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Topic: 92% Increase!
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bobcat72
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Posted: 7/9/2012 10:16 PM
Pretty amazing to see that football season ticket sales have increased 92%...

http://www.ohiobobcats.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/070912aaa.html

If this keeps up, it could be an unbelievable year for attendance. Here's hoping for a special season!
KyleWvr13
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Posted: 7/10/2012 2:08 AM
I love the athletic department's current mentality for football ticket sales is: "Just get butts in seats!"
sargentfan
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Posted: 7/10/2012 7:30 AM
Second that, for us at this moment it is better to just pull in the same overall ticket revenue or just a slight increase but to have a dramatic increase in attendance.  The more butts you have in the seats the more spent on food and merchandise, the better the games look like on TV and to the players and more importantly recruits.  Build the atmosphere get them hooked and then slowly increase the ticket prices back up. 
Bobcatbob
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Posted: 7/10/2012 8:22 AM
This is great news and I don't mean to throw cold water on the celebration, but does anyone know the hard numbers?  A 92% increase over what?  My recollection is that our season ticket base was in the 4 - 5 thousand range a year ago.  If so, 8 - 9 thousand season tickets sold means close to half full Peden every Saturday (so to speak) "guaranteed".  Add in the students, who will SURELY turn out, and you have a great atmosphere for a MAC game.
Athens Block
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Posted: 7/10/2012 9:24 AM
sargentfan wrote:expand_more
Second that, for us at this moment it is better to just pull in the same overall ticket revenue or just a slight increase but to have a dramatic increase in attendance.  The more butts you have in the seats the more spent on food and merchandise, the better the games look like on TV and to the players and more importantly recruits.  Build the atmosphere get them hooked and then slowly increase the ticket prices back up. 


As far as I can tell, prices haven't gone down, so we should actually be making a substantial amount more this season as well as adding a ton more fans.  Peden is going to be FUN this year.
catfan28
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Posted: 7/10/2012 10:08 AM
Athens Block wrote:expand_more
As far as I can tell, prices haven't gone down, so we should actually be making a substantial amount more this season as well as adding a ton more fans.  Peden is going to be FUN this year.


I'm pretty sure the family package price went down this season...anyone know for sure?
C Money
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Posted: 7/10/2012 10:18 AM
catfan28 wrote:expand_more
As far as I can tell, prices haven't gone down, so we should actually be making a substantial amount more this season as well as adding a ton more fans.  Peden is going to be FUN this year.


I'm pretty sure the family package price went down this season...anyone know for sure?


Actually, I think it went up a little bit. I think that last year it was $24.99 a ticket, and $27.99 this year.
OU77BCJ
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Posted: 7/10/2012 12:23 PM
All that, and the same lousy schedule.   Just kidding, I'm not Love.  Just goes to show, win and they will come.  Work on the schedule after we win multiple MAC titles.  Luv what is going on.
EastTennesseeBobcat
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Posted: 7/10/2012 11:07 PM
The family package went up $5 this year.  

Peden will be rockin' this year.
KyleWvr13
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Posted: 7/10/2012 11:14 PM
I think the increase in Family ticket sales has more to do than just the team getting better, it's the advertisement spin on it this year.  $4.50 per game sounds a lot more appealing than last year's advertisement for $99 for the entire season.
Last Edited: 7/10/2012 11:15:05 PM by KyleWvr13
catfan28
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Posted: 7/10/2012 11:28 PM
KyleWvr13 wrote:expand_more
I think the increase in Family ticket sales has more to do than just the team getting better, it's the advertisement spin on it this year.  $4.50 per game sounds a lot more appealing than last year's advertisement for $99 for the entire season.


Agreed. The whole "$4.50" thing is just plain savvy. Breaking it to a "per game" price makes season tickets seem a lot more affordable to Joe 6-Pack.

And, spin aside, it's just a heck of a deal! You're much better off getting season tickets even if you're only coming to 2-3 games at Peden.

Can't wait for the season. Have to keep reminding myself it's only July!!
L.C.
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Posted: 7/11/2012 12:09 AM
catfan28 wrote:expand_more
...And, spin aside, it's just a heck of a deal! You're much better off getting season tickets even if you're only coming to 2-3 games at Peden....

