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Topic: Ticket sales

Topic: Ticket sales

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Alan Swank
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Member Since: 12/11/2004
Location: Athens, OH
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Ticket sales

Posted: 1/31/2018 11:00:05 AM

Looks like we have partnered with the premier firm in the sports and entertainment industry to significantly ramp up our ticket sales efforts.

https://www.higheredjobs.com/details.cfm?JobCode=17665072...

Chad Estis is Legends executive VP. This should really elevate our sales and marketing efforts in that area.

http://www.legends.net /

Last Edited: 1/31/2018 11:03:43 AM by Alan Swank

OU_Country
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Location: On the road between Athens and Madison County
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RE: Ticket sales

Posted: 1/31/2018 11:07:04 AM

Thanks for sharing this Alan.

BillyTheCat
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RE: Ticket sales

Posted: 1/31/2018 11:12:04 AM

Alan Swank wrote:

A $20k a year 10 month job. When are we going to make a real investment in our sports. This job will be another revolving door at a non-livable wage in Athens. Legends is a great up and comer in sports hospitality, will be interesting to watch this develop.

GoCats105
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Location: Seattle, WA
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RE: Ticket sales

Posted: 1/31/2018 11:17:03 AM

BillyTheCat wrote:

Alan Swank wrote:

As a guy who got a degree in Sports Ad, I can tell you this is a great opportunity for anyone just graduating or possibly still working toward their degree. However, no experienced person is taking this job. No way in hell.

Last Edited: 1/31/2018 11:17:18 AM by GoCats105

Alan Swank
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Member Since: 12/11/2004
Location: Athens, OH
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RE: Ticket sales

Posted: 1/31/2018 11:18:41 AM

BillyTheCat wrote:

Alan Swank wrote:

Beg to differ. Considering their client list, I'd hardly call them an up and comer.

http://www.legends.net/our-work /

As for the job, this is entry level. Most of the the top folks in sports today started in these kind of "grunt" jobs - long hours, low pay, but a first step on the road to executive level positions such as Chad's or the new COO of the Chicago Fire - an 82 OU Sports Ad grad.

https://www.chicago-fire.com/post/2018/01/30/chicago-fire...

Buckeye to Bobcat
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RE: Ticket sales

Posted: 1/31/2018 11:19:43 AM

BillyTheCat wrote:

Alan Swank wrote:

This is the same model we've had for the last 6 years. Not sure if you all knew this was how it was set up, but it's the same thing we did during my time there and left. As to the 10-month relationship building, you guys are used to this by now. With the one fellow they got on the department, they will have someone similar to me in that he will be there for a few years and be a face for some folks who like to build relationships.

The big difference here is salary. When I was there, we clocked 8K over that time instead of 20K. Kind of jealous of those folks making much more in Athens, as my opinion is you can really have a good time in Athens on that kind of salary versus being in Columbus (always my pitch to recruit folks). Of course, finding people who will enjoy small-town life is difficult because of the pace, but those who went into this sales program and came out are all in pretty darn good spots.

This job is generally geared towards new graduates or kids that are going to go into the Sports AD Program. Traditionally, the model is take on one fellow who works then does his two years, 1-2 GAs in their last year who need revenue numbers, then at least 3-5 "inside sales" kids who just graduated and also need to show they can produce revenue. Just saying, but it's true.

Another difference here is the Legends connection. It used to be when Louis Iglesias was at Ohio in the Sports AD Department, he served us with the same model they used on the Cowboys and that they replicate at other properties (hence our record sales). With Louis no longer being in Athens due to an opportunity in Texas, I don't recall anyone in the Sports AD department or within the athletic department with Legends connections. With that, let me just say that I am intrigued as to who the "Legends Connection" is or if it's a copy and paste from the hey day and someone forgot to delete that sentence.

