000 seats, but isn’t scheduled to open until 2010 at the earliest.
Still think $20M is too much? You should now compare the media prices from Houston to New York, where you can clearly see where that huge price is derived. “What you are paying for here, beyond two NFL teams, is New York itself. Stadium naming deals are generally done for local marketing reasons. This will be that first one done for the national and even the global markets.” (Chris Well, chairman and CEO of Momentum Worldwide).
As far as the potential buyers, some of which are trying to make a splash into the US market. Such companies as Chinese PC brand Lenovo as well as Korean companies LG Electronics, or Samsung are also possible suitors. Other national potential buyers are airline companies, and wireless companies. Before some of these potential buyers decide, some details have to be ironed out. The common questions that have arisen are whether the stadium will have a roof, if it’s a possible Super Bowl host and what kind of brand integration will be offered. Decisions, decisions, decisions. They need to hire me to spend their millions for them!
Tuesday, April 11, 2006 11:58:00 AM
"Austin's AFL Team Weighs Building New Arena"
vol.8 iss.46 pg.16
You wouldn't really think of Austin, the capital of one of the most populated states in the U.S. to be one of the severely untappd markets ripe for developent,but according to Frank Russo, Global Spectrum senior vice president said. That is why the Austin Wranglers are researching th epossibility of investing money to help build a 14,000-seat arena in the Austin suburbs. Although the whole plan is still in the early stages and being investigated, it sounds that this would be a good idea and not only help out the Austin Wrangers, but other entities that would be able to benefit from this new arena.
Right now the Wranglers are in their third year of existence and have signed a four-year lease to play home games at the Frank Erwin Center, an old 1977 University of Texas venue. With the team averaging about 10,000 people for home games, the new venue that wouild seat 12,000 would be a much better fit then the one that seats 15,000 right now. Other teams that would benefit from this new venue could possibly be traveling shows, ice hockey teams, and other small sport teams that would benefit from having a smaller more intimate arena.
Personally, I think having a smaller venue for AFL games is a great idea. Of course it is not always feesible to build a new venue for each AFL team, but with the prospects of this up and coming city and the possibility of the city growing more and more each year, this could be a very good thing for Austin. Hopefully, all of the paper work, money, and marketability will go through so the Austin Wranglers will be able to play in a new and improved venue with the crowd only inches away from the action!
Tuesday, April 11, 2006 2:57:00 PM
Nike backs new Jeter shoes- Vol 8, Issue 46, Pg 18
The new Derek Jeter shoe, the Jumpman Jeter, is going to be backed up by Nike. This shoe is the sixth Jeter shoe is the sixth signature shoe released by Nike’s Jordan Brand. They are due to be released Opening Weekend for Major League Baseball and advertised on the internet and newspapers and magazines. The campaign tag line is “Respect Is Earned When No One Is Looking.” The suggestive retail price is going to be $100.
These are shoes, not cleats, which is a rarity for a baseball shoe, yet I think this is a good idea and a good marketing strategy. Derek Jeter is a hot commodity in MLB and a well-known sports name in the United States. And since this is his sixth signature shoe, Nike has picked the right sport’s star for their campaign. He may not be as big as Michael Jordan but he is a high-profile athlete who can sell shoes.
The tag line I think is well-thought out: “Respect is earned when no one is looking.” It makes me think baseball can be a slow game but it takes a lot of good playing, great stats, and respect to be one of the top guys. Derek Jeter is an excellent ball player and is well respected in the MLB world. Many kids look up to him as a role model and now they can buy another shoe that he supports so they can be “just like him.”
Tuesday, April 11, 2006 3:18:00 PM
"Playing in a changed city"
Volume 8, issue 46, page 1
New Orleans is still in a state of devastation. A small part of the city is doing well, but about 80% of the city is still severely damaged. The economic toll in Louisiana is quite amazing to imagine. More than 215,000 homes and 18,700 businesses were destroyed among 220,000 people losing their jobs. New Orleans used to be filled with 465,000 people, but the storm reduced that number to 181,000. The metro area was around 1.3 million and has been shrunk to 881,000. The numbers are slowing climbing back, but it is projected to only reach 245,000 in 2 1/2 years.
