...Guys, I have to say I'm very worried about the GTAA's ability to market GT football next season when the stadium is completed. We will have an outstanding schedule next year so we will probably have many sell-outs. However, I'm hoping we will do this with an increased season-ticket base instead of visiting fans. 2004 could get real ugly if the GTAA doesn't get serious.
I'm sure those of you that live in the Atlanta area have seen our recent ads in the AJC. Previously, I sold ads for the AJC. I can tell you that in 1996 these ads would have cost around $3,000-$4,000 each. I believe the GTAA is wasting it's money, if a college student turned that in for an Advertising class he would be in big trouble. For those that haven't seen them, they say something like "There are many wrecks in Atlanta, only 1 is followed by a swarm of yellow jackets." There is also a picture of Greg Gathers and the home schedule. The ad says if you order now you get 1 marta pass and 1 bobble head doll. Does anyone believe this ad is going to convince someone to come to a GT game this fall.
Those marketing GT football have a big advantage working in their favor, most potential season ticket holders know GT football exists. It's highly unlikely that someone is going to open the newspaper, see the ad, and say "wow GT tickets are available, I had no idea." The ad needs to speak to them and tell them why "they" should be there this fall. Give them reasons, there should be pictures of smiling families, examples of college pagentry, wild fans, and bright saturday afternoons. The awful home schedule should be downplayed and the above examples should take center stage.
Once again, look at how the Falcons are doing things. They are running a radio spot right now, that highlights a high energy rock song. "BOOOM, here comes the boom...., ready or not...." They aren't selling the NFC South schedule they are selling a Sunday experience. We aren't selling the same pro experience, but like them we need to highlight our experience. When we run radio spots, they usually sound something like this, "Hi Jacket fans this is Wes Durham letting you know about another great season of GT football. Don't miss any of the action, when new coach Chan Gailey takes the field for the first time against ACC powers like FSU, Wake Forest, and Virginia. The radio spots should still have the fight song, but I would include comments from GT fans having a good time on gameday. Sell the band, buzz, etc. but do it with a little more pop.
Like I said, I'm very concerened about this. The recent parking PR fiasco really gave me reason to worry. I thought since the GTAA was spending $70 million to expand our stadium, that they would get serious about marketing. That doesn't appear to be the case. I hope they bring in some fresh ideas for next season and beyond.
Any Comments.
I'm sure those of you that live in the Atlanta area have seen our recent ads in the AJC. Previously, I sold ads for the AJC. I can tell you that in 1996 these ads would have cost around $3,000-$4,000 each. I believe the GTAA is wasting it's money, if a college student turned that in for an Advertising class he would be in big trouble. For those that haven't seen them, they say something like "There are many wrecks in Atlanta, only 1 is followed by a swarm of yellow jackets." There is also a picture of Greg Gathers and the home schedule. The ad says if you order now you get 1 marta pass and 1 bobble head doll. Does anyone believe this ad is going to convince someone to come to a GT game this fall.
Those marketing GT football have a big advantage working in their favor, most potential season ticket holders know GT football exists. It's highly unlikely that someone is going to open the newspaper, see the ad, and say "wow GT tickets are available, I had no idea." The ad needs to speak to them and tell them why "they" should be there this fall. Give them reasons, there should be pictures of smiling families, examples of college pagentry, wild fans, and bright saturday afternoons. The awful home schedule should be downplayed and the above examples should take center stage.
Once again, look at how the Falcons are doing things. They are running a radio spot right now, that highlights a high energy rock song. "BOOOM, here comes the boom...., ready or not...." They aren't selling the NFC South schedule they are selling a Sunday experience. We aren't selling the same pro experience, but like them we need to highlight our experience. When we run radio spots, they usually sound something like this, "Hi Jacket fans this is Wes Durham letting you know about another great season of GT football. Don't miss any of the action, when new coach Chan Gailey takes the field for the first time against ACC powers like FSU, Wake Forest, and Virginia. The radio spots should still have the fight song, but I would include comments from GT fans having a good time on gameday. Sell the band, buzz, etc. but do it with a little more pop.
Like I said, I'm very concerened about this. The recent parking PR fiasco really gave me reason to worry. I thought since the GTAA was spending $70 million to expand our stadium, that they would get serious about marketing. That doesn't appear to be the case. I hope they bring in some fresh ideas for next season and beyond.
Any Comments.