can anyone please explain to me why Columbus' pro teams aren't named for the entire state rather than just Columbus?  The Blue Jackets have a potential market for 10-11 million fans, but are marketed only to 1.8 million people.  It makes sense that the reds, indians, browns, and bengals are named for their respective cities, but I really think there are many more people who would watch an ohio bluejackets game than columbus(ites? ians?) than would not watch a ohio blue jackets games.  Look at it this way, would the buckeyes have the following they do if they were the university of columbus?

If that were the case, then why not the Ohio Cavs instead of the Cleveland Cavs.  I mean, surely all Cincinnatians would support a Cleveland-based basketball team, right?

 

Right.

 

I'll stick with Columbus Crew and Columbus Blue Jackets, thanks :).

Indiana Pacers, New Jersey Nets, Golden State Warriors

Minnesota Twins, Florida Marlins, Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies

New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals

New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders (state), Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild

New England Revolution, Colorado Rapids.

 

I honestly think the Cavs would lose more fans than they would gain from the switch. Not so with the BJs and Crew

^ so you are saying cincinnatians support the pacers?  :wink:

 

 

i can meet you part-way on that thomas. those teams should change their names to the columbus, oh crew and the columbus, oh blue jackets. the fact is the rest of the country knows the place as columbus, oh anyway --- if they know it at all.

 

 

Cavs= 37 years old and a sport Americans love

Crew= 13 years old

Blue Jackets= 7 years old

 

As it stands now, having Ohio sports fans fighting for bragging rights is a problem The Crew and The Jackets would love to have. But no matter the team name, there's nothing stopping everybody in the state from making the sub 3hr roadtrip to C-bus to fill those empty seats.

 

And for crying out loud: both teams play within Columbus City Limits. Hello Auburn Hills Pistons and East Rutherford, NJ Giants/Jets.

You expand your tv market by fivefold by switching the name.  I would watch the ohio blue jackets, but I really don't care about the CBJ.  I watch Ohio state, but I don't watch any cleveland teams in football.

I wouldn't watch the teams play if they were the Cleveland Blue Jackets or Crew. Just not interested period.

In practice, though, do you ever state the origin of the team? I root for the Red Wings, not the Detroit Red Wings. And across the river from Detroit in Windsor, they root for the Red Wings, not the Detroit Red Wings.

 

You're thinking about it too hard my friend, and such a thing is anathema to enjoying sports.

it is not, the only legitimate function of professional sports is fostering civic pride, otherwise they are just a corrupt legal monopoly

 

And for crying out loud: both teams play within Columbus City Limits. Hello Auburn Hills Pistons and East Rutherford, NJ Giants/Jets.

 

that's because the columbus city limits are the auburn hills and e. rutherford of columbus.  :wink:

Bottom line, Columbus wants name recognition and sports teams help that.  People wouldn't know where the "Ohio Blue Jackets" or "Ohio Crew" are with just the state name in it.  But they certainly know where the Columbus Blue Jackets and Columbus Crew are.  Now, I wouldn't have a problem with naming the Blue Jackets "Ohio Blue Jackets" but I'll be DAMNED if we change it to "Ohio Crew," which doesn't even sound right.

actually i like the alliteration of columbus crew, but people know where ohio state is with just the state name in it.  If a capital city has a team and it is named after the state, people will figure it out.

actually i like the alliteration of columbus crew, but people know where ohio state is with just the state name in it.  If a capital city has a team and it is named after the state, people will figure it out.

 

Maybe in a state that has lower profile sister big cities.

Of Columbus' pro teams, including soccer, arena football and hockey, I think the Blue Jackets have done the best job of expanding into the Cleveland market. They have a radio affiliate, and you see their literature all over the place. I think they were damaged badly by the lost season, their horrible play and the rise of the Cavs on FoxSports. So, all the momentum they had when they arrived in Columbus, giving hockey fans statewide a team to cheer for has been eroded. Hell, now we have a minor league team in Cleveland that aims to have the same showmanship of a Cavs game. I'm not really all that interested.