The big question is whether or not the Saints or Hornets will be able to survive this economic blow. The Saints had 35,000 season ticket holders, but how many are actually in proximity to be customers? The Saints have to try to fill 72,000 seats for 8 games while the Hornets (who were struggling well before the storm) are looking at 15,000. Louisiana Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu believes that about 85% of the fan base has left. Yet, a lot of these people did not leave the state. This forces the teams to enter a new market -- marketing regionally.
The struggling Hornets need to fill at least 15,000 seats for a 43 game home schedule, but they were having a hard time getting people there before the storm. The other underlying problem for these teams are sponsorships and marketing regionally is not going to help that issue. The teams must find buyers for sponsorships, club seats and suites (big money is made in those areas). Most of the Hornets 120 sponsors dropped out, but some did say that if the Hornets came back with a full schedule that they would also.
Marketing regionally is going to be a new adventure for these teams. I believe that the pride and love of the people of New Orleans will definitely embrace one of these teams, and it will be the Saints. The atmosphere at an NFL game is a better prospering atmoshere. People just cannot afford to attend multiple games a week. It did not happen before the storm, and I'm affraid it will not begin to happen now.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006 4:05:00 PM
“CSTV show follows volleyballers fighting for AVP spot” Volume 8 Issue 47 Page12
CSTV is filming a reality series about top college volleyball players competing for play on the AVP Tour. The show is entitled, “Pro Beach or Go Home”. The show will document thirty of the nation’s best college volleyball players as they compete for eight spots in the Nationals, where the winning two-person team earns a wild-card entry on the AVP Tour.
AVP professionals are coaching the eight National finalists, who qualified during play held in Manhattan Beach, California, in late March. The finalists are all college seniors who have completed their NCAA volleyball eligibility. The National winners are guaranteed to play in at least one summer AVP event. The difference between NCAA volleyball and beach volleyball is that in NCAA volleyball players play on a hard-court surface with six to a side and during the AVP Tour it is two-on-two beach volleyball. This means in beach volleyball you have so much more room or area to cover.
The show doesn’t have a set date for premiere; however, it will premiere at the earliest in July. Xbox and Jack in the Box are both sponsoring the show. Xbox is also the presenting sponsor of the Collegiate Nationals, which features college athletes competing April 20-23 in the Reno-Tahoe, Nevada, area in volleyball, snowboarding, wakeboarding, boxing, whitewater kayaking, triathlon, and paintball. CSTV will air the events between April 30 and May 5.
This seems interesting to me because I played volleyball in high school. I just hope this reality show isn’t like some of the other stupid reality shows. It will be nice to see good athletic talent.
Friday, April 14, 2006 2:05:00 PM
“Miller sponsorship includes Brewers’ Getaway Days” vol. 8, iss. 47, pg. 8
Recently the Milwaukee Brewers reached a new seven-year agreement with their largest corporate sponsor, Miller Brewing Co. The deal continues Miller’s status as the only malt beverage for the team. Included will be radio and television advertising, in-stadium signage, promotions, and spring training. Several new promotions are included with the deal such as Miller Genuine Draft Getaway Days. These promotions will take place during midweek afternoon games at Miller Park. Excuses will be provided for fans that need a note to explain why they missed work that afternoon. According to the Brewer’s executive vice president of business operations, “From the beginning of our negotiations, Miller was clear that they wanted to go beyond the typical sports sponsorship and create unique marketing vehicles that provided experiential opportunities for Brewers fans and deepened their ties to the team and the community.” The director of sports and alliance marketing for Miller stated, “We want to work with our partners to provide beer drinkers with unique experiences and access that leave them with a positive impression of Miller beers.”
