Marketing ideas?

[EpiK-KA14]

In an effort to get fans back into the seats, has anyone heard of any of the 'Canes new marketing strategies?

Has anyone heard of any strategies being used in other markets that may be a good idea here?

--------

One idea I had heard that I thought was absolutely brilliant was aimed at students.

Show up at the box office with your college ID 15 minutes prior to face-off and you can buy ANY remaining unsold ticket for $10. Doesn't matter if it's center ice along the glass or in the boonies of 328 - if it's unsold 15 minutes before the game you can have it for $10.

Thoughts?

[Turbulence]

Show up at the box office with your college ID 15 minutes prior to face-off and you can buy ANY remaining unsold ticket for $10. Doesn't matter if it's center ice along the glass or in the boonies of 328 - if it's unsold 15 minutes before the game you can have it for $10

Yes, please.
I say that because it would be great for me. But it wouldn't bring revenue in, it would just add to the attendence numbers.

But maybe that's the good strategy...get the place full (relatively...) of rowdy college students and paint games as exciting and fun, and watch all the people come into the arena. Maybe somehow tie it into NC State's sports programs. That's a very neat idea.

One of the articles in the paper said something like...4 games, 4 hot dogs, 4 drinks for $60 which seems like a neat idea. There needs to be something to cater to the bread and butter of the fanbase though...something like a 'Family Pack' to bring in the hoards of minivans.

[hyena]

i know this is a serious thread, but how about a Canes car wash for Charity? i know i wouldn't mind paying big bucks to have a shirtless Cane wash my car, with the proceeds going to charity. think of the publicity! :D

back to the topic though, your idea about the $10 ticket SOUNDS good, but as an STH, i'd be pissed off if i paid...say...$50 for my ticket and knew that the person next to me only paid $10.

[hyena]

oh, and they still need a TV show. all the local College coaches have a show on sunday mornings.....the Canes should have one too. have Lavi talk about the previous weeks games, show highlights, have player interviews, etc...

[nccanes]

I think that I idea is great, but has to have some limits. I think STHs can tolerate a limited number of better deals that have special requirements (game day or your 15 minute rule), but it can't be offered all the time w/o diminishing the value of the STH as hyena mentioned. If attendance takes a few years to bounce back, then great, great seats would be available just about every single game for that $10.

Limit it to Mon-Wed games or certain games.

I think the 4 pack (seats/dogs/drinks) has to come back.

I'd also like to see the 10 game plans be structured so that they can be used for a wider range of games or quantity. Like a flex pass. 2 ten game packs would basically get your 20 tickets. If you want to use 4 for 1 game, great.

[corylav]

Well, the Mariners used to have "Jay Buhner Buzzcut Night" ... come with a bald head, getin for free ...

How about Eric Staal Redhead Night?

[ontheboards]

I like what the Panthers are doing in Florida-- the guerilla advertising-- pasting up announcements, billboards. Instead of "there's a cold front coming" really market the Hurricane nickname with
"there's a storm approaching", "It's Hurricane Season...AGAIN," "Stormwarning," "Hurricane Watch, "Ugraded" Hurricane Warning," etc... Just good advertising across the Triangle for a start...

[Canesluver]

I think that I idea is great, but has to have some limits. I think STHs can tolerate a limited number of better deals that have special requirements (game day or your 15 minute rule), but it can't be offered all the time w/o diminishing the value of the STH as hyena mentioned. If attendance takes a few years to bounce back, then great, great seats would be available just about every single game for that $10.

As a STH, I think that's a great point. But... if they'd throw the STH's free parking, or some food/beverage vouchers, then the price they'd sell individual seats wouldn't really bother me.

As OTB mentioned, agressive advertising is what is needed, in the way of marketing. Generating excitement in people who might be marginally interested is what will get butts in the seats more than what the ticket price is.

Get the word out - on billboards - on TV - on bags of ice, even! You know that "mini-page" thing that's in the N&O for kids once a week? Generate a min-page pull-out that has pix of the players and rules of the game.

They basically need to go back to square one-- back to 1997-- and get the buzz going to regenerate a fan base.

