Anyone else go to the business development thing?

esoteric001 · Post #1 » by **esoteric001** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 10:12 pm

If not, you should go next time. Lots of good answers to questions about the bobcats from Fred Whitfield. This is one of the cool things they do for season ticket holders IMO. Access to the COO is not something every sports team has.

Highlights:
--working on playoff ticket packages/prices with the NBA and they might be tied into a promo with early renewals.
--NBA officals came in to go over ticket prices 'almost row by row' to make sure we are on the right track. I got the sense there will be price changes next season--and not in the upward directions.
--they have less then 10k full season ticket holders, would like 1112k to be in a position to sell out more games.
--on not using jordan more, Fred said he 'does not like to be a show pony' and that he will do anything Fred asks as long as he can see the ROI. IE the fantasy camp thing. Fred said that he does not want to use his big bullett unless it is for a 'big event' like renaming the building etc..
--on some people not getting tv games..'we worked really hard so that every home in NC and SC are able to get the game.' He said that if you have friends that cannot get the games, please email them to let them know because they have put in a lot of work, even breaking a contract with TWC, to get everyone access! Basically how it works is the cable or sat provider needs to play a fee TO FOX not the bobcats and some are dragging their feet.
--Said the play the right way card is something they want to expand...in fact I learned there are some more businesses on it now: http://www.nba.com/bobcats/shop_the_right_way.html

Dont want to sound like a shill, but it is was interesting and informative. I had never been to the backcourt club. Plus free booze and food helps.

J

Post #2 » by **fatlever** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 10:31 pm

thanks for the info. good stuff.

i am really curious how they plan to do the playoff tix. i think my playoff tix could be more expensive than my entire season. i also fear that if we make the playoffs they will raise my tix. i am currently in the grandfathered $199 seats/per season from 4 years ago. that deal no longer is available from what i can tell. i think my seats now would run more like $600 for the season.

esoteric001 · Post #3 » by **esoteric001** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 11:06 pm

The way they made it sound, and please understand that this is just me reading btw the lines, was that no tickets were going to increase in price. And I know they have a sub $400 season ticket pacakge. As far as playoff tickets, it seems like they are really going to push renewals with the playoff pacakages--if we make the playoffs. IF. I am just excited to have ppl in the stands! I cannot wait to stroke the playoff ticket check!

Post #4 » by **fatlever** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 11:20 pm

i thought the crowd on saturday at the suns game was pretty good. probably the best crowd ive seen this year (keep in mind i didnt go to the cavs game or the boston game)

Post #5 » by **Paydro70** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 11:51 pm

This is good info, interested to hear about the Jordan stuff in particular.

chabber · Post #6 » by **chabber** » Thu Jan 21, 2010 3:57 am

I thought the crowds for the Spurs and Bulls games were really into the game. The Suns game was great at first but just like tonight's game once you've got that big lead the crowd chills. I did miss the Memphis game and only caught the 4th quarter on TV. I'm sure everyone was nuts at that game with Geralds plays near the end.

esoteric001 · Post #7 » by **esoteric001** » Thu Jan 21, 2010 10:36 pm

Oh, and seeing Bonnell write about it today, I am reminded of a Q&A comment. Whitfield, when asked if the team was still for sale, responded with, "Micheal is still interested in expanding his investment in the team." Take it for what it is worth. I cannot imagine a better opportunity for Jordan--his home state, his Jordan brand ceo running the team etc...I really dont care who owns the team, but some of you do and this is 'news' I suppose.