View Full Version : J.D. Power and Associates finds MLS fans most satisfied
RBourd52
16 Jan 2003, 01:32 PM
Disclaimer: I work for J.D. Power.
We just issued the following press release regarding our "Major Market Sports Report." Not surprisingly, the big sports do well. However, MLS fans were found to be the most satisfied with their experience when attending games.
Here is the link.
http://www.jdpa.com/presspass/pressrelease.asp?ID=2003003
falcon6
16 Jan 2003, 01:38 PM
Should send this to the Lupicas and Romes of the world. Great article.
cpwilson80
16 Jan 2003, 01:45 PM
Thanks for the link....are you guys able to release the actual data? Great job to MLS
Wasn't this the internet survey that was posted on BS a few months ago and probably had numerous BS posters stuffing the ballot on? Who said BS can't make a difference? :p
RBourd52
16 Jan 2003, 01:55 PM
Originally posted by cpwilson80
Thanks for the link....are you guys able to release the actual data? Great job to MLS
The results and findings are available on a subscription basis. Very useful stuff for those who decide to buy.
What you see in the press release is what will be shared publicly.
cpwilson80
16 Jan 2003, 02:01 PM
Originally posted by PZ
Wasn't this the internet survey that was posted on BS a few months ago and probably had numerous BS posters stuffing the ballot on? Who said BS can't make a difference? :p
The very same. I'm glad MLS made such a positive impression. And really, with $10 tickets and some great soccer, you really can't go wrong :)
SoFla Metro
16 Jan 2003, 02:07 PM
Originally posted by falcon6
Should send this to the Lupicas and Romes of the world. Great article. What exactly does fan enjoyment at the venue have to do with media coverage? I enjoy demolition derbies, always have. It was a way for me to bond with my grandfather, who for whatever reason chose this as a cheap way to spend a Saturday night.
But he never got mad when the local newspaper didn't write an article about the event.
Etienne_72772
16 Jan 2003, 02:11 PM
Now if MLS is listening, they'll incorporate this message into their ad campaign.
But what's kind of interesting to me, as I read this, is that the lower attended sports tend to do very well at giving satisfying experiences to their fans. I see a couple of reasons why: These sports really have to treat their fans well--since there is such a small number of them. NFL fans can take their fans for granted because it is so popular--if someone decides not to go, two more will step up to take his or her place.
Also, MLS, WNBA, and to a lesser extent, NHL all have to have lower ticket prices because of their decreased popularity--which during the economic crisis at the time the poll was taken surely weighed heavily on the minds of the respondents.
AndyMead
16 Jan 2003, 02:17 PM
When 80% of the league makes the playoffs - what's not to like?
falcon6
16 Jan 2003, 02:18 PM
Originally posted by SoFla Metro
What exactly does fan enjoyment at the venue have to do with media coverage? I enjoy demolition derbies, always have. It was a way for me to bond with my grandfather, who for whatever reason chose this as a cheap way to spend a Saturday night.
But he never got mad when the local newspaper didn't write an article about the event.
Your comparing soccer to the demolition derby? Yikes.
cpwilson80
16 Jan 2003, 02:21 PM
Originally posted by Etienne_72772
Now if MLS is listening, they'll incorporate this message into their ad campaign.
But what's kind of interesting to me, as I read this, is that the lower attended sports tend to do very well at giving satisfying experiences to their fans. I see a couple of reasons why: These sports really have to treat their fans well--since there is such a small number of them. NFL fans can take their fans for granted because it is so popular--if someone decides not to go, two more will step up to take his or her place.
Also, MLS, WNBA, and to a lesser extent, NHL all have to have lower ticket prices because of their decreased popularity--which during the economic crisis at the time the poll was taken surely weighed heavily on the minds of the respondents.
Good points. The other one that I would add is how personable the players are (I forget how that attribute was represented in the survey.) I've been to games where an opposing player (let's just call him A. Lalas) was heckled for 90 minutes, and yet still took time out on his way to the lockers to sign autographs. There is a sense of pride in most of these players that more than anything, they want soccer to succeed; they are acting as great ambassadors for the sport.
dawgpound2
16 Jan 2003, 02:22 PM
Originally posted by AndyMead
When 80% of the league makes the playoffs - what's not to like?
-the fact that MLS hasn't signed Beckham, Ronaldo, Figo, Zidane, Shevchenko, Recoba, et al.
-the fact that "MSL" jerseys are ugly.
-the fact that we don't have promotion/relegation like they do in Europe.
-the fact that the league actually isn't in Europe.
and on, and on, and on....
SoFla Metro
16 Jan 2003, 02:34 PM
Originally posted by falcon6
Your comparing soccer to the demolition derby? Yikes. No, I was wondering why you were equating a survey (which apparently was ballot-stuffed by BS.com folks) showing that people enjoyed going to MLS games with a need to show the article to guys who don't care about soccer.
I'll let you in on a secret - they don't care about soccer. This isn't going to change their minds.
Lanky134
16 Jan 2003, 02:36 PM
Originally posted by AndyMead
When 80% of the league makes the playoffs - what's not to like?
When you root for one of the 20%...:)
MikeLastort2
16 Jan 2003, 02:54 PM
Originally posted by Lanky134
When you root for one of the 20%...:)
Could be worse. At least you and I aren't rooting for the Metros, Lanky.
:)
Chicago1871
16 Jan 2003, 02:56 PM
Originally posted by falcon6
Should send this to the Lupicas and Romes of the world. Great article.
Romey's response: "All 10 fans of MLS were satisfied according to JD Power and Assoc." He may be a closet soccer fan, but he isn't ready to let everyone know it.
AndyMead
16 Jan 2003, 03:03 PM
Originally posted by Lanky134
When you root for one of the 20%...:)
At least you can watch your team on TV.
Lanky134
16 Jan 2003, 03:05 PM
Originally posted by AndyMead
At least you can watch your team on TV.
Yeah, you guys got screwed on that.
Scoey
16 Jan 2003, 03:48 PM
Originally posted by Etienne_72772
Also, MLS, WNBA, and to a lesser extent, NHL all have to have lower ticket prices because of their decreased popularity--which during the economic crisis at the time the poll was taken surely weighed heavily on the minds of the respondents.
I don't think is correct. I don't have any data offhand, but I'm pretty sure NHL tickets are just as expensive as NBA tickets. IRRC, in Philly, they were more expensive and harder to get.
AndyMead
16 Jan 2003, 03:59 PM
Originally posted by Scoey
I don't think is correct. I don't have any data offhand, but I'm pretty sure NHL tickets are just as expensive as NBA tickets. IRRC, in Philly, they were more expensive and harder to get.
NHL can't afford to lower ticket prices. They make as much off of TV as MLS does, yet their average player salary is 1.6million. Ticket revenues are their main income source.
It's a real catch-22, and why many folks are expecting a long lockout/strike next fall after the CBA expires.
What you won't see - is the league letting the Senators or Sabres fail. While that would send a great message to the players, it would actually hurt the owners worse, as their ability to continue financing the debt they have would become more difficult as lenders become more wary.
The NHL is in a bigtime mess.