Last Edited: 1/31/2018 11:21:22 AM by Buckeye to Bobcat

BillyTheCat
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RE: Ticket sales

Posted: 1/31/2018 11:22:38 AM

Alan Swank wrote:

BillyTheCat wrote:

Alan Swank wrote:

Newer business, new business model, hence my comment up and comer.

And exactly my point, good opportunity for someone to start, but rotating the staff out every 6-8 months is not really a great thing for the business that is OHIO Athletics. Constant turnover causes problems, we've seen this for years in our marketing and ticket sales operations. We've had some very good ones, and they never stay, which often sees a regression with the changeover.

Buckeye to Bobcat
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RE: Ticket sales

Posted: 1/31/2018 11:23:37 AM

BillyTheCat wrote:

Alan Swank wrote:

BillyTheCat wrote:

Alan Swank wrote:

IT'S THE SAME MODEL AS BEFORE

It's always been pitched this way to entice kids to come. See my post above.....

Last Edited: 1/31/2018 11:23:56 AM by Buckeye to Bobcat

BillyTheCat
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RE: Ticket sales

Posted: 1/31/2018 11:25:15 AM

Buckeye to Bobcat wrote:

BillyTheCat wrote:

Alan Swank wrote:

Exactly my point, the constant turnover has not been a good thing! While you were here things were on the way up. Cycle over the turnover and things have regressed. The constant turnover is not good for any business environment. My $.02

BillyTheCat
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RE: Ticket sales

Posted: 1/31/2018 11:26:16 AM

Buckeye to Bobcat wrote:

BillyTheCat wrote:

Alan Swank wrote:

BillyTheCat wrote:

Alan Swank wrote:

IT'S THE SAME MODEL AS BEFORE

It's always been pitched this way to entice kids to come. See my post above.....

Try reading 101, the new business is in reference to Chad's company "Legends", which is a relatively new business.

Buckeye to Bobcat
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RE: Ticket sales

Posted: 1/31/2018 11:27:41 AM

BillyTheCat wrote:

Buckeye to Bobcat wrote:

BillyTheCat wrote:

Alan Swank wrote:

BillyTheCat wrote:

Alan Swank wrote:

IT'S THE SAME MODEL AS BEFORE

It's always been pitched this way to entice kids to come. See my post above.....

Try reading 101, the new business is in reference to Chad's company "Legends", which is a relatively new business.

Apologies, thought you were referring to Legends being new to OU's sales team model. I'm still recovering from being at last night's game, cut me some slack.

Buckeye to Bobcat
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RE: Ticket sales

Posted: 1/31/2018 11:29:35 AM

BillyTheCat wrote:

Buckeye to Bobcat wrote:

BillyTheCat wrote:

Alan Swank wrote:

Definitely agree, at some point there needed to be some guys with stability on staff. It's why the kid they got on staff this year, Issac will prove to be some form of stability heading into next year and will help the new guys coming in to get the lay of the land somewhat like year's past.

Alan Swank
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Location: Athens, OH
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RE: Ticket sales

Posted: 1/31/2018 12:35:56 PM

Buckeye to Bobcat wrote:

BillyTheCat wrote:

Alan Swank wrote:

Another difference here is the Legends connection. It used to be when Louis Iglesias was at Ohio in the Sports AD Department, he served us with the same model they used on the Cowboys and that they replicate at other properties (hence our record sales). With Louis no longer being in Athens due to an opportunity in Texas, I don't recall anyone in the Sports AD department or within the athletic department with Legends connections. With that, let me just say that I am intrigued as to who the "Legends Connection" is or if it's a copy and paste from the hey day and someone forgot to delete that sentence.

Matt if you'd do a little research you'd see that Chad Estis is a 94 Sports Ad grad and former star on the OU basketball team. The new COO of the Chicago Fire is the most recent Executive VP of the One World Observatory and an 82 Sports Ad grad. In other words, the Legends connection is very strong with OU Sports Ad and has been since it's founding.

And finally, the Legends system will be much more professional than what we have seen in the past and even with the changing of the 5 sales reps, the system will still be in place.

