Ask Silverbacks to play games online...

[Eleven Bravo]

i emailed the Silverbacks earlier about playing their games online so that people can stay up-to-date. Take people like me for example, i don't live in Atlanta and I still have a wife and daughter to support...i can't make road trips to Atlanta on the drop of a hat. But, i wouldn't mind paying like $20 a season to be able to watch the games online. Also, it'd be a way to rake in revenue for the away games as well.

Key points:
1) Have a video access portion on the Silverbacks website that includes interviews, highlights, and the entire games.
2) Make the interviews and highlights free so that you can spark an interest. Charge like $20-$30 bucks to have a season ticket pass to watch the games online.
3) Find a way to advertise the games will be played online in the AJC and as many newspapers as possible in GA...even try AL, TN, and MS. it'd be worth the pay-off.
4) Another money maker is to do the W-League and the U-23 team too. Women soccer fans might be so excited that they get to watch pro women's soccer that they'd probably pay to see it...charge say $10 bucks a season with the same setup as the Men's team. And the die-hard Silverbacks fans might be excited to know who their future stars are that they'd probably pay to watch their games online too...i'd charge probably around $10 with the same setup.

[chlaga]

I got MLS package ealier this year and have really enjoyed watching some games. I like yourself cannot make alot of the games so being able to watch an archived game would be great. Plus if you could watch the away games would be awesome. I do not see myself or many Backs fans making the trip to Puerto Rico. I would pay some money to see that. Good call.

[BigKahuna]

Thats a good idea...hopefully when they reach a point where there is significant demand for this, they will do it.

[Eleven Bravo]

i emailed Pratten today.

I emailed Laura Fedrigo about a month ago about the games online, and she said, "Thanks for you continued interest in the Silverbacks! We have and are continuing to pursue ways to reach our fans and meet their needs. We have actively been speaking with a number of groups about the viability of broadcasting the games on-line and it may be something that is in place later this year or next. Part of the current hold up is that we are still in the construction process at the stadium all the networking – wireless – electronic components may not be all set up for us to be able to host everything necessary for the broadcast."

That sounds promising, but hopefully, you guys on bigsoccer can email them too so they know there is a demand for it. I think having this could be very good for the club and for the fans. hopefully, we'll see it sooner than later.

[BigKahuna]

i emailed Pratten today.

I emailed Laura Fedrigo about a month ago about the games online, and she said, "Thanks for you continued interest in the Silverbacks! We have and are continuing to pursue ways to reach our fans and meet their needs. We have actively been speaking with a number of groups about the viability of broadcasting the games on-line and it may be something that is in place later this year or next. Part of the current hold up is that we are still in the construction process at the stadium all the networking – wireless – electronic components may not be all set up for us to be able to host everything necessary for the broadcast."

That sounds promising, but hopefully, you guys on bigsoccer can email them too so they know there is a demand for it. I think having this could be very good for the club and for the fans. hopefully, we'll see it sooner than later.

Yeah, not too surprised to hear that...most of their resources are going to be used for the stadium for the next year or so.

[Eleven Bravo]

i haven't heard anything back from Pratten about them putting the games online. hopefully, this is something they won't brush under the rug. on another note, it seems like our stadium has really helped our team. glad to see them doing so well. what has attendance been like? i haven't been able to make a road trip yet.

[BigKahuna]

i haven't heard anything back from Pratten about them putting the games online. hopefully, this is something they won't brush under the rug. on another note, it seems like our stadium has really helped our team. glad to see them doing so well. what has attendance been like? i haven't been able to make a road trip yet.

Don't know attendance numbers, but I'd say that we've been sitting at 50% capacity for the two games that I've been to...around 1000-1500 I'd say.

It makes me wonder "why?" considering the great turnout opening night. I've come to the conclusion that the truth is that most of those people showed up for the stadium...not the Silverbacks. And when all those people saw a construction zone with poor parking, poor concessions, ticket complications, and other problems, they didn't come back. I really think the Backs botched this one. This was a chance for them to showcase and nice new stadium and give the people something to get excited about...and something to come back for. Instead, they rushed to get the bare minimum complete and missed a great opportunity to win new fans. Sadly, the hype has been wasted in my opinion.

[Soccerglue]

If I am not mistaken, the SBs are sponsored by Earthlink.

[GTMerciless]

Don't know attendance numbers, but I'd say that we've been sitting at 50% capacity for the two games that I've been to...around 1000-1500 I'd say.

