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Marketing and Fan Engagement
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AlphaFlash Offline
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Marketing and Fan Engagement
Not that anyone's keeping track, but I think this is our 5th guy in 5 years.

https://kentstatesports.com/news/2023/1/...nd%20band.
01-19-2023 08:12 AM
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fallsdog Offline
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RE: Marketing and Fan Engagement
The Fallsdog Five for Engaging KSU Hoops Fans:

1 - Clean up and turn down the music at the MAC Center. Let the fans hear the person next to them talk. Also, the Flash Brass provides a better atmosphere than the latest hip hop artist. Don't be something your fans are NOT!

2 - Engage the surrounding community. Youth Basketball leagues, churches, elementary schools. Get them in the building and give them some popcorn. The kids will ask to come back. So would senior citizens if you want to really get creative.

3 - Get into the dinning halls on gameday. Pass out vouchers for a free popcorn with a drink purchase or a buy one slice of pizza get the second free. They are still college kids. Free and Food are good things.

4 - Don't tier ticket prices. Its a nickel and dime insult.

5 - Put together a panel of fans each year and listen to them. Invite them to the MAC Center an hour before tip, have a quick roundtable to sound them off and then walk them through the place. Let them see the locker room, meet the players. Get a photo or two. Mix it up. A few season ticket holders, a few students and some random fans that you invite the game before.

Little things make a big difference!
01-19-2023 08:57 AM
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Muskrat Online
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RE: Marketing and Fan Engagement
What's next, paying people to attend?
01-19-2023 09:07 AM
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fallsdog Offline
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RE: Marketing and Fan Engagement
You mean all 1600 that were "there" for the Toledo game?
(This post was last modified: 01-19-2023 09:18 AM by fallsdog.)
01-19-2023 09:18 AM
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ksu315 Offline
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RE: Marketing and Fan Engagement
(01-19-2023 08:57 AM)fallsdog Wrote:  The Fallsdog Five for Engaging KSU Hoops Fans:

1 - Clean up and turn down the music at the MAC Center. Let the fans hear the person next to them talk. Also, the Flash Brass provides a better atmosphere than the latest hip hop artist. Don't be something your fans are NOT!

2 - Engage the surrounding community. Youth Basketball leagues, churches, elementary schools. Get them in the building and give them some popcorn. The kids will ask to come back. So would senior citizens if you want to really get creative.

3 - Get into the dinning halls on gameday. Pass out vouchers for a free popcorn with a drink purchase or a buy one slice of pizza get the second free. They are still college kids. Free and Food are good things.

4 - Don't tier ticket prices. Its a nickel and dime insult.

5 - Put together a panel of fans each year and listen to them. Invite them to the MAC Center an hour before tip, have a quick roundtable to sound them off and then walk them through the place. Let them see the locker room, meet the players. Get a photo or two. Mix it up. A few season ticket holders, a few students and some random fans that you invite the game before.

Little things make a big difference!

I nominate Falls dog as the next person for this role. All great ideas. it isnt rocket science
01-19-2023 09:33 AM
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burden Offline
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RE: Marketing and Fan Engagement
(01-19-2023 08:57 AM)fallsdog Wrote:  The Fallsdog Five for Engaging KSU Hoops Fans:

1 - Clean up and turn down the music at the MAC Center. Let the fans hear the person next to them talk. Also, the Flash Brass provides a better atmosphere than the latest hip hop artist. Don't be something your fans are NOT!

2 - Engage the surrounding community. Youth Basketball leagues, churches, elementary schools. Get them in the building and give them some popcorn. The kids will ask to come back. So would senior citizens if you want to really get creative.

3 - Get into the dinning halls on gameday. Pass out vouchers for a free popcorn with a drink purchase or a buy one slice of pizza get the second free. They are still college kids. Free and Food are good things.

4 - Don't tier ticket prices. Its a nickel and dime insult.

5 - Put together a panel of fans each year and listen to them. Invite them to the MAC Center an hour before tip, have a quick roundtable to sound them off and then walk them through the place. Let them see the locker room, meet the players. Get a photo or two. Mix it up. A few season ticket holders, a few students and some random fans that you invite the game before.

Little things make a big difference!