 

I think the Crew have more room to grow as soccer has inched up the interest meter with the arrival of Beckham. That team's problem is, there is no communication going on to Northeast Ohio. I've never seen any advertisements and you never see the highlights on TV. Do they have a radio affiliate up here? The Cavs and Browns all find ways into Columbus, so I think the OP has a valid point. Personally, I don't think Columbus teams need to give up the "Columbus" in order to cultivate a bigger fan base, but they should at least look north and south to promote their teams since we do not have these sports in our cities.

You expand your tv market by fivefold by switching the name.  I would watch the ohio blue jackets, but I really don't care about the CBJ.  I watch Ohio state, but I don't watch any cleveland teams in football.

and who pays for the team name change?  Its not as simple as changing a name, there are big dollars associated with a name change.

 

Where does the team (company) come up with marketing and advertising dollars to move into a new market (not physical, but advertising, sales & marketing)?  Entering a sophisticated and sports crazed city that currently has "championship" caliper teams is expensive.  You have to go all out or nothing.

 

Hockey is not that big of a sport that the entire state would "buy" into it.  If so, the NHL would have voted to allow a team move back into Cleveland, or move/create a team in Toledo or Cinci.

 

IIRC, the Cleveland Barons (FKA California Seals, then Minnesota north stars, now the Dallas Star) most like have "rights" in NEO, preventing any other NHL team to market, advertise, broadcast in said territory.  Related example, the Baltimore / Wash. DC territory rights, which were changed in order to allow Montreal to move to DC.

 

Personally, I think the NHL, made a mistake by having a team in columbus, where Ohio State sports rules nor, IMO, the market is not large enough to support a "major league" franchise, especially a sport which has a problem retaining fans let alone, bring in new fans.  NASCAR is killing hockey, and smaller "urban" inspired "arena ----" " X-----" sports are becoming more and more popular along with the rise of country club sports being dominated by people of color (golf and tennis have never been more popular) and outdoor soccer is trying to sweep the country.

 

 

actually i like the alliteration of columbus crew, but people know where ohio state is with just the state name in it.  If a capital city has a team and it is named after the state, people will figure it out.

 

True, the tantalizing touch on the tongue of the twin Cs of Columbus Crew.

 

Secret Origin of the Team name: Road work is a particular constant in Columbus (the biggest outdoor advertising company in town is called Orange Barrel Media). The soccer team arrived in town during a major widening of I-71. So to pay respect to the teams of road workers, "Columbus Crew."

 

And there's your Urban Ohio sports-sprawl connection.

 

   

Although thomasbw's Columbus-baiting thread seems designed to infuriate (and should be ignored), I just can't let this statement go unchallenged.

 

I would watch the ohio blue jackets, but I really don't care about the CBJ.

 

Does anyone honestly believe this statement.  Because I don't for a second.  If you want to root for the Blue Jackets, go right ahead, nothing's stopping you.  Nothing unless you have a bias against Columbus. 

 

There are plenty of people in Ohio who cheer for the Cleveland Indians/Browns/Cavs and the Cincinnati Reds/Bengals who don't live near Cleveland or Cincinnati or don't have any allegiance to either city. 

I just feel that the Blue Jackets and Crew need to do a lot more in terms of advertising and reaching out into these other markets.  I LOVE soccer and would sure as hell love to go to a game and cheer on Ohio's team.  But, the Crew can easily be forgotten in Cincinnati with the other professional teams plus two D-1 universities.

 

I'm personally not that much of a hockey fan, but other people are and I'm sure they suffer from the same problem.  Also...why doesn't FSN Ohio sign a deal with the Crew (or vice versa)?  I can never watch soccer and if I do it is one of 4 revolving teams that get TV time from the MLS (DC United, LA Galaxy, Red Bull, Chivas USA).