You got that right. You can get a whole season....for FOUR people, for not much more than a single ticket to a single game in Columbus.

I will say that "92% increase in season tickets" is very impressive.
JSF
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Posted: 7/11/2012 3:14 AM
I thought our marketing department sucked.
Monroe Slavin
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Posted: 7/11/2012 3:52 AM
I think it's fair to say that our home sched this year is not that attractive.  So, we aren't relying on that.  We're relying on the quality of OHIO FOOTBALL.  And that is resonating.
Piney
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Posted: 7/11/2012 10:06 AM
Monroe Slavin wrote:expand_more
I think it's fair to say that our home sched this year is not that attractive.  So, we aren't relying on that.  We're relying on the quality of OHIO FOOTBALL.  And that is resonating.


And THAT is how you build attendance the right way. Improve YOUR team first, make fans want to see them play versus coming to watch an opponent and build that fan base!
The Situation
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Posted: 7/11/2012 2:09 PM
JSF wrote:expand_more
I thought our marketing department sucked.


It would be foolish to draw a conclusion otherwise. There is no evidence of a marketing presence in Cleveland, Cincinnati, or Columbus (in any form). Sure they've got a billboard down in Guyville now, but how about one next to the BG ad in downtown Cleveland. The only time I happen see an Ohio University ad is in the form of stickers on windows of the cars as they pass or commericials on our men's football and basketball national TV appearances.

Chalk this increase up to Frank Solich, John Groce, Jim Schaus,Roderick McDavis, and the student-athletes of our football and basketball team. God knows the marketing team isn't asking for the sale.

P.S. - I didn't even know Ohio University existed until the summer before my senior year of high school. My dad, who is not an alum, told me to check it out. I instantly fell in love and took advantage of most of what the school had/ and has to offer. Now I'm an alum and I couldn't imgaine not knowing about this place. It's about time the marketing department starts telling people.
Last Edited: 7/11/2012 2:13:28 PM by The Situation
bobcat72
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Posted: 7/11/2012 3:46 PM
The Situation wrote:expand_more
It would be foolish to draw a conclusion otherwise. There is no evidence of a marketing presence in Cleveland, Cincinnati, or Columbus (in any form). Sure they've got a billboard down in Guyville now, but how about one next to the BG ad in downtown Cleveland. The only time I happen see an Ohio University ad is in the form of stickers on windows of the cars as they pass or commericials on our men's football and basketball national TV appearances.

Chalk this increase up to Frank Solich, John Groce, Jim Schaus,Roderick McDavis, and the student-athletes of our football and basketball team. God knows the marketing team isn't asking for the sale.

P.S. - I didn't even know Ohio University existed until the summer before my senior year of high school. My dad, who is not an alum, told me to check it out. I instantly fell in love and took advantage of most of what the school had/ and has to offer. Now I'm an alum and I couldn't imgaine not knowing about this place. It's about time the marketing department starts telling people.


The key here is that there is a big difference between the university marketing department (i.e. "The Promise") and the athletic marketing department. The university one is trying to draw students to OU, and the athletic one is trying to get fans to games.

On the whole, I think our athletic marketing department and the OBC do a pretty great job. The university one, however, is dropping the ball. Case in point...the Guysville billboard you reference is clearly a football-focused ad. I'm not sure I've ever seen an OU billboard advertising the "university".
OhioCatFan
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Posted: 7/11/2012 4:36 PM
You haven't seen "The Promise" billboards?  They are all over the place in SEO.  
sargentfan
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Posted: 7/11/2012 5:12 PM
In Hilliard (West Side of Columbus) they used to have a sign advertising the "layered look" which was promoting OHIO's partnership with Columbus State. 
oubobcatjohn
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Posted: 7/12/2012 2:19 AM
Best marketing is keep winning bowls and NCAA Tournament games and the students and alumni wearing Bobcat gear everywhere.  Here in Cleveland Bobcat gear is everywhere at the casino, Tribe games, at the bars.  Its not even football and hoops season and were out there representing. Lots of sporting goods stores selling Bobcat gear than five years ago. Major progress.  
The Situation
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Posted: 7/12/2012 8:44 AM
bobcat72 wrote:expand_more
The key here is that there is a big difference between the university marketing department (i.e. "The Promise") and the athletic marketing department.