How 'bout a new slogan like, "Hockey! It's better than basketball!" :beatup:
And do a commercial than morphs between 'Canes in basketball uniforms playing hockery... then into 'Canes in hockey uniforms trying to play basketball.... then it ends w/2 players in full hockey dress skating to a screetching halt up to the camera, spraying the lens w/snow-- and you then hear the voiceover --"Hockey! It's better than basketball!!"

How's that? :lol:

[EpiK-KA14]

The reason I like the $10 tickets is multifold

A) It will help put bodies in the seats for the less exciting games, which besides the small revenue boost for the cost of the tickets, the team will still get any parking and concession the students consume. The Canes need some good numbers to show we deserve a team, and a body is still a body, even at a reduced gate price

B) There won't be that many of them available for the big games, and NONE of them for any sell-outs - creating a demand for the tickets

C) College kids tend to get excitement and can help "rock the house" more than the average folk. (Sorry average folk :beatup: )

D) STH shouldn't be too upset. Their seats will always be there for them, they know where they will be sitting each game, and they get additional bonuses and cracks at playoff tickets the rest of the people don't get. Remember, there is no guarantee these $10 seats will actually be "lower bowl" and if they don't act fast it's still possible for these college kids to show up and not get in at all...

E) It's a fairly painless campaign. These are seats that would be EMPTY otherwise, and that's not good for anyone.

Anyway, good points and ideas all around. :D

[Canesluver]

This just came to my V.P.'s Email (his 13 year old is a very good forward-so we always have a love of hockey in common). This was just sent to all members of the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce:

The news we have all been waiting for is here. THE CAROLINA HURRICANES WILL BE BACK FOR THE 2005-2006 SEASON! Yesterday the NHL players' association and league agreed in principle on a collective bargaining agreement. What does this mean for you? It means that, pending ratification by the players, there will be hockey at the RBC Center again and they need your support.

The Carolina Hurricanes are an incredibly important asset to our community and region. Consider the national and international exposure they bring to our region with every match-up. Or the immediate economic benefits that are realized every time they take to the ice in the RBC Center. The Hurricanes are more than just a hometown team - they are a critical component to our communities vitality.

For tickets or team information please visit http://www.carolinahurricanes.com.

Harvey Schmitt
President and CEO
Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce

[puck_it]

Well, the Mariners used to have "Jay Buhner Buzzcut Night" ... come with a bald head, getin for free ...

How about Eric Staal Redhead Night?

Jeff O'Neill night. Get plastered at the game, get a free cab ride home.

[Mona]

Well, the Mariners used to have "Jay Buhner Buzzcut Night" ... come with a bald head, getin for free ...

How about Eric Staal Redhead Night?

Jeff O'Neill night. Get plastered at the game, get a free cab ride home.

Shamey shamey.. :p

They better get Pepsi to put those pictures of the players back on there. It used to be nice riding through town and see a Pepsi truck and there was O, Brindy, and Weekesy on there. Remind people.. put faces with the game.

[goalie33]

Doesn't matter if it's center ice along the glass or in the boonies of 328

Boonies? BOONIES?! God forbid I want to see what's happening on the whole surface. :beatup:

I like the idea, though.

[puck_it]

unfortunately, some of those seats have aticket sold but people dont go...

[SoCalcaniac]

Had to chime in- 328 isn't the boonies- Although we're now in 324 (couldn't pass up 2 dead center ice seats) Sec 328 is one of the rockin' sections in the RBC ;) I agree w/ g33- seeing the whole surface of the ice is a good thing. ;)

I'm down with the goodies for the college kids i.e cheap tix & packs - we have a huge 'college crowd' built in here- - nothing like youthful energy in the house ...... yo...... and I remember back in the day, back in SoCal, we had UCLA student night- show your ID card and head on in a Lakers game for 1/2 off on any seat (not valid on weekends- but Mon-Thu very popular) and they had USC night (ewww) and all the Cal State schools were in the mix as well- Dodgers still do it, not sure if the Staples center does it anymore, with the Lakers being a hot ticket and all-there were even buy-1 get one nights too w/ student ID.....

Like the brain storming going on- make sure you're sending them to Matt West and the crew...................