I think this new agreement is good for both the Brewers and Miller Brewing Co. First of all, the Brewers play in Miller Park. If I were going there, I would just assume and expect them to be serving Miller products. By attaching different promotions to games through Miller, this will not only increase game-day attendance, but it will provide that positive image that Miller hopes to show to fans. The promotion they already thought of, providing excuse forms for fans needing a note to explain their absence from the office, is a good, fun idea. I think fans that work in offices and receive the excuses will appreciate the gesture and enjoy the thrill of skipping work on a nice afternoon to watch their team play while enjoying a nice cold beer.
Monday, April 17, 2006 10:02:00 AM
"Networks Talk Tough on MLB TV Package"
vol.9 iss.48 pg.3
Well, it's that time of year again and baseball is on the brain. I think everyone is ready and excited for it. After football/Super Bowl frenzy and basketball overload, which I prefer, the time has now come to settle into baseball. Personally, I am not a big fan of watching baseball on TV, but put me in any stadium on a nice spring/summer day with a cold beverage and a baseball glove and I'm set. But if you're the MLB, you probably don't feel the same as I do about how many people actually watch the sport in the comforts of their own home. And I think the major networks are catching on to the reality as well. All of the major networks as of now are downplaying any interest, if they really do have any, of signing a contract with the MLB for their game rights.
Fox right now is in it's last year of a six-year, $2.5 billion contract that gives them the rights to the World Series, most of the postseason and a game-of-the-week as well. But as of late, they have not made any advances to renew that contract of any with the MLB. So, like any business, they have put it out their for all and any of the other networks to bite on this offer. NBC feels that a MLB deal will most likely not occur and ABC and ESPN are in talks or somewhat interested, but nothing definite has been discussed and their enthusiasm of the overall deal seems quite minimal.
Maybe all of the networks are finally catching on to what myself and most of America feels that baseball is a fun, outdoor, summer sport. How many people actually want to sit in their house on a Saturday afternoon and watch a 3-5 hour long baseball game? Not I, but for those die hard fans I hope you're beloved sport stays alive and well on TV...for now.
Monday, April 17, 2006 3:19:00 PM
"Finding the path to Hispanic Fans"
Volume 8, issue 47, page 5.
Sport marketers, sport business planners, etc., all have to consider the face of the market they want to tap into or appeal to. The World Congress of Sports (2006) talked about the changing face of the U.S. market. Their focus was on Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Hispanic population.
It has been long perceived that Latino's favorite sport is soccer, but it is actually baseball that links them with American past-time. "When you think about a lot of ethnic groups, whether it's Hispanic or another one, there's an affiliation with something that's distinctly American and also appealing to your ethnicity. That's going to be a huge asset for MLB to leverage", said Richard O'Leary, MasterCard account director at McCann Worldgroup.
The Hispanic population in the U.S. has rose to 41.4 million in 2004. They make up 14.1% of the entire population! Tapping into the youth of that market is going to be very important, and Spanish-speaking channels are one of the avenues to do this. Univision is one of those channels.
The interesting thing that I found with this article was where some of people who were talking about this discussion. For example, two of the people in this discussion were Cathy Bessant (Bank of America) and Taco Bell's (Bill Pearce). I guess what I'm getting at is that Sport Business can be associated with nearly every company in this nation and even the world. It did not specify, but I'm assuming that these two business support sports with major sponsorships. At any rate, there is a lot of similar business strategies that every sports league, program, etc., can take advise from. Ultimately, sports are a major business in the world today.
Monday, April 17, 2006 3:44:00 PM
“Networks Talk Tough on MLB TV Package” Vol. 9, Issue 48, Pg. 3
No one can pinpoint the real reason why viewer ratings of the MLB have been decreasing. As a matter of fact, it is not just the MLB that is feeling the heat. With the exception of the NFL, the NBA, NHL and MLB organizations have been witnessing static or downward fallout of viewer ratings monitored over the last decade. Whatever the reason, I believe it has something more to do with fans not willing to sit for 3 to 5 hours to watch a game on television.
