WPS Teams, Follow the Stars

In case you are wondering what I'll be up to tomorrow --

The Chicago Red Stars have announced that two of its games this season will be broadcast live on the team’s website, http://www.chicagoredstars.com/!!

The broadcast schedule kicks off this Saturday as the Red Stars host the Boston Breakers. A 2nd webcast will be available for Chicago’s home game against the Washington Freedom, July 26th.

During preseason, I discussed with many friends and colleagues how impressed I was with Chicago's front office. They really have got it together. CEO Peter Wilt is leading the way when it comes to marketing in this league. His team of soliders (Marcia McDermott, Pat McNamara, Alyse Lahue and Elly Deutche) are on the front lines day-in and day-out, and are really connecting with the public. Heck, I'm from Philadelphia and they have turned me into one of their biggest supporters. If that's not an accomplishment, I don't know what is.

Other WPS teams really need to follow Chicago's lead. The Red Stars are not only listening to what the fans want, they are actually making it happen! Besides the webcasts, take a look at some other examples:

• Just today, GM Marcia McDermott was giving away her club box seats for this weekend's game to the first person who called the ticket line and mentioned her tweet. (You can follow her on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/mmcd21)
• Chicago offered fans a bus ride from Chicago to St. Louis for the first away game. (PBR included!)
• On Tuesday, I received an email with a "thank you" offer -$10 to bring a friend, no matter where you sit.
• The team has players like Lindsay Tarpley and Megan Rapinoe guest blogging for the Chicago Tribune.
• The Red Stars had Dollar Dog Night for petes sake. Does it get any better than that?! I think not!
  
  Honestly, I could go on forever....

Other teams like FC Gold Pride, LA Sol, Washington Freedom and the Boston Breakers are slowly making their way up to Red Stars status. I just heard from Gold Pride last night and they've got some things in the works for future gameday webcasts.

On the flip side, Athletica and Sky Blue have really got to step it up. I'd like so much to get behind Sky Blue, since it is my local team, but they've got to get it going in the marketing department: Twitter is your friend -- use it. Develop some innovative gameday promotions and ticket packages. Maybe try some theme nights. I used to work for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and theme nights were always a hit. And lastly, please look beyond the East Brunswick Soccer Club to bring in your sales, especially when you've got Hoboken (where I used to live) and NYC at your fingertips. Do some happy hours like the Boston Breakers, get out in the community like Gold Pride, help create a fan club like the Freedom. At this point, just do something!

As for the Red Stars, you rock my world! Keep up the good work. Looking forward to visiting you all this summer for a game!