[PennsylvaniaCanesFan]

I think cheap tickets will get butts in the seats. If you can take a family out and not break the bank, people will come. Have local radio, TV, have ticket promotions.

The second thing is for the players. They have to come out, do charity work, sign autographs, etc. Basically they have to make themselves accessable. Someone said before about a car wash. As crazy as it sounds, it would work. Show the people that players are just everyday people like themselves. Perhaps have a skills show. Offer tickets to skate and scrimiage with players for $10 or so. Then donate ALL of the money to a charity. I would pay $20 to have Staal tell me I can't skate for anything and to forget even holding a hockey stick, let alone skate and shoot. :)

The third thing involves us. We have to take people to the games. Get the word out so to speak. Rest assure I will be venturing to the Raleigh area come wintertime.

[puck_it]

in the house ...... yo.....

fo' sho'

[AbNormal27]

NOW, the NHL's PR people need to do their damnedest to get the fans back. Would it be too much of a stretch for each team to run a contest like this to regenerate interest?

The only things I would do differently is open up the contest to anyone, not just STH and it would be an exhibition game. That way you'd cater to a larger audience and generate more interest at such an opportunity........ but it would be a way for those who pissed on all of us throughout this lockout, to give us something back. You know, "Sorry we screwed with all of you and took your game away for so long. To make it up a bit, we'd like you to be a player for one night!" . Who knows, maybe the winner could land a job!!?!! Just a thought.

Aaryn

:huh: Aaryn

[puck_it]

was this the sit behind the bench contest thing?

[AbNormal27]

Here's the whole post......

http://www.letsgocanes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=99091#99091

Aaryn

[puck_it]

heh thats pretty cool

[Shell]

I like the $10 ticket for students 15 mins prior to the game idea a lot.. it could generate interest and bring in some new fans.. it would also make us look better if there wasn't such an echo in the RBC.. we don't even have Coach Mo's obscenities for entertainment anymore ;)
I also think that the Family Fun Packs are a must.
I don't think it is a big deal personally if someone is next to me that paid less.. the chances of me striking up a conversation and asking what they paid are pretty remote. As it is, I have a tendency to buy the cheap seats and move wherever I want anyway and no one has ever seemed upset about it.
Different promotions work for different people. I can't use the student tickets since I am a working dud, and personally have no interest in the family packs since I don't want hot dogs or soda but I think they are both great tools in attracting new fans.
If they want to make me happy, they will send me some free parking passes when my tickets get mailed out :)

[SouthernHockeyChick]

If they want to make me happy, they will send me some free parking passes when my tickets get mailed out :)

That's pretty much what I'm hoping for too.

I don't have much problem with great deals for walk-ups since I do want the team to stay here. But, I still want some more good stuff for us STHs too.

[goalie33]

If they want to make me happy, they'll send me a refund check in lieu of free parking because I'd still park on the other side of Trinity even with a season pass :beatup:.

[Shell]

you obviously don't carry a 20 pound wriggling mass with you everywhere you go :beatup: ;)

[SouthernHockeyChick]

you obviously don't carry a 20 pound wriggling mass with you everywhere you go :beatup: ;)

Yeah, and Cole is bound to be pretty heavy too, huh?

;)

[Shell]

yeah he is.. but nothing on all of those empty beer bottles at the end of tailgating :p

[goalie33]

You're right, I usually leave the squid at home on game nights.

[Turbulence]

One word, sister: Nyquil. :D

[Shattered]

All of these ideas are great - I like the student discount & the free bus to State ideas.

Personally, I'd love parking passes and/or concession vouchers. Do any of the other teams offer an across-the-board food discount for STH? (I think it's illegal to discount beer, correct me if I'm wrong.)

[Mona]

If they want to make me happy, they will send me some free parking passes when my tickets get mailed out :)

That's pretty much what I'm hoping for too.

I don't have much problem with great deals for walk-ups since I do want the team to stay here. But, I still want some more good stuff for us STHs too.

I think for all of you that kept your money on account, you should receive free parking for the entire season. It's the least they could do IMO. :)

[aLADDin]

How about getting Jim Goodman in the door as an ownership partner? Access to channel 5 in Raleigh, channel 10 in Wilmington, plus radio everywhere- this has got to be tapped!

