Come one, come all....please?!

In these trying times the public want a way to escape their financial woes, but at the same time, not spend a lot of money. IAAM.org had an article that can be seen here, that touches on what facilities are doing to raise attendance while keeping the cost down.

First I will touch on how the venues itself reach their target audience. The idea of traditional marketing seems to be a thing of the past. I am not saying venues have stopped using it; it is just more of a back burner deal.

This day and age a lot companies are relying on social media to reach their audiences. Being apart of the younger generation I feel that this is an inexpensive way to advertise. Like the article stated most consumers will not recognize a venue by name only, but by the events that are held there. Sports teams have taken the steps in creating Twitter accounts and Facebook pages to alert fans to information, updates and even ticket sales to their events. Celebrities such as comedians and musicians have taken to social media to advertise upcoming shows and ticket prices, some even at a discount.

The article also touches on not only how venues reach out to consumers, but how to generate an income that will benefit both venue and the costumer. Offering discount package deals like that of the 76ers at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They offer a Family Fun Pack that includes four tickets to a game, four hotdogs and four sodas. The prices for the packages are based on seat location and range from $99 to $149. Other venues hold $1 hotdog days and a 5 for $5 meal deal.

Having specials like this is a sure way drive attendees to events.  In a article by an NBC affiliate, Austin News KXAN.com speaks about the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and how they used Twitter and Facebook to send out messages to promote a free ticket giveaway. 

I feel that social media is a great way to reach out to fans to let them know what is happening with their favorite events. Another approach venues can use is mobile marketing. Setting up a campaign that will send alerts to consumers interested in getting updates, discounts and even fun games and invites to special events can catch the receivers attention. Everyone loves a good deal and with the down economy its something we are all looking for.