Soccer. In America?

The World's Sport. Soccer. Gooooaaaaal! Ole Ole Ole Ole! In America? 

This sport has been kicked aside for, well ever in the states. David Beckham was thought to be able to be unstoppable. They brought him to the LA Galaxy and wasted millions with no success. 

Why is soccer suddenly being talked about? Sounders FC. They have been able to create an exciting environment which has packed quest field to sell out status at each game so far this season. They have marketed themselves on television, created jingles for fans to sing, the twirling scarfs. Everyone wants a piece of the excitement. All these symbols of global soccer sickness have been tediously thought over for the goal of making coin. 

People are feeling the sickness. Suddenly a sport with no buzz has people jumping on the bandwagon in Seattle. We have now forgotten the Sonics and instead of Ray Allen no celebrate goals by Montero. I only hope this marketing machine continues to grind Soccer into a national phenomenon. 

The Kid Is Back... Alongside Vintage Nike Ads

The return of Griffey to Seattle has meant alot to this city. Griffey is more than just a ballplayer. He is an icon, a larger than life hero, and truly above the game of baseball. He is a walking God. 

As with Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan, Nike has thrown huge dollars at Griffey to market their products through various ad campaigns. Nike has chosen to re-air the vintage advertisements unseen since 1999 when he marked his sad departure from the Mariners. 

Nike has brought back the ads and created quite a buzz. They have reminded us how Griffey's long ball changed Seattle. They have stamped their name alongside a superstar. And recycled ad dollars. 

Great Move Nike!

10th Anniversary of Safeco Field: A Seattle Milestone Marked

Seattle Mariners celebrating the 10th anniversary of Safeco Field. This ceremony was a marketing strategy to show the magic of a day at the ballpark. By marking this moment, the created a want to all the fans. I was ready to drive 300 miles to experience everything they described. From 116 wins, Griffey's Return, The smell of Hot dogs, and Many majestic blue sky ballgames on the green grass. My Oh My what a game. And what a marketing ploy to create a want for a Mariners fans to be there each and every game. 

Pricing Strategy

This week in class we are discussing pricing strategies. I was just recently at GI Joe's Sporting Goods which are nationally going under just as Linens and Things, and Circuit City has within the past year. I noticed that although they slashed their pricing, I was paying more. What they ended up doing is raising their retail prices and then putting everything on sale. I was paying the same amount as in previous visits, yet now their store was filled with customers. It seemed they had generated a sense of urgency which filled their stores while their price points remained constant. I would have never noticed if I wasn't such an aware consumer. I'll leave the crowds there and shop elsewhere. 

Good Slogans Can Say Alot

I was recently listening to the radio and heard an appropriate slogan as we are studying advertising/promotion this week. It was a painting company whose slogan read "Where you'll never get the brush off". I just thought it was very clever by highlighting their business and highlighting their dedication to customer service. Slogans are a powerful tool and this is one that really grabbed me. I don't normally remember a painting company so this shows the power of a good slogan.