Warren

[Turbulence]

How about getting Jim Goodman in the door as an ownership partner? Access to channel 5 in Raleigh, channel 10 in Wilmington, plus radio everywhere- this has got to be tapped!

I think they had talked about this, and I think it'd be great to get some local investors in on the deal. Solidifies the franchise's place here in North Carolina, too.

[EpiK-KA14]

Someone said mail these ideas to Matt West. I assume this guy is the 'Canes marketing dude?

If that is the case, I have not done this. Someone want to volunteer that may have his address and previous contact with this guy?

I'd love to see what the team thinks about some of the thoughts going on here...

[nccanes]

One would guess his email address is mattw@carolinahurricanes.com if it's the standard format.

I think all the ideas are good as well.

From what JR said and what the article in today's paper says, Matt West already has all of the marketing/promo ideas set to go and will unveil them after the CBA is ratified.

http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/story/2595242p-9029422c.html

West said he would outline the Canes' new marketing strategy in detail next week after the new labor agreement is ratified.


Matt has struck me as the kind of guy that enjoys feedback, so while I doubt what is sent would show up in what he's got planned already, I think he'd be interested.

Best case scenario is that the new plans will have some of these ideas already. If not, I'd say they could use the help - the article says they are hiring!

The team plans to hire for 10 positions to boost marketing, promotions and fan development staffs, vice president of business operations Matt West said Thursday.

[PennsylvaniaCanesFan]

Here is a simple idea that would make fans come back. Send a few members of the playing squads to each arena gate. Personally shake hands with the fans and thank them for coming out to the game. I think a simple gesture like that would make a huge difference. At least to me it would.

[puck_it]

Here is a simple idea that would make fans come back. Send a few members of the playing squads to each arena gate. Personally shake hands with the fans and thank them for coming out to the game. I think a simple gesture like that would make a huge difference. At least to me it would.

while that would be fantastic, they need to be in the lockroom getting focused and ready for the game.by the time most people start coming they are doing the pregame warmup any way.

[nccanes]

I think the idea was *after* the game.

[puck_it]

:beatup:

well in that case most people haul ass out of there.

the players would have to take their skates off and throw some shoes on really fast and get up there to catch anyone. that would show killer dedication. full gear minus skates just to say thanks. sounds even better

[Mona]

To elaborate on the shaking hands idea, the could have more events after the games where the players sign autographs and let people get close to them. I know they are bushed after playing but if they can go out to party, they can greet some fans... and for the STHs, they should have more meet and greet mixers after the games like the little thingie they had for us after the Draft... and make it mandatory (or somewhat) for all the players to make an appearance and not bail at 60 mph from behind the arena.. *coughocough* :evil: Being visible to the community, the die-hard fans as well as the casual fan is crucial to the Canes being stable and staying here.

[Canesluver]

If you see this car 'round town, it's me! :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v295/tonka1960/paintjob.jpg

So.... I'm doing my part for marketing. Anybody else up for painting their car? :beatup:

[Shell]

That is most awesome Shawn! Great job!!

[SoCalcaniac]

CL- that rocks big time! love, love, love it!

What Bono is to U2......... Canesluver is to the Carolina Hurricanes................:lol:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Come paint mine!! :D

[AbNormal27]

I now know what I'm doing to the Canesmobile tomorrow.

Aaryn

[nccanes]

:lol: Leave it to CL to know exactly what to say - even if it's with paint on her car! :D

[puck_it]

Pimp my ride: hockey edition

[Gipper]

WOnder if they maybe could have the higher-ups meet 'n greet the fans as well. Jim Rutheford, this means you, sir GM person.

[goalie33]

You can have a meet-and-greet with JR whenever you want at PF Chang's. He's over there all the time like WHOA.

Seriously though, while the shaking hands is a cool idea in principle, it'd be both a logistical nightmare to get them upstairs in time AND the program would be cancelled after two or three times anyway because everyone who shook hands with a player would be severely grossed-out. They call it a face wash for a reason, y'know :beatup: :sick:.

[Fernando da Silva]

Pimp my ride: hockey edition

Just like some of my tuned Canemobiles that i made in Need For Speed Underground 2


Obs: i loved the sticker "My other car is a Zamboni". My dream is be owner of a tuned Zamboni.

