Sports fanatics are often seen as the most passionate and loyal fans. They are the ones who will show up to every game, rain or shine, and who will cheer on their team even when they are losing. But what makes fanatics so important for sports teams?
Fanatics Drive Revenue
One of the most important ways that fanatics contribute to a sports team’s success is by driving revenue. Fanatics are more likely to purchase tickets, merchandise, and sponsorships than casual fans. They are also more likely to attend games in person, which helps to generate gate revenue. In fact, a study by Deloitte found that the most engaged fans are six times more likely than casual fans to spend more on their teams.
Fanatics Create a Home-Court Advantage
Another way that fanatics contribute to a sports team’s success is by creating a home-court advantage. When the stands are full of passionate fans, it can be intimidating for opposing teams. The noise from the crowd can also make it difficult for opposing players to communicate. A study by the University of Chicago found that home teams win about 60% of their games, while away teams win only about 40% of their games.
Fanatics Help to Build a Team’s Brand and Value
Fanatics also play an important role in helping to build a team’s brand. When fans are passionate about their team, they are more likely to spread the word about the team to their friends and family. This can help to attract new fans and sponsors. A strong fanatics base also adds to the team’s valuation and helps in attracting more investment.
Fanatics Bring in More Sponsors / Brand Partners
Sponsors and brands look to partner with teams that have a strong Fanatics base, as that provides a greater opportunity to realize ROI. As the emotional association is higher for Fanatics, the recall that the brands get from their partnership with such teams is quite significant.
Fanatics Help to Keep a Team Relevant
In today’s competitive sports landscape, it is more important than ever for teams to have a strong fan base. Fanatics help to keep teams relevant and top-of-mind. They also help to generate excitement and buzz around the team.
How Can Teams Attract and Retain Fanatics?
There are many things that sports teams can do to attract and retain fanatics. Some of these things include:
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Offering a great fan experience: This includes providing comfortable seating, affordable food and drinks, and
plenty of entertainment options. - Engaging with fans on social media: This allows teams to interact with fans directly and build relationships.
- Offering fan appreciation events: This shows fans that the team is grateful for their support.
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Creating a sense of community: This can be done by hosting events for fans and encouraging them to interact with
each other. -
Personalizing the experience: Personalized and differentiated experience goes a long way in making the fanatics
feel cared and valued.
Need for the Right Tools
All said and done, teams need to first understand who their Fanatics are. Putting together the right technology stack is a key element towards achieving this goal. Teams should plan holistically to unify fan data, understand their behavior and interactions, and use the right analytics / marketing platform that can determine the maturity of their fans. Disjointed point products take away efficiency as well as create nasty data silos, which negatively impact the business. A solution that is pre-integrated into the eco-system and enables teams to manage all channels and interactions from a single pane of glass will go a long way towards providing a grand-stand view of the fans and how they are trending in real-time.
By investing in their fan base, and the right toolset, sports teams can reap several benefits, including increased revenue, a home-court advantage, and a stronger brand. Fanatics are the lifeblood of sports, and teams need to do everything they can to attract and retain them.
If you are interested to know how Factoreal helps teams nurture more Fanatics, have a chat with our sports expert.
