Fox EVP of marketing says attendance has beaten expectations

[herns]

“Some perspective on the launch of the @USFL and how the season is playing out to date.

As many here have noted, this is being built for the long term. The hub model and fiscal responsibility at the outset are key factors in building a league that will last.

We expected to have modest fan turnout for Bham Stallion games, so far the support for the Stallions has exceeded expectations. If you're in the area and come to a game, you'll feel the rush and the growing energy in Bham for this team. This city is falling in love with this team

We knew games without the home team would likely have few fans attending. To date, that's played out as expected for a brand new league. We're hopeful more and more Bham residents will come out to non-Stallion games as we move forward, but we have realistic expectations...

As many of you have pointed out, TV ratings are key to building this league. When comparing USFL viewership to a host of well-established, legacy spring sports properties (thanks @mulvihill79)... well that paints a very, very bullish picture about this leagues viability and value“

https://twitter.com/rgottlieb1/status/1 ... 00j3urzudw

[4th&long]

“Some perspective on the launch of the @USFL and how the season is playing out to date.

As many here have noted, this is being built for the long term. The hub model and fiscal responsibility at the outset are key factors in building a league that will last.

We expected to have modest fan turnout for Bham Stallion games, so far the support for the Stallions has exceeded expectations. If you're in the area and come to a game, you'll feel the rush and the growing energy in Bham for this team. This city is falling in love with this team

We knew games without the home team would likely have few fans attending. To date, that's played out as expected for a brand new league. We're hopeful more and more Bham residents will come out to non-Stallion games as we move forward, but we have realistic expectations...

As many of you have pointed out, TV ratings are key to building this league. When comparing USFL viewership to a host of well-established, legacy spring sports properties (thanks @mulvihill79)... well that paints a very, very bullish picture about this leagues viability and value“

https://twitter.com/rgottlieb1/status/1 ... 00j3urzudw

WOW - Thanks for posting Herns...

EVP concludes:

>> So have fun dicing ratings and attendance, but hope y'all don't lose sight of how great it is that we have real pro football to watch this week. Enjoy the games, enjoy the athletes playing their hearts out, this league is just starting and it's going to just get better and better <<

Seth responds speaks for many of us:

Seth “Collector of Footballs” Lessans @TujuMaster
Replying to @rgottlieb1 and @USFL
To be fair, I think people are nervous. They’ve invested emotionally into sports properties before and have been let down. I’ve said that I think the ratings are solid and the product will grow once confidence can be established among the fanbase that our investment will pay off <<

Well I totally like this... put the Twitter mob hysteria to bed and just chill, focus on the entertainment, we aren't going anywhere. Stability builds confidence, let people focus on that as so far the FB itself has been quite entertaining.

[CFLfan_inPhilly]

What else would you expect him to say?
"Our attendance?? Oh, we are completely f#cked."

And why BHAM and not BIRM ?

[Tank55]

I get some pretty weird vibes from that EVP. Seems like if things are going to plan you're not bickering with people on Twitter about it. After Week 2!

[4th&long]

I get some pretty weird vibes from that EVP. Seems like if things are going to plan you're not bickering with people on Twitter about it. After Week 2!

I don't see him bickering - its just a public blog.

[Tank55]

I don't see him bickering - its just a public blog.

No org wants its inner workings - esp issues - to be discussed publicly - I know in this age of SocialFedia people think its the SOP, no its not.

Do you honestly believe all the things you say on this board? Or are you consciously carrying water for the USFL? Just trying to parse if you're snowing yourself or trying to snow us.

[4th&long]

I don't see him bickering - its just a public blog.

No org wants its inner workings - esp issues - to be discussed publicly - I know in this age of SocialFedia people think its the SOP, no its not.

Do you honestly believe all the things you say on this board? Or are you consciously carrying water for the USFL? Just trying to parse if you're snowing yourself or trying to snow us.

I have no idea what you are talking about, but I suggest trying RIF. The USFL agreement has virtually no ticket rev- that goes to the city (premium ie seats charged) - If i recall correctly, and I do.

https://www.al.com/sports/2021/10/usfl- ... ngham.html

>> BJCC will retain all revenues from stadium concession and parking and some revenues related to advertising and premium seating. <<

Since Fox is charging $10 (ie a near giveaway) for Gen Admission seats which includes 2 free kids tickets (an actual give away) the only revenue in the stadium is ads, premium seating which is $25 a seat, concessions and parking. Its NOT League rev.

Clearly USFL IS NOT looking to make any money off attendance - only the local government has any real interest. USFL does want attendance for the all obsessed optics.

99.9% of fans just want to watch fun FB and be entertained. SocialFedia is a giant bitch session other than when just posting info or a statement (blog like) been saying that from day one on SM.
Granted it is a cheap way to get interest esp among young people but its still the above.

[johnnyangryfuzzball]

So have fun dicing ratings and attendance, but hope y'all don't lose sight of how great it is that we have real pro football to watch this week

That doesn't pay the bills—and the Murdochs aren't just going to keep dumping more and more money because it just feels "great" to have spring football to "enjoy."

This is a business proposition.

[johnnyangryfuzzball]

I don't see him bickering - its just a public blog.

No org wants its inner workings - esp issues - to be discussed publicly - I know in this age of SocialFedia people think its the SOP, no its not.

Do you honestly believe all the things you say on this board? Or are you consciously carrying water for the USFL? Just trying to parse if you're snowing yourself or trying to snow us.

I have no idea what you are talking about, but I suggest trying RIF. The USFL agreement has virtually no ticket rev- that goes to the city (premium ie seats charged) - If i recall correctly, and I do.

https://www.al.com/sports/2021/10/usfl- ... ngham.html

>> BJCC will retain all revenues from stadium concession and parking and some revenues related to advertising and premium seating. <<

Since Fox is charging $10 (ie a near giveaway) for Gen Admission seats which includes 2 free kids tickets (an actual give away) the only revenue in the stadium is ads, premium seating which is $25 a seat, concessions and parking. Its NOT League rev.

Clearly USFL IS NOT looking to make any money off attendance - only the local government has any real interest. USFL does want attendance for the all obsessed optics.

Then where are they making their money? They're not making TV rights fees, they're not making attendance money. How does this become sustainable?

[4th&long]

Do you honestly believe all the things you say on this board? Or are you consciously carrying water for the USFL? Just trying to parse if you're snowing yourself or trying to snow us.

I have no idea what you are talking about, but I suggest trying RIF. The USFL agreement has virtually no ticket rev- that goes to the city (premium ie seats charged) - If i recall correctly, and I do.

https://www.al.com/sports/2021/10/usfl- ... ngham.html

>> BJCC will retain all revenues from stadium concession and parking and some revenues related to advertising and premium seating. <<

Since Fox is charging $10 (ie a near giveaway) for Gen Admission seats which includes 2 free kids tickets (an actual give away) the only revenue in the stadium is ads, premium seating which is $25 a seat, concessions and parking. Its NOT League rev.

Clearly USFL IS NOT looking to make any money off attendance - only the local government has any real interest. USFL does want attendance for the all obsessed optics.

Then where are they making their money? They're not making TV rights fees, they're not making attendance money. How does this become sustainable?

COMMERICIALS - Its a MADE FOR TV product, Its OWNED by a broadcast network because they want CHEAP SPORTS PROGRAMMING. That's 100% it. You know that. They traded ticket sales for reduced cost and reduced risk.

Its all about TV ratings/viewers.