terracesider said:
International RU matches in the UK are guaranteed full houses not least because they are a fashionable social occasion, but they don't translate into bigger gates for the Zurich Premiership (or whatever it's called). Why are the so fashionable? Because for months before, they are relentlessly plugged in newpapers and on television.
It's not the game on the field itself that's the focus of the relentless propaganda, but the concept of "historic" rivalries between the countries, often linked to popular culture. I put "historic" in commas because the RU authorities have never been shy about inventing or rewriting history. It's a joke, even a dishonest disgrace, but it works.
Interesting and justifiable perspective Terraceslider.
I guess thats the good thing about having a sh*thouse competition.
Promoting Internationals months before they start is hardly going to detract from their Zurich premiership.
Whether it would be effective for League to market an end of year tri-nations series or international tour a month or two before it starts is hard to gage.
Whether it would even be appropriate to do so in what will be finals time, who knows?
Anythings worth trying once I guess.
Still youve highlighted some angles we could use.
Fashionable Social Occasion Rivalry Historic.
I reckon we could make a half decent promo campaign using these words.
I gotta tell ya how disappointed I was with the promotion of the recent Aussie v Kiwi test, especially when I found out it was the 100th clash between these sides (from a kiwi point of view).
Thats 1 0 0 !!!
What an angle to work with.
Forget about the absence of many of the games star players.
Forget about the Rugby world cup.
Forget about the (perceived) likely outcome (i.e. an Australian win).
We could easily have taken the focus away from these factors by pushing the 100 theme
We shouldve had League personalities talking up the significance of this occasion.
We shouldve
paid the Mad Butcher to drum up awareness of the significance of this upcoming event via the radio, TV, social occasions etc.
Stickers, flyers, posters with the number 100 emblazoned on them (in white on a black background) shouldve been made (with accompanying info featuring less prominently).
Banners, billboards anything showcasing the 100 theme shouldve been used.
The test just gone by didnt get a full house, for a while there the turnout wasnt looking the least bit promising, luckily it got a good crowd in the end, but it was a struggle.
It shouldnt have been, what a wasted opportunity.
We all talk about events, occasions whatever; this could well have been promoted as one.
Im not particularly keen on hype, but if thats what weve got to do to draw the crowds well