Sports Marketing 

How Do Professional Sports Plan for a Down Economy?

Sheff states: On a ball park standpoint:  How do you get people into the seats for the games?

• 42% of Cleveland's ticket inventory reduced the price to bring people to the ball park

On a marketing standpoint:

• One should go after qualified prospects who really recognize the importance of reaching fans--no matter how many!
• There will always be attendees to the games (the core fans)

Impact of Losing a Superstar?

• Remember: You have to talk to prospects and current partners and express that people will come to the games regardless (the core fans)
• Talk about the media tools (TV exposure, etc.)
• Radio: People will still listen, whether at the game or not
• "The more you manage expectations, the more you can manage expectations with partners." --It's important to be on the same page with sponsors/partners and to be prepared for whatever happens