CoolBreeze's 2 Things I Didn't Like Plus 1 - Quarter Pole Edition

[60WinTim]

Some of the MLS teams in the U.S. have that kind of fan culture. Here's one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRSEyLqOpZw

How this type of fan culture gets formed and sustained? That's a good question. Like anything, it requires a few ambitious and charismatic individuals to get something started. A few years ago, the Timberwolves had a group of fans known as Los Locos which some of you are probably pretty familiar with. I have no idea if they still exist or not, but they definitely tried to start something that never really took off beyond their small group of folks. It would be nice if that could get re-kindled again and turn into something bigger.

What's interesting in that piece about the Portland Timbers is that they have largely been mediocre for most of their existence. People do it for the overall experience and not just the product on the pitch. Hell, look at us? We've been rooting for, analyzing, and obsessing over a losing team for years now!

Andrew Bogut had an interesting idea when with Milwaukee. He gave tickets to 100 people in one section. And they had to audition to be part of the group... obviously, the more rowdy, the better the odds of getting the tickets.

http://offthedribble.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/13/bucks-fans-respond-to-boguts-incentive/?_r=0

Let's go "Rubio's Bobos"...

I love this idea. Dsmn, that arena is dead most nights, and 100 crazy fans could have an impact. I just forwarded this article to my good friend who is one of the largest minority owners in Glen's group telling him to present it to Glen and Milt. 100 upper deck seats wouldn't be much more than $100-125K for the season...pocket change for a guy like Rubio who is making $13 million this year...to put that into perspective, it's the equivalent of a $1000 investment for a guy making $100K a year. Or I suggested maybe the team might want to invest the $100K as a way to try to regain our home court advantage.

I'll let you guys know what he says!

I bet Rubio would be very interested in that it seems like it would be something he would be into.

I just got an email back from my buddy who thought the Rubio's Bobos idea was terrific. He forwarded my email on to Glen with a note saying they needed to look into something like that. I'm going to see my friend at breakfast tomorrow, so I'll find out of Glen is doing anything about it. At least TC will be jumping on Wednesday...always is when the Lakers are in town. Sheesh.

Can I take credit for the name... when I interview for a job with the Timberwolves marketing department?



[Note: Can your friend get me a job with the Timberwolves marketing department?]

You definitely get credit for the name, and the idea, when the Wolves eventually go with it.

As for the marketing job, it doesn't look good. The first question my friend asked me was how many wins you predicted in the pre-season poll. When I gave him the answer, he tossed your resume in the wastebasket.

Brilliant!

(crumpling up my application)

DAMN YOU Q!

I only went with my prediction because I didn't want to lose to you by one "victory" again this season.

Does this mean Tim is brushing up that resume? Lol Wasn't he the guy slated to run the Marketing deptarnt when we bought this franchise from Glen? BTW where are we at with that?

LOL! Did we forget to put someone in charge of the actual acquisition?!?

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Update on Abe's Rubio's Bobos idea: Glen is obviously a very good businessman, but I'm not sure marketing is his strong suit. He got back to my friend today and said the Wolves are already doing the Milwaukee thing. He said he believed there were 6 or 7 players involved, and that there are banners around the arena advertising the program. Hmm...I've never seen them, but I also admit I haven't been looking. If the Wolves players are giving away tickets, they are giving them out to the quietist fans on the planet. I guess we're stuck with TC continuing to be a tomb most nights.

[BizarroJerry [enjin:6592520]]

Only polite golf clapping is allowed at target center, even during a close finish.

[Monster]

Update on Abe's Rubio's Bobos idea: Glen is obviously a very good businessman, but I'm not sure marketing is his strong suit. He got back to my friend today and said the Wolves are already doing the Milwaukee thing. He said he believed there were 6 or 7 players involved, and that there are banners around the arena advertising the program. Hmm...I've never seen them, but I also admit I haven't been looking. If the Wolves players are giving away tickets, they are giving them out to the quietist fans on the planet. I guess we're stuck with TC continuing to be a tomb most nights.

I hope to get a further report from you on this matter after you attend the next game. I also wonder if there was a bit of the classic lost in translation thing where the person may not fully getbthebidea and says we are already doing that...

[AbeVigodaLive]

Update on Abe's Rubio's Bobos idea: Glen is obviously a very good businessman, but I'm not sure marketing is his strong suit. He got back to my friend today and said the Wolves are already doing the Milwaukee thing. He said he believed there were 6 or 7 players involved, and that there are banners around the arena advertising the program. Hmm...I've never seen them, but I also admit I haven't been looking. If the Wolves players are giving away tickets, they are giving them out to the quietist fans on the planet. I guess we're stuck with TC continuing to be a tomb most nights.

Giving away tickets to kids is great. But that's not what this idea is about. As noted... that's already being done around the arena. This is giving tickets away to crazy, rambunctious college-aged kids and other zanies. One could look at it as taking tickets away from at-risk or needy kids. But it doesn't have to replace that. This is an entirely different marketing concept that doesn't need to affect outreach programs.

This isn't a feel-good PR campaign for community goodwill. This isn't to try to replicate the vibe of 29 other venues, with the same tired music, crowd prompts and public address declarations at the exact same times. This is to energize a very staid, boring arena with a one-of-a-kind* marketing approach.

This is actually trying to create a unique TIMBERWOLVES experience. Milwaukee got legit exposure when it embraced it. But if the powers-that-be think that it's a replacement for community outreach... or that the corporate types don't want to be bothered by chanting and cheering and kazoos... it'll never fly.


[Note: Damn it. I was really looking for a new job, too.]

* currently

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Monster and abe, I think you guys nailed what happened here. Glen took a quick look at the email but didn't read the attached article about the Milwaukee experience. He assumed my friend was talking about a community outreach program and replied that it was already being done. I'll keep following up because I think it's a terrific idea for livening that place up on dead nights.

At least we don't have to worry about tonight. I'm going with my son, and Kobe always seems to bring the energy to a normally dead crowd...should be fun tonight.