Personally, I think the NHL, made a mistake by having a team in columbus, where Ohio State sports rules nor, IMO, the market is not large enough to support a "major league" franchise, especially a sport which has a problem retaining fans let alone, bring in new fans.  NASCAR is killing hockey, and smaller "urban" inspired "arena ----" " X-----" sports are becoming more and more popular along with the rise of country club sports being dominated by people of color (golf and tennis have never been more popular) and outdoor soccer is trying to sweep the country.

 

Completely disagree.  Nashville, Raleigh, and Hartford are/were smaller markets than Columbus and all have/had NHL teams (and Nashville also has NFL).  So it isn't about size, as I hear the Blue Jackets attedance is actually quite good for such a horrendous team.  Columbus' "market" is like 2.5 million or something.  That's more than enough to support its teams.

 

I just feel that the Blue Jackets and Crew need to do a lot more in terms of advertising and reaching out into these other markets.  I LOVE soccer and would sure as hell love to go to a game and cheer on Ohio's team.  But, the Crew can easily be forgotten in Cincinnati with the other professional teams plus two D-1 universities.

 

I'm personally not that much of a hockey fan, but other people are and I'm sure they suffer from the same problem.  Also...why doesn't FSN Ohio sign a deal with the Crew (or vice versa)?  I can never watch soccer and if I do it is one of 4 revolving teams that get TV time from the MLS (DC United, LA Galaxy, Red Bull, Chivas USA).

 

Completely agree that Columbus' sports teams need to advertise in the state more, particularly the Blue Jackets.

 

Completely disagree.  Nashville, Raleigh, and Hartford are/were smaller markets than Columbus and all have/had NHL teams (and Nashville also has NFL).  So it isn't about size, as I hear the Blue Jackets attedance is actually quite good for such a horrendous team.  Columbus' "market" is like 2.5 million or something.  That's more than enough to support its teams.

 

 

I'm not arguing with you, just pointing out some facts. 

 

You might disagree, but $$$ say different.  Raleigh and Hartford, don't have other sports competing for the dollar. 

 

From a consumer marketing point of view, what exactly do you term "good attendance" for that market?  Who are they reaching?  How do you grow it?  Where does the money come from? Why should I partner with this franchise/NHL?? 

 

I can tell you now NASCAR is the fastest growing sport in the states. NASCAR has national contracts, its ridiculous.  They are actively recruiting drivers of color and women (thanks to letterman).

 

X game sports sell and are growing in popularity, because of their reach and brand marketing (interactive, video games, music, etc.) that reaches a younger thrill seeking audience of all colors.  In addition, its a winter and summer sport.  The NHL, can't do that.  Is there an NHL player with "lebron", "serena", "tiger" or "beckham" like branding possibilities?

 

You have people that ask, "is Hockey even a sport?" 

Completely agree that Columbus' sports teams need to advertise in the state more, particularly the Blue Jackets.

 

i certainly agree with that

Raleigh and Hartford, don't have other sports competing for the dollar.

 

Neither does Columbus (I mean, the Crew?  Really).  And if you mention the Buckeyes, need I remind you that Hartford has UConn and Raleigh has freakin' Duke and NC State close by.

 

From a consumer marketing point of view, what exactly do you term "good attendance" for that market?  Who are they reaching?  How do you grow it?  Where does the money come from? Why should I partner with this franchise/NHL?? 

 

Ask the Blue Jackets or somebody "into" hockey.  I'm black, remember?

 

All I know is that it's very popular in Columbus and attendance ain't bad for such a struggling team.  And I'm definately not denying that hockey's popularity is going down compared to NASCAR.

Raleigh and Hartford, don't have other sports competing for the dollar.

 

Neither does Columbus (I mean, the Crew?  Really).  And if you mention the Buckeyes, need I remind you that Hartford has UConn and Raleigh has freakin' Duke and NC State close by.

 

From a consumer marketing point of view, what exactly do you term "good attendance" for that market?  Who are they reaching?  How do you grow it?  Where does the money come from? Why should I partner with this franchise/NHL?? 

