Social networking is becoming social marketing?

Social networking sites are used heavily by many of athletic teams target markets, ages 14 to 25. These site are even becoming popular and easy to use for individuals ages 30 and up. Sites such as MySpace, Lbibo Twitter, Zoppa, and the most used being Facebook. Sports Teams have begun to use these sites to promote events for their games, advertise apparel and tickets. Also athletes are able to communicate with their fans, friends, and family using these sites. These sites stand as a medium between the organizations and their consumers, giving them a chance to reach individuals who are unable to attend games or events. Also helping fans staying updated with current news of the organization such as trades, signings, injuries, and post game updates. Professional sports are not the only one doing this, many collegiate teams have their own accounts and update the site regularly.  The Big Ten especially has a Facebook and Twitter page. The opportunity's these pages offer extend the publicity and recognition that the teams and athletes are getting from their fans. As long these sites exist and there is a great success they will be continued to be used by athletes, sporting teams, and conferences.

THE GAME is to big for a name??

 When it comes to being sponsored its mainly a necessity for the professionals. When a collegiate team is sponsored by a company they will wear their apparel, but that's as far as it goes.  While professional teams have various sponsors for their games, arenas, and facilities. There are teams, both professional and collegiate, that will take on sponsors to obtain additional funding for their own purposes. Every year The Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines football teams play and this event is considered one of the greatest rivalry games in all of sports. But is has no specific name, only called The Game. Because of the prestigious tradition behind both of progams no name is needed to promote or endorse the event. Many companies would love to have rights to the event because of all the potential publicity but the tradition is more respected and the event is left alone. Similar situations with many collegiate arenas, such as the Big House, are unnamed and hold no sponsorships to preserve the history and tradition of the institution.

Is sport writing for marketing and promotions worth all of the trouble??

Sports writing is more than a post game report. Being able to connect to your audience is half the battle. A sports writer must be informational and entertaining. Sports writing and promotions should be short and sweet, able to catch the readers eyes right away. Also being able to promote and advertise is a key ingredient. Without proper knowledge in the two could lead to a unsuccessful promotional event. Promotions are also growing into the digital world, being able to use modern technology is a vital skill for these writers. Understanding and creating sponsorships or contracts falls into both sports writing and promotions. A sports writer has to be able to negotiate the best deal. As i said before its more than just reporting on a game, there is tons of behind the scenes work to be done such as; story articles, marketing promotions, blogging about the teams progress on and off the field, last being able to communicate with others and obtaining good deals.

Promotions done by minor league, professional, college, and high school teams

Many teams offer a variety of promotions to gain the interest of their consumers. Teams will offer half-court or three point shots, wildest fans, and eating contests for prizes to attract more of the target media. For example, a lot of professional teams will give fans prizes while attending on their birthday or performances at by popular music artist and performers. Sports promotions are more than just gimmicks, people are attracted to side entertainment away from the game, especially if the home teams success is not that admirable. Some individuals will attend events simply for the shows done by performers at half-time or in between innings depending on the popularity. Measuring the success of your promotions is done through ticket, apparel, concessions sales and if your fan base is growing. Also these promotions are a chance to show your consumer that you are also benefiting them and not just the organization.

Bill Veeck, Promoting Extrodinar

 

Bill Veeck was known as a very unique and unorthodox promoter for baseball games. He once advertised mimes to reenact previous plays and offered free vasectomy for a lucky fan. In 1946, Veeck became the owner of a major league team, the Cleveland Indians. He immediately put the team's games on radio. Which would give a chance for fans who are unable to witness the game be able to listen live and have the ability to keep up with the teams progress. The Indians moved to Cleveland Municipal Stadium permanently a year later in 1947. That year he signed Larry Doby as the first African-American player in the American League. That gave a chance not as a marketing promotion, but a publicity stunt. This also gave other African-Americans a chance to play for other teams. As in Milwaukee, Veeck took a unique approach to promotions, hiring Max Patkin, the "Clown Prince of Baseball", as a coach. Patkin's appearance in the coaching box delighted their fans and infuriated the front office of the American League. 

Stars, Cash Cows, Question Marks, and Dogs.

Under Armour is an apparel company based in the United States, best known for its introduction of form-fitting, moisture-wicking clothing designed to be worn under sportswear. Since their start in 1996 Under Armour has become a successful company providing multiple styles of apparel. Their Stars are the cold gear and heat gear sportswear. Cash Cows would include a lot of their other sports wear and spandex gear. Question marks include their shoes and cleats and even sports equipments. Their apparel intended as casual clothing, such as t-shirts and hats are more of the Dogs of the company. After visiting Under Armours main site I was unable to identify how much of their company's profits are distributed through each category.

Super Bowl

The Super Bowl is one of the most notorious events in the world. A game that was televised in 25 countries this year. More than just a football game but also one of the largest business attractions, companies pay $3 million per advertisement shown during the Super Bowl. Even the cost to witness the game live was going for around $3,000 on stubhub. With the games colossal popularity it is a chance for companies to advertise and to have full attention of their target market. Besides all of the entertaining commercials of the Super Bowl, advertising is done through just saying a company's name after or before commercials or during game play, having images displayed in the stadium or on the field, and by providing additional commercial time to promote the NFL or various companies.