What was your most memorable BB promotion?

FirefightnRick · January 17, 2006

Reading ADLER's attempt below to "INSPIRE" a tiny bit of creativity with our AD promotions department got me to remembering some of the ones for basketball I remember most from the past. Our very own "drex" was the head promotions guy back then for the athletic department but had a fraction of the budget that we currently have today. This basketball program is starting to show signs of life. Now, more than ever is the time to promote it like our lives depended upon it.

Some of my more favorite promotions:

1. The Taste of North Texas. 1,000's of Dentonites, including students came to the Super Pit for some great food tasting, AND your ticket into the door for the TASTE, also got you into the game that followed immediately afterwards. Great attendance and great games.

2. The Bud Light Flying basketball team. Daredevil stuntmen used mini trampolines to fly to the basket during a halftime performance. Great crowd pleaser.

3. Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders performed at halftime.

4. Kilgore Rangerettes performed at halftime.

5. Campus wide slam dunk contest for cash prizes

6. Poster contests for cash prizes(1st, 2nd, 3rd place). I had already graduated and was working in Arlington when I got a call from "drex" himself who at the time was spending several days on the phone calling every phone number he had in order to let people know about the contest.

These are just a few that come to mind. Anyone remember any others? And of course I know it wasn't a promotion but for every game Scrappy(Eppy back then) was a high energy individual who's sole purpose was to entertain the kids in the stands and on the floor and "drex" made sure of that because he understood that if the kids have fun, their parents will too and want to come back. Of course not all of "drex's" promotional ideas worked at times. But the guy took his job to heart. He lived it morning, noon and night and was able to get some positive results with very little to work with. These were great times that I won't soon forget and there is no reason they cannot return. The time is ripe for the picking.

Rick

Zeke · January 17, 2006

I started in 1997 so my answer has to be.........nothing.

The Pit Crew putting up a searchlight, concert, etc is pretty good. I have to assume that you are referring to the AD's promotions instead of people that just love their school though. One time there was free pizza from the AD for everyone.

Edited January 17, 2006 by Zeke

Cowtown · January 17, 2006

In the early 90's they had a Dr Pepper giveaway.

But the problem was they were launching big 1/2 litre bottles into the stands.

People were getting smacked up side the head with the big bottles.

I never saw that promo again.

GMG

January 17, 2006

The Pit Crew's efforts for the TCU game last season was the biggest actual promotion that I have seen so far since I have attended NT. There have been little things here and there at the games, but they were only seen by the same people who go to most of the games. We had Mavs Man at a game last season I believe, which was pretty cool. The only other promotion that I can recall that had any effect on attendance is the Dorm Night or whatever it's called. A few dorm residents who wouldn't normally go to games would come, but nothing huge.

Stan R · January 17, 2006

I think the general public is very perceptive of the basic level of talent and even moreso, the drive and passion that the coach and the players have to win. If they come to see a competitive game and hustle from the players, those people will probably want to come back. If they see a coach that doesn't care, players with no hustle and just there for the scholarship, they probably won't be back. I don't think some times we here on GMG.com give the average non-sports fan enough credit. Everyone has common sense to spot a program that cares about a particular sport, players and coaches that are driven to be their best. They see it and THAT is what brings them back. This year as opposed to some in the past it seems as though the team believes it can compete and they are genuinely exited about their prospects. That is why we are seeing bigger crowds, IMO...

Michael Scott · January 17, 2006

I think the general public is very perceptive of the basic level of talent and even moreso, the drive and passion that the coach and the players have to win. If they come to see a competitive game and hustle from the players, those people will probably want to come back. If they see a coach that doesn't care, players with no hustle and just there for the scholarship, they probably won't be back. I don't think some times we here on GMG.com give the average non-sports fan enough credit. Everyone has common sense to spot a program that cares about a particular sport, players and coaches that are driven to be their best. They see it and THAT is what brings them back. This year as opposed to some in the past it seems as though the team believes it can compete and they are genuinely exited about their prospects. That is why we are seeing bigger crowds, IMO...
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I thought it was cheap crappy hot dogs...