American interest in televised sports has become dilute due to the fragmentation of sport broadcasting. Before 1990 there were only three bona fide networks (ABC, NBC, and CBS). This changed after the addition of three stations (FOX, FOX Sports Net, and the WB). Sports broadcasting became popular with advertisers trying to market to a particular demographic of the audience. Networks continued to sign contract after contract with different franchises in hopes to gain the money back from charging fees to advertisers. There is over 90,000 hours of sports broadcasting annually on television today and this is no exception to the introduction of new technology including the Internet, satellite and digital cable.
I think Americans are watching the sports broadcasting, but monitoring the ratings is a challenge due to multiple sports programming airing at the same times. If you’re like me, then you like to do some major channel surfing in between commercials. If there are two games on you’re flipping back and forth to get the latest scores and that produces inaccurate viewer ratings. I also believe that today’s youth are not as into playing sports as they used to be. It seems that they would rather be mastering the latest video game or chatting online than hitting grounders and catching pop-ups with their friends.
Monday, April 17, 2006 11:27:00 PM
Adidas close to snaring (big) one in Bush
Volume 8, Issue 47
Dave Andrews
Adidas is close to signing expected #1 NFL draft pick Reggie Bush, while talks with the league will hopefully allow its shoes on the field. Since Adidas announced the $3.8B deal for Reebok last summer, speculation has swirled about the new company’s intentions and which brand it would favor. All of these developments are proceedings to a scheduled news conference and analysis presentation next Tuesday to reveal “how they are going to differentiate Reebok from Adidas.”
Adidas CEO Herbert Hainer maintains the principal reason it acquired Reebok “was to have a greater leverage to attack Nike in the US.” Despite strenuous efforts to make a dent in the US market, Adidas remains mired in third place behind Reebok and No. 1 Nike. This ranking, however, is different oversees where Adidas is second to Nike and a power in the world’s No. 1 sport, soccer (there you go Dave).
While Adidas may not be shooting for the apparel rights of the football field now, they’re definitely trying to score the taste of the prospective No. 1 draft pick, Reggie Bush. Sources say that Adidas is close to sign Bush to deal worth approximately $1M a year, which would be the largest shoe contract for a football player. This apparent deal was made after Nike flew the former USC running back on their company jet to meet with Nike endorser Michael Jordan.
After they’re No. 1 priority (Reggie Bush), sources expect to see Adidas tackle the on-field merchandise which used to be owned by Reebok. Many steps need to occur before this can happen; one would be league approval to replace the logos, and a possibility of a renegotiation of Reebok’s current contact (10-year, $300M).
Tuesday, April 18, 2006 10:07:00 AM
"Miller sponsorship includes Brewers getaway days" vol. 8 issue 47 pg. 8.
The Milwaukee Brewers re-upped with their largest corporate sponsor, Miller Brewing Co. agreeing to a new seven-year deal. The deal continues Miller's long standing status as the exclusive malt beverage provider for the team and it extends into radio and television advertising, in-stadium signage, promotions and spring training. As part of this new deal, Miller will be involved in several new stadium promotions such as Miller Genuine Draft Getaway Days where Miller will provide excuse forms for fans needing a note to explain their abscence from work on these particular game days. The reason for such promotion according to Dockery Clark, Miller's director of sports and alliance marketing is "We want to work with our partners to provide beer drinkers with unique experiences and access that leave them with a positive impression of Miller Beers."
I would've been real suprised if the Brewers didn't renew their contract with Miller particularly since Miller is synonymous with Milwaukee and as the article stated Miller is the Brewers largest corporate sponsor. Miller has their imprints throughout the stadium including the name of the ballpark (Miller Park) and a giant beer barrel chalet in right field where Bernie Brewer (the mascot of the Brewers) slides down after every Brewer homerun. i think the idea of getaway days (generally either a Wednesday or Thursday afternoon game)are a pretty cool promotion and it is interesting that the Brewers and Miller came up with an excuse note (although teams and their sponsors are always looking for new ways/ideas to promote their product).
