Sports Marketing: Stripped down

A recent blog from Pat Coyle discussed the use of video captured from the perspective of a fan. He’s been nicknamed "Zack Legend" and he is a season ticket holder of the Indianapolis Colts and an avid chronicler of emotions and reactions of Colts fans.

The potential here for both parties is enormous. The videos have gotten attention and can now be viewed on Colts.com, which is beneficial for “Zack Legend” and the Colts are getting free marketing and a new source of traffic generation to the Web site.

The blog poses a question as to why other marketers are not rushing to jump on this bandwagon. Why doesn’t Coke contact him and have him drinking a coke? Or why doesn’t Chevy have him tailgate off of one of its cars? These are valid questions because what “Zack Legend” has harnessed is the power of pure marketing: capturing true emotions from local fans. From a marketing perspective the greatest attraction for consumers is feeling a connection to something.

In no uncertain terms, this blog poses ideas about where marketing should go and that’s away from this professional feel. Let’s bring it back to the people who know it best—the people themselves.