Last week when I checked the official stats, on the USL site, the Silverbacks were averaging 2300 a game...This has to be tickets sold and not actual attendance, which is fairly standard. What I want to know is how many of those season tickets that they are counting are sporsor seats that dont actually bring in any income.

Putting games online sounds like a great idea. The Braves made it big, and to a lesser extent all Atlanta teams, on media exposure to the south east. Maybe the Silverbacks will be able to build some interest elsewhere in the south by doing this and have a great selling point to upgrade to MLS.

[BigKahuna]

Putting games online sounds like a great idea. The Braves made it big, and to a lesser extent all Atlanta teams, on media exposure to the south east.

Good point

[Eleven Bravo]

...The Braves made it big, and to a lesser extent all Atlanta teams, on media exposure to the south east. Maybe the Silverbacks will be able to build some interest elsewhere in the south by doing this and have a great selling point to upgrade to MLS.

I'd also like to see the Silverbacks make some road trips for some off-season friendlies to Macon, Augusta, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Birmingham, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Mobile, Huntsville, Savannah, Albany/Valdosta, Rome/Dalton, Columbus, Jackson, Athens, Jacksonville, and Greenville-Spartanburg. (maybe even Columbia, Aiken, Little Rock, Tampa Bay, Orlando, Charlotte, Louisville, Memphis, and Baton Rouge/New Orleans). And also maybe before the friendlies have the Silverbacks have a youth camp for the 'Backs to teach the kids how to play.

Advertising that the 'Backs are coming into town might get a good crowd(maybe not USL worthy but like 500-1,000 people might come out for a friendly if they advertise it properly), and then they could advertise that they can watch the games online. it'd be a good way to expand their fan base and travel wouldn't be that expensive. (The big thing would be is trying to get a highschool to allow them to play there.)

The reason why i think this would be important is because people aren't really going to relish driving hours to the most crowded part of Atlanta to watch a second tier US soccer league game, but people still want to support a Southern team. It'd be a good way of bringing the team to the fans instead of expecting the fans who have never watched or read about the 'Backs (unless they are extremely devoted soccer fans) to drive( specially with gas prices as they are now) to Atlanta.

As a result of bringing the the games to the fans they would be more willing to either A) drive to Atlanta to watch the team play; or B) watch the games online. It's kind of like when i was in highschool...we'd have a jamboree before the season started and before the games were played we'd have a camp for the kids and they would stick around to watch the games afterwords which would bring a fairly large crowd to the games.

[Eleven Bravo]

another thing that i think the Silverbacks should do that would really help them get some more fans is to put signs in EVERY city in Georgia in the most visible place. If people start seeing signs for the Silverbacks than they would be more willing to get interested in the club. i don't buy the crap that it's because soccer isn't popular in Georgia. it's that people don't hear about the Silverbacks.

Also, the Silverbacks should try to tap into the local newspapers in Georgia, as well. I know the sports writer in my hometown WANTS to write about the Silverbacks, but he said he can't ever get any press releases from the club. The Silverbacks can keep trying for Atlanta, Atlanta, Atlanta fans all day long, but let's not ignore one of Atlanta's best selling points...LOYAL fans from all around the state and the rest of the south. That's the big difference between the Hawks and Falcons from the Braves. The south embraces the Braves and even though they don't have the greatest attendance, they're still one of the most popular teams in MLB.

[Kickin It]

Here's an idea. Why don't you put more thought and effort into this lost cause!

Here's a suggested email:

Dear Silverbacks,

Please telecast your games over the web. The 7 of us who plan to watch it are too busy to drive 10 miles.

Thanks!

Us

P.S. I'll be able to watch the games over the internet when my mom let's me get DSL in my room.

[Kickin It]

Here's an idea. Why don't you put more thought and effort into this lost cause!

Here's a suggested email:

Dear Silverbacks,

Please telecast your games over the web. The 7 of us who plan to watch it are too busy to drive 10 miles.

Thanks!

Us

P.S. I'll be able to watch the games over the internet when my mom let's me get DSL in my room.


Just Bustin Your Balls!!!!!

[Eleven Bravo]

another thing that i think the Silverbacks should do that would really help them get some more fans is to put signs in EVERY city in Georgia in the most visible place. If people start seeing signs for the Silverbacks than they would be more willing to get interested in the club. i don't buy the crap that it's because soccer isn't popular in Georgia. it's that people don't hear about the Silverbacks.