Tuesday, April 18, 2006 10:34:00 AM
Adidad close to snaring (big) one in Bush Volume 8, Issue 47
Adidas has definately made some major moves in their efforts to take down Nike in the U.S. in the past few years. With their merging with Reebok they have definately made themselves a major player in the sports apparel industry. Especially when considering the NFL. It's just a matter of time before the Adidas logo is being worn by players in the NFL. For Adidas Reggie Bush is a big time sign, considering the money he could produce for them. He fits their usual clean image and is coming in liked by millions of fans. He could have an effect similar to Lebron James in the NBA.
He will come into the NFL as the highest paid player by any apparel company. Adidas in the next few years will be a big time player in many sports industries thanks to their purchase of Reebok and their efforts push their apparel line into the mainstream of almost all major sports in the U.S.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006 10:37:00 AM
“Fireworks” Phil looks to light ATP fuse
Volume 8 issue 47 p.12
The ATP’s new chief marketing officer, Phil Anderson, his new assignment for tennis fields led him to a new territory. He brought several astonished idea for his former experience. Despite his knowledge about sport was limited, he still can created and produced a brilliant concept of brand into a sports events. This topic was about the leadership of the sports league or agencies to determine that how they deal with either customer or players in the new generation.
For instance, the ATP gave iPod Nanos to the players who attended the meeting, the group would like to smooth those tensions which occurs over the years. However, in tennis world, endorsement and sponsorship of players are significant factors which will bring up the revenue and long-term contract for the tournament. Therefore, most of agencies or marketer of ATP are willing to combine with all possible marketing strategies together to prevent lost advantage of the events.
With business reason, Phil Anderson wants to bring core branding principles to the globally and politically fractured sport. A good example of the tournament is the NASDAQ open. As the last year for sponsorship with tennis, their successful of events for past five years established a relatively fabulous effect on the tennis field. Throughout the tennis tournament, one of the benefits was that old fashioned apparel companies were coming back to the field such as Lotto, Diadora, etc. Since a few old timer companies from Europe has been threaten by well known sporting goods company like NIKE. They were all spending all money again in tennis, its might be also give the chance to win the market back when World Cup held in Europe country.
The famous female tennis player who endorsed the large amount of commercials must be a Sharapova since she won the 2004 Wimbledon champion by her 18 years age. After that, the winning brought her much endorsement and respect in the following tournament. Her exposure not only with broadcasting, but also assigned for magazines. Because her cultural background, a good image of her performance and good look is accepted by all sponsors and tennis fans, eventually, woman’s tennis has their own representative player as its own brand. That would be the successful case one that ATP did via fantastic marketing and advertising for the tennis.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006 12:59:00 PM
“Penguins hire Allen & Co. to direct team’s sale” by Kevin Anderson. Volume 8, Issue 47, Page 8.
The Pittsburgh Penguins hired Wall Street firm Allen & Co. to sell the team. This feels like the end of an era, the demise of the dominant and Stanley Cup Championship team of the early 1990s. The Penguins haven’t been the same since they traded off some of their best players (Jaromir Jagr) and injuries plagued others (Stanley Cup coach Bob Johnson and Mario Lemieux). With declining results came declining ticket sales. Nobody including myself wants to build the Penguins a new facility to help them increase revenue when they are struggling to keep their heads above water on the ice.
Many people hoped that Mario’s purchase of the team would re-ignite some of that Stanley Cup magic. When he strapped on the skates and took to the ice, fans flocked to the old and beaten stadium in droves to see if Mario Lemieux still had what it takes to push this team to the next level, but just like Michael Jordan’s return to basketball, it was short lived. The Penguin’s hope of winning another Stanley Cup and a new stadium turned out to be too much for Mario’s back to carry; literally.
