Post by DiamondThief on Aug 10, 2014 2:32:06 GMT -8
In this piece from the Portland Business Journal, new Portland Thunder president Brian Sandy reflects on season one and looks to season two as he answers a few of managing editor Andy Giegerich questions.
While the Portland Thunder's first Arena Football League season may have ended with a loss this week (the expansion team nearly beat the defending champs in the playoffs), its new president is just getting started.
Brian Sandy, who's filled several business office roles with the Portland Trail Blazers, said while the first season didn't end well on the field — the team went 5-14 — it became a solid business proposition as fans increasingly attended games. The final regular season contest of the year, on July 26, attracted nearly 13,000 football fanatics.
We caught with Sandy for an email Q-and-A in which he outlines his takes on the Thunder's debut season as well as the team's plans for next year.
How did this gig come about for you? Had you (Sandy had moved to Stockton, Calif. to run that city's minor-league hockey franchise) wanted to move back to Portland?
First and foremost, Portland is home and it is great to be back. The opportunity to return came somewhat unexpectedly. In mid-June, Portland Thunder owner Terry Emmert learned that I was visiting town for my nephew’s high school graduation.
I spoke to (and met) with Terry and his brother Roy several times that trip. I had been following the franchise from my hockey team in central California (ironically named the Stockton Thunder), so was intrigued with the team and its successes.
With three tours of duty with the Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter, I had longstanding relationships with the venue and its operators, so it seemed to be a great fit. I returned the following weekend for a more in-depth view and the rest is, as they say, history. My first day on the job was July 12th, with a 44-31 Thunder home win over the L.A. Kiss.
What’s the takeaway on the Thunder’s season on the field?
As an expansion franchise in a very competitive division, the Thunder performed well. The team not only earned a post-season berth (a Portland AFL first), but showed its growth and character by playing the two-time defending ArenaBowl champion Arizona Rattlers to the final seconds of the franchise’s first playoff game.
Several Thunder players earned CFL or NFL contracts over the course of the season, which I believe is a testament to the football operations staff. Next season, our many young players will have a year of experience under their belts … it should be a great year.
How about operationally. Are you happy with some of your business strategies?
The front office did an exceptional job of bringing the team to market. It’s truly remarkable when you consider that the team was named in mid-November and began play a mere four months later.
In many ways, from outside, it reminded me of my time with the group that reestablished the Portland Timbers (and Beavers) brands in the Rose City in 2001. We will now have the benefit of a full off-season to put together a more formal business plan that will guide us through the next several years.
What worked well for you?
The quality and excitement of our football product, paired with the commitment and determination of our owner and front office staff has largely driven our organization to date. The Thunder averaged nearly 8,600 fans per game, with a record-breaking crowd of 12,848 for the season finale on July 26th.
And brand extensions like “The Sons of Thunder” sports documentary reality series will help to keep us top-of-mind during the off-season. The great news: Our fan base is passionate and growing,
Where, operationally, might we expect to see some changes?
Although I’ve only been at my desk three weeks, as I (and we) settle into the off-season, you’ll see a few changes. The first, a multi-year season ticket option for fans, has been well received since it was introduced a week and a half ago. More than 50 percent of renewing fans have chosen the three-year option, and we are just getting started.
You’ll certainly see an increasing emphasis on promotions and fan engagement. I have a few “big ideas” that I’m hoping to implement next season, but it’s too soon in the planning process to discuss those yet. What I can tell you is to expect programs that capture the imagination of our fans, their families and the community in a unique way.
In my tenure in Stockton, we are able to achieve this on a national scale with the “We Paint the Ice” promotion. And no, we have no plans at present to have kids paint our field!
What’s surprised you the most about this job so far?
The biggest surprise about this job so far is that there really have been no major surprises!
Brian Sandy, who's filled several business office roles with the Portland Trail Blazers, said while the first season didn't end well on the field — the team went 5-14 — it became a solid business proposition as fans increasingly attended games. The final regular season contest of the year, on July 26, attracted nearly 13,000 football fanatics.
We caught with Sandy for an email Q-and-A in which he outlines his takes on the Thunder's debut season as well as the team's plans for next year.
How did this gig come about for you? Had you (Sandy had moved to Stockton, Calif. to run that city's minor-league hockey franchise) wanted to move back to Portland?
First and foremost, Portland is home and it is great to be back. The opportunity to return came somewhat unexpectedly. In mid-June, Portland Thunder owner Terry Emmert learned that I was visiting town for my nephew’s high school graduation.
I spoke to (and met) with Terry and his brother Roy several times that trip. I had been following the franchise from my hockey team in central California (ironically named the Stockton Thunder), so was intrigued with the team and its successes.
With three tours of duty with the Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter, I had longstanding relationships with the venue and its operators, so it seemed to be a great fit. I returned the following weekend for a more in-depth view and the rest is, as they say, history. My first day on the job was July 12th, with a 44-31 Thunder home win over the L.A. Kiss.
What’s the takeaway on the Thunder’s season on the field?
As an expansion franchise in a very competitive division, the Thunder performed well. The team not only earned a post-season berth (a Portland AFL first), but showed its growth and character by playing the two-time defending ArenaBowl champion Arizona Rattlers to the final seconds of the franchise’s first playoff game.
Several Thunder players earned CFL or NFL contracts over the course of the season, which I believe is a testament to the football operations staff. Next season, our many young players will have a year of experience under their belts … it should be a great year.
How about operationally. Are you happy with some of your business strategies?
The front office did an exceptional job of bringing the team to market. It’s truly remarkable when you consider that the team was named in mid-November and began play a mere four months later.
In many ways, from outside, it reminded me of my time with the group that reestablished the Portland Timbers (and Beavers) brands in the Rose City in 2001. We will now have the benefit of a full off-season to put together a more formal business plan that will guide us through the next several years.
What worked well for you?
The quality and excitement of our football product, paired with the commitment and determination of our owner and front office staff has largely driven our organization to date. The Thunder averaged nearly 8,600 fans per game, with a record-breaking crowd of 12,848 for the season finale on July 26th.
And brand extensions like “The Sons of Thunder” sports documentary reality series will help to keep us top-of-mind during the off-season. The great news: Our fan base is passionate and growing,
Where, operationally, might we expect to see some changes?
Although I’ve only been at my desk three weeks, as I (and we) settle into the off-season, you’ll see a few changes. The first, a multi-year season ticket option for fans, has been well received since it was introduced a week and a half ago. More than 50 percent of renewing fans have chosen the three-year option, and we are just getting started.
You’ll certainly see an increasing emphasis on promotions and fan engagement. I have a few “big ideas” that I’m hoping to implement next season, but it’s too soon in the planning process to discuss those yet. What I can tell you is to expect programs that capture the imagination of our fans, their families and the community in a unique way.
In my tenure in Stockton, we are able to achieve this on a national scale with the “We Paint the Ice” promotion. And no, we have no plans at present to have kids paint our field!
What’s surprised you the most about this job so far?
The biggest surprise about this job so far is that there really have been no major surprises!