Also, the Silverbacks should try to tap into the local newspapers in Georgia, as well. I know the sports writer in my hometown WANTS to write about the Silverbacks, but he said he can't ever get any press releases from the club. The Silverbacks can keep trying for Atlanta, Atlanta, Atlanta fans all day long, but let's not ignore one of Atlanta's best selling points...LOYAL fans from all around the state and the rest of the south. That's the big difference between the Hawks and Falcons from the Braves. The south embraces the Braves and even though they don't have the greatest attendance, they're still one of the most popular teams in MLB.

another marketing idea could be is all the fans who come out to one of those cities for the preseason games give them one free ticket.

Just curious, do the Silverbacks give College students, Military, and Youth Clubs ticket discounts? Management needs to understand that your age 16-24(this should be your most enthusiastic fans) range are normally not going to be your big money spenders and they'd be more willing to go to a game if it was for say 5 bucks. it's better than losing the ticket prices all together and it'll help establish a fan base.

think about it...."The First Free Beer Rule". If the Silverbacks feel like pulling out the big guns for a big game than i'd like to see this rule come in on special occasions.

Also, to get the hispanics out...why don't we schedule a preseason friendly with a Mexican club?

what other suggestions do yall have?

[BigKahuna]

another marketing idea could be is all the fans who come out to one of those cities for the preseason games give them one free ticket.

Just curious, do the Silverbacks give College students, Military, and Youth Clubs ticket discounts? Management needs to understand that your age 16-24(this should be your most enthusiastic fans) range are normally not going to be your big money spenders and they'd be more willing to go to a game if it was for say 5 bucks. it's better than losing the ticket prices all together and it'll help establish a fan base.

think about it...."The First Free Beer Rule". If the Silverbacks feel like pulling out the big guns for a big game than i'd like to see this rule come in on special occasions.

Also, to get the hispanics out...why don't we schedule a preseason friendly with a Mexican club?

what other suggestions do yall have?

I think college and military discounts would be a tremendosu idea...I think I'd like to try something like that for our group once we get i off the ground. We just have to keep in mind the type of fans we want to appeal to. Basically...Soccer moms not wanted.

[GTMerciless]

what other suggestions do yall have?

The Military and College discounts are an amazing idea. It used to be the only way I could talk people in coming to games was by getting a few people that liked soccer and then several others would just come cuz it was cheap and a night out.

I dont know how many people buy tickets at the gate but maybe give a $5 discount to anyone that buys tickets 15 mins before the game. Maybe not any seats cuz then why buy early, but maybe like the top 2 rows. First come first served and once they sell out most people arnt going to go home just because they have to pay $5 more. I was thinking this idea might be great for the seats behind the goals. Although I would like to see a non drummer supporters group (or a non drumming subset of the drummers) in that section as well.

The biggest thing is friendlies. Seattle had a great friendly schedule this year. I would love to see a mexican club come, Luton Town or another championship club, maybe an MLS team or the US U-21s. I think we could get the word out and have great attendence at these friendlies. Also once the stadium is up to 7,500 seats they should really lobby for some USMNT friendlies to be played here. But most of all, I would like a little somthing from our affiliated international clubs. I know it is insane but why else be affiliated with them? Even if Inter's or Independiante's reserve squad came here it would be amazing. If we could get a commitment like this the 15k expansion would be a no brainer. Anyways thats likely not going to happen but I would really like to see friendlies of some kind.

[Eleven Bravo]

Ok the Silverbacks season is over (i know it happened like a month ago) but what are some suggestions that you would have for the team for next season? Personally, i would like to see them do a better job advertising and improving their website.




The Silverbacks probably had a lot more publicity this season than ever before (granted, i haven't been back in Georgia for about 3-4 years), but i would like to see the Silverbacks do more to get their name in the paper. I'm not saying front page every day, but get in there some where. If people don't know about it than they aren't going to come...plain and simple. I would love to see some TV ads, but i don't know if that would fit the Silverbacks' budget...however, it would definately help. And last but not least, get some attention outside of Atlanta. There are huge chunk of soccer fans that live in Georgia but outside of Atlanta that would be willing to either A) travel to games B) buy merchandise C) help increase the popularity of the team.













A few things i would like to see added to the website are a game cam, highlights, improved player profiles, interviews, improved socceratlanta.com, discussion forum, matchtracker, and better pre-game/post-game articles.