Now with the thoughts of Mario selling the team, some wonder if the cost is even worth keeping and funding a hockey program that cannot seem to find its direction. With the team struggling with financial difficulties and banking on revenues from a new stadium, it is no surprise that Mario is looking for prospective buyers. The Penguins are working with the Capri Casinos to build a $290 million arena contingent on the acquisition of a slot license. This idea seems unlikely. The article lists the only economically logical reason for purchasing the Penguins would be to move it to another city where an arena already exists.
With the city of Pittsburgh already carrying a weak MLB team, Pittsburgh Pirates, the question should be do we want to carry another losing professional sporting team? I say if it’s money and a new home they are after, let them go. They will soon find out that it’s not the building that wins games but the players.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006 4:51:00 PM
"Adidas close to snaring (big) one in Bush" Volume 8, Issue 47
Adidas is closing to closing a break through deal. They are close to signing Reggie Bush, the NFL #1 draft pick. This deal has the potential to break Adidas into the 'football' world. In the past year, Adidas acquired Reebok, a major football merchandise company.
Currently in the US market, Nike is #1 followed by Reebok then Adidas. Adidas CEO has been quoted saying the main reason for buying Reebok “was to have a greater leverage to attack Nike in the US.” I believe that with the Reebok takeover, and the big possiblity they will sign Reggie Bush, Adidas may just give Nike a run for their money.
However, they have to sign Reggie Bush first who Nike is also looking to sign. Nike apparently so intent on getting him flew him in a private jet to meet Michael Jordan, a Nike endorser.
I think Adidas is making some good moves to become the leader in footwear/appearal. There still are a few things they need to work out. One is they need Reggie Bush. The second is they need to get apparel rights to put their brand on the field. If they can accomplish those to things, Nike will be in for a rude awakening.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006 4:57:00 PM
"Adidas close to snaring (big) one in Bush" Brad Potts
Vol. 8, Issue 47
Adidas is taking the next step in asserting themselves as the number 1 shoe in the us by possibly signing reggie bush this years expected number one draft pick in the NFL draft. Currently Adidas is considered to be thrird behind Nike and Reebok.
I think that this is a safe way to go for Adidas. They are too far out of the loop for basketball but in Football they are still around. There are a lot of college teams that wear Adidas uniforms and shoes. If they sign Reggie that will also assure the younger generations if Reggie Bush does what he is expected to do. Even if he doesn't do it in his first year, I think his potential and reputation will carry his name.
While Adidas CEO Herbert Hainer has put up millions of dollars already he is still competeing with nike and reebok who have bullied Adidas in the past and are looking to do so again. I think that it will come down to a combo of things, one being does he like the apparel and does he want to go his own way. If he like Adidas and wants to go his own way then Adidas may bag him but If it is just a pay check he is after then Adidas may be in trouble.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006 4:58:00 PM
Finding the path to Hispanic fans- Vol 8, Issue 47, Pg 5
Most people feel that to tune into the Hispanic world in the United States the world of soccer is the way to go. However, some feel that the way to their hearts through marketing is baseball. This has been seen through the recent World Baseball Classic that drew in a huge audience, including the Hispanic population. In 2004, there were 41.4 million Hispanics in the United States; this is 14.1 percent of the entire population. Taco Bell chief marketing executive, Bill Pearce, stated that the WBC “brought a lot of credibility out of the gate for the first time was truly amazing.”
Anheuser-Busch has a deal with ABC and ESPN for the FIFA World Cup to attract the Latino and Hispanic community because of the strong affinity with soccer. This idea is similar to Taco Bell’s strategy to finding what kind of sports to certain ethnicities like and then applying that to a sport.
I think that getting coverage with MLB is a smart idea because of the World Baseball Classic for Hispanics. The Cuban team and other Hispanic teams brought in a lot of publicity. Not all Hispanics are interested in soccer; there are other sports like baseball that are of high liking to this ethnicity. However, marketers may want to keep looking into other sports to get a wide audience. But it is smart for American marketers to tap into the Hispanic population in the US because they are 14% of the population. But they can’t forget that the baby-boomers and elder people are 50% of the US inhabitants.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006 1:41:00 AM
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