I like 1 and 2. Three and five have been tried and I assume they made little difference although they probably never kept track and if they did couldn’t find the data if their life depended on it.
To point number one I sat next to some fans last night. A son from California bringing his local parents to the game. During the hype video before the player introductions all three had to cover their ears. It was even loud for me and usually those things don’t bother me much. Those parents were very knowledgeable about high school sports and I presume could become fans but not after that!! Also the step from row A to the floor is about 50 feet and is not exactly old age friendly. The guy almost killed himself twice stepping down. I wonder if the people at Kent could sit down with Rocket Mortgage and Progressive Field personal and get some Customer Service tips. I buy 4 Guardians tickets and 2 MAC Tournament tickets and get inundated with surveys and requests for my opinions. I’ve never been asked a thing from Kent even though I have bought season tickets forever. I get their begging for money e-mails but little else.
01-19-2023 09:43 AM
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Muskrat Online
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RE: Marketing and Fan Engagement
All of this is interesting, but what a sad commentary when you consider the product that the program is putting on the court not just this season but for the last quarter-century. Normally, the best way to bring in fans is to give them a winning team. It's a shame that the winning this program has done can't being in 5,000 fans a game when you consider the number of people who like basketball and who live within 30 minutes of the MACC.
01-19-2023 01:43 PM
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AlphaFlash Offline
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RE: Marketing and Fan Engagement
I'm more concerned with why this office can't hold a position. Were things mentioned above tried and failed which caused the vacancy or was the past personnel being shot down and quit?
01-19-2023 01:51 PM
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Polish Hammer Offline
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RE: Marketing and Fan Engagement
All I know is all I know, having been around KSU sports many years as well as having season tickets, and comparing it to other schools I have done the same with, it's light years apart and is inferior in every single aspect. Yet nobody does anything significant to change it. I used to be able to pull to Laing and have a conversation, make suggestions, etc....unfortunately that went away with his retirement. My thoughts and feelings on everything changed with Joel, but he's gone now and with the new guy I was hoping for better and it's still much of the same.

I have season tickets elsewhere and have frequent contact with anybody in the donations office to the AD and everyone in between; fun functions outside of the games and the occasional calls just to keep the lines of communication open. And as soon as each season is over I get a very thorough survey about how they met the expectations and/or could do better. The suggestions are given thought and fixed if at all possible.

Status quo wins out, when somebody comes in and then gets no support for change, they decide to leave such a dysfunctional place, so we just keep on keeping on. Like Muskrat says, we have had the success which is usually a leading factor that keep people away when you don't have it. That we've done well and not capitalized on it is a major failure on the department. So many of the workers, athletes and fans over the years seemed to be more dedicated and cared far more than we should have. The simplest of tasks are difficult for KSU, thinking back to people asking about any updates on their season tickets. It's not like we have 40000 season ticket holders, it shouldn't be hard to figure this stuff out. Anyway, with this new person filling this role, good luck, hope they bring innovative ways to get things done, but 5 in 5 years tells us we'll be looking for #6 sooner rather than later.
01-19-2023 02:37 PM
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ksu315 Offline
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RE: Marketing and Fan Engagement
(01-19-2023 02:37 PM)Polish Hammer Wrote:  All I know is all I know, having been around KSU sports many years as well as having season tickets, and comparing it to other schools I have done the same with, it's light years apart and is inferior in every single aspect. Yet nobody does anything significant to change it. I used to be able to pull to Laing and have a conversation, make suggestions, etc....unfortunately that went away with his retirement. My thoughts and feelings on everything changed with Joel, but he's gone now and with the new guy I was hoping for better and it's still much of the same.

I have season tickets elsewhere and have frequent contact with anybody in the donations office to the AD and everyone in between; fun functions outside of the games and the occasional calls just to keep the lines of communication open. And as soon as each season is over I get a very thorough survey about how they met the expectations and/or could do better. The suggestions are given thought and fixed if at all possible.

Status quo wins out, when somebody comes in and then gets no support for change, they decide to leave such a dysfunctional place, so we just keep on keeping on. Like Muskrat says, we have had the success which is usually a leading factor that keep people away when you don't have it. That we've done well and not capitalized on it is a major failure on the department. So many of the workers, athletes and fans over the years seemed to be more dedicated and cared far more than we should have. The simplest of tasks are difficult for KSU, thinking back to people asking about any updates on their season tickets. It's not like we have 40000 season ticket holders, it shouldn't be hard to figure this stuff out. Anyway, with this new person filling this role, good luck, hope they bring innovative ways to get things done, but 5 in 5 years tells us we'll be looking for #6 sooner rather than later.

