University of Houston Athletics
The Marketing of Your Home Team
6/28/2005 12:00:00 AM | General
June 28, 2005
The 2005 Cougar Football season is quickly approaching and the University of Houston Athletics Marketing Department is preparing to unveil a broad-based advertising campaign with a goal of increasing season ticket sales over last year's totals. With season tickets starting at $55 and a home schedule that includes the University of Oregon, two bowl participants and a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate, the Cougars are offering the City of Houston a tremendous entertainment option in 2005.
"We are providing the City of Houston with various ticket options and packages in an effort to attract people to experience Cougar Football," said Dave Maggard, UH Athletics Director. "Our focus is to appeal to new fans, increase our attendance base and provide everybody with an excellent showing each game."
Houstonians will catch a first glimpse of the campaign next month, as billboards will be placed in five different locations throughout the city. Not long after, several newspaper advertisements will appear in the Houston Chronicle, and a number of radio commercials on various stations (including the new ESPN 790 AM "The Sports Animal") will hit the air.
The campaign also will include a 30-second television commercial, which will broadcast periodically throughout the month of August on KTRK-TV ABC 13 and on College Sports Television (CSTV). The spot will include appearances by head coach Art Briles and a number of Cougar football student-athletes.
"Our aim is to become and remain a primary entertainment option for Houstonians," said Devin Crosby, UH Assistant Athletics Director for Marketing. "We feel the combination of TV, radio, print and billboards are necessary in our effort to effectively brand UH Athletics in the Houston market." We were able to accomplish our advertising goals with the investment of our media partners ABC 13, Viacom Outdoor, Clear Channel Radio and the Houston Chronicle."
Several additional and more specifically-targeted advertising mediums such as direct mail, e-mail blasts and schedule card distribution to area businesses will be utilized to promote the upcoming season.
Being Houston's "Home Team", the Cougars open the 2005 football season against Oregon in a nationally-televised game at Reliant Stadium on September 1. Houston also plays host to New Orleans Bowl participant Southern Miss on September 24 and will face a 2005 Heisman Trophy candidate and All-America running back DeAngelo Williams of Memphis on October 15.
In addition, Houston will play home games against three intrastate rivals this year, beginning with Sam Houston State on September 10. The Cougars will renew their rivalry with former Southwest Conference foe SMU on November 12, as the Mustangs begin play in Conference USA this season. Houston closes out its schedule against another new C-USA member, inner-city rival Rice, in the annual battle for the Bayou Bucket on November 26.
"This is a very good and strong schedule that brings some of our new Conference USA members back to Houston," added Maggard. "Our new realigned Conference USA allows our fans to travel to more away games and allows the visiting schools to bring more fans to our games. Over time, we have a chance to build some really good rivalries."
In addition to exciting college football action, UH football games feature pre-game entertainment for fans of all ages in the Northwood Lincoln Mercury Tailgate Village located on the west side of Robertson Stadium. There is a "Kid's Zone" area equipped with free interactive games for young children and a stage area with live musical performances featuring local and regional bands. Fans can purchase food and drinks in the tailgating village as they prepare for kickoff.
"We want our games to be a great event everyone can enjoy," said John A. Robinson Jr., UH Senior Associate Athletics Director. "You'll come out and see a bunch of friends you know. You'll find the game and concessions professionally managed. We also will be adding some interesting things that fans have not experienced in the past. It's just another way for them to enjoy each game."
"We want people throughout the City of Houston to attend our games," added Robinson. "It is important for us to gain the support of not only our current students and staff, alumni and former staff members, but also get support from college football fans throughout Houston. That is why we want them to think of the University of Houston as a viable and professionally-operated entertainment option."
For more information on season tickets for the 2005 season or to place an order, please contact the UH Athletics Ticket Office at 713-GO-COOGS or click here.
