In the interest of fairness, and also because the MFO people reading these boards (you know who you are) actually ought to know about the positive things they've done, let's come up with a list of things MFO has tried that have actually worked. Maybe I'm being too naive here, but perhaps by reading about the things that actually go over, they might get a better idea of what works and what comes across as ridiculous. So pitch your bitches in the other thread, but see if you can't come up with something they've done right for this one. For instance: The bus trip at the end of last season - and especially the food and drink they laid on - completely surpassed everyone's expectations. They did a pretty good job at the February ESC party with Nick and Bob, as usual. The beginning-of-the-season party at Nevada Smith's was a good concept and well done overall. It was a festive time, mixing true-blue Metro supporters with people who may not have been Metro fans, but are soccer fans. It couldn't have been that hard to do, either; beer + soccer - the hard sell = a good feeling about Metro soccer and the MFO. How come we haven't seen more of this?
I don't really think the first two would qualify as marketing. It would be hard pressed to find any marketing campaign that they have ever done well. Phil Rizzuto on Radio ads in 1996. Muwahahaha.
1) McDonalds food and ticket packages. It got my eight-year-old son's attention. 2) Flex ticket option. 3) Last two games of the season package.
Things done right: 1) Each game (home or away) being broadcasted in spanish radio. 2) The TV deal with MSG is better than in every other MLS city. 3) If you look around the advertisements at Giants Stadiums, it seems that they've signed a lot of local sponsors. 4) Harrison stadium. (this is the most important) Things that are lacking: 1) More posters, schedules of games at bars, restaurants, supermarkets, bowling alleys, Port Authority, etc. 2) More gameday promotions in newspapers. (We see coverage of the game the next day, not same day in order to encourage people to go to the games.
Wow. I missed that. Is it nice? Seriously, the PR department does (and has done) a commendable job based on what they have to work with and what they are selling. Don't confuse these guys with the Marketing Dept., it's two totally different things. The PR guys have to contend with all the other pro teams, as well as colleges and even high schools who draw bigger crowds and have larger followings than Metro. That they can scam the amount of space in the papers that they do is pretty amazing.
Isn't PR part of the Marketing Team? Or at least, working for each other? I am sure PR/Marketing had a lot to do in lobbying politicians to approve the Harrison Stadium. Am I wrong?
Either way, the silence is deafening on the Harrison project. Other teams like Dallas already have more concrete plans in place. As I said here a long time ago (probably 18-24 months now), the day I believe the Metros have a stadium of their own, is the day I can actually walk into the place and see them play. There have been so many false promises and let downs over the years about a stadium, I have my doubts that Nick and Co can get it done.
And since when are the two propositions are mutually exclusive? A percentage of the Metro fans is Hispanic and/or prefers the way soccer is covered in this language.....Of course an English broadcast would be a good idea, but the title of the thread was not really about that now, was it?
I vote for the firing of Jim Leahy as one of their biggest accomplishments. Why not return to what works and do it again....
Ok. I'll attempt to field this one. How about when the person making the statement is making the point that the existing broadcast arrangement does not provide broadcasts in English?
The MSG coverage ever since the Yankees created YES is probably the high point for Metro PR/Marketing/Whatever. The pre-game and weekly MSR show are the most visible media coverage of Metro, anywhere. But I'm not sure how much of the credit should go to Metro itself - after all it was MSG that had gaping holes in its summer sports lineup and desperately needed extra programming once the Yanks left. As far as Metro marketing goes, they're never better than just competent, and most times they're much worse. I can't think of one significant thing they've done to bring more fans to the stadium in. They must have done some semi-successful things. But nothing extraordinary. However, I need my fingers AND toes to count the disasters they've come up with. Maybe we should blame Firmani and Caricola. The inagural match vs. NE and that day game vs. LA had huge crowds which were treated to utterly crappy soccer. That team provided a big hurdle for the marketing guys to overcome. Not that a competent staff couldn't have done it by now, oh, only 7 years later. But I'm convinced we really turned off a lot of potential fans that first year who have never even considered coming back.
The following are memorable - dunno if good or bad; The taxi Picture of metrodog in some fashion magazine (and the wonderfully edited one with his tail re-arranged) The samba song - maybe Metal Mike can do a cover?
I like the selections of the music played at the stadium before the game and especially the the "Entrance" music.
I don't get to many games, living in DC and all. But I was quite impressed with the number of fans at "Korean fan appreciation day". The next day was a holiday, easter if i recall correctly. Granted all the 'fans' that were brought in cheered for the one Galaxy korean player. But hey it was a good attendance.
I would like to thank the team for passing out $10.00 dollar kohls' coupons at most matches this season. Thanks to this I now have 10 year supply of socks and underwear I didn't have to pay for!!!
As far as promoting and marketing the team goes I figure it's Metro's and AEG's problem not mine. As long as I get my tickets on time, and I always have, I'm more concerned about what's going on on the field. I guess I'm a bad fan that way, not concerning myself with how the organization is run, especially with information so hard to come by. Then again, I don't really care how any other pro team in the area promotes themselves either. Here's a rez'd down version of the ad for the playoffs I got in an email from eurosport. It's not bad. I haven't seen those ads in the other thread anywhere except the Metro site. I do recognize the Metro turkey from at least 2001 but figure it's not aimed at me, at least I hope not.