On the whole, I think our athletic marketing department and the OBC do a pretty great job.


Understanding that there is a difference between the university and athletic marketing department has nothing to do with the efficiency or inefficiency of either. It really says nothing to assert that there is a difference between the two. Yet, this is at least the second time I've gotten that response on this board (once on another thread).

I don't really believe the people of this board think the athletic marketing department is doing a great job. If they do, it's because of a fundamental misunderstanding of what great means, and how to identify it. What Frank Solich is accomplishing is great. What Jim Schaus and Roderick McDavis are accomplishing is great. What John Groce accomplished was great. To throw that compliment the way of the atheltic marketing department is not only incorrect, but it's direspectful.

Now is the time to attack the state from all corners, flip the status quo on its head. How do you know about all the things OHIO athletics has accomplished in the last 5 years if you don't have and watch ESPN? How do you know if you don't know anyone from Ohio University, or even googled it?

The marketing team needs to push for radio broadcasts not only in SEO, but in the small towns and cities all over the state. They need to get every untelevised game on Sports Time Ohio (sounds too natural right?). They need to be in the public eye, not just the cable subscribers eye. They  need to get billboards and internet ads out there for Ohio University (doesn't matter whether it's for the school or football team at that point, the word association will all be the same when they see that Bobcat). The fact that they are not doing this shows their deep seeded complancency or complete ineptitude.

All the pieces are in place. We're returning our quarterback and our point guard; the leaders of their respective teams, both with at least one post season win under their belt. We've got a marketable football and basketball coach (one's a legend, the other has got energy).

We're an old product on the market (since 1804). But marketing needs to treat us like we're a need product on the market, because in many ways we are.

We're missing our chance. We maybe have five years to fully capatilize on this window of opportunity to grow beyond our imaginations. If we miss this now it's gone.

Neither marketing department is doing a good job, much less a great job. Period.

UpSan Bobcat
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Posted: 7/12/2012 9:32 AM
The Situation wrote:expand_more
The key here is that there is a big difference between the university marketing department (i.e. "The Promise") and the athletic marketing department.

On the whole, I think our athletic marketing department and the OBC do a pretty great job.


Understanding that there is a difference between the university and athletic marketing department has nothing to do with the efficiency or inefficiency of either. It really says nothing to assert that there is a difference between the two. Yet, this is at least the second time I've gotten that response on this board (once on another thread).

I don't really believe the people of this board think the athletic marketing department is doing a great job. If they do, it's because of a fundamental misunderstanding of what great means, and how to identify it. What Frank Solich is accomplishing is great. What Jim Schaus and Roderick McDavis are accomplishing is great. What John Groce accomplished was great. To throw that compliment the way of the atheltic marketing department is not only incorrect, but it's direspectful.

Now is the time to attack the state from all corners, flip the status quo on its head. How do you know about all the things OHIO athletics has accomplished in the last 5 years if you don't have and watch ESPN? How do you know if you don't know anyone from Ohio University, or even googled it?

The marketing team needs to push for radio broadcasts not only in SEO, but in the small towns and cities all over the state. They need to get every untelevised game on Sports Time Ohio (sounds too natural right?). They need to be in the public eye, not just the cable subscribers eye. They  need to get billboards and internet ads out there for Ohio University (doesn't matter whether it's for the school or football team at that point, the word association will all be the same when they see that Bobcat). The fact that they are not doing this shows their deep seeded complancency or complete ineptitude.

All the pieces are in place. We're returning our quarterback and our point guard; the leaders of their respective teams, both with at least one post season win under their belt. We've got a marketable football and basketball coach (one's a legend, the other has got energy).

We're an old product on the market (since 1804). But marketing needs to treat us like we're a need product on the market, because in many ways we are.

We're missing our chance. We maybe have five years to fully capatilize on this window of opportunity to grow beyond our imaginations. If we miss this now it's gone.

Neither marketing department is doing a good job, much less a great job. Period.



I get mailings, emails and phone calls all the time about Ohio athletics. I probably get more than a typical graduate because I've bought tickets, am a Ohio Bobcat Club member and am a former O-Zone member, but I personally have a ton of marketing pushed directly to me. Of course, these things certainly don't reach people not affilicated with the university, as you suggest should be done.

