The Varsity The Varsity Live From SF!
Apr 20, 2025
Larry Baer, President and CEO of the San Francisco Giants, along with Fox Sports executive Ben Valenta, dive into the art of community-building in sports. They discuss the Giants' commitment to enhancing neighborhood connections and Fox Sports' data-driven fan engagement strategies. The conversation explores the challenges of appealing to younger audiences, finding funding for new ballparks, and the balance between spending and success in baseball. Audience questions spark lively discussions about the emotional ties between fans and their teams.
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Giants' Private Ballpark Journey
- Larry Baer shares how the Giants privately built Oracle Park after four failed public ballots.
- The team spent a decade developing surrounding community spaces, believing community enhances fan experience.
Fandom Builds Community & Wellbeing
- Ben Valenta explains fandom creates community, enriching fans' social networks and wellbeing.
- Dense fan engagement correlates with improved happiness, gratitude, and social trust.
Sports Are Belonging, Not Just Entertainment
- Ben Valenta reframes sports as belonging, not just entertainment.
- This mindset shifts how teams address engagement challenges beyond gameplay.