 

Ask the Blue Jackets or somebody "into" hockey.  I'm black, remember?

 

All I know is that it's very popular in Columbus and attendance ain't bad for such a struggling team.  And I'm definately not denying that hockey's popularity is going down compared to NASCAR.

 

Yes, I realize that those universities are close to those franchises.  I just had to double check the Hartford team was relocated to NC.

 

You're Black?!  :-o  Who knew?!  :wtf:

PSUEDO-RICAN BANNED!

You have people that ask, "is Hockey even a sport?" 

 

Give them some skates and a stick and throw them on the ice.  Then come back in 5 minutes and ask if their question has been answered.

 

I'd be interested in knowing more about the market "rights" for Ohio.  My guess would be that the Crew doesn't have rights to Cleveland, as there is supposed to be an MLS franchise coming, though it is stalled.  Our AHL affiliation may even have something to do with Blue Jacket's Cleveland marketing rights.  The Monsters aren't affiliated with them, afterall.  Does anyone know these things for sure?

I always thought it was stupid when teams named themselves after the state rather than the city they reside in.  You have plenty of fans for both Cleveland and Cincinnati Sports in Columbus.  Also, I agree it has a lot to do with name recognition.  The reason why the fan base in Columbus for the Jackets is declining is because the team is doing horrible and because they are 'new' is no longer an excuse for their poor performance.  Given their record, I would have to say they have a better turnout than they deserve.  The Crew just needs to do better in general in my opinion.  I never hear about them and often forget of there existence, then again, this could be because they need to be better marketed in places such as southern ohio where i have lived for the past six years of my life. 

 

Never change their names. 

 

 

Let's also remember Columbus proper is the most populous city in the state. That's gotta count for something. Once these two teams start delivering, it'll count for a whole lot more.

^How so? (Inner)City population means almost nothing anymore, and I would think even less so with professional sports.

REGARDLESS, it is quite clear that a market like Columbus can support an NHL and MLS team.  The question really is directed as "what would Columbus gain from calling it Ohio Blue Jackets" or something.  The answer?  Not a damn thing.

 

Let's stick with Columbus.

You have people that ask, "is Hockey even a sport?" 

 

Give them some skates and a stick and throw them on the ice.  Then come back in 5 minutes and ask if their question has been answered.

 

I'd be interested in knowing more about the market "rights" for Ohio.  My guess would be that the Crew doesn't have rights to Cleveland, as there is supposed to be an MLS franchise coming, though it is stalled.  Our AHL affiliation may even have something to do with Blue Jacket's Cleveland marketing rights.  The Monsters aren't affiliated with them, afterall.  Does anyone know these things for sure?

 

You know I was being facetious.

 

In regard to rights, I don't have that information.  Most likely NHL/AFL would.  The monsters are affiliates with the Denver team IIRC.

 

REGARDLESS, it is quite clear that a market like Columbus can support an NHL and MLS team.  The question really is directed as "what would Columbus gain from calling it Ohio Blue Jackets" or something.  The answer?  Not a damn thing.

 

Let's stick with Columbus.

 

Couldn't agree more!

All I'm saying is throw a few billboards up down here in Cincy...maybe make a few promotional appearances in the off season, and then employ a couple of other creative marketing strategies (maybe link up with some of the youth soccer leagues or something) to get Cincinnatians interested in the state's only soccer team.

I hear you, but it's so much more difficult than that.

 

Basically what your'e saying is do more than what they are doing now.

I wonder if the two CBUS teams could play exhibition games in Cleveland or Cincinnati like the Cavs do in Columbus? In an article last year the Cavs stated they are doing that to build the fan base.

^The Jackets would gladly make the trip to Cleveland to lose to the Monsters.

^No way kingfish.  This year it'll be different for the BlueJackets!  :-D

The Jackets might have a chance against the Crew on ice skates.

 

Okay, I'm finished now.

 

Go BJ's!

