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.
49:49
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Creating a vibrant community around sports teams enhances fan engagement and fosters loyalty beyond just winning games.
- The shifting media landscape requires teams to innovate their digital content strategies to connect with younger, multi-platform fans.
Deep dives
Building Community in Sports
Creating a strong sense of community is essential for enhancing fan engagement in sports. The conversation highlights that mere winning is not enough; teams must actively foster a connection with their local community to cultivate loyalty. For instance, the San Francisco Giants have focused on developing the area around their ballpark to create a vibrant community space that goes beyond just the games. This strategy demonstrates how physical infrastructure can contribute to a welcoming environment that encourages community bonding and participation.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
