It is no secret that the world’s economy is in bad shape. In the U.S., we have been hit hard; unemployment has risen to an all time high of 11% in Michigan. We are in troubled times. Families are focusing their income on necessities and are spending less money outside of their home. The entertainment industry is just one industry that has been hit hard by the crisis. Sporting events have always competed against each other, and various other attractions such as movies, concerts, circuses, and other live attractions. However, the sporting industry is also competing to survive in this financial crisis.
Every team, no matter what sport or league they are affiliated with, are offering discounted tickets, side attractions, ticket and souvenir packages, and other bundles to attract families and fans in order to sustain their business. In an industry where competition thrives, what are some competitors doing? While some teams are promoting cheaper concessions, discounted merchandise, more access to players to stimulate fan turnout, side attractions (like concerts after the game), and cheaper tickets, one team has soared past the competition by offering free…that’s right…FREE season tickets for next years season to their unemployed season ticket holders. What team can possibly afford to do this for their loyal fans? The Yankees? The Red Sox? The Cowboys? The Red Wings? How about Villarreal? Yep, Spanish Premier League (La Liga) club Villarreal will offer their unemployed season ticket holders free tickets for the 2009-10 season to help fans that have been hit hard from the current global economic crisis. Villarreal’s President, Fernando Roig, made this announcement earlier today. He said that the club has an obligation to its supporters who are the base of their organization.
Fans are a major aspect of any sports team. This announcement illustrates how important fans are to Villarreal, and also how important Villarreal is to the fans. Fernando Roig made this announcement because he knew how passionate his fan base was toward the team. It seems like a win-win situation: Villarreal will have a full stadium full of grateful, loyal supporters.
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