Going to Miller Park and not watching the game

In our business, whenever you go to another venue you tend to observe how "they" do things. This past week, Miller Park was the venue as I went to a Brewers game. I'm certainly a Brewers and baseball fan and enjoy watching the games. However, upon entering the Miller Park parking lot I found myself observing and evaluating all aspects of the operation. My first observation was the car parkers didn't know where to send us with our parking pass. We were sent around the entire parking lot and circled back to where we started before we were pointed in the right direction.

Once we got in, we were met by a friendly guest services lady otherwise known as an usher. She asked us if we knew where we were going and wished us a good time. A short time later I walked past her and joked she should turn the air conditioning on (it was 88 at game time and crazy humid with no air movement at all inside the park). For the rest of the evening when I made eye contact she joked with me and asked if I found the air yet. I was impressed with her customer service and her smile and instantly hoped that our guest staff at the Resch is just as friendly.

During the game, I watched with interest as the Brewers ran various promotions - something we all do in the business to improve the fan's experience. I even took it so far to look at every business/sponsor that had signs at Miller Park. I found it interesting that three different banks were advertised. Obviously no exclusivity there. Also two different airlines. And UW-Milwaukee has been a constant sponsor at Miller Park. I always thought it was curious a state school was spending money to market themselves at a baseball stadium, but they need to attract students as well. I'm always impressed with that big wrap around digital color sign and how cool it would be to have one in the Resch.

I also look closely at the prices at the concession stands for comparison. You know it will be expensive and need to understand all venues charge higher prices for food and beverage because it is a vital source of income. Many times what you pay to see the game or event has little to do with the bottom line of the venue.

So as I gazed around the venue and watched the guest services staff, the police officers, the signs and the racing sausages, I still managed to see Casey McGehee hit a two run shot and Rickie Weeks a solo home run. Yeah, pitcher Chris Narveson started out slowly for the Crew, but settled down to keep the Twins in check and the bullpen was solid the rest of the way. Who says you can't keep track of the game while your mind wonders to other places?

Caught in a championship

A few of my co-workers and I were fortunate enough to be in Chicago this past week when the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup. We were in the Windy City for a conference where arena marketing people from around the country and Canada get together to discuss the upcoming year in shows and events. The Hawks won the cup on the opening night of the conference. We were at Navy Pier and everyone anxiously followed the game. We knew Chicago would go crazy if they won and sure enough, it happened. Michigan Avenue quickly filled with cheering people, cars started to parade around blowing horns. A party atmosphere indeed!

The next night on our way to dinner we noticed a huge commotion on Rush Street with crowds and many police vehicles. Before we knew it, the Blackhawks team bus pulls up to the intersection we were standing at and out comes the Stanley Cup! The team was making quick stops at popular Chicago restaurants or drinking spots. Needless to say, the atmosphere was unbelievable.

As far as the conference was concerned, we talked with many representatives from shows like Walking With Dinosaurs, Sesame Street, Star Wars: In Concert. We also discussed at length the continual explosion of social media and how to better reach the masses with Twitter, facebook and the like.

A biggie on sale, another coming

I guess it remains to be seen if it will have the wow factor that Elton John had at the Resch a little while back, but there's no question the upcoming July 15 Simon & Garfunkel concert is a major get for us. For baby boomers and more, Simon & Garfunkel are iconic with a boat load of hits that we all know or have heard of regardless of your age. This latest tour includes only about a dozen cities with Green Bay in the mix.

While tickets for Simon & Garfunkel go on sale Saturday (June 5), we are set to announce another major event for the Resch Center next week. The summer, usually a slower time for arenas, is shaping up to be pretty decent for us. With Simon & Garfunkel in mid-July, Star Wars: In Concert July 3 and another major event coming in early August we are more than holding our own. Hopefully the Green Bay Blizzard will have several home playoff games as well to keep the Resch humming!