[HockeyFan]

I am sooo glad the NHL is back...I have painted my car also, and been waving my Canes car flag...and since i just put 2 10 inch subs and an amp in my car...ive been blasting Rock You Like A Hurricane too :smoke: but I was talkin to mom about some marketing slogans the Canes could use (I also took a sports marketing class last year) and she came up with one...it is kind of a funny one but if you really think about it...it works.

Remember when the canes slogan was "Youll Know When You Go"? well my mom thought of

"Youll remember when you return" :spin:

They prolly wouldnt use it but I thought it was sorta cool...lol


Kenny

[PennsylvaniaCanesFan]

Brings up a good point. We need to get the theme song back to Rock You Like a Hurricane. Correct me if I am wrong, but didn't they use another song last year?

[hoosiercaniac]

Never will happen, but it is fun to dream up Marketing ideas...

OCT 5, 2005 - RALEIGH, NC. It's opening night...RBC is jam packed with those who want to get a glance at the new team along with the phenom, Sidney Crosby. The players come out and warm up and the recently elusive sounds of slapshots warm the insides of us hockey diehards known as Caniacs. (Marketing Idea #1) As the players clear the ice, they pick up the previously autographed pucks used as practice pucks and toss them into the stands (this gets people there early and buying beer/concessions for longer period of time). The players go back and secretly change into the Cane's new black 3rd jerseys. They come out to AC/DC blaring "Back in Black" (a play on word to new 3rd jersey color and new CBA meant to bring the 'Canes financial back in the black) to the surprise of the crowd to see the home team wearing black. (Marketing Idea #2a) The announcer comes across the loudspeaker and informs all season ticket and mini-season ticket holders in attendance are eligible to win these game worn jerseys in a drawing held in the second break. (Marketing Idea #2b) The announcer informs the crowd that if season ticket holders buy the new black jersey tonight they get free lettering/numbers...and of course we all want to be the first ones to have the black jersey with Crosby #87 or Brind'Amour #17 with the 'C'.

New Song? Well, maybe this is a new radio commercial song idea. How about Trick Daddy's "Let's Go" with the lyrics (other than the hook, Let's Go) changed/cleaned up to have some hockey/Cane's references. "Let's Go" would be appropriate, since we want people to just go to the games. Also, the song samples Ozzy Osbourne's Crazy Train, which would be recognized to the 35-45 yr old crowd (NHL's sweet spot), but also have the Top 40 and Rap crowd tie in.

[goalie33]

I like those ideas (except black jerseys, but that's just me...the AC/DC with the black jerseys is a nice concept), but using autographed pucks for warmup would scrape up the ink, if that matters to anyone. It's also impossible to get pucks to anyone behind the netting other than the people in the first row and those sitting next to the camera holes.

[nccanes]

Love the ideas AP! :D

[canefan2k1]

I came up with a marketing slogan before the lockout happened and ended up using it for my NHL 2k5 Hurricanes franchise.

"Category 5 Hockey"
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v285/canefan2k1/category5slogan.jpg

:cool:

[Turbulence]

I love it. :kiss:

[puck_it]

its a good slogan

[AbNormal27]

That's a neat concept. I like it.

Aaryn

[PennsylvaniaCanesFan]

I actually remember when that picture was from. It was from the OT game with the Pens when PL was hired as coach. O'Neill scored the game winner. But my memory is hazy at best.

[canefan2k1]

I actually remember when that picture was from. It was from the OT game with the Pens when PL was hired as coach. O'Neill scored the game winner. But my memory is hazy at best.

That is correct. :)

[Mona]

I actually remember when that picture was from. It was from the OT game with the Pens when PL was hired as coach. O'Neill scored the game winner. But my memory is hazy at best.

He won that game because I gave him a lucky pie! :) Lemon meringue actually.

[puck_it]

it had ended a O scoring drought too IIRC

[goalie33]

I think that was the game that Olcyzk came down and watched our warmup from the tunnel, and I psyched him out by nodding in quiet confidence.

[Night Train]

That shot is my background on my work computer. Heck, it was hard to find a background from a win....