Phoenix Coyotes Marketing

I have been a full season ticket holder for the Phoenix Coyotes for 9 seasons now and I have seen marketing campaigns come and go over the years. We have had everything from Pierre the hockey playing puppet that looked like he just got his ass kicked to the Don't Blink campaign last season that I thought was a total failure.

I understand that the marketing budget comes from the owner of the team and the current owner is the NHL so the team is limited in what they can and can't do.

Here is an idea though, why not ask the fans. Ask the fans what they want to see happen at the games, what kinds of ads they think will bring people into the door and in the seats. Who better to ask than the people that are passionate about the sport and have to spend their money to attend these games. If I was asked, I certainly would have told the team that fans would much rather have a bobblehead of Keith Yandle or Martin Hanzal rather than a rock star or US Senator.

I am sure there is great value in having someone with an expensive marketing degree and sports experience calling the shots in the end, but what bad would come out of asking the fans?

Here are some quick ideas for the team:

How many times do you see lots of empty suites at the games? I can't think of many better ways to get people in the door than giving away some suites throughout the season. Chances are that someone who won a suite would bring 11 others, some of which might never have gone to a hockey game before and after being to a game, would consider going again.

Have Facebook and/or twitter contests where people who retweet or post something on their wall would be entered to win a suite. It would be very easy to set up a ticket referral program where each person has a unique link and every person they send there and sells a ticket would be entered in the contest to win a suite. Throw in a food credit to sweeten the prize.

Wouldn't the team rather have 12 people in a suite rather than leaving it empty?

So how about the team sets up a web page on the Coyotes site where fans can send in their suggestions. There are COUNTLESS things the organization can do that would cost little to nothing. The team needs more fans in the seats and current fans really need the chance to voice their opinion.

2012 NHL UFA List

I know, I know, I am looking way too far ahead, BUT here is some notable players who will be unrestricted free agents after this season.

Alexander Semin
Ryan Smyth
Nick Lindstrom
Zach Parise - i personally would love to have him on the Yotes.
Jaromir Jagr
Saku Koivu
Jordin Tootoo
Sami Lepisto
Al Montoya

This is just a very short list, you can see the rest here.

2012 UFA List

Here is a list of the Coyotes whose contracts expire after this season.

Shane Doan - UFA
Daymond Langkow - UFA
Ray Whitney - UFA
Taylor Pyatt - UFA
Patrick O'Sullivan - UFA
Kyle "El Chupacabra" Chipchua - RFA
Petteri Nokelainen - RFA
Michal Rozsival - UFA
Adrian Aucoin - UFA
Chris Summers - RFA

In my opinion, Doan will be signed to a contract that will have him here for the rest of his playing days soon after Jamison takes over the team.

Coyotes Roster