I bet if they used some sort of marketing slogan like "I want a BJ" I bet that would peak interest!

I wonder if the two CBUS teams could play exhibition games in Cleveland or Cincinnati like the Cavs do in Columbus? In an article last year the Cavs stated they are doing that to build the fan base.

 

The Crew did come up to Cleveland to play the Cleveland City Stars in a friendly this summer. Unfortunately, only City Stars season ticket holders could attend, which I think was a big waste considering 99% of Northeast Ohio has never heard of the Cleveland City Stars.

It doesn't get any more "OHIO" than "The Ohio State Buckeyes".

 

"Let's stick with Columbus".

ColDayMan

...

All I'm saying is throw a few billboards up down here in Cincy...maybe make a few promotional appearances in the off season, and then employ a couple of other creative marketing strategies (maybe link up with some of the youth soccer leagues or something) to get Cincinnatians interested in the state's only soccer team.

 

I'm pretty close to the meat of this issue as I write most of The Crew's advertising, and let me say off the record that we're always pushing for more creative/effective marketing and promotion. We've had incremental success at filling seats, but a perfect storm of 1) small budgets 2) the team's own lackluster performance and 3) the general unpopularity of Soccer in the U.S., works against us always.

 

I'm a huge advocate for outdoor, both traditional billboards and guerilla tactics, and I think they could get some mileage out of that. But as it stands, there isn't even a budget for that in Columbus. We're always pushing them though.

 

Many of the marketing challenges for pro soccer in the U.S. are the same as minor league teams: revolving door roster, lack of general public excitement, small budgets, etc. Therefore, most of the creative/marketing energies go to creating a soccer-optional entertainment environment on game night, just to fill seats. The Crew is one of--if not the only--pro soccer team with its own stadium. This is cool and terrifying at the same time as there are only 10K hardcore soccer fans that we know about, and approximately 24K seats to fill. 

 

I'll hold my comments there lest I give away the whole playbook, but I think youth soccer-directed package ticket sales--bus ticket, meal and a game--would be a good way to build excitement/awareness.

 

Also, winning would be nice. 2008 is just around the corner, though. Go Crew!

Naming a team after the city gives it a more personal touch. If the name itself was the only variable, I'd rather go to a "university of columbus" as opposed to an "ohio university" for example. Same with sports teams. If the blue jackets did that badly I don't know why nationwide realty and the local newspaper would invest in them financially.

 

Btw, does anyone really refer to them as the "BJs"? lol...

 

I agree with mts though, the sport isn't very popular to begin with and outside of Columbus I don't think they would get much support from Cincy or Cleveland. People in Columbus are MUCH more likely to support it, if nothing else because its a home town pride thing. I can't see it ever becoming popular down here. It would be like promoting a minor league football team in cities 2 hours away.

Hey kingfish, how about this Columbus Crew outdoor ad?

 

 

 

Btw, does anyone really refer to them as the "BJs"? lol...

 

David, I've heard lots of people say they love the BJ's.  I'm sure they were talking about hockey?!?

 

That was before my time, but yes, the company is very, very proud of that one.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/mls/longterm/2006/mls.salaries.html

 

Man, look at those salaries!

^^I'm sad that it was taken down.  The last one I saw on there was for SkyBus and that was a little lackluster in my opinion. 

 

What about marketing more to the Hispanic crowd?  They live and breath soccer, do they not? 

 

Also, I am bothered by something mentioned before about the revolving door of team rosters.  I am not a sports fan really, so I wouldn't know the answer to this, but is it normal to have that?  I mean, no wonder why the Jackets and even the Crew don't have good seasons if this is true.  They have nothing invested in the town or the team if their players just keep coming and going as they do. 

^^oh, no wonder.

What is the average attendance for Crew and Blue Jacket games?  When did the Blue Jackets enter the league?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/mls/longterm/2006/mls.salaries.html

 

Man, look at those salaries!

 

Wow, those are amazing. Its hard to believe that professional athletes are making only $11,700 per season.