Green Jackal · January 17, 2006

Frisbe Dogs. Bring back the Frisbe Dogs.

Best Promotion Idea that Never Happened? Vic Trilli wig night. The idea was to give out styrofoam Vic Trilli wigs. If you have ever seen this man's hair you will know what I am talking about.

NT80 · January 17, 2006

Frisbe Dogs. Bring back the Frisbe Dogs.
Best Promotion Idea that Never Happened? Vic Trilli wig night. The idea was to give out styrofoam Vic Trilli wigs. If you have ever seen this man's hair you will know what I am talking about.
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Vic Trilli

drex · January 18, 2006

Thanks to the kind words from Firefightin Rick, but I think that he forgot one of the biggest promotions ....'Pack the Pit' night. Rick was a prime mover in that one and the result was over 5,000 for a team that had won only three games prior to the promotion (as my feeble memory serves me). Hey Rick, remember NT on Parade and 'introducing the starting crowd for tonight's game? Those were the good old days.

dogsplayinpoker · January 18, 2006

From reading this board I would have thought there are no promotions for basketball, None, Zero, Nada, Zip

But then I found this on the athletic web site:

Season Long Promotions

* Wendy's Three Point Shot

- If the Mean Green make seven (7) three point shots during

a contest, vouchers will be available to redeem for a

free Wendy's Hamburger, with the purchase of Biggie

fries and a 20 oz. drink.

- If North Texas Women's Basketball makes five (5) three point

shots during a contest, vouchers will be available

to redeem for a free Wendy's hamburger, with the purchase of

Biggie fries and a 20 oz. drink.

* University Apartments Courtyard Couch

"The Best Seat in the House"

- Students are eligible to register themselves and three of their

friends for the opportunity to seat in the "Best seat in the House".

Sign up at the promotions table located in the concourse, and listen

for your name to be called in the first half. Four people will be

chosen and receive free pizza and drinks while they sit in a couch

and chair in the student section, all brought to you by

University Courtyard Apartment.

* Jason's Deli Loudest Fan of the Game

- The North Texas cheerleaders will try to see who is the

loudest fan of the game. Four Jason's Deli prize boxes will each

contain different prizes:

1. $5 Gift Certificate to Jason's Deli

2. Two tickets to an upcoming North Texas Basketball Game

3. North Texas t-shirt

4. Autographed posters by Head Coaches Johnny Jones and/or

Tina Slinker

* Wendy's T-shirt Cannon

- Don't miss your chance to catch a North Texas t-shirt from the

Wendy's t-shirt cannon. Wendy's is an offical sponsor of

North Texas Athletics.

* Outback Sizzlin Seat

- Be on the lookout to see if you are sitting in the Outback

Sizzling Seat. A lucky fan will win the opportunity to win

a gift certificate for a dinner for two from Outback Steakhouse.

* Autographs after Men's Game

- After each Men's game, tables will be set up in the South

Tunnel where the Men's basketball team will return to

the floor to sign autographs.

Upcoming Individual Game Promotions

* Women vs. Troy - Thursday, Jan. 26 @ 5 p.m.

- $1 HOT DOG NIGHT

- Student Tailgating outside Gate A! Free food and entertainment

all enclosed in a large tent.

- Wells Fargo Trivia

- Outback Sizzling Seat. A lucky fan is sitting in the

Outback Sizzling seat. The winner will receive a dinner

for two to Outback Steakhouse.

- Kids, Don't forget about the Junior Mean Green Fun Zone located

near Gate F. The North Texas Bounce House is there along with

other interactive activites. The fun starts one hour prior to tipoff and

re-opens during halftime. For more information, contact the

Mean Green Club at 940-369-7034.

