FSM


Fan Experience


ROI Of Building Fan Zones – Why Sports Clubs Should Be Investing In Fans


Fan zones have become a key part of a matchday experience for sports fans. In fact, digital out-of-home advertising specialists Ocean Outdoor and Opinium found in a survey they conducted that 88 per cent of respondents deemed it either important or very important for value that official fan spaces are created for people to watch large sporting events.


When asked why they see fan zones as being important when this response was given in the research, 60 per cent praised the shared experience they receive with likeminded people and 55 per cent said they enjoy the atmosphere in these settings.


Steve Bernard, the Head of Insight at Ocean Outdoor and Opinium, pointed out to Field Marketing1


: “This independent


study establishes how sports fan zones not only bring new people into leisure and retail destinations but will draw them back in the future.


“The majority of those interviewed were blown away by the community spirit and positive friendly atmosphere, with the majority agreeing that the fact they were attending an official fan zone was important in bringing likeminded people together in environments that met their expectations.”


With many millions of people heading to sports events across the UK each year, Cleveland Containers, which can transform standard shipping containers into bespoke hospitality shipping containers is on hand to explain why sports clubs should not delay when investing in their own fan zones…


Why Have Fan Zones Become So Popular With Supporters? There are many reasons why sports fans like to visit a fan zone, whether as a stop-off before heading into a stadium to watch their beloved team in action or as a go-to venue when a squad is playing away from home.


You may notice a fan zone to be packed with supporters because: • They are designed to create a memorable electric


atmosphere, as fans who share their passion for a sport and a team come together to celebrate a club’s successes as one.


• They heighten the fun of a matchday experience, thanks to


being places where fans can find merchandise stores, food and beverage stalls, live music sets and more.


26 FSM • They encourage a communal experience, where fans feel


loyalty to their favourite sports team and a sense of camaraderie as they share matchday stories and score predictions with people who support the same club.


• They are set up to welcome fans of all ages, with the likes of


sports skills workshops and interactive games making for family- friendly activities.


It


How Do Sports Clubs Benefit From Having A Fan Zone? is not only the fans who will


feel the positive effects of


having a fan zone set up around their club’s ground – sports clubs themselves will reap the rewards of creating one of these popular facilities too.


One benefit of a sports club creating a dedicated fan zone is that it improves the overall atmosphere of a matchday.


Eddie Rees, Conversions Manager at Cleveland Containers, explains: “Supporters will become more enthusiastic as they interact with fellow fans while they count down to kick-off, especially if live bands also play their part in increasing the pre- match excitement levels.


“This positive anticipation will spread into a ground as fans find their seats, both with supporters in the stands and players making their way out onto a pitch.”


Fan zones allow sports clubs to expand their revenue streams too, with opportunities for profits to be made in the sales generated from food, beverages and merchandise purchased within these facilities. With thousands of pounds being made per matchday, it would not take long to for clubs to see the investment pay off and pure profit being made on the space.


Clubs could agree to sponsorship deals and hire out their fan zones for special occasions away from their sport as well, boosting their income even more.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36