NHL Pricing Promotion

As the weeks go by and the lockout continues, NHL fans are losing what little hope they have that there will still be a season. For the fans, it seems that they are the ones that are really being punished during this. After all, without the fans, the NHL would not exist. Fans are leaving the NHL and are boycotting the NHL and everything related to the NHL. It seems that this lockout, the third under Bettman's reign, will have severe consequences.

As I talk to many fans, it seems that when the NHL returns, they are still going to boycott it and not give the NHL any of their money. When and if the NHL returns, the NHL and the individual teams might have to implement pricing promotions to help regain the fans interest and trust. Some pricing promotions that the league should consider are reduced prices on tickets and merchandise. Some fans even suggested that the league should give away free tickets. After all, they are willing to keep losing money for this long. The league might have to come up with such promotions as a fan appreciation week where tickets are sold at reduced prices or are even given away for free.

If the NHL wants to return to where it once was before the lockout, they will have to implement a good marketing and digital marketing campaign. The NHL will probably also have to hire new marketers to help with the new campaigns and plans. For digital marketers, the NHL can pull talent from the University of Michigan Dearborn, one of the top digital marketing schools.

Two Things the NHL Can Learn from the U of T Rockets Hockey Team

"Fire Bettman." This statement, one of the nicer ones about Gary Bettman, is one that is said and heard by many hockey fans. This lockout has angered many fans and some of these angry fans have abandoned the sport. When the NHL returns from the lockout, they will have to prove to the fans that they do care about them and that their voices will be heard. To do this, the NHL will have to develop a new marketing plan. This marketing plan can use things that the University of Toledo Rockets Hockey team's website has used to help market and promote their team.

Here are the two things that the NHL can learn from the Toledo Rockets Hockey team website:

1. Get to know your fans.

• Under the news section of the University of Toledo Rockets Hockey team's website, there is a "Website Polls" section. This section is great for learning about and getting to know your fans by asking them simple questions. Questionnaires are a great way to learn about your target market.

2. Listen to your fans.

• Based on the results of the polls, the team can make changes to the program itself and the marketing campaign. This results in happy fans and it really shows your fans that you care about them, value them and value their opinion.

Now, let me leave you with a few questions to think about.

Will you return as a fan to the sport of hockey, and participate as a fan by watching the games on TV, going to the games, buying merchandise, etc.?

If not, what will it take for you to return as a fan to the sport? An apology from the league or owners? Free tickets? Reduced prices? What will it take?

Toledo Rockets Hockey