As folks have been talking about offseason moves, I wondered about ideas we, hardcore Reds fans, would offer to Reds management to bolster attendance in coming years.
I'd be interested in hearing ideas from folks and perhaps we can send them on to the Reds for consideration. I've had some ideas, although I'll admit I'm not sure of their merit. I have no expertise in marketing, but always have ideas. Of course, they may be doing some of this already and we're just not aware of it.
Just a few ideas I've mulled over.
Spanish language marketing With a growing Hispanic population in the region, it would be good to reach out in some of the Spanish language publications and broadcasts (Channel 12, for instance, is beginning a Spanish newscast). While baseball is not universally played in Latin America, there are enough folks from the baseball playing countries, plus you can do presentations that teach the game to those not familiar with it. While soccer has supplanted baseball in many places, particular as the sport to be played, I think the Reds (and MLB) would do well to work towards drawing these customers to themselves. A few years ago, the Reds always had their van at the Hispanic festival in Carthage. I didn't see them there, but I always thought it would be great to get some of the Latin players there too.
Urban Radio & Newspaper Again, this may be happening, but I wonder how much outreach and advertising the Reds do specifically geared towards drawing more African American fans to the game. When I go to other parks, I notice a larger number of black fans than I do at our park. We should be drawing from the whole community. Outreach to city schools is a good place to begin too (and not just Cincinnati city schools, but Hamilton, Covington, Newport, Princeton, etc.).
Ticket Vouchers for Volunteers Say what you will, Uncle Carl, certainly was philanthropic with tickets (among other things). I'd love to see the Reds do something like giving vouchers to schools and organizations to distribute to the folks that volunteer or do service around the community. Just a little thank you and some times you may be introducing a person to a game they can learn to love.
Creative promotions We discussed this on another link a long time ago. Something like the Dodgers "sleep over" nights, watch the game, sleep out on the field, watch a baseball movie on the Jumbotron.
Expand the Reds radio network This is easier said than done, but every effort should be made to restore the breadth of the Reds radio market. The team's success was always with the largeness of the overall market. We always drew up into areas that were also Cardinals, Cubs, Pirates, Indians, Tigers, etc. Marge Schott did not understand that and let that go down. I know it probably isn't easy, but it should be tried nonetheless. Part of the problem though, is that local affiliates with a 150 miles usually are unnecessary because WLW's signal is so strong, particuarly in clear weather. I remember being in Chillicothe to see the Paints play and asking the folks which station broadcast the Reds game. "700" was the answer, no one knew who broadcast it out that way other than WLW.
Get the team out there, particularly in the offseason How many of us remember a Reds player coming to the opening of a gas station or a grocery store. Whenever possible, the Reds should find area players who are willing to go out and meet fans during the offseason.
Well there's a handful. Fire away.
Originally Posted by Heath
