Dave Kaval, President of the Oakland A's, shares his journey in sports management and the bold move to Las Vegas. He discusses the cultural significance of baseball and the challenges faced during the stadium transition. Kaval dives into the innovative design of the new ballpark, aimed at enhancing fan engagement and attracting younger audiences. He emphasizes the importance of stakeholder relationships and analytics in building a successful franchise. Prepare for a riveting insight into the future of baseball in a vibrant new city!
Dave Kaval emphasizes the crucial role of technology, such as 5G, in enhancing fan experiences and increasing revenue at stadiums.
Kaval's career journey, beginning with a transformative trip to all MLB stadiums, shaped his vision for fan engagement and community value.
With the A's transition to Las Vegas, Kaval aims to leverage a new stadium to deepen community connections and drive team performance.
Deep dives
Importance of Connectivity in Modern Sports Venues
A significant focus is placed on the role of technology in enhancing fan experiences within sports venues. Fast Wi-Fi and 5G capabilities are vital for mobile transactions and social media engagement, as fans increasingly rely on their phones for tickets and payments. For instance, Boingo Wireless emphasizes its impact by achieving a 10% increase in food and beverage revenue at Petco Park through improved mobile payment systems. The need for connectivity is underscored by the expectation that fans should be able to share their experiences instantly online.
Dave Cavill's Journey in Sports Management
Dave Cavill, president of the A's, recounts a transformative trip he took after graduating from Stanford, visiting all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums in 38 days. This trip sparked his interest in sports management and led to a career that includes significant roles in both soccer and baseball. Cavill's experience has shaped his vision for enhancing fan experiences and understanding the sport's community value. His writing of the book 'The Summer That Saved Baseball' marked a pivotal moment in his journey.
The Future of the A's in Las Vegas
The A's organization is transitioning from Oakland to Las Vegas, planning to leverage a new stadium to boost fan engagement and team performance. The team's leadership aims to connect with local communities, emphasizing grassroots initiatives and involvement in youth sports to build a loyal fan base. Cavill discusses the upcoming interim period in Sacramento and emphasizes the excitement surrounding a new venue on the Las Vegas Strip. With a predicted completion in 2028, this move is seen as a significant opportunity for reestablishing the team's identity.
Embracing Analytics and Player Development
As president of the A's, Cavill highlights the importance of analytics and player development in building a successful franchise. The organization's history with the 'Moneyball' approach has established a solid foundation for talent acquisition and development. Cavill discusses the invaluable insights gained through observing the game's evolution and the need to maintain a competitive edge. With additional financial resources from the upcoming stadium, the team is poised to retain and attract top talent.
The Impact of Broadcasting on Baseball's Future
Cavill addresses the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting and its implications for Major League Baseball's future. As regional sports networks decline, there is a push for centralized media rights, creating the potential for greater national and global reach. This strategy could significantly enhance the league's visibility and profitability, underscoring the necessity of marketing star players effectively. The conversation highlights the opportunity for baseball to capitalize on its unique position in live sports entertainment.
PODCAST: Dave Kaval, President of the A’s (@Athletics), sits down for an in-depth conversation with Brian Berger at the Sports Business Radio Road Show presented by Boingo at the Boingo Innovation Center in Las Vegas in front of a studio audience. Kaval discusses his career working in sports, the move of the A’s out of Oakland and the road ahead to get a ballpark built in Las Vegas that will serve as the new home for the A’s. Kaval also discusses the overall state of Major League Baseball.
LISTEN to Sports Business Radio on Apple podcasts or Spotify podcasts. Give Sports Business Radio a 5-star rating if you enjoy our podcast. Click on the plus sign on our Apple Podcasts page and follow the Sports Business Radio podcast.
Follow Sports Business Radio on Twitter @SBRadio and on Instagram, Threads and Tik Tok @SportsBusinessRadio.
This week’s edition of Sports Business Radio is presented by Boingo Wireless. Teams like the LA Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bears and San Diego Padres trust Boingo to connect their stadiums and arenas with cutting-edge 5G and Wi-Fi.
From mobile ticketing to security cameras to kiosks, connect every piece of stadium technology with Boingo’s converged wireless networks. As you plan for the future of your stadium, make 5G part of your gameplan and choose Boingo Wireless as your trusted connectivity partner.
Learn more by downloading Boingo’s free 5G Playbook for Stadiums & Arenas. Head to boingo.com/5Gstadium to get your copy.