I'm sure the marketing department does try to get Ohio athletics on as many radio stations as possible. Stations have been added in recent years. I'm sure there is little interest outside of southeast Ohio at this point, but hopefully that will change soon. I'm sure they'd like to have every game televised, but people still don't want to watch Ohio play Norfolk State. Still, this year's team could be on national TV as many as seven times with at least two other games getting regional coverage (plus more could be added). Big Ten teams didn't even have all their games on TV until a few years ago.

One place I do agree with you is that there could be more billboards or Internet presence to reach people outside of southeast Ohio.
Robert Fox
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Posted: 7/12/2012 10:25 AM
The Situation wrote:expand_more
The marketing team needs to push for radio broadcasts not only in SEO, but in the small towns and cities all over the state. They need to get every untelevised game on Sports Time Ohio (sounds too natural right?). They need to be in the public eye, not just the cable subscribers eye. They  need to get billboards and internet ads out there for Ohio University (doesn't matter whether it's for the school or football team at that point, the word association will all be the same when they see that Bobcat). The fact that they are not doing this shows their deep seeded complancency or complete ineptitude.


Or it shows lack of budget. Or it shows a conscious decision not to pursue those opportunities,
bobcat72
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Posted: 7/12/2012 10:34 AM
As someone who works in business, it all comes down to ROI. If the athletic department's goal is to get fans to attend games, they will spend their money where it is most efficient. While a Tyler Tettleton billboard in Toledo may look cool, it doesn't really accomplish anything towards that goal.
Voice of Reason
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Posted: 7/12/2012 11:23 AM
The Situation wrote:expand_more
[QUOTE=bobcat72]

Now is the time to attack the state from all corners, flip the status quo on its head. How do you know about all the things OHIO athletics has accomplished in the last 5 years if you don't have and watch ESPN? How do you know if you don't know anyone from Ohio University, or even googled it?

The marketing team needs to push for radio broadcasts not only in SEO, but in the small towns and cities all over the state. They need to get every untelevised game on Sports Time Ohio (sounds too natural right?). They need to be in the public eye, not just the cable subscribers eye. They  need to get billboards and internet ads out there for Ohio University (doesn't matter whether it's for the school or football team at that point, the word association will all be the same when they see that Bobcat). The fact that they are not doing this shows their deep seeded complancency or complete ineptitude.

All the pieces are in place. We're returning our quarterback and our point guard; the leaders of their respective teams, both with at least one post season win under their belt. We've got a marketable football and basketball coach (one's a legend, the other has got energy).

We're an old product on the market (since 1804). But marketing needs to treat us like we're a need product on the market, because in many ways we are.

We're missing our chance. We maybe have five years to fully capatilize on this window of opportunity to grow beyond our imaginations. If we miss this now it's gone.

Neither marketing department is doing a good job, much less a great job. Period.



So are you completely discounting the fact that the football and basketball programs had their own television series that aired on STO last year?

Are you completely discounting that the number of televised game on STO and ESPN continues to increase rapidly each year?

Are you discounting the Bobcat Caravans they did in the spring to promote Ohio University Athletics and everything it has accomplished over the last few years while engaging the fans from Cleveland, Columbus Cincinnati, Toledo and Marietta/Parkersburg?  I believe that is all corners of Ohio and a dot in the middle.

Are you discounting the Varsity Ohio that was just launched targeting and engaging former student-athletes not just in Ohio but nationwide?

Are you discounting that the department provides free radio broadcasts of all their away games on their website as well as free television broadcasts of home games for basketball? (I mean how many people actually gather round the living room to listen to the radio?  The only place radio is beneficial is driving and you can listen to it on your phone.  Increasing outreach to other radio stations is nothing compared to the other improvements in coverage they have made!)

Are you discounting the amount of new and substantive content that OhioBobcatTV produces and places on the website daily/weekly/monthly?

If you are discounting all of that, then I guess you are dead on!  I think the athletic department (marketing, obc, etc.) have done a great job taking Ohio Athletics from 10 years behind to about even.  Is there more that they can do? ABSOLUTELY!  However, they have done a great job with what they have done recently and continue to do.  I sense ZERO complacency out of them!
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