- Fans, be sure to pick up your FREE pom-pons and Acme Brick

signs at the entrance!

- Students, sign up to win your chance to sit on the University

Courtyard couch and receive a FREE Domino's pizza and drinks!

* Men vs. Troy - Thursday, Jan. 26 @ 7 p.m.

- $1 HOT DOG NIGHT

- Student Tailgating outside Gate A! Free food and entertainment

all enclosed in a large tent.

- $500 Half Court Shot Contest. A student will win the opportunity

to win a $500 gift certificate from the North Texas Bookstore

by making a half court shot in the second half of the game.

Sign up at the promotions table located next to Gate A.

- Wells Fargo Trivia

- Outback Sizzling Seat. A lucky fan is sitting in the

Outback Sizzling seat. The winner will receive a dinner

for two to Outback Steakhouse.

- Kids, Don't forget about the Junior Mean Green Fun Zone located

near Gate F. The North Texas Bounce House is there along with

other interactive activites. The fun starts one hour prior to tipoff and

re-opens during halftime. For more information, contact the

Mean Green Club at 940-369-7034.

- Fans, be sure to pick up your FREE pom-pons and Acme Brick

signs at the entrance!

- Students, sign up to win your chance to sit on the University

Courtyard couch and receive a FREE Domino's pizza and drinks!

* Women vs. South Alabama - Saturday, Jan. 28 @ 5 p.m.

- Denton Youth Basketball Night. All DYB kids in uniforms

will receive free admission to tonights contest.

- National Anthem sung by Allyssa Johnson.

- Student Tailgating outside Gate A! Free food and entertainment

all enclosed in a large tent.

- Wells Fargo Trivia

- Outback Sizzling Seat. A lucky fan is sitting in the

Outback Sizzling seat. The winner will receive a dinner

for two to Outback Steakhouse.

- Kids, Don't forget about the Junior Mean Green Fun Zone located

near Gate F. The North Texas Bounce House is there along with

other interactive activites. The fun starts one hour prior to tipoff and

re-opens during halftime. For more information, contact the

Mean Green Club at 940-369-7034.

- Fans, be sure to pick up your FREE pom-pons and Acme Brick

signs at the entrance!

- Students, sign up to win your chance to sit on the University

Courtyard couch and receive a FREE Domino's pizza and drinks!

* Men vs. South Alabama - Saturday, Jan. 28 @ 7 p.m.

- Denton Youth Basketball Night. All DYB kids in uniforms

will receive free admission to tonights contest.

- Halftime entertainment by the North Texas Dancers with help

from the Liberty Christian High School Dancers!

- Student Tailgating outside Gate A! Free food and entertainment

all enclosed in a large tent.

- $500 Half Court Shot Contest. A student will win the opportunity

to win a $500 gift certificate from the North Texas Bookstore

by making a half court shot in the second half of the game.

Sign up at the promotions table located next to Gate A.

- Wells Fargo Trivia

- Outback Sizzling Seat. A lucky fan is sitting in the

Outback Sizzling seat. The winner will receive a dinner

for two to Outback Steakhouse.

- Kids, Don't forget about the Junior Mean Green Fun Zone located

near Gate F. The North Texas Bounce House is there along with

other interactive activites. The fun starts one hour prior to tipoff and

re-opens during halftime. For more information, contact the

Mean Green Club at 940-369-7034.

- Fans, be sure to pick up your FREE pom-pons and Acme Brick

signs at the entrance!

- Students, sign up to win your chance to sit on the University

Courtyard couch and receive a FREE Domino's pizza and drinks!

* Women vs. Louisiana-Lafayette - Thursday, Feb. 2 @ 7 p.m.

- Hetitage Dribbling Hawks will perform at Halftime!

- $500 Half Court Shot Contest. A student will win the opportunity

to win a $500 gift certificate from the North Texas Bookstore

by making a half court shot in the second half of the game.

Sign up at the promotions table located next to Gate A.

