Marketing for Football Games

[DiamondM]

Last year, the group Delirious was scheduled for a post game concert SPECIFICALLY to draw the youth groups of local churches. Delirious had drawn large crowds when playing at other venues in the area. It was HEAVILY promoted directly to youth directors and ministers, and yet was pretty much ignored. Our marketing department, because it does not have the budget for traditional PR avenues such as print and tv adds, actually focuses on direct marketing to target groups. If they don't listen, if they 86 the letters, then that's not something they can help.

[OldPony]

Folks- The marketing team works hard. Cowboy- you spoke to all these people who had't heard from SMU. Do you think SMU ignored an obvious group? Why? Did you call the marketing dept and ask for materials or to work out somehting got these youth directors? Were the YD's trying to be polite and not tell you that their charges didn't care about SMU football? The marketing group will take all the volunteer time you guys want to put in to call alums etc. They will respond to specific request- ususally in a fairly timely manner. Everyone wants bigger crowds but its a tough sell to outsiders when students or alums don't care. Give the marketing people a break!!!!!!!!

[cowboypony]

I absolutely dispute that it was "heavily promoted." I guess it all depends on your definition. Yes, if you wanted to go to the SMU web site and "find it" then, yes, it was heavily promoted. Or, if you got a piece of correspondence in the mail that looked like typical marketing material then, yes, it was heavily promoted. To me we rely way too much on our audience "finding us" rather than do what all successful corporations in the USA do - find their audience and go get them. And finally, my sister organizes events for the singles/divorced classes at the largest church in north Texas. She actuall took a group to the Delirious concert. However, she only received what she called "token" material from SMU and did most of the work herself in gathering the details. It's more than just sending out a form letter and expecting big crowds. What I'm suggesting doesn't take significant dollars - just a little more effort and follow up.

Forgive me, but, I'm just looking for a little more Russ Potts.

[MrMustang1965]

Cowboypony: IMO, I think you should 'take the bull by the horns' and contact SMU's marketing department instead of waiting for them to call you or whatever Methodist youth program you know of. It's obvious that you're a fan of the Mustangs. GO FOR IT!

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"Winning ain't everything...but it's a lot more fun than the alternative!" S.M.U. SPIRIT: IT STARTS NOW!

[DallasDiehard]

As I recall, it was heavily promoted - but having it across the street in Moody killed it. Some people might have stayed for the concert had it been in Ford, but very few were going to buy a ticket to the game just to see the concert and then make the trek to Moody. Had it been on the field after the game, I bet it would have gone over much better.

[cowboypony]

Mr. Mustang, I'm trying to do what I can but I'm just one guy who's not employed by the department. Sometimes I feel like a consumer who is having to beg a retailer to take my money.

[MrMustang1965]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by DallasDiehard:
<B>As I recall, it was heavily promoted - but having it across the street in Moody killed it. Some people might have stayed for the concert had it been in Ford, but very few were going to buy a ticket to the game just to see the concert and then make the trek to Moody. Had it been on the field after the game, I bet it would have gone over much better.</B></font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think there was also a problem with a 'noise ordinance' in University Park that prevented it from being held in Ford Stadium. I could be wrong but I thought I heard something about that.



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"Winning ain't everything...but it's a lot more fun than the alternative!" S.M.U. SPIRIT: IT STARTS NOW!

[cowboypony]

Ya'll are right. I'm wrong. All Methodist youth groups were contacted, they all came to games and the stands were filled. My mistake. And, yes, I'm sure all of these youth directors who I've worked with for a number of years in some volunteer capacity are outright lying to me.

[Charleston Pony]

don't go feeling sorry for yourself. If you are interested in getting your youth group out to a Mustang game, take the initiative to get it organized yourself. Bottom line is that if there was more interest in SMU football, you wouldn't be having this discussion.

[KnuckleStang]

We must all heed the words of the great Forrest Gregg:

"Gentlemen! Ask not what your MUSTANGS can do for YOU; ask what YOU can do for your MUSTANGS."

(Gregg didn't really say that. But you get the idea!)

S-M-U spells SMU!!!

[cowboypony]

Who I feel sorry for is those people that feel we're doing all we can to promote attendance. It's that type of thinking that has had us one of the worst program in the U.S. over the past 14 years. And for those of you who think that "winning" will take care of things, think again. While it will make a considerable difference, I suggest you give Russ Potts a call and see if he had people beating down the gates to see the Pony Express. Attendance didn't just happen back in the 80's just b/c we were winning. We played Arkansas, Texas, A&M, etc. I got news for you, the rules have now changed. It's still going to take some very creative thinking and action to boost up our attendance - even when we start winning. And yes, I'll be there using my 10 season tickets just as I have for the past 14 years.

[EastStang]

Hey guys, yes our team has been down for 14 years and fans aren't there right now. But, I'm sure if you have a group from your church, school, synagogue, mosque, soccer club, the marketing department can come up with a decent group rate for your group. I take groups from my church to minor league baseball games and even they give me a cheap rate. If you have a fundraising project for your Jaycee group or your church and would like discounted tickets to sell, I'm sure the marketing department would be happy to work with you on that, too. Instead of complaining about what they are doing or not doing, use your initiative and do it.

[TheSkelf]

Honestly folks, do some of you think that if something seems obvious to us, the marketing staff wouldn't see it as well?

Has anyone every had trouble with anyone in the staff listening to suggestions

Cowpboypony-"one of my volunteer positions in our church is to coordinate events with other youth groups and their parents from other churches." Cowboy, If it's your job to coordinate youth events, then why haven't you made an effort to bring kids to an SMU game?!?

Delirious was promoted directly to people that would probably come to one of their concerts. There were ads on christian radio stations, and members of the staff met with numerous church and youth group leaders.

It seems like people can't win for trying

[cowboypony]

Skelf, where in any of my posts does it say that I didn't make an effort? That's not my point!