MARKETING CONVERSATIONS: 2 interesting pieces

[dalakhani]

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

This is getting ridiculous. You basically want to turn Belmont into a nightclub. That's not going to increase handle significantly and it would be a massive investment for maybe a marginal increase in attendance.

Selling this ambiance bullshit for a track that's basically in the sticks compared to New York City is a ridiculous idea.

How do you know its marginal joey and what is marginal in your mind? There was a time when poker was in backrooms and seedy speak easy's. There was a time on the strip where you couldn't find the poker room. Now? Its front and center and larger than the sportsbook.

Stronach was dead on with his ideas if not perfect with his execution.

[ateamstupid]

Originally Posted by dalakhani

How do you know its marginal joey and what is marginal in your mind? There was a time when poker was in backrooms and seedy speak easy's. There was a time on the strip where you couldn't find the poker room. Now? Its front and center and larger than the sportsbook.

Stronach was dead on with his ideas if not perfect with his execution.

So poker is thriving because of A-list celebrities, trendy lounges, good food and contests between hands?

No, poker is thriving because the industry sold the idea that regular people can make money at it. Period. All this other fluff you're suggesting would be useless to poker and it's useless to racing. Gambling drives this industry and it's only an increase in gambling that's going to 'save' it.

The idea that Belmont Park could become a trendy social destination for regular people and young women is so laughable it makes me wonder if you've ever been to either Belmont or New York City.

[dalakhani]

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

So poker is thriving because of A-list celebrities, trendy lounges, good food and contests between hands?

No, poker is thriving because the industry sold the idea that regular people can make money at it. Period. All this other fluff you're suggesting would be useless to poker and it's useless to racing. Gambling drives this industry and it's only an increase in gambling that's going to 'save' it.

The idea that Belmont Park could become a trendy social destination for regular people and young women is so laughable it makes me wonder if you've ever been to either Belmont or New York City.

I was in New York City in April to get my hat for the derby. I did not go to belmont then but I have been a few times before.

As I said, perhaps these ideas wouldn't work at belmont but then again maybe they would.

I don't debate that gambling drives the industry and I certainly don't debate that the tracks need more gamblers. But where are you proposing they come from Joey? We are in 2011 in a society that wants what it wants before its even thought about. We are in an instant gratification age and you aren't going to get gamblers out by telling them they are going to solve puzzles while battling a 25% rake where its dirty and they are surrounded by bunch of old men.

The track is a dreary place and that is the perception and in many ways a reality. This has to change somehow. If you think what I am saying is off, throw your thoughts out. Perhaps they make more sense.

[MaTH716]

Originally Posted by dalakhani

I was in New York City in April to get my hat for the derby. I did not go to belmont then but I have been a few times before.

As I said, perhaps these ideas wouldn't work at belmont but then again maybe they would.

I don't debate that gambling drives the industry and I certainly don't debate that the tracks need more gamblers. But where are you proposing they come from Joey? We are in 2011 in a society that wants what it wants before its even thought about. We are in an instant gratification age and you aren't going to get gamblers out by telling them they are going to solve puzzles while battling a 25% rake where its dirty and they are surrounded by bunch of old men.

The track is a dreary place and that is the perception and in many ways a reality. This has to change somehow. If you think what I am saying is off, throw your thoughts out. Perhaps they make more sense.

This is a problem, changing the perception.
Sure, there are some tracks that are dreay places. But on the other end of the spectrum, there are very nice tracks that have good facilities. Places where people and their families/friends can spend a nice day.

As far as getting the gamblers, I really believe that the tracks need to (and have started) targeting the college kids. Plant those seeds, so when these kids graduate and get jobs, they remember their expierences at the track and go back with some cash to put into the pools.

[dalakhani]

Originally Posted by MaTH716

This is a problem, changing the perception.
Sure, there are some tracks that are dreay places. But on the other end of the spectrum, there are very nice tracks that have good facilities. Places where people and their families/friends can spend a nice day.

As far as getting the gamblers, I really believe that the tracks need to (and have started) targeting the college kids. Plant those seeds, so when these kids graduate and get jobs, they remember their expierences at the track and go back with some cash to put into the pools.

Yes there are nice tracks and even those places are dreary on a thursday afternoon in early july or late december. I went to the NCAA football championship in 2010. I went to Santa Anita before the game. There were like 17 people there. That place is gorgeous but it was pretty darn dreary. What a wasted opportunity. Two miles down the road is one the biggest games of the year if not the decade and they can't find away to piggy back.

Racing is way out of fashion. It doesn't have to be that way. We have great meets and major events still to build on. It won't always be that way though.

[MaTH716]

Originally Posted by dalakhani

Yes there are nice tracks and even those places are dreary on a thursday afternoon in early july or late december. I went to the NCAA football championship in 2010. I went to Santa Anita before the game. There were like 17 people there. That place is gorgeous but it was pretty darn dreary. What a wasted opportunity. Two miles down the road is one the biggest games of the year if not the decade and they can't find away to piggy back.

Racing is way out of fashion. It doesn't have to be that way. We have great meets and major events still to build on. It won't always be that way though.

People have to work, so you really can't expect crowds during the week (with exception of Saratoga & Del Mar). That's where tracks could do a better job. Come up with some sort of daily contest on the internet. Have the signal out there for people to watch and play in these contests for free (i.e. Keenland & Monmouth) and hope that translates into more people watching, eventually betting and visiting a track.

Maybe more twiglight cards during the spring/summer might be a good idea as well.

Yeah and then the trainers and jockeys will b.itch about the inability to move training to daylight hours.

Good luck with your passion for the sport, fellas. The economy speaks volumes and horse racing has really no shot to grow in this environment...trendy gimmicks included.

[ateamstupid]

I'm not a marketing expert, but just throwing out terrible ideas doesn't strike me as progress. Just like poker, you have to sell the idea that regular people can make money playing the game. Sell the idea that it's way more exciting, involved and gratifying than mindless zombies pulling a slot lever over and over again. Unfortunately with slots becoming such a big part of the industry, it might not make sense to bash them in ad campaigns, but playing the horses is a unique game with something for everybody: the majesty of incredible animals running at high speeds, being able to spend the day outdoors, an intellectual challenge, plenty of juice during the actual race and big paydays if you play things correctly.

Poker had the luxury of being on TV and having the announcers/coverage actually be focused on the game and the gambling. Unfortunately, all of our national TV coverage is based on weepy-eyed BS, human interest stories and celebrity spotting. Until the coverage is more horseplayer-based, the industry is going to be fighting an uphill battle to attract new gamblers.

[hoovesupsideyourhead]

we need more rastas ..they light the place up 'wayyyah to wayah mon"

wut the blood clot(h)

[dalakhani]

Originally Posted by hoovesupsideyourhead

we need more rastas ..they light the place up 'wayyyah to wayah mon"

Lol

Alright, I will stfu.

Welcome back coach.