- Wells Fargo Trivia

- Outback Sizzling Seat. A lucky fan is sitting in the

Outback Sizzling seat. The winner will receive a dinner

for two to Outback Steakhouse.

- Kids, Don't forget about the Junior Mean Green Fun Zone located

near Gate F. The North Texas Bounce House is there along with

other interactive activites. The fun starts one hour prior to tipoff and

re-opens during halftime. For more information, contact the

Mean Green Club at 940-369-7034.

- Fans, be sure to pick up your FREE pom-pons and Acme Brick

signs at the entrance!

- Students, sign up to win your chance to sit on the University

Courtyard couch and receive a FREE Domino's pizza and drinks!

* Women vs. New Orleans - Saturday, Feb. 4 @ 7 p.m.

- GIRL SCOUTS DANCE CLINIC! (check under Camps/clinics on

the home page of MeanGreenSports.com for more info)

- $500 Half Court Shot Contest. A student will win the opportunity

to win a $500 gift certificate from the North Texas Bookstore

by making a half court shot in the second half of the game.

Sign up at the promotions table located next to Gate A.

- Wells Fargo Trivia

- Outback Sizzling Seat. A lucky fan is sitting in the

Outback Sizzling seat. The winner will receive a dinner

for two to Outback Steakhouse.

- Kids, Don't forget about the Junior Mean Green Fun Zone located

near Gate F. The North Texas Bounce House is there along with

other interactive activites. The fun starts one hour prior to tipoff and

re-opens during halftime. For more information, contact the

Mean Green Club at 940-369-7034.

- Fans, be sure to pick up your FREE pom-pons and Acme Brick

signs at the entrance!

- Students, sign up to win your chance to sit on the University

Courtyard couch and receive a FREE Domino's pizza and drinks!

* Women vs. Middle Tennessee - Wednesday, Feb. 8 @ 7 p.m.

- $ .50 POPCORN NIGHT

- $500 Half Court Shot Contest. A student will win the opportunity

to win a $500 gift certificate from the North Texas Bookstore

by making a half court shot in the second half of the game.

Sign up at the promotions table located next to Gate A.

- Wells Fargo Trivia

- Outback Sizzling Seat. A lucky fan is sitting in the

Outback Sizzling seat. The winner will receive a dinner

for two to Outback Steakhouse.

- Kids, Don't forget about the Junior Mean Green Fun Zone located

near Gate F. The North Texas Bounce House is there along with

other interactive activites. The fun starts one hour prior to tipoff and

re-opens during halftime. For more information, contact the

Mean Green Club at 940-369-7034.

- Fans, be sure to pick up your FREE pom-pons and Acme Brick

signs at the entrance!

- Students, sign up to win your chance to sit on the University

Courtyard couch and receive a FREE Domino's pizza and drinks!

Zeke · January 18, 2006

Most of those are promotions that go on each game that only those that show up anyway will know about. T-shirt Cannon, Courtyard couch, Well Fargo Trivia, Loudest Fan, Wendy's "free" hamburgers, Outback Sizzlin seat, etc all cater to those ALREADY at the game. Please don't get me wrong, those are all very necessary. They are necessary as entertainment in downtime of a basketball game (timeouts and such). We need those things to continue.

The tailgating thing is much more in line with true promotion. As is dollar dogs, 50 cent popcorn, and kids there singing, playing basketball, etc. Those things might just bring someone in that was not going to be there anyway. THAT is what we need more of.

I am glad you looked that stuff up. It is interesting to see. I wonder how many other people took that kind of initiative and then decided they wanted to go to a game? The tailgating and dollar hot dogs could work GREAT. I won't pretend to know if they are promoting that stuff on campus -- absolute shame on them if not. It is just money wasted if they aren't.

Coach · January 18, 2006

From reading this board I would have thought there are no promotions for basketball, None, Zero, Nada, Zip

You don't have to read the boards to think that, just look at the attendance numbers in the box score.