The game cam idea is a good way for the Silverbacks to make some extra money and it would only make fans happy. Take me for example, I don't live in Atlanta so I'm not going to be able to come to every game, but i will purchase a "season ticket" (or whatever you want to call it) package to be able to watch the games online...as i'm sure a lot of other people would to. Even the fan who comes to all the games would probably like this option so that he can watch the away games....The highlights, interviews, and matchtracker kind of fit in this category, but i would NOT charge for the highlights, interviews, and matchtracker if i were in charge of merchandising. Let these be the lure to reel in new fans.

The player profiles and stats are kind of weak. Also, i hate the way they pop up because half of them come up in the corner of the screen and my mouse won't let me drag it down. And i don't want to be sent to USLpro to see the stats, standings, and scores. It would be nice if the Silverbacks had a section on the website where you can get this information.

The pro store on the website is pretty bad. Come on? where are the Silverbacks women apparel? Who wouldn't want to get their wife or girlfriend a "I love my Silverback" thong? or bikini, tube top, or tank top? and what about Silverbacks baby outfits? I have a little girl that i would want like to see dressed up in a Silverbacks cheerleading outfit (she already has a UGA cheerleading outfit...she just needs a Silverbacks uniform), and i'm sure parents would like little uniforms for their little boys. For me, i would like to get some shorts with the Silverbacks logo, but there aren't any shorts. Also, I really liked the Atlanta Silverbacks Soccer Club shirt, but i don't want to get one for 06 when the 06 season is over. I want something that i can keep for a long time because i am NOT buying a new t-shirt every year...the new uniform? maybe (if i wasn't married and had money to burn), but t-shirt no way. What about Silverbacks flags(all sizes...for car, house, and games), banners, and bumperstickers? I know I'd put a Silverbacks flag in my yard and a bumpersticker on my car. My theory is think small and get small...think big and get big. If the Silverbacks want to improve their income from the merchandising part than this needs to badly be improved.

Some of you might say why a discussion forum when we have bigsoccer and usldiscussions at our disposal...Well, there is nothing like having it ON the website. If anything more of a comment box that other fans can see what people are commenting on to see if they agree or not. It's the best way to get direct feedback to the Silverbacks.

And to end, the pre-game and post-game sections need to be improved. I want to read game previews before every game of what the coach and players have to say and what they're doing. GET ME MORE INVOLVED!!! i feel out of touch!!! Like i said before, i can't go to every game, and it's hard to get passionate about the team when all i see is a score-line and the team played well(or badly). Also, take a page out of ussoccer.com on how they do their line-ups before kick off. That way i can get an idea of where players are playing and what kind of formation the coach is using.







*Those are the main things i would like to see improved for next season. I would like to hear from the rest of you of what you think should be improved.

[BigKahuna]

Yeah, I agree about the website...that is one of the best things MLS has done with their MLStv. They made it very easy for me to be a fan of the league even though I live nowhere close to a team. I still got to see most DC United games and could watch all the highlights. I'd be nice if the Backs could do that plus add some bonus stuff like player and coach interviews like how ussoccer.com has done.

Other than that, they really need to get the stadium situation sorted as quickly as possible. Pave the parking lot...build the restrooms, concessions, locker rooms, and bar. That should be their number 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 priority and until then I wouldnt expect or want anything else.

[AtlantaFan]

I do think at least some online updates or gametracker, especially of away games would be nice. I drove myself a little nutty this year trying to get updates of away games, finding radio stations in the away team's city that stream online (like Rochester), Silverbacks discussion boards, and even spending time in a Spanish language chat room when the 'Backs play Puerto Rico.

That said, the stadium has to be the top priority. I went to as many games as I could, and I am seriously thinking about season tickets next year (I concur that the married with kids and money thing is an issue :D ) My family and I had a great time, but before I start dragging other people there, the stadium needs the stuff that BK noted.

BTW - I did get bumper stickers and a car magnet at the stadium this season, so they are on my truck and van, and the magnet goes on on game days. And there were lots of types of shirts, including plenty that did not say 2006 (I thought the same thing about having a year on the shirt), so we all got shirts also. I thought some of them were on the website too.

It would be nice to see some advertising/promotion. As far as the AJC is concerned, they have put a few small updates, and they do have the USL standings and scores. I have emailed the sports editor to encourage them to do more to support the home team on the Sports page.

Did you get to go to any game this season EB?