Tyler Cook and Brett Richardson Sports Marketing/ Dr. Peetz December 3, 2013 The Taco Bell Celebrity Softball Game occurs every summer during MLB All-Star festivities Game is aired on tape delay late at night Mission Statement: “bring an exciting, family atmosphere to MLB fans of all ages, filled with connecting fans with baseball’s past and today’s stars” Lacks a marketing strategy The Softball Game ◦ Teams consist of former players and current celebs ◦ 5 inning contest ◦ Celebs based on All Star location Other services include concessions and Taco Bell giveaways Economic Status ◦ Ticket prices start at $44 and go as high as $300 ◦ ticket packages include tickets to both the softball game and Future’s game Demographics ◦ Families ◦ Baseball fans In the maturity stage of the life cycle Competitors: other All Star Celebrity Games Strengths Attached to MLB Weaknesses Strong MLB fan base Exposure to fans Technology Unfamiliar Celebrities Interested sponsors Poor Marketing Plan Tape Delay on TV Opportunities Threats Sponsors associated with MLB Other All-Star Weekend events Airing on lesser network Popularity of NBA All Star Game Popular stars Television Rights Unique atmosphere Other forms of entertainment Target Market needs to shift in order for the event to be successful Non baseball, pop culture fans ◦ Game can create a more interactive experience between fans and celebrities Families ◦ Parents with young children ◦ Short game will keep their attention Create an exciting atmosphere for fans of all ages and baseball enthusiasm Increase attendance for the game by 50% in five years or 10% per year Increase Revenue by 25% in 5 years or %5 per year Bring in 2 new sponsors each year to create new branding opportunities Have the game aired live on television within 3 years of beginning the marketing plan Gain exposure through media outlets New ticket structure Change the culture of the event Print ads in newspapers and magazines such as Sports Illustrated Radio and television commercials tying main celebrity with a current project Social media blitz through Facebook and Twitter ◦ “Name the Star” ◦ “Celebrity Trivia” ◦ Free chances to win tickets and other prizes Celebrity “meet and greets” leading up to event ◦ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Fx71BgWABc Affordability is the main goal 5 new ticket prices: ◦ Single event children: $15 ◦ Single event adult: $25 ◦ Family package: $125 2 adult and 2 children’s tickets 4 hotdogs and 4 medium drinks $25 merchandise credit in gift shop ◦ VIP package: $150 All you can eat and drink area Meet and Greet zones with celebrities Chance to win All-Star game ultimate ◦ Entire weekend package: $250 Includes admission to all events during All-Star weekend Create a unique fan experience ◦ Get up close and personal with celebrities ◦ Kid’s zone sponsored by McDonald’s or other major sponsor ◦ Gatorade interaction zone which will allow fans to see some of today’s innovative sport’s technology ◦ Nike stations where fans can try new Nike products ◦ Technology set ups sponsored by Twitter where fans can tweet their experience at the event and upload pictures of themselves at the softball game “Free Agency” ◦ 4-5 month period “Spring Training” ◦ 4 month period “Opening Day” ◦ 2 month period “Post-Season” ◦ 1 month period Known as the Brainstorming session Our team of 8 marketing directors will recruit and strategize on who will best fit for our celebrity players Develop social media strategies such as giveaways and interactive questions Gather sponsor interest and sign contracts for different fan zones we will provide for the game Introduce the stars and legends to the public Create television commercials tying a star’s new movie or album release to their participation in the game Implement the social media strategy through Facebook and Twitter Send out mailer to season ticket holders in host city Flyer blitz to local businesses and schools Create all sponsor signage and giveaway displays Host side events such as “Kevin James Hot Dog Eating Contest” Ramp up social media strategy with ticket giveaways and meet and greet passes Have training for all staff and volunteers where issues such as parking, merchandise sales and customer service policies are handled Mail out tickets and any other material to all fans attending the game Get ready for the Taco Bell All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game to be a major success Evaluation Process Short surveys fans will be asked to take in stadium at event or by email sent to them the week following All-Star activities ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ Customer Service Parking Merchandise Entertainment Celebrity involvement Overall satisfaction Evaluate and analyze data as far as attendance and revenue Have follow up meetings with all sponsors Compile a database of attendees to send material to in the following year Expected revenue: $2,600,000 ◦ Ticket sales: $700,000 ◦ Concession and merchandise: $400,000 ◦ Corporate contracts: $1,500,000 Expected expenses:$2,500,000 ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ Stadium costs: $300,000 Interactive zones: $300,000 Celebrity engagements: $500,000 All forms of promotion: $1,400,000 Total Profit Margin: $100,000