You speak of this dysfunction but according to Dave Carducci Joel was the problem, created a website to try and get him run and then when he left everyone was supposed to be so happy and productive and everything fixed. HMMM how has that worked out??
01-19-2023 02:53 PM
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dannyb73 Offline
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RE: Marketing and Fan Engagement
I will make one point that probably drives some people away. And I am not being a dick or a hater. I understand and respect the nature of the relationship and her passion, but SuperFan's shreiking would make it very difficult for me to attend on a night to night basis. I have a hard time watching from Memphis with volume.
01-19-2023 03:10 PM
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thanksjim Offline
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RE: Marketing and Fan Engagement
(01-19-2023 03:10 PM)dannyb73 Wrote:  I will make one point that probably drives some people away. And I am not being a dick or a hater. I understand and respect the nature of the relationship and her passion, but SuperFan's shreiking would make it very difficult for me to attend on a night to night basis. I have a hard time watching from Memphis with volume.

I've always wondered the data on opposing teams free throws coming to the MACC with SuperFan. Is there a statically significant difference?
01-19-2023 03:58 PM
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burden Offline
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RE: Marketing and Fan Engagement
(01-19-2023 03:10 PM)dannyb73 Wrote:  I will make one point that probably drives some people away. And I am not being a dick or a hater. I understand and respect the nature of the relationship and her passion, but SuperFan's shreiking would make it very difficult for me to attend on a night to night basis. I have a hard time watching from Memphis with volume.

She’s calmed down a bit over the years. Probably not because she wants to but she’s not that young anymore. Probably in her 50’s. She seems to save it for key moments. She still has more key moments than I do however. I doubt she’s the reason for low attendance. Might draw 1625 instead of 1600. If she is causing crowds to drop from 5000 to 1600 I can find some good uses for her elsewhere.
01-19-2023 04:34 PM
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burden Offline
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RE: Marketing and Fan Engagement
(01-19-2023 01:43 PM)Muskrat Wrote:  All of this is interesting, but what a sad commentary when you consider the product that the program is putting on the court not just this season but for the last quarter-century. Normally, the best way to bring in fans is to give them a winning team. It's a shame that the winning this program has done can't being in 5,000 fans a game when you consider the number of people who like basketball and who live within 30 minutes of the MACC.

I’m not sure just winning works anymore. Look at Progressive Field’s planned updates. They are turning the upper deck and some other areas into the worlds largest bar. Twenty five percent of the crowd won’t watch one pitch unless they get hit by a foul ball or home run. Winning works only if you are concerned with watching the game.
01-19-2023 04:41 PM
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Polish Hammer Offline
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RE: Marketing and Fan Engagement
(01-19-2023 02:53 PM)ksu315 Wrote:  
(01-19-2023 02:37 PM)Polish Hammer Wrote:  All I know is all I know, having been around KSU sports many years as well as having season tickets, and comparing it to other schools I have done the same with, it's light years apart and is inferior in every single aspect. Yet nobody does anything significant to change it. I used to be able to pull to Laing and have a conversation, make suggestions, etc....unfortunately that went away with his retirement. My thoughts and feelings on everything changed with Joel, but he's gone now and with the new guy I was hoping for better and it's still much of the same.

I have season tickets elsewhere and have frequent contact with anybody in the donations office to the AD and everyone in between; fun functions outside of the games and the occasional calls just to keep the lines of communication open. And as soon as each season is over I get a very thorough survey about how they met the expectations and/or could do better. The suggestions are given thought and fixed if at all possible.

Status quo wins out, when somebody comes in and then gets no support for change, they decide to leave such a dysfunctional place, so we just keep on keeping on. Like Muskrat says, we have had the success which is usually a leading factor that keep people away when you don't have it. That we've done well and not capitalized on it is a major failure on the department. So many of the workers, athletes and fans over the years seemed to be more dedicated and cared far more than we should have. The simplest of tasks are difficult for KSU, thinking back to people asking about any updates on their season tickets. It's not like we have 40000 season ticket holders, it shouldn't be hard to figure this stuff out. Anyway, with this new person filling this role, good luck, hope they bring innovative ways to get things done, but 5 in 5 years tells us we'll be looking for #6 sooner rather than later.

You speak of this dysfunction but according to Dave Carducci Joel was the problem, created a website to try and get him run and then when he left everyone was supposed to be so happy and productive and everything fixed. HMMM how has that worked out??
If you gutted the department by driving out a bunch of experienced workers that cared about the school and department you’re not left with much to work with. And while I don’t see this new guy doing anything special, I don’t believe he’s fostered a toxic workplace either. Also, I did see the mentions of record setting donations, so I’m sure all is well with his boss.
01-19-2023 05:00 PM
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Polish Hammer Offline
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RE: Marketing and Fan Engagement
(01-19-2023 08:57 AM)fallsdog Wrote:  The Fallsdog Five for Engaging KSU Hoops Fans:

1 - Clean up and turn down the music at the MAC Center. Let the fans hear the person next to them talk. Also, the Flash Brass provides a better atmosphere than the latest hip hop artist. Don't be something your fans are NOT!

2 - Engage the surrounding community. Youth Basketball leagues, churches, elementary schools. Get them in the building and give them some popcorn. The kids will ask to come back. So would senior citizens if you want to really get creative.

3 - Get into the dinning halls on gameday. Pass out vouchers for a free popcorn with a drink purchase or a buy one slice of pizza get the second free. They are still college kids. Free and Food are good things.

4 - Don't tier ticket prices. Its a nickel and dime insult.

5 - Put together a panel of fans each year and listen to them. Invite them to the MAC Center an hour before tip, have a quick roundtable to sound them off and then walk them through the place. Let them see the locker room, meet the players. Get a photo or two. Mix it up. A few season ticket holders, a few students and some random fans that you invite the game before.

Little things make a big difference!
Reminds me, what is this Learfield we’re partnered with as are many other schools? What are they doing for us and how much money are we wasting on them? I looked them up to see what their services are, I thought they just had a hand in our multimedia rights. But then I go to their website and they say:

Learfield Wrote:“From tailgates to t-shirts. From courtside seats to esports leagues. On game day and every day. LEARFIELD is your connection to college sports and live events. We engage 182M+ loyal and passionate fans all across the US with unrivaled leadership across sponsorship, ticketing, licensing, and more. Our playbook is powered by media, technology, and data: unlocking value for university partners and venues while connecting brands to fans.”

Click on “Schools” to see what they claim to be experts at and then wonder how bad off we’d be if they were not helping us.

https://www.learfield.com/schools
01-19-2023 05:08 PM
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Muskrat Online
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RE: Marketing and Fan Engagement
(01-19-2023 04:41 PM)burden Wrote:  
(01-19-2023 01:43 PM)Muskrat Wrote:  All of this is interesting, but what a sad commentary when you consider the product that the program is putting on the court not just this season but for the last quarter-century. Normally, the best way to bring in fans is to give them a winning team. It's a shame that the winning this program has done can't being in 5,000 fans a game when you consider the number of people who like basketball and who live within 30 minutes of the MACC.

I’m not sure just winning works anymore. Look at Progressive Field’s planned updates. They are turning the upper deck and some other areas into the worlds largest bar. Twenty five percent of the crowd won’t watch one pitch unless they get hit by a foul ball or home run. Winning works only if you are concerned with watching the game.

Agree. Winning, alone, doesn't necessarily work like it once did. Over the decades there have been more and more competition for the entertainment time and dollar. Still, I think it's a necessary prerequisite. The "lovable losers" phenomenon has been pretty much played out, except maybe with the Cubs. Are thy still drawing even when they stink?
01-19-2023 05:10 PM
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BuckeyeFlyerFlash Offline
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RE: Marketing and Fan Engagement
I think its the whole product/ fan experience to a degree. I attended the Toledo game with my son (class of 2018) and two of my fellow grads from the early 80's.

I think its the whole facility presentation! its like going to a dumpy/dirty movie theatre to watch a new blockbuster movie and you cant bring yourself to go back because the experience is so dated and inferior!! the blue curtain across the top of the upper west side of the stands??? no fan experience games events at tv time outs or halftime to get students out to win $$/prizes/merch??

I hope it can be improved as I think it is tarnishing the very good/ entetaining team we have!!
01-19-2023 06:16 PM
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ksur1 Offline
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RE: Marketing and Fan Engagement
(01-19-2023 03:10 PM)dannyb73 Wrote:  I will make one point that probably drives some people away. And I am not being a dick or a hater. I understand and respect the nature of the relationship and her passion, but SuperFan's shreiking would make it very difficult for me to attend on a night to night basis. I have a hard time watching from Memphis with volume.

Danny B, I agree with your observation. No, her absence or presence alone doesn’t affect crowd count, but throw that together with the myriad of other negatives, attendance is impacted.

No one has mentioned the lack of radio coverage for the past two years. We’ve had to go on the Kent State sports website to hear the games. Getting 850 WKNR for the conference games has made a big difference. If you want to be treated with class, you got to display some yourself.

I may have the ear of a local sports writer to implore him to write more about this special team.
(This post was last modified: 01-19-2023 06:44 PM by ksur1.)
01-19-2023 06:39 PM
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Muskrat Online
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RE: Marketing and Fan Engagement
Not only no terrestrial radio, but no reporter anywhere assigned to coverage. How many attend those post-game press conferences?
(This post was last modified: 01-19-2023 06:44 PM by Muskrat.)
01-19-2023 06:41 PM
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