Brad Seymour, President of the Windy City Bulls, shares insights on running a successful minor league basketball franchise. Topics discussed include Brad's career path, differences between minor league and G League teams, ticket sales strategies, tailoring promotions, partnering with arena management, and guiding younger staff.
Corporate partnerships are crucial for the growth of minor league sports franchises, offering benefits like marketing platforms and exclusive perks for partners.
Focusing resources on special events and promotions during weekends helps drive attendance and create a fun and engaging experience for fans.
Community engagement and outreach are key factors in the success of minor league sports franchises, fostering relationships, educating potential fans, and building lasting connections.
Deep dives
The Power of Corporate Partnerships in Growing the Business
The podcast episode discusses the importance of corporate partnerships in driving the growth of minor league sports franchises. Brad Seymour, president of the Windy City Bulls, shares his experience in building successful partnerships with local businesses. These partnerships offer various benefits, including gaining access to the team's marketing platforms, such as LED signage and social media. Additionally, members of corporate partnerships receive perks such as floor seats, merchandise discounts, and exclusive events. By tapping into the Bulls' brand and leveraging community involvement, these partnerships help create a sense of community and support for the team.
Balancing Promotions and Attendance for Game Days
The podcast delves into the strategy of game day promotions and managing attendance for minor league sports. It is highlighted that focusing resources on special events, such as giveaways and appearances by Bulls alumni, primarily takes place on weekends when attendance is higher. Weeknight games are not heavily promoted, but the experience and quality of the game are maintained for all attendees. The goal is to provide a fun and engaging experience for fans, regardless of the specific day of the game. This strategy helps create a joyful and entertaining atmosphere for supporters, building a loyal and enthusiastic fan base.
The Importance of Community Engagement in Marketing Efforts
The episode emphasizes the significance of community engagement and outreach in the success of minor league sports franchises. Brad Seymour shares how the Windy City Bulls actively participate in community events, festivals, and outreach programs to foster relationships and educate people about the G-League and the team. By attending these events, the Bulls aim to connect with potential fans, introduce them to the team, and promote the exciting experience fans can expect at games. The team's focus on local partnerships and engagement contributes to building a strong sense of community support and creating lasting connections with fans.
Taking Advantage of the Bulls Brand to Drive Local Partnerships
The podcast episode highlights the advantage of leveraging the Bulls brand to drive local partnerships. The Windy City Bulls benefit from the association with the highly recognized Bulls basketball brand. This association helps attract local partners who want to support the team and increase their own visibility in the community. The team's marketing efforts are focused on engaging the Hoffman Estates area with targeted advertising and local collaborations. By aligning their brand with the trusted Bulls name, the Windy City Bulls strengthen their community presence and contribute to the growth of their local partnerships.
Embracing Creativity and Learning from Mistakes
The podcast emphasizes the importance of embracing creativity and being open to making mistakes in the world of minor league sports. Brad Seymour shares his experience in turning around struggling franchises and implementing new ideas to enhance game experiences and profitability. He stresses the value of taking risks and trying new things, as this is the only way to grow and improve. Learning from small failures and adapting strategies leads to continuous improvement and success. Brad also expresses pride in helping team members develop their skills and move on to bigger opportunities, further contributing to the overall growth and success of the organization.
In this episode, we speak with Brad Seymour, President of the Windy City Bulls, the G League affiliate of the Chicago Bulls. Brad shares his insights on running a successful minor league basketball franchise, including how they approach ticket sales, promotions, partnerships, and creating a great fan experience.
Key topics discussed:
Brad's career path from baseball to basketball, and his philosophy on creativity and not being afraid to fail
Differences between independent minor league teams vs NBA-affiliated G League teams
How the Windy City Bulls focus ticket sales on group outings rather than individual season tickets
Tailoring promotions and giveaways towards weekend games vs lower attendance weeknights
Partnering with arena management to enhance branding and fan experience
Leveraging resources from the Chicago Bulls while still maintaining autonomy over Windy City's messaging
Guiding younger staff and taking pride in their development and growth
We feel like there is much to be learned from Brad's time in minor league sports, and you'll gain useful insights into engaging fans, corporate partners, and the local community. Tune in to hear Brad's minor league sports wisdom!
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