Last Edited: 1/31/2018 12:37:28 PM by Alan Swank

Buckeye to Bobcat
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RE: Ticket sales

Posted: 1/31/2018 1:12:32 PM

Alan Swank wrote:

Buckeye to Bobcat wrote:

BillyTheCat wrote:

Alan Swank wrote:

Alan, you act like I have no clue how this works. I am well aware who Chad Estis is. I went through the program and worked in it for 3 years. Not once did we ever have Chad Estis call in. I am well aware of the connection to Legends, as one of my co-workers at OU was the Legends GA when that was a thing and he now works for the Falcons. And yes, I know all those guys and in fact will see a bunch of them next week in Frisco at the Star. So don't act like I have my head up my ass on this one. I worked it and know how this partnership is set up.

Once again we have had the same system for 5 years. They used the same job description we have used for 5+ years. So if you would do some research and realize how this partnership was set up initially (it was because of Louis being the Executive-in-Residence) maybe then you'll read what I said all along. It is not a real Legends partnership there.....

Last Edited: 1/31/2018 1:21:29 PM by Buckeye to Bobcat

Alan Swank
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Location: Athens, OH
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RE: Ticket sales

Posted: 1/31/2018 1:22:31 PM

Buckeye to Bobcat wrote:

Alan Swank wrote:

Buckeye to Bobcat wrote:

BillyTheCat wrote:

Alan Swank wrote:

Alan, you act like I have no clue how this works. I am well aware who Chad Estis is. I went through the program and worked in it for 3 years. Not once did we ever have Chad Estis call in. I am well aware of the connection to Legends, as one of my co-workers at OU was the Legends GA when that was a thing and he now works for the Falcons. And yes, I know all those guys and in fact will see a bunch of them next week in Frisco at the Star. So don't act like I have my head up my ass on this one. I worked it and know how this partnership is set up.

Once again we have had the same system for 5 years. They used the same job description we have used for 5+ years. So if you would do some research and realize how this partnership was set up (it was because of Louis being the Executive-in-Residence) maybe then you'll read what I said all along. It is not a real Legends partnership there.....

Never said that you didn't know what you were talking about just commented on your post about not recalling anyone within the department with a Legends connection and your cut and paste comment. Anyway, based on my very close experience with Legends personnel and 80s sports ad grads, this could very well improve what has become a real source of concern at OU - dwindling attendance/ticket sales.

Buckeye to Bobcat
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RE: Ticket sales

Posted: 1/31/2018 1:26:40 PM

Oh look, the same job description from last year......sound familiar?

https://www.velvetjobs.com/job-posting/assistant-director...

I will be intrigued to see how this goes as well Alan. The attendance and sales numbers were a concern last year. That said, we will find out what it will look like with some stability.

Last Edited: 1/31/2018 1:27:52 PM by Buckeye to Bobcat

Alan Swank
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RE: Ticket sales

Posted: 1/31/2018 1:30:51 PM

Buckeye to Bobcat wrote:

The attendance and sales numbers were a concern last year.

As an insider, what do you attribute that concern to - in other words, why the decline in sales?

Buckeye to Bobcat
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RE: Ticket sales

Posted: 1/31/2018 1:42:10 PM

A few things:

1. As I said on a Saul Thread, the concerns about the Marketing and Sales job transition stretched a lot of people in that office. When Drake was forced out, it was right in the middle of football renewals and didn't have someone in place for basketball season. To sell football and basketball effectively come August-September when both sales seasons overlap, it becomes difficult to balance time on the phones for each sport.

2. With the transitions every year, a lot of things fall through the cracks, whether it be on purpose or not. It's why I said it's invaluable to have someone stay on the sales staff from the previous year to help the new guys come in and assist the director as much as they can. When I was there, we were lucky to have Tanner Bond before he went to OBC and then have Roger Jones that first year who was as much a local as they come. Heading into this season, the group was new across the board with no stability of a fellow who became a GA like I did or Tanner did. The stories of any customer base are invaluable in building relationships and when people don't understand the back stories to situations, it can ultimately burn that relationship that developed.

3. With the information that fell through, group sales this year were lagging. These are vital in the perimeter areas (i.e. Parkersburg, Zanesville, Columbus area especially) to attract new fans and get them on the sales ladder. Since this area was lacking, it created a problem on the overall revenue number, especially as you are seeing with basketball. For groups, always focus on sections 109-112 to see how full it is when it is not a power team traveling in.

4. With the O-Zone scandals, it created serious problems in selling family pack seats at Orientation. This has always been a great honeywell to sell Family Pack season tickets for folks who wanted to save money, which in turn generated demand in other sections. With the family pack area not being sold out, the trickle-down effect did not occur in the stadium and as such made sellout opportunities difficult. Sell the family pack seats out, then the rest of the stadium fills in wonderfully. That's the key to selling out Peden, turn screws in the family pack areas, they are forced to pay more and in turn sell out areas of the main stands which pushes them to the corner.

This covers some of the problems that arose this season, as I think of more I can add em.

Alan Swank
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Member Since: 12/11/2004
Location: Athens, OH
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RE: Ticket sales

Posted: 1/31/2018 2:17:45 PM

Buckeye to Bobcat wrote:

So what were these so-called Ozone scandals and how did that/they affect family pack ticket sales?

BillyTheCat
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RE: Ticket sales

Posted: 1/31/2018 2:30:18 PM

Buckeye to Bobcat wrote:

Alan Swank wrote:

Buckeye to Bobcat wrote:

BillyTheCat wrote:

Alan Swank wrote:

I just read this and laughed my ass off. B2B, I�m glad you now know who Chad is and Legends 😎.

Buckeye to Bobcat
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RE: Ticket sales

Posted: 1/31/2018 2:45:00 PM

Alan Swank wrote:

Buckeye to Bobcat wrote:

So what were these so-called Ozone scandals and how did that/they affect family pack ticket sales?

If there was a palm to face emoji I would use it here.

The fact I had the program and alums explained to me....cue another one.

With Drake being accused of mis placing o-zone money, it kind of made news during orientation. Try selling stuff when a scandal breaks. As I said in the previous post, selling. Family packs to new freshman�s families was an old trick for us to sell a significant block of the family pack seats and ultimately upgrade these folks who were alums and wanting reasons to come back.

Again, with Legends, it was because Louis was here and was a direct source for the Legends model at Ohio. He was the one doing the training. And within the departments at OU directly, he was that contact.

But since Louis is no longer in Athens as I had said before, I am not sure who is handling that part of the relationship at OU since as I have stated before that Chad, Doug, or anyone from Legends has been involved actively.

Last Edited: 1/31/2018 4:40:49 PM by Buckeye to Bobcat

bobcatsquared
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RE: Ticket sales

Posted: 1/31/2018 3:00:05 PM

Buckeye to Bobcat wrote:

4. With the O-Zone scandals, it created serious problems in selling family pack seats at Orientation. This has always been a great honeywell to sell Family Pack season tickets for folks who wanted to save money, which in turn generated demand in other sections. With the family pack area not being sold out, the trickle-down effect did not occur in the stadium and as such made sellout opportunities difficult. Sell the family pack seats out, then the rest of the stadium fills in wonderfully. That's the key to selling out Peden, turn screws in the family pack areas, they are forced to pay more and in turn sell out areas of the main stands which pushes them to the corner.

I was curious to why there was no sales pitch for family packs at orientation this past summer.

A neighbor of mine 90 minutes away from Athens was at orientation two summers ago and came back with a family pack for football games after having never been to a sporting eventpreviously at Ohio University. I was expecting the same sales pitch when I took my daughter down for orientation last summer but there was none. It didn't affect me as I've been getting season tix for football and basketball already but was curious as to why the other parents weren't presented with this opportunity. It obviously worked the summer before.

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