My favorite is the Ponder Lil' Dribblers. They OWN the Slidell PIPs.

January 18, 2006

From reading this board I would have thought there are no promotions for basketball, None, Zero, Nada, Zip
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If you had gone to any games you would have thought that too.

MrStrange62 · January 18, 2006

My favorite is the Ponder Lil' Dribblers. They OWN the Slidell PIPs.
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CLASSIC!!!

GMG!!!

FirefightnRick · January 18, 2006

Thanks to the kind words from Firefightin Rick, but I think that he forgot one of the biggest promotions ....'Pack the Pit' night. Rick was a prime mover in that one and the result was over 5,000 for a team that had won only three games prior to the promotion (as my feeble memory serves me). Hey Rick, remember NT on Parade and 'introducing the starting crowd for tonight's game? Those were the good old days.
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Don't know how I could forget about Pack the Pit night in which NT halted UTA from tying their longest winning streak in school history at 9 games with a 99-88 win in front of 5,325 fans in February 1989. That win put NT in a tie for second place in conference with UTA with a 6-1 record. The next years "Pack the Pit" night the men and women both lost in front of 4,875, which still made for an exciting night overall. I wasn't alone in helping get those going. Back then, we had over 100 active, reliable Talons to call upon to get things done that needed done. Great stuff.

eBone, I apologize. I can't believe I forgot last years tailgating event, one of the best, especially considering it was put on solely by students. Amazing.

I also remember "drex" used to have a dude flying remote control balloons around promoting sponsors.

I also now remember the frisbee dogs. That was a good one.

I also remember pajama contests.

As for the listed promotions above, not sure how well they will promote towards and encourage attendance unless you hear about them ahead of time, which the average student/Dentonite will never do unless they go to that website. I'm assuming that's the only place people are seeing that, or is it promoted in the papers?

I also agree with Stan R that good basketball is the best seller of them all. Which makes some of the crowds we started to get during "drex's" days even more amazing because if my memory serves me correctly the '87, '88,'89,'90 seasons we started out conference with losing records. Seem the year we went to the Big Dance we started conference 3-9 overall?

Rick

Edited January 18, 2006 by FirefightnRick

dogsplayinpoker · January 18, 2006

I agree. Whats the point of these promotions if nobody ever hears about them.

Dollar dog night could be great, especially if they could do it on a weekend and promote it to the Denton community

A "promotion" with any advertising isn't a promotion at all....

Marty · January 18, 2006

Back in the mid 70's (Blakely era) you could win the use of a AMC Pacer for a year if you hit a half court shot at halftime.

EagleD · January 18, 2006

Back in the mid 70's (Blakely era) you could win the use of a AMC Pacer for a year if you hit a half court shot at halftime.
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If the car would last a year, that is.

As a student in the early 90's I went to a LOT of games, but not b/c of promotions. I just have a good time at basketball games. I can honestly say I don't remember any specific promotion. If you can call Bill Mercer's "Broadcast Sports" class a promotion, that got me to a lot of games one semester. For those not familiar with this course (and I believe he's teaching it again), your assignment each week was to attend a game (basketball or football depending on the term) and do play by play into a tape recorder. My buddy and I would go to the women's games, I'd do play by play and he'd do color (just for fun). It was a good warm up for the men's game which came later that night. By then I'd be in the middle of a raucus student section (good nat sound) and once I got past the stage fright issue it'd be a LOT OF FUN!

Sometime's I want to try that all over again to see if I could retain any pointers Mercer gave me, but now I like to cheer and yell (and drink a little beer) a bit too much. I never was very good. Bill always said football was the hardest sport to announce b/c so much happens at one time, but at least you have stuff to talk about. I never tried baseball, but I suspect there'd ba a lot of dead air.

Sorry to derail the thread, I just took a trip down memory lane.

GO